Chapter 81 Chapter 81 [VIP]

Chapter 81

It was already dusk outside. The Qian family was completely unprepared for the prince's visit. Upon hearing the servant's report, Master Qian put down his copper coins and hurried out to greet him.

Everyone else also knew that the prince had arrived, but thinking of the injustice he had suffered in the mansion a few days ago, who would dare to go?

The Second Madam hesitated and was pushed forward by the Third Madam. "Sister-in-law, please don't faint. If you do, I'll faint too."

The marriage has been finalized, and he is half a son-in-law. It is impossible for her to not want to see him for the rest of her life. The second wife took a deep breath and followed the three masters of the Qian family to the door to greet him.

By the time Qian Tong arrived at the front hall, Song Yunzhi had already been welcomed in with great fanfare by the crowd.

Song Yunzhi didn't like to talk much, and the Qian family didn't dare to speak. A group of people sat there, and the depressing atmosphere was almost suffocating.

Mr. Qian Erye broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead. He stood up and apologized, "My family and I were blind before and have offended the prince many times. I hope you will forgive me for my rudeness. I, Qian Minjiang, would like to apologize to you first." As he said this, he was about to kneel down.

As soon as he knelt, Mrs. Qian Er did not dare to sit still and stood up to kneel.

Song Yunzhi glanced at Qian Tong, who was standing motionless at the door. Seeing that he had no intention of stepping forward to help, he stood up and helped the other two up. "It's not a crime to be unaware. Besides, I concealed my identity before, so I don't blame you."

Qian Minjiang thought to himself that he was indeed a man raised in a scholarly family, with such a generous heart. He didn't blame them, but they couldn't pretend nothing had happened, and they were all worried.

Apart from his official uniform, Prince Song seemed to be the same as before, with a calm expression and few words, and he had no intention of punishing the Qian family.

The banquet was ready, and the group invited everyone to the table. Starting with Second Master Qian, and ending with Fourth Master Qian, each of them drank a glass as punishment. Second Master Qian, with the courage to drink, apologized for Qian Tong's reckless forced marriage today, "My daughter's behavior is vulgar. If the prince is embarrassed..."

Although he was happy, he also had to see whether the other party was really willing to marry him. Mr. Qian would not dare to marry into such a high-class family even in his dreams, but he also did not dare to use the previous engagement banquet to threaten the other party.

If one is not careful, the situation may backfire and the Qian family may suffer a devastating disaster.

"Even if Tong'er doesn't come, I will come too," Song Yunzhi interrupted softly. He finally picked up the wine cup that had been placed on the table and said respectfully to Mr. and Mrs. Qian, "I'll ask you two elders to take care of my marriage with Tong'er. I hope you two elders will choose an auspicious date within half a month for me to marry her."

Without waiting for anyone to react, he added, "My parents are traveling far away and probably won't be able to attend. Only my younger sister will be there."

parents...

Are you talking about the Marquis and the Princess?

Mrs. Qian Er could no longer sit still.

Mr. Qian was also trembling with nervousness, and quickly replied: "Your father and mother are busy with official duties, so it is normal that they can't come..."

If they come, Yangzhou will be in chaos.

Song Yunzhi continued, "The wedding banquet will be held at your house. I don't have a place to live in Yangzhou right now, so I'm afraid I'll have to stay at your house after the wedding. Do you have any objections, elders?"

Qian Tong sat beside him, saying nothing tonight, listening to the prince plan their future.

Mrs. Qian kept pinching her legs, afraid of fainting. She gasped when she heard this. Living in her Qian family, wouldn't that mean he would be a live-in son-in-law?

Mr. Qian regained his composure and said hurriedly, "Your Highness, please feel free to stay here. From now on, this will be your home..." Then he realized something was wrong and said hurriedly, "Your Highness, you can stay here as long as you want."

Song Yunzhi nodded in thanks: "As for the betrothal gift, I will..."

Master Qian didn't dare to listen any further. "No need for betrothal gifts! Your Highness, don't be so reserved. Our family doesn't lack these. Your Highness, rest assured. Leave the wedding banquet to us. We will ensure that Your Highness will not be wronged..." He became more and more panicked as he spoke. "I will ensure Your Highness is satisfied."

The dinner was so intense that everyone was sweating profusely. It finally ended with a long silence and awkward laughter. Mr. Qian and his wife handed the person over to Qian Tong and went back to the house to catch their breath.

Song Yun was standing in the corridor. He looked at the young lady beside him who was staring at him and laughing. "What are you laughing at?"

Qian Tong's eyes fell on his clenched fist: "Even Prince Xiao has his moments of distress."

Prince Song did not refute and slowly released his palm.

A man who never liked to talk much, tonight he was forced to deal with a bunch of merchants' families. What was he trying to do? Just to tie her to his side? Qian Tong sighed, "Why would the prince do this?"

Song Yunzhi no longer looked at her and walked away.

Qian Tong raised his eyes to glance at the moon, then lowered his head to see only the background. He quickly caught up with him and said, "Sir, you're leaving now. Why don't you come into my room and sit for a while?"

The two of them had already decided on their marriage, and were only waiting for the wedding date. The days of preparation for the wedding were short, so Song Yunzhi said, "You stay at home and wait for the wedding date. If you need anything, please tell me."

Qian Tong followed his footsteps and walked towards the door. "My parents are worried about the wedding banquet, and I have nothing to do at home. Can I come to see you tomorrow morning?"

Song Yunzhi remained silent.

Qian Tong was afraid that he would not agree, so he said, "My sister-in-law is here, I can't just leave her alone, I'll take her out for a walk tomorrow."

Song Yunzhi paused, turned around and said to her solemnly, "She is still young and can't resist temptation. Don't buy so many things for her in the future."

Shaking his head, "She is my sister-in-law. If I don't spoil her, who else should I spoil?"

With a look of helplessness, he glared coldly for a while and said only one sentence, "Don't worry about it."

Qian Tong couldn't do it even more. "Your Highness should have known what kind of person I am before he agreed to marry me. I'm greedy, partial, and loving, but I can't be a worry-free person. If Your Highness is worried about me, I have a way." She pointed at his waist, "How about Your Highness tie me to your belt..."

..

"Okay, I'm just teasing you. It's getting late. Gentleman, we're getting married. No holding hands, no hugging, no kissing, no... "

Before he could finish his words, his arm was suddenly grabbed.

Song Yunzhi's ears turned red, and he carried her to the carriage outside with a cold face.

Qian Tong was stunned and struggled, "Where is the prince going to take me? It's not good. Shouldn't I stay at home and wait for the prince to come and marry me before getting married..."

She chattered non-stop, and Song Yunzhi was too lazy to waste any more words. He simply bent down, picked her up, and threw her into the carriage. Then he lifted the curtain and came in. Meeting her surprised gaze, he said calmly, "Okay, stay at my place until you get married."

Is he sure?

These words really don't sound like something a gentleman like Prince Song would say.

Her face was full of doubt and even a little sarcastic, but Song Yunzhi had chosen to close his eyes and not look at her face.

A long while passed without any sound. Song Yunzhi's eyes moved when his thigh suddenly sank. He lowered his head and saw a furry head rubbing against his chest. It rested its head on him and murmured, "It's like a dream... Yunzhen, marrying you is like a dream."

One of Song Yunzhi's arms was also pressed under her neck, and he unconsciously clenched it.

Is it like a dream, is it because of that tiny bit of liking?

The carriage was shaking, but Song Yunzhi didn't try to brush her away, fearing that her head would fall. He used his lower arm to exert a little force and created a complete space for her.

A man who is engaged is the same, considerate and obsessive. After all, he was the one who carried her up, and if he didn't drive her up, Qian Tong would just stay in his arms and not move.

The Qian family was still some distance away from the prefectural government. He had originally just wanted to smell the refreshing scent on the man's body, but the carriage was shaking and Qian Tong actually fell asleep in his arms.

When she woke up, she was lying alone in the carriage, with Prince Song's cloak under her head.

Qian Tong felt a little disappointed. He just left her here like that?

As soon as she lifted the curtain, two guards outside came over. One of them set up a platform for her to get out of the carriage, and the other reported, "The prince has instructed that if Madam Qian wakes up, she should go back to her room and rest. He will return after he finishes his work."

"Where has he gone?" It must be the middle of the night. Isn't he tired if he's still not asleep so late?

The guard lowered his head and shook his head, saying, "I don't know."

Qian Tong grabbed his cloak and hugged it in his arms, then got off the carriage, complaining as he walked, "Who is your prince? You brought me here by force, and then ran away. Are you going to leave me alone in this empty room? You're going to piss me off to death..."

Only Madam Qian dared to say these words. The guards did not dare to listen. They followed her with their heads down. After escorting her back to her room, they did not leave and stayed outside the house.

——

Late night at the Qian family's house.

The sound of a flute, like the cry of a crow, was melodious and lingering in the dead of night. It blew intermittently several times, but the night wind in front of me remained motionless, silent without any movement.

Tomorrow King Pyeongchang will be sent back to Jiangning.

If Duan Yuanjin wants to meet her, tonight is the best time.

An hour had passed. The secret guard turned and walked to the window covered by the night. He said to a silhouette inside, "Sir, there's no one here."

——

Qian Tong didn't care about his bed and slept all night until dawn. The prince hadn't returned yet. After getting dressed, he opened the door and looked unhappy. "Where's your prince? He came back all night. Was he captured by a demon?"

The guard wanted to plug his ears, "I have prepared water for Madam Qian. Madam Qian, please wash up and have breakfast first..."

Song Yunzhi returned and was meeting with King Pyeongchang.

Prince Pyeongchang had been clamoring to see him all day yesterday, and today he finally got to see him. He couldn't hide his anxiety, "Prince, Madam Park must be handed over to me."

Song Yunzhi: "I'm sorry, but I can't obey your order."

Prince Pingchang was stunned, angry and anxious. He couldn't lose his temper, so he said patiently, "She killed my princess. Does that mean I'm not even qualified to kill my enemy?"

Song Yunzhi remained unmoved. "Mrs. Park has impersonated a foreigner and attempted to assassinate me. I haven't investigated this matter thoroughly yet. Until then, Mrs. Park cannot be taken away by anyone." He said, "I will grant justice to Your Highness. Please withdraw your troops from outside Yangzhou."

The people from the palace arrived early this morning.

But they were still one step behind Chen Che. Several of his sons were blocked outside the city gate by Chen Che and the imperial troops, and only women and children were allowed in.

Come in and collect the princess' body.

King Pyeongchang was very dissatisfied with this, but he could not force his way in. Now the situation between him, the Park family, and the court was completely disrupted and turned into a mess. There was no talk of an alliance anymore.

He still hasn't figured out who the masked young man was the night before.

I heard that Prince Song failed to catch the man and ran away. This became a sword hanging over his head, which might fall at any time and take his life.

If it was from the Park family, then the Park family was using this as a threat to prevent him from killing all of the Park family.

The Park family and the royal palace formed an irreversible blood feud overnight, but each of them had the leverage over the other, so even at this point, no one dared to take the first step.

This also explains why Mrs. Park did not reveal that the Pyeongchang Palace was also involved in the murder the night before.

Before leaving Yangzhou, he had to see Madam Park again. King Pingchang said, "Okay, Your Majesty can't take her away, so I'll go see her."

Song Yunzhi still refused, "Mrs. Park is a serious criminal. No one can meet her before the case is finalized."

Prince Pyeongchang couldn't help but say, "Since the Crown Prince is so unaccommodating, I have my doubts. The Crown Prince came here to investigate the four major merchants. Now the Cui, Lu, and Park families have all been investigated by the Crown Prince, but the Qian family is safe and sound. Not only that, the Crown Prince wants to marry them and marry the Qian family's seventh wife. Is the Crown Prince doing whatever he wants to solve the case or is it for your own selfish reasons?"

King Pyeongchang saw clearly the affair between him and the Seventh Lady at the Park family dinner.

The beauty trap really works.

Even the Prince of Song, who prided himself on being incorruptible, could not escape the disaster.

Yesterday he heard that the seventh lady of the Qian family came to force a marriage, and Prince Pingchang began to feel uneasy. If the Qian family married into his Yong'an Marquis Mansion, and the incident five years ago was exposed, he would have no way out.

The Yong'an Marquis's Mansion is a scholarly family, and his mother is the eldest princess. How could they let him marry a merchant girl?

He thought that with his intelligence as the Prince of Song, he should know what to do and what not to do. He didn't expect that he would be so reckless and agree to the marriage with the Qian family without authorization.

Does Song Yunzhi really have a clear conscience, or does he feel that no one can do anything to him?

Prince Pingchang almost said the words "abuse of power for personal gain and pervert the law" clearly. Wang Zhao and other court officials were also in the room, but no one dared to say a word after hearing this.

Prince Pyeongchang regretted his words immediately after they were spoken in a fit of anger. After all, it was not appropriate for him to fall out with Song Yunzhi at this moment. He said in a roundabout way, "This prince does not doubt the prince. This prince is afraid that the prince will be deceived by that enchantress and fall into the treacherous schemes of the Qian family. The prince is so noble, he must not be seduced by beauty..."

Before he could finish, Song Yunzhi suddenly stood up and said expressionlessly, "If Your Majesty feels that I have abused my power for personal gain or violated the law, please feel free to report me."

Pingchang looked embarrassed, "This King..."

Song Yunzhi ruthlessly drove them away, "The people in the palace have finished packing the coffin. Please bring the princess back to Jiangning as soon as possible and bury her in peace."

He was simply unmoved. Seeing how ruthless he was, King Pyeongchang knew that it was pointless to say more and that there would be no progress if he stayed here. He could only return to Jiangning and make plans after meeting Park Huailang.

As soon as he went out, he saw the seventh lady of the Qian family standing outside the door. His eyes suddenly met hers and he was stunned.

Qian Tong didn't care at all about his backstabbing just now. He smiled at him generously and knelt down to greet him, "Your Highness."

Prince Pyeongchang's face froze. He tossed his sleeves, descended the steps, and angrily headed towards the place where the princess's coffin was being placed. Halfway along, a servant approached him and suddenly whispered, "Madam Park has sent a message, saying she wants to see the prince. She wants the prince to come to the dungeon to see her tonight, no matter what."

King Pingchang was stunned.

The boy quickened his pace and passed him by.

Prince Pingchang was worried about not being able to find a reason to stay when he heard that Song Yunzhao, the younger sister of the Crown Prince of Song, had also come to Yangzhou. He quickly sent someone to ask about Mingfeng.

The two have always been good friends. Prince Song is a hard rock that he cannot chew, so he starts with Song Yunzhao.

Before his men went out to look for her, they received news that Mingfeng had been chased by Madam Park's assassins the night before and was seriously injured. Fortunately, she was protected by the young master of the Lan family. She has not escaped danger yet and no one can come.

Upon hearing this, King Pyeongchang was so angry that he felt dizzy and couldn't help cursing, "Those sons of bitches from the Park family..." They killed his queen and wanted to kill her daughter too?

King Pyeongchang once again determined to meet Lady Park.

If the masked young man is really her man, it would be a good opportunity to silence him.

Since Mingfeng could not come, King Pingchang went to visit Song Yunzhao in person.

Song Yunzhao's future in-laws, the Pei family of the Dingguo Mansion, are distant cousins ​​of the Princess of Pingchang. In addition to Mingfeng's relationship, when Song Yunzhao heard that the princess had died, he went to burn paper money in broad daylight.

Seeing King Pyeongchang, Song Yunzhao kept comforting him, "Your Highness, I am so sad..."

King Pingchang cried bitterly and fainted in front of Song Yunzhao.

We had originally planned to leave Yangzhou today, but because King Pingchang was too sad, we had to stay for another day.

The women from the Pyeongchang Palace who came to receive the funeral also knew Song Yunzhao. Song Yunzhao was kind-hearted, and in order to appease them, he reluctantly declined his sister-in-law's invitation to go shopping.

——

Qian Tong stayed in the room alone for a whole day, doing nothing.

As it grew darker, she folded her arms and stood through a door, confronting another of Song Yunzhi's secret guards. "Your young master only invited me to his house as a guest, but didn't say he wanted to lock me up? You're confining me like this. Are you sure I won't be punished if he comes back and I sue you for abuse?" Seeing that the secret guard kept his head down, not looking at her or speaking, and was even more difficult to deal with than Meng Qing before, Qian Tong threatened, "Do you know Meng Qing?"

The other person raised his head slightly.

Qian Tong said, "He was just mean to me, and your master punished him with a stick."

Seeing his head droop again, Qian Tong was speechless and sneered, "You're not afraid of punishment, right? I..."

"Go down." The voice was interrupted, Qian Tong turned around, and Prince Song, who had been busy for a day and a night, finally decided to come back.

The secret guard also saw the person, breathed a sigh of relief, and disappeared into the night in an instant at lightning speed.

Qian Tong was unhappy and followed behind Song Yunzhi, "Is this how Prince Song treats guests?" Wherever she went, his secret guards followed her, and once it got dark, no one would let her go out.

What do you mean?

Restrain her feet?

Song Yunzhi glanced at her, his cheeks flushed with excitement, as if he was about to attack her. Before she could explode, he suddenly said, "Go ahead. I'll give you a stick of incense."

Qian Tong was stunned.

"You sent a letter to the King of Pyeongchang, hoping he would meet Madam Park?" Song Yunzhi knew what she was up to. If they wanted to open their hearts, one of them would have to compromise first. He was willing to take the first step. He looked at her and whispered, "She saw you assassinate the princess and recognized the headband on your head."

Mrs. Park cannot stay.

Qian Tong stared at him for a long while, as if he didn't know him. "Prince, are you bending the law for my sake?"

"Don't provoke me." Song Yunzhi said, "She hired people from the underworld to disguise themselves as barbarians and assassinate an official of the imperial court. This is a capital crime." He raised his eyes and looked at her seriously. "Qian Tong, I'll let you this time, but I also hope that before I investigate thoroughly, you can take the initiative to tell me everything that happened the night before."