Chapter 4

A chill ran through Ning Shiyu's eyes as he asked again, "You want to serve her?"

Fu'er saw his sudden change in expression and wondered what she had said that had offended him.

He nodded blankly.

Thinking of the husband-taming rules taught by my cousin, when a man is angry, you should ask him for something.

Just say things he likes to hear.

Not only will it quickly calm him down, but it will also make him change his mind and agree to your request.

Fu'er sat down next to Ning Shiyu and smiled gently.

"That way, I can see you more often, young master."

"I haven't seen you, young master, for several days now, and I've lost my appetite."

As expected, the coldness in Ning Shiyu's eyes lessened considerably.

With a slight smile playing on her lips, she said, "Did your cousin teach you these sweet nothings?"

Fu'er nodded without thinking.

Realizing something was wrong, she shook her head again, "This servant really misses the young master."

Ning Shiyu snorted coldly, glanced at the crumbs of pastry still on Fu'er's lips, and skillfully pulled a piece of pastry from her sleeve.

He said calmly, "Yesterday I saw you sitting at the entrance of the accounting office eating a chicken leg, and today I saw you hiding cakes."

"Is this what you mean by the food not tasting good?"

"Next time you lie, you'd better come up with a better reason first."

Ning Shiyu flicked his sleeve and said in a cool voice, "It seems you're quite idle in the accounting office."

"My mind is filled with all sorts of random things all day long."

"When we get back today, I'll have Uncle Hong hand over all the accounting to you and let the accountants rest for half a day."

Just thinking about the accounts in the inner courtyard of the Ning residence, as well as the densely packed account books of Ning Shiyu's shops, gave Fu'er a headache.

She was never good at lying, and every time she lied, Ning Shiyu would catch her red-handed.

If she were to say another word, Ning Shiyu might discover her plan to climb back into Yun You's bed by serving him.

Then she's really finished.

Fu'er huddled in the corner, not daring to say another word.

I figured I could only bring it up again when he was in a better mood.

*

Just as Fu'er and the others left Madam Ouyang's side room, a person came out from the inner room.

He had a decent appearance, but looked sickly.

He's not young anymore; judging by his appearance, he's already in his thirties.

Supported by a servant, he came to the old lady's side.

Are you satisfied?

This man was none other than the old lady's youngest son, Ouyang You, who had been frail and sickly since childhood and was still unmarried.

Those who were of equal social standing to the Ouyang family were unwilling to marry their daughters to Ouyang You.

The old lady once met a fortune teller who said that if his youngest son could find a lucky girl with a good birth chart to accompany him, it would bring good fortune to Ouyang You and ward off bad luck.

Ouyang Yi repeatedly advised against it, saying it was pure nonsense.

The old lady, however, refused to give up and believed the fortune teller.

Years ago, after seeing Fu'er, he secretly took her to a temple to have a high-ranking monk tell her fortune.

She was said to have all the blessings of fortune, prosperity, and longevity, and to have a distinguished life.

Madam Ouyang was overjoyed.

Unfortunately, Fu'er's mother doted on her like the apple of her eye and was very wary of her. After Fu'er grew up, she no longer allowed her to come to the Ouyang residence.

However, his master needed something from his eldest son, and now he had another opportunity.

Ouyang You used to live with his elder brother in Yuzhou, and he had only seen Fu'er once many years ago.

Now, after several years, she has blossomed into such a charming and beautiful young woman.

When his mother asked him this, he looked somewhat shy, feeling satisfied but unable to admit it openly.

"Everything else is fine, except he's a bit greedy."

"The way she eats is rather... endearing."

Seeing her son's flushed face, she knew he had agreed.

The old lady smiled broadly, "Don't worry, I'll take care of this for you."

The Prince of Qin's Mansion.

The next day, just as Ning Shiyu arrived at the Prince of Qin's residence, his maternal uncle, Prince Li Jingsheng of Qin, also returned from his military camp.

After waving the others away, Li Jingsheng immediately asked, "Yu'er, how did it go? Did Ouyang Yi agree?"

Clearly, he had been keeping this matter in mind all along.

Ning Shiyu replied, "He agreed."

"Two days later, he will personally deliver the city defense map to my residence."

Upon hearing that the plan had succeeded, the King of Qin breathed a sigh of relief.

Ning Shiyu went to the Ouyang family's villa yesterday for this very reason.

As the governor of Yuzhou, Ouyang Yi was naturally the person who had the most contact with the city defense maps of Yuzhou.

Ning Shiyu, along with Mu Li and Zhuang Xing, spent many days investigating Yuzhou and finally drew up a city defense map of Yuzhou.

To be absolutely sure, we still need to have someone confirm it.

This person also had to be willing to submit to the King of Qin.

It can contribute to the great cause of the King of Qin in the future.

Ouyang Yi is of course the most suitable.

He was forced to resign by Prime Minister Cui, who used his son's career advancement as leverage.

He harbored resentment towards the Cui family.

When he resigned, although he handed over the city defense map, he knew the important passes and weak points in Yuzhou like the back of his hand.

Furthermore, given that Ning Shiyu's father had been kind to him in the past, Ouyang Yi agreed with almost no persuasion.

Hearing Ouyang Yi agree so readily, the King of Qin asked cautiously, "What if he turns against us halfway and colludes with the Cui family? Wouldn't that put us in danger?"

"Uncle, don't worry, the city defense map I gave him has many errors."

"The scroll I kept for myself is the one that has been meticulously edited."

"We can also take this opportunity to test whether Ouyang Yi's submission is genuine or not."

Since Ning Shiyu's father was betrayed by those around him.

He was extremely cautious in his actions, and he had taken precautions against these problems long ago.

Although Ouyang Yi no longer holds real power, his son-in-law and eldest daughter-in-law both come from prominent families in Chang'an, and can be used by them in the future.

This is also why Ning Shiyu persuaded the King of Qin to use Ouyang Yi.

Seeing his nephew's thoughtful consideration, the King of Qin was pleased. "Yu'er, I am fortunate to have you by my side on this journey, offering me advice and strategies."

He then sighed and said, "The biggest mistake your imperial uncle made in his life was overcoming all difficulties to make Lady Cui his empress."

"But he also did the best thing, which was to put you next to me."

"Otherwise, it is hopeless for me to take back the Li family's rule on my own."

Ning Shiyu sat opposite Li Jingsheng, having just finished brewing the second pot of tea; his movements were elegant.

Hearing his uncle sincerely praise him, he remained completely unmoved.

He simply said calmly, "These are all the results of my uncle's grand plan, his skillful management of his subordinates, and the support of the people."

"Yu'er is also acting in accordance with the Emperor's instructions."

Seeing his composure and self-control, the complex look in Li Jingsheng's eyes disappeared, and he laughed loudly, "Alright, when did you learn to flatter and fawn, that you have to use it on your little uncle?"

"Come with me to the dining hall for lunch. Your aunt has already prepared it."

He heard the King of Qin mention his queen.

Ning Shiyu then recalled the euphemistic words spoken by Princess Wei when he entered the Prince of Qin's residence earlier that day.

He paused, "Uncle, Yu'er has to go out of the manor for some business, so I won't be able to have dinner with you."

The King of Qin knew that he still had several important matters to attend to, so he did not stop him.

"Alright, but don't forget to eat. Your health is also important."

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle. Yu'er understands."

However, before he could even leave the hanging flower gate, his aunt called him back.

"Yu'er, wait a moment, your aunt has something to tell you."

Ning Shiyu turned around helplessly and saw that her aunt was accompanied by only an old woman.

He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Having caught up with them, Madam Wei stopped beating around the bush and asked directly, "Yu'er, you're twenty this year and still unmarried."

“Your mother has been gone for many years, and you are now in Lingyang. It is up to me, your aunt, to worry about your marriage.”

“My niece, Fu’er, is about the same age and family background as you.”

"Your uncle also thinks it's a good idea. If you agree, the two of you will definitely love each other dearly in the future."

Wei Fu, the niece of the Wei family, has been in Lingyang recuperating for almost two years.

He had already recovered, but he just didn't want to return to Chang'an.

To put it bluntly, she had her eye on Ning Shiyu and wanted her aunt to act as matchmaker.

Ning Shiyu politely declined several times.

In the past, Wei Shi did not explicitly state his position, but rather refused to express it when meeting the King of Qin.

Although the Wei family had no influence in Chang'an.

However, he dominated the Jian'an region.

This strengthens ties and solidifies interests.

This will be another powerful boost when they travel south to Chang'an in the future.

Having obtained her husband's consent yesterday, Madam Wei directly brought it up today.

Hearing Wei speak so frankly...

Ning Shiyu frowned slightly, then smiled gently, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

“Aunt, why are you in such a hurry to betroth the second daughter of the Wei family to Yu’er today?”

"You will definitely regret it later."

Madam Wei was taken aback, her expression turning somewhat displeased. "Why would I regret it?"

Ning Shiyu smiled and said, "Yu'er and her uncle are of one mind. Even without this marriage, our relationship remains stable."

“My aunt needs to consider her future plans for moving to Chang’an; my cousin is still too young.”

"There are still many areas where marriage alliances are needed to solidify things, so Aunt should think carefully before acting."

The King of Qin had one wife and three concubines. All three concubines bore him sons born out of wedlock.

She has a son and a daughter.

The eldest son will be highly regarded by his father and will be able to share many military duties with his father.

But her daughter is still young, only eight years old.

However, she has two nieces from her maternal family. One is already betrothed, and the other is Wei Fu, the second daughter of the Wei family.

The reminder was so obvious, how could the Wei family not understand?

His tightly closed lips parted slightly, and his confused expression cleared considerably.

Not wanting to admit his shortsightedness in front of the younger generation, he chuckled and said, "Aunt, I just feel sorry for you as you get older. There should be someone in the backyard who cares about you."

Ning Shiyu naturally cooperated, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I have someone in my backyard now."

This surprised Wei, who realized that Ning Shiyu, who had always been abstinent and detached from worldly desires, already had someone else.

*

Fu'er accompanied Ning Shiyu to do her extra errands, but did not grant her request.

Even the usual reward money was gone.

He was angry, so when he turned the beads, he made a lot more noise.

When Uncle Hong came over to settle the accounts, he immediately noticed her restlessness.

He kindly reminded her, "Fu'er, you mustn't make any more mistakes with the accounts today."

"The young master said that if you make any more mistakes in the accounts in the future, your monthly salary will be deducted."

At noon, Fu'er returned to her own courtyard. When she passed by Wenxuan Pavilion, Yunyou was accompanied by a maid, who had been bought by Granny Yu.

The person looks quite clever.

Fu'er was quite depressed, thinking that she had offended Ning Shiyu and that her life would be miserable.

They either punished her by making her work harder or deducted her monthly salary.

Her pace slowed considerably, but Yunyou called out to her at that moment.

"Miss Fu'er, wait a moment."

She wore a lilac-colored brocade jacket with plum blossom patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs.

He wore a moon-white cloak over his shoulders.

She was wearing white jade earrings.

She looked fresh and beautiful.

Fu'er thought to herself, no wonder Ning Shiyu dotes on her so much, he can't bear to look away from her, a woman.

"Miss Fu'er, what incense does the young master like to burn the most?"

Now that Ning Shiyu has acknowledged Yunyou's identity, Granny Yu will naturally arrange some of the daily chores for Yunyou.

It would be most suitable for her, as a concubine, to do it.

In the past, Fu'er did all these things.

Fu'er has her own plans and needs Yunyou's help.

Of course, she wouldn't be stingy, and explained in detail, "Young Master doesn't like strong fragrances, Miss Yunyou, you only need to scent his cloak and outer robe."

Yunyou saw that Fu'er treated her with respect and showed no sign of embarrassment.

There were some unexpected events.

He also had his maid Caiwei give Fu'er some rewards.

That evening, when Ning Shiyu passed by the lavender room on his way back to the mansion, he saw that the person inside had turned into Yun You.

His eyes suddenly darkened slightly.

After returning to his study, Ning Shiyu instructed Mu Li, "Tell the nanny to have Fu'er take care of my clothes."