The man straightened his sleeves and clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"Wang Renyi greets the General."

"No need for formalities. You are the runner-up in this year's martial arts competition and the Vice Minister of War appointed by the Emperor. Besides, we are relatives. There is no need for such formalities."

General Xie waved his hand and amiably invited Wang Renyi to sit down.

A servant immediately brought tea.

Wang Renyi sat opposite his second aunt, Xie Lingyu, and Xie Lingqin. As soon as he sat down, his gaze darted around rapidly. Xie Lingqin, however, sensed that when this second-place scholar looked at her, there was a distinctly unusual depth in his eyes.

Xie Lingqin searched her memory carefully, confirming that this was the first time she had met this nephew from her second aunt's family.

But on the side...

Huo Yanru, the daughter of the Prefect of the Capital, who was sitting right next to Wang Renyi, changed her previously well-mannered and demure demeanor the moment Wang Renyi entered. She became flustered and shy, and her hands almost tore the silk handkerchief in her hands.

This is so tense...

"Cousin, congratulations on winning the second place in the Autumn Martial Arts Examination! You have truly brought glory to our Wang family, and I admire you greatly." Xie Lingyu smiled, looking even more spirited and dashing than Wang Renyi.

"This must be Young Master Wang."

The wife of the Prefect of the Capital secretly gave the second concubine a meaningful look before speaking.

The second aunt immediately introduced Wang Renyi, "Renyi, this is the wife of the Prefect of the Capital, and the lady next to her is the daughter of the Prefect of the Capital, Miss Huo Yanru."

Wang Renyi nodded slightly, maintaining a distance, but a hint of smugness was clearly visible in his eyes.

Xie Lingqin lowered her head slightly and sipped her tea.

This second aunt is really pushing hard to consolidate her nephew's position in the capital.

If Wang Renyi can successfully marry the daughter of the Prefect of Jingzhao, he will have gained a foothold in the capital city of Beirong. In the future, if he invites all the relatives of the Wang family over, the Second Concubine's backing will be truly not to be underestimated.

"Miss, Miaoqiao is here."

At this moment, behind her, Zihe gently tugged at Xie Lingqin's sleeve and whispered almost imperceptibly.

Xie Lingqin looked at Miaoqiao, who was quietly walking up behind her second aunt from outside the door. After scanning her over for a while, she looked away.

It's no wonder that Second Aunt brought Miaoqiao to help her. After all, she had dismissed so many helpers yesterday, and there were few people she could use. Now that she had an advantage, Miaoqiao was naturally a good match for her.

only……

If things go wrong, all her self-righteous schemes will come to nothing, and Second Aunt will be utterly frustrated.

At that moment, the second concubine was introducing the people in the front hall to Wang Renyi one by one, and she happened to introduce Xie Lingqin.

"Renyi, this is Xie Lingqin, the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion."

Wang Renyi's gaze fell on Xie Lingqin, and the smile on his lips seemed to widen slightly. He nodded slightly to Xie Lingqin, "Greetings, Miss."

"Mm." Xie Lingqin nodded calmly, but a chill instantly ran through her heart.

This Wang Renyi...

"Miss, this Wang Renyi actually has improper thoughts about you." Zihe also noticed this and transmitted her voice secretly.

Xie Lingqin's eyes turned cold, and she spoke silently, "If he wants to die under the flowers, we will grant his wish."

Zihe paused for a moment, then smiled, "Yes."

"Well, the weather is so nice today, let's not sit here anymore. Auntie will take you to the General's Mansion for a look."

The second concubine stood up and, after receiving a signal from General Xie, extended an invitation to Wang Renyi.

Wang Renyi stood up and said, "Thank you very much, Aunt. You have been in the General's Mansion for so many years and have always been dedicated to the country. I would also like to see the General's Mansion that you have managed."

“You can’t say that about benevolence and righteousness. I am…” Second Aunt glanced at Xie Lingqin, somewhat awkwardly, “We must distinguish between the superior and inferior.”

“I understand what you mean, Aunt.” Wang Renyi bowed somewhat awkwardly.

But the words spoken by the aunt and niece were clearly telling General Xie something.

My aunt now has powerful backing and has managed the General's Mansion for so many years; her status should be promoted.

Anyone with a modicum of sense present could tell the difference.

Xie Lingqin glanced at General Xie at the head of the table. He wasn't angry at all; instead, he stood up and said, "Haha, Renyi is right. Let's go for a walk."

"General, I am feeling unwell, so I will not go." Aunt Wan was helped to her feet by her maid, intending to take her leave.

General Xie was about to speak when he saw his second concubine walk over with a gentle smile and affectionately take Wan's hand. "It's nothing, you can go and rest. I'll handle anything that comes up."

Aunt Wan smiled timidly, "Then, thank you for your trouble, sister."

"You may leave now," General Xie said, waving his hand.

However, there was clearly some displeasure in his expression.

It wasn't that he disliked Aunt Wan, but clearly he disliked the Second Aunt.

Yes, that's really overshadowing the main point.

The second concubine's words, seemingly expressing concern for Concubine Wan's pregnancy, clearly revealed her desire to reclaim control of the household.

General Xie, would you allow others to overstep your bounds?

That's the mentality.

Normally, Second Aunt would never have failed to see through General Xie's thoughts. However, now that her nephew has attained a high position, her ambition has become too great, causing her to overlook some fundamental things.

Xie Lingqin had originally intended to take some time to leave and visit Aunt Wan, but now it seemed that if she left again, she would not fare well.

Moreover, Miaoqiao was following behind her second aunt.

It would be a shame to miss this great show today.

"General, the Prince Xian has arrived." Just then, a servant came to report.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!