There are some things that Shangguan Wanning has no choice but to accept.
If misunderstandings occur once or twice, they can be explained away with words. But if they happen three or four times, anyone will lose patience.
Shangguan Yue couldn't help but feel distressed when he saw his daughter crying.
"Dad, I'm fine, you don't have to feel sad for me."
Shangguan Wanning comforted her father instead, wiped away her tears, and buried all the pain deep in her heart.
Shangguan Yue could only sigh deeply.
"Ning'er, Dad originally promised you that the Deputy Minister would retire, but I'm afraid..."
"Dad, I understand."
Given the current situation, Shangguan Wanning no longer hopes that her family can escape unscathed.
"In fact, we were able to escape this time, not only because we had enough evidence, but also because we were lucky that the emperor was on our side. Otherwise, we would have been in great danger."
Shangguan Yue was slightly startled, and looked at his daughter with a complex gaze that was slightly appreciative.
"Ning'er, I didn't expect that you have such a keen sense of government affairs."
It was obvious that the Queen's mother's family was too powerful, and the Emperor began to be wary of them.
Ling Ruiying returned to the court to compete for the position of prime minister, and the emperor could not fail to see it.
Looking at the entire court, the only person who can serve as a chess piece in the emperor's hands to stabilize the overall situation and control the situation is Shangguan Yue.
"Dad, it's getting late. You should go back and rest. We'll plan the future journey later."
"You too, go to bed."
Shangguan Yue patted his daughter's shoulder and turned back to the room.
Ling Zhiru was sentenced to death by hanging, and everyone in the Ling family remained silent, and no one came forward to plead for her.
She was like an abandoned pawn, dying silently.
"I heard that after she was strangled to death, she was carried out of the prison by the eunuchs and hastily buried in a mass grave outside the city."
Lutong was fanning Shangguan Wanning, and there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"In fact, I think she is quite pitiful. She was so glorious when she was alive, but so miserable after her death. Before her body was cold, the Ling family held a banquet to welcome Master Ling..."
Shangguan Wanning's thoughts drifted far away, and even the azure blue sky seemed to become a little melancholy.
"Ning'er."
Mrs. Shangguan walked in, her face still looking bad.
Shangguan Wan Ning hurriedly stood up and supported him. "Mother, you haven't recovered yet. If there is anything, please send someone to tell me and I will come to see you."
"I feel uncomfortable lying down all day. It's only a short distance, so I just came out for a walk."
Madam Shangguan coughed a few times, pulled her daughter to sit down opposite, and said, "Just now, the governor Ling sent someone to deliver an invitation to your father to attend a banquet in the evening. It was clearly stated that it was an invitation for the whole family."
"I'm afraid my body can't stand the torture. You should go with your father. Be careful and don't be impolite."
Shangguan Wanning didn't want to think about it at first. She had just made a feud with the Ling family, and it was clear that all was not going to go well.
However, if they don't go, it would seem that the Shangguan family is too petty, as if they are afraid of Ling Ruiying.
"Mom, don't worry."
Shangguan Wanning comforted her mother for a few words, then took Lutong to find the housekeeper to prepare gifts for the evening banquet.
Ling Ruiying had made great military achievements, and the Ling family was already very powerful, so almost all the civil and military officials in the court came to his welcoming banquet.
Shangguan Yue is the head of all officials, and his arrival gave Ling Ruiying enough face.
Shangguan Wanning discovered that Xiao Yujue’s sedan was parked in the most conspicuous place.
She immediately thought that Xiao Yujue wanted to take the opportunity to win over Ling Ruiying.
She couldn't help but frown, feeling that something was a little wrong.
At this time, Xiao Yujue was in Ling Ruiying's study, placing a long-lost famous painting in front of him.
"I've heard that Lord Ling wants an original painting. What do you think of this one?"
Ling Ruiying's fingers gently brushed across the screen, exclaiming in admiration.
In fact, he couldn't tell whether the painting was real or fake.
However, he was born into a military family and was not well versed in poetry or songs, but he hated being called a mere military man.
Therefore, I always like to pretend to be cultured.
"Your Highness is really thoughtful. However, I heard that the original work of this painter is hard to find."
"That's right. I found this after I sent people to rob three large tombs of the previous dynasty."
"It's so priceless, yet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince just gave it to me?" Ling Ruiying looked at Xiao Yujue with a half-smile, "But... no merit, no reward."
Xiao Yujue looked at Ling Ruiying's hands clenching the painting, lowered his eyelids and revealed a smile.
"Lord Ling has expanded the territory for the court, defended the country, and made countless military achievements. What is a mere painting worth?"
Xiao Yujue opened his folding fan and gently waved it, then sat down on a chair beside him.
"As long as Lord Ling can continue to be loyal to the court, anything is possible."
"Be loyal to the court?" Ling Ruiying smiled meaningfully, "That is the duty of a minister. But... Your Highness, I heard that you refused to marry into the Ling family before. I wonder if you think the Ling family is not worthy of you?"
"Lord Ling has misunderstood. I just think that the girl of the Ling family deserves a unique home. If she marries me, I'm afraid she won't be able to be together for the rest of her life. I pity the girl of the Ling family. Besides, if we really want to cooperate, we don't have to be in-laws, don't you think?"
Xiao Yujue has already lowered his stance, and Ling Ruiying is also determined to stop while he is ahead.
"Your Highness is right. I am not an unreasonable person. It's just that... I was born into the military and I value cooperation in everything I do. If I don't get along with the confidants under Your Highness's command... then I will get half the result with twice the effort."
Xiao Yujue knew what he meant when he heard it.
He lowered his head and smiled, saying, "Don't worry, Lord Ling. I believe that you will have a pleasant cooperation."
The two smiled at each other, understanding each other tacitly.
When Ling Ruiying came to the hall, many people stood up and bowed to him.
He invited Xiao Yujue and Shangguan Yue to sit at the top, raised his glass and drank with everyone.
After three rounds of drinks, Ling Ruiying fixed his eyes on the silent Mu Jingrui.
He stood up and walked to Mu Jingrui's side, and put a hand on his shoulder. He applied a little force to his palm, and Mu Jingrui felt his whole arm go numb.
"Lord Mu is a young hero. Since the founding of our dynasty, there has never been such a young Minister of War. It seems that it is time for an old guy like me to retire while the tide is rising."
The corners of Mu Jingrui's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.
He stood up and raised his glass with both hands, looking extremely respectful.
"How dare a gurgling firefly compete with the bright moon? I am only a junior of the late stage. Even if I ride a horse and whip it, I can't catch up to Master Ling by even one ten-thousandth of his ability."
Mu Jingrui remained calm and said calmly, "If I have offended you before, please forgive me, Lord Ling."
Mu Jingrui raised his wine glass and stared at Ling Ruiying.
After a long time, Ling Ruiying slowly stretched out his hand.
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