Mu Jingrui finished drawing Shangguan Wanning's eyebrows, admired them with satisfaction, put down the eyebrow pencil, and helped her up from the stool.
"Let's go out and have breakfast. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."
Shangguan Wanning's mood suddenly became clear and she nodded with a smile.
After having breakfast and dismissing their entourage, the two men strolled around the street and inquired about the image of the Loyalty and Marquis Mansion in the hearts of the people.
"You two are from other places, right?"
The waiter poured tea for Mu Jingrui and Shangguan Wanning, and couldn't help but look at Shangguan Wanning more out of the corner of his eye.
"The Zhonglie Marquis' Mansion is very famous here. The whole family is loyal and brave, and the court gives countless rewards every year. All the officials, big and small, who pass by the gate of the Zhonglie Marquis' Mansion, the civil officials get off the sedan chair, and the military officials get off the horse. It's so majestic."
"Old Lady Xiao of the Loyal Marquis's Mansion is kindhearted and donates a large sum of money every year to help the people. Especially in the winter, she provides medical treatment and medicine, saving countless poor families."
"I heard that she has been a vegetarian for many years and is very kind to the servants around her. She will find a good family for the maids working in the Zhonglie Marquis's mansion, whether they are in a living contract or a dead contract, when they reach the age of marriage."
"But..." The waiter changed the subject and showed a contemptuous expression. "The father is a hero, but the son may not be a hero. This grandson of the Xiao family is always flirting with women and causing trouble."
"I'm just lucky. Every time I get into trouble, I can solve it with money. Our prefect also turns a blind eye. As long as the victim is willing, he will pretend not to see it. After all, the Xiao family is too powerful."
Mu Jingrui nodded, took out a few taels of silver and threw them to the waiter.
The waiter retreated happily.
"Jing Rui, it seems that Old Lady Xiao may not know what Xiao Yikai did outside."
Mu Jingrui paused with his hand holding the cup, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.
"It's too early to judge now. We won't know until we go there at noon today."
Mu Jingrui ordered his servants to prepare generous gifts and took Shangguan Wanning to the appointment as scheduled.
The two entered the gate of the Marquis Zhonglie's Mansion. The garden inside was built like an imperial palace. Every blade of grass, every flower and every leaf exuded a magnificent atmosphere.
Any piece of decoration in the hall is priceless.
Shangguan Wanning grew up in a wealthy environment and couldn't help but praise secretly.
This is simply a small palace.
"I have long heard of the great name of the King of Zhennan. After meeting him today, I can see that he is indeed an extraordinary person."
A loud voice was heard. Shangguan Wanning and Mu Jingrui looked back and saw a thin middle-aged man walking towards them.
His left sleeve was empty.
He must be Xiao Wenyuan, who inherited the title of Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery.
Mu Jingrui walked forward and bowed. "My Lord, I am honored to meet you."
"I dare not. You are the King of Zhennan, your title is higher than mine, I should pay my respects to you."
Xiao Wenyuan smiled and nodded, his words were humble but his body showed no intention of greeting.
"Please take a seat, both of you."
Xiao Wenyuan's eyes swept across Shangguan Wanning's face, revealing a meaningful smile. "The Prime Minister is so lucky to have such an outstanding daughter."
"My Lord, you are too kind."
"My Lord, the wine and food are ready."
When the butler came forward to report, Xiao Wenyuan immediately stood up and said with a smile, "Please ask the prince and princess to move over."
Mu Jingrui and Shangguan Wanning stood up and followed Xiao Wenyuan out of the living room, but Xiao Wenyuan did not take them indoors, but to the pavilion in the garden.
The scenery here is even more pleasant, with the fragrance of flowers filling the garden and exquisite side dishes placed on the stone table.
"please."
Xiao Wenyuan asked Mu Jingrui to take the seat. Mu Jingrui respected him as his senior and the host, so he sat down in the guest seat.
The three of them were chatting and admiring the beautiful scenery before them, but Mu Jingrui suddenly changed his tone.
"My Lord, on my way here, I met a girl named Li Min'er. She is a candidate for the imperial concubines to go to the capital. She said... the rest of her companions were detained by Young Master Xiao in the Marquis Zhonglie's Mansion. I wonder... is this true?"
Shangguan Wanning was a little surprised. Before coming, Mu Jingrui had not mentioned to her that he would take this opportunity to ask the Xiao family for someone.
"Oh? Really?"
Xiao Wenyuan showed a surprised expression, but Shangguan Wanning could see that he was just pretending.
"This is a serious crime of deceiving the emperor and destroying the whole family. Kai'er would never dare to do this. I'm afraid someone with ulterior motives is spreading rumors and causing trouble."
Xiao Wenyuan winked at the butler, who understood and walked away. Not long after, he came back with two servants.
Two servants carried a long and thin box. The butler opened the box and found a long sword inlaid with gems inside.
"Your Majesty, our Xiao family was born in the military and we understand better than anyone how important a good weapon is for a general on the battlefield."
Xiao Wenyuan stood up and walked to the sword, then turned around and looked at Mu Jingrui with a meaningful smile.
"A sword is given to a hero. I think the King of Zhennan is the only one in the world who deserves this sword that can cut through iron like mud."
Shangguan Wanning doesn't understand swords, but she can understand gems.
Just the one on the hilt is priceless, enough for an ordinary person to live a rich life.
"No reward without merit. I appreciate your kindness, sir. But..." Mu Jingrui didn't buy it at all. He stood up and walked in front of Xiao Wenyuan. "The matter of the concubine is of great importance. Please ask the sir to let Mr. Xiao come out and confront me face to face."
A sharp light flashed in Xiao Wenyuan's eyes.
"Your Highness still wants to try this sword to see if it suits his taste."
As soon as he finished speaking, he kicked the box. The box rolled several times in the air and the long sword fell out of the box.
Xiao Wenyuan made a beautiful spin, drew out his sword and stabbed it towards Mu Jingrui's chest.
A cold light was reflected from the sharp sword edge, and Shangguan Wanning was so scared that she stood up from the stool.
Mu Jingrui stood there motionless. When the sword reached his forehead, he stretched out his hand, grasped the tip of the sword, and flicked his fingers lightly.
The long sword made a peculiar sound, and Xiao Wenyuan felt the arm holding the sword go numb.
He took advantage of the situation to retreat, and Mu Jingrui somersaulted in the air and grabbed Xiao Wenyuan's wrist.
Because Xiao Wenyuan only had one hand, he also put away one hand.
The two men's moves were so fast that everyone around them was dazzled.
"when."
Mu Jingrui snatched the sword, swung it a few times, sheathed it, and then put it back into the box.
All the movements were clean and smooth.
"My Lord, the sword is a good one; however, it has two edges. I am afraid I will not be able to control it and may cut myself accidentally."
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