There was an imperceptible tremor in Pei Jinxiao's voice, and a complex expression flashed across Sheng Yunrong's eyes. She sat down slowly, gently brushed the dust off her lapels, and then slowly spoke.

"Jinxiao, this is a long story." Sheng Yunrong frowned slightly, and the worry on her face became more and more intense. "A few days ago, I received a letter from home saying that there was a sudden fire at home. Although no one was injured, many precious ancient books and family heirlooms were burned."

Pei Jinxiao's face changed slightly after hearing this. He clenched his fists, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes, but he immediately suppressed his emotions and asked with concern: "How are Uncle Sheng and Aunt Sheng?"

"They are safe, but they were frightened." Sheng Yunrong sighed softly, with a trace of gratitude in her eyes, "Jinxiao, you don't know, this fire came too suddenly, and the guards and servants in the house were helpless. If my uncle hadn't discovered it in time, the consequences would be disastrous."

Pei Jinxiao was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Yunrong, there must be something fishy about the fire. Have you found any clues?"

Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Yes, I have sent people to investigate. Preliminary judgment is that this fire was not an accident, but someone deliberately caused it. Moreover, that person seems to have a deep hatred for our family."

Pei Jinxiao's expression became more and more solemn. He looked at Sheng Yunrong deeply and said in a deep voice: "Yunrong, this matter involves a lot of seriousness. You must act carefully. I will do my best to help you find out the truth."

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with gratitude, and she whispered, "Thank you, Jinxiao. I know I can trust you."

The two of them were silent for a moment. Pei Jinxiao suddenly remembered something and asked, "Yunrong, the family heirloom you mentioned just now, does it include the 'Jade Ruyi'?"

Sheng Yunrong's expression changed slightly, a trace of pain flashed in her eyes, and she nodded slowly: "Yes, the 'Jade Ruyi' was also damaged in the fire. It was a treasure that my Sheng family has inherited for hundreds of years, and I didn't expect it to be destroyed in my hands."

Pei Jinxiao felt sad when he saw Sheng Yunrong in such pain. He patted Sheng Yunrong's shoulder and comforted her softly, "Yunrong, it's not your fault. Fire is ruthless and manpower is limited. As long as people are safe, everything else is secondary."

Sheng Yunrong nodded gently, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "I know, Jinxiao. But I still can't let it go in my heart."

At this moment, there was a sudden sound of footsteps outside the house, and the servant of the Sheng Mansion came in with an exquisite box in his hand. He handed it to Sheng Yunrong respectfully and said, "Miss, this is what we picked up from the fire scene. It may be a fragment of the 'Jade Ruyi'."

Sheng Yunrong took the box and opened it. She saw some burnt jade pieces inside. Although they were badly damaged, they could still vaguely identify the shape of the "Jade Ruyi". A trace of sadness flashed in her eyes, but she said firmly: "Although these pieces cannot be restored to their original state, I will keep them well as part of the Sheng family's inheritance."

Pei Jinxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong's back and couldn't help feeling deeply moved.

"What?" Pei Jinxiao had a bad feeling in his heart, frowning, with a hint of uneasiness in his eyes. He raised his head, looking through the crowd and landing on Sheng Yunrong, the eldest daughter of the Sheng family.

Sheng Yunrong was wearing a lavender silk skirt embroidered with delicate plum blossoms, which made her look noble and elegant. She walked slowly in front of Pei Jinxiao, with a pair of bright eyes smiling and the corners of her mouth slightly raised, as if everything was under her control.

"Lord Pei, you seem surprised by this sudden news?" Sheng Yunrong spoke softly with a hint of teasing in her voice.

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly, trying to hide his uneasiness: "Miss Sheng, what do you mean? Please explain clearly."

Sheng Yunrong smiled lightly, with a cunning light flashing in her eyes: "Master Pei, don't you know that my father has already petitioned the emperor to betroth me to you?"

"What?" Pei Jinxiao's face changed, and he looked at Sheng Yunrong in surprise, with an inexplicable emotion in his heart. He had never thought that he would become the son-in-law of the Sheng family.

Sheng Yunrong looked at Pei Jinxiao's reaction, and the smile on her face became even more intense: "Master Pei, you don't have to be surprised. My father saw your talent and thought you were a good match for the Sheng family. Moreover, the marriage between our two families will also help stabilize the government."

Pei Jinxiao was silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that this marriage was both an opportunity and a challenge for him. If he could marry into the Sheng family, his position in the court would be more stable, but at the same time, he would also have to face the power of the Sheng family and Sheng Yunrong's character.

"Miss Sheng, do you think I am worthy of you?" Pei Jinxiao said calmly, trying to test Sheng Yunrong's bottom line.

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with pride, and she smiled and said, "Master Pei, you misunderstood. This marriage is not my one-sided wish, but my father took a fancy to you and thought you would be a good son-in-law for the Sheng family. Moreover, I also believe that you will be able to be the son-in-law of the Sheng family."

Pei Jinxiao remained silent, but was thinking about how to deal with this sudden change. At this time, Sheng Wan'er, the second daughter of Sheng Mansion, came over. She was wearing a green Luo skirt, looking fresh and refined.

"Brother, I heard that you are going to marry my sister?" There was a hint of curiosity in Sheng Wan'er's eyes, and her tone revealed her anticipation for this marriage.

Pei Jinxiao looked at Sheng Wan'er and couldn't help but think of his sister. He smiled and said, "Second Miss Sheng, you misunderstood. The marriage between your sister and I has not yet been decided. We still need the emperor's order."

Sheng Wan'er's eyes flashed with disappointment, but she soon regained her composure: "Brother, I believe you will definitely become my brother-in-law. After all, you are talented, handsome and elegant, and you are the ideal partner in the hearts of women all over the world."

Pei Jinxiao smiled, but felt a little helpless.

At night, Pei Jinxiao stood alone in front of the window, staring at the starry sky in a daze. At this time, Sheng Yunrong came over quietly, looking at Pei Jinxiao's back, feeling a little uneasy.

"Lord Pei, what are you thinking about?" Sheng Yunrong asked softly.

Pei Jinxiao turned around, looked at Sheng Yunrong, and smiled slightly: "Miss Sheng, I'm wondering if this marriage is really what you want."

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with panic, but she quickly regained her composure: "Master Pei, I believe that as long as we are sincere to each other, we will be able to get through this difficult time."

…

"Yunrong, this... what is going on?" Qin Wenyuan couldn't help but speak a little louder.

Qin Wenyuan's voice echoed in the empty Qin Mansion. Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with panic. She bit her lips tightly, trying to hide her inner trembling. Sheng Yunrong slowly raised her head. The eyes that were once full of tenderness were now filled with sadness and helplessness.

"Wenyuan, actually...actually I already know all this." Sheng Yunrong's voice was weak, as if she was talking to herself.