Sheng Tianjiao sat in the first seat, a hint of fatigue on his serious face.
"Tianjiao, what do you want to talk to me about?" Sheng Hongxiao walked to his seat and sat down, his tone calm.
Sheng Tianjiao sighed, his expression serious: "Recently, the martial arts world has been in turmoil, and various sects have been attacked one after another, suffering heavy losses. I suspect that a certain force is secretly manipulating it."
Sheng Yunrong couldn't help but interrupt: "Dad, could it be that 'Netherworld Ghost Claw'?"
Sheng Tianjiao glanced at Sheng Yunrong, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Yes, Rong'er, you guessed it right. The 'Netherworld Claw' has been acting more and more rampant in recent years. If it is not eradicated, there will be no peace in the martial arts world."
Sheng Hongxiao frowned: "Dad, this matter is very serious, we need to think about it carefully."
Sheng Tianjiao nodded and looked at everyone: "I plan to send you two siblings to investigate this matter. Rong'er, you are lively and sociable, you can be responsible for getting the information; Hongxiao, you are skilled in martial arts and thoughtful, you will be responsible for the specific actions."
Sheng Yunrong's eyes widened and she clapped her hands excitedly: "Dad, that's great! I can finally go out and try my luck!"
Sheng Hongxiao looked at his sister with some concern: "Rong'er, the world is dangerous, you must be careful."
Sheng Yunrong's smile faded a little, and she nodded seriously: "I know, second brother, I will be careful."
After discussing the business, Sheng Yunrong and Sheng Hongxiao returned to their room. Sheng Yunrong lay on the bed, thinking about the upcoming career in the underworld, feeling both excited and nervous.
Sheng Hongxiao sat on the bedside and looked at his sister: "Rong'er, this mission is very important. You must remember that protecting yourself is the most important thing."
Sheng Yunrong looked up at her second brother, with a determined light in her eyes: "Second brother, don't worry, I will never let you down."
…
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly, her eyes moving around, showing the demeanor of a lady from a noble family. She gently adjusted her clothes and slowly said, "Second brother, it is an honor for our Sheng family to have Prince Pei here. I have been looking forward to having dinner with the prince for a long time."
Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with admiration when he heard this. He smiled slightly, and his eyes moved back and forth between Sheng Yunrong and Sheng Hongxiao: "Miss Sheng, you are too polite. I am also very happy to spend time with the two talented men and beautiful women in the Sheng Mansion."
The three of them talked as they walked into the flower hall of Sheng Mansion. The flower hall of Sheng Mansion was decorated very elegantly, with carved beams and painted buildings, and antique style. Sheng Yunrong led Pei Jinxiao and Sheng Hongxiao to sit down and personally poured tea for them.
"Second brother, Prince Pei, you two can chat for a while. I'll go see how the dinner preparations are going." After Sheng Yunrong finished speaking, she smiled at Pei Jinxiao, then turned and left.
Sheng Hongxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong's back, a smile on his face: "Prince Pei, what do you think of Rong'er?"
Pei Jinxiao's eyes flickered, he pondered for a moment, and slowly spoke: "Miss Sheng is smart and well-mannered. Pei is indeed impressed by her. But..."
"Just what?" Sheng Hongxiao asked.
Pei Jinxiao frowned slightly, and his tone became serious: "It's just that I feel that Miss Sheng seems to have some reservations about me, I don't know why."
Sheng Hongxiao laughed and patted Pei Jinxiao on the shoulder: "Prince Pei, you are too clever for your own good. Rong'er is a smart person, she knows how to keep a balance. Her reservations about you may be because she values you."
Pei Jinxiao nodded thoughtfully and asked no more questions.
Soon, Sheng Yunrong came back and the dinner officially began. The Sheng family banquet was rich in dishes, wine and food, making people salivate. Sheng Yunrong and Sheng Hongxiao took turns to toast Pei Jinxiao, and the atmosphere gradually became warmer.
After three rounds of drinking, Sheng Yunrong's cheeks flushed. She looked at Pei Jinxiao, a hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes, and finally spoke: "Prince Pei, my sister has something to ask of you. I wonder if you can agree to it?"
Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and put down his wine glass: "Miss Sheng, if you have anything to ask of me, I will do my best."
Sheng Yunrong bit her lower lip lightly and mustered up her courage: "Sister, I want to ask the prince for help to find a position in the court for my second brother Sheng Hongxiao."
Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed, and he looked at Sheng Yunrong, then at Sheng Hongxiao. Sheng Hongxiao raised a smile and raised his glass: "Prince Pei, since Rong'er has spoken, please take care of me."
Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and nodded in agreement: "Since Miss Sheng trusts me so much, I will do my best. However, Second Brother Sheng is very talented, I believe he will be able to stand out in the court with his own strength."
Sheng Yunrong smiled with satisfaction when she heard this. She knew that Pei Jinxiao had agreed to her request. After the dinner, the atmosphere in Sheng's house became more harmonious.
As night fell, the hall of Sheng's mansion was brightly lit. Sheng Yunrong and Sheng Hongxiao sat in front of the window, looking at the bright moon in the sky, each with their own thoughts.
"Rong'er, what do you think of Prince Pei?" Sheng Hongxiao suddenly spoke.
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly and looked into the distance: "Prince Pei is talented and elegant, which is indeed attractive. But, second brother, do you think that we can really bridge the gap of status between Prince Pei and us?"
Sheng Hongxiao was silent for a moment and looked at Sheng Yunrong: "Rong'er, only you can find the answer to this question. But no matter what, I will support you."
When Sheng Yunrong heard this, she felt warm in her heart.
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "I know, second brother, you always dote on me like this. But Prince Pei's status is noble, and although my Sheng Mansion is extraordinary, it is difficult to be on par with him. If I really say this emotion, I'm afraid it will attract a lot of criticism."
Sheng Hongxiao sighed softly, his deep eyes revealing complex emotions: "Rong'er, I understand your concerns. But Pei Jinxiao is not an ordinary prince. His mind and knowledge far exceed others. If he truly treats you, the difference in status may not be insurmountable."
At this time, footsteps were heard outside the mansion, and Pei Jinxiao appeared at the door. He was wearing a green robe, with an upright posture and a hint of majesty between his brows. He glanced at Sheng Yunrong and Sheng Hongxiao, and smiled, "Second Brother Sheng, Miss Sheng, are you talking about me?"
Sheng Yunrong's cheeks instantly turned red, and she lowered her head. Sheng Hongxiao laughed and stood up to greet him: "Prince Pei, Rong'er happened to mention you. We were discussing the distance between identity and emotion."
Pei Jinxiao sat down, took the tea handed to him by the servant, and chuckled, "Identity is just a layer of skin, and true emotions can penetrate this layer of skin. Rong'er, what do you think?"
Sheng Yunrong raised her head and met Pei Jinxiao's gaze. She was moved and spoke slowly: "Prince Pei, your opinion is indeed unique. But how can I express this feeling to you so that you can understand what I am thinking?"
Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with tenderness, and he whispered: "Rong'er, if you are willing, just be sincere to each other. Although I, Pei Jinxiao, am a prince, I am also a mortal with emotions and desires. You just need to tell me what's in your heart."