Sheng Hongxiao pondered for a moment, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Little sister, we can't just sit there and wait for death. I will go to Beijing immediately and find an opportunity to write to the emperor to strive for the abolition of this tax. At the same time, we must also actively lobby in the Jiangnan area to get other merchants to join us."
Sheng Yunrong nodded gently, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Second brother, I will accompany you to the capital. I can't stand idly by and watch the affairs of our Sheng family."
Sheng Hongxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes: "Okay, little sister, let's go to the capital together. As long as we unite as one, the Sheng family will definitely be able to overcome this difficulty."
Sheng Yunrong listened and understood. A tall tree attracts the wind. She sighed softly, and a trace of melancholy flashed in her eyes. At this time, the atmosphere in the living room of Sheng Mansion became more and more tense.
Sheng Yunrong slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the sky in the distance. She turned around, swept her eyes over everyone, and finally landed on Jing Wang Pei Jinxiao. Pei Jinxiao sat in the first seat, his expression serious and locked.
"Brother Pei, how do you think this problem should be resolved?" Sheng Yunrong asked.
Pei Jinxiao pondered for a moment and said, "This matter involves a lot of people, so we have to think carefully. The Sheng Mansion is a big place that attracts people, so it is inevitable that jealousy will arise. The most important thing now is to find out the truth and clear the name of the Sheng Mansion."
Sheng Yunrong nodded and turned to the others: "Everyone, what do you think?"
The second young lady of the Sheng Mansion, Sheng Yuner, stood up and said angrily: "It is clear that someone is deliberately framing our Sheng Mansion! We must get to the bottom of this!"
The third lady of the Sheng Mansion, Sheng Yunhua, also echoed: "That's right, our Sheng Mansion has always been committed to justice and will never tolerate any evil forces!"
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly and said, "Okay, since everyone agrees, let's get started."
Pei Jinxiao said: "Miss Sheng, I think the first thing we need to do is to collect evidence to see who is behind this. In addition, we need to strengthen the defense of Sheng Mansion to prevent the enemy from taking the opportunity to invade."
Sheng Yunrong nodded and said, "Brother Pei is right. Let's split up immediately."
So, everyone left the living room and began the intensive verification work.
As night fell, the Sheng Mansion was brightly lit. Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao sat in the living room, watching their men report the results of their investigation.
Sheng Yunrong frowned and said, "Brother Pei, based on the current clues, it seems that the person behind this is very powerful. What should we do?"
Pei Jinxiao pondered for a moment and said, "Miss Sheng, I think this matter is very serious. We can't hide it any longer. Tomorrow, I plan to go to the palace and report this matter to the emperor, asking him to issue an order to find out the truth."
Sheng Yunrong hesitated for a moment and said, "Brother Pei, is this appropriate? After all, we don't have any conclusive evidence."
Pei Jinxiao said firmly: "Miss Sheng, this matter concerns the honor of the Sheng family. We cannot sit idly by. The emperor is wise. As long as we report the truth, he will definitely make the decision for us."
Sheng Yunrong weighed the pros and cons again and again, and finally nodded: "Okay, then let's do as Brother Pei says."
Sheng Yunrong walked up to Pei Jinxiao, smiled slightly, and asked in her eyes: "Your Majesty, can you teach me how to avoid the situation where a big tree attracts the wind?"
Pei Jinxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong, and a trace of admiration flashed in his deep eyes. This young lady of the Sheng family was indeed extraordinary. He smiled slightly and said in a calm tone: "Miss Sheng, this is a good question. A big tree attracts the wind, mainly because the tree itself is too conspicuous and attracts attention. To avoid this, you can only act low-key and hide your edge."
Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly to show her understanding. She turned her head and looked at the people in the hall, and she had already made up her mind.
At this time, Sheng Yunjiao, the second young lady of the Sheng Mansion, came over. She looked at Sheng Yunrong with a bit of jealousy in her eyes. Sheng Yunrong noticed her emotions, smiled slightly, and took the initiative to talk to her: "Second sister, you dressed very beautifully for the banquet tonight and attracted everyone's attention."
Sheng Yunjiao was slightly stunned. She didn't expect Sheng Yunrong to praise her so much. She showed a little pride on her face, but then she restrained it and said with a bit of bitterness: "Sister, you are too kind. How can I compare with you?"
Sheng Yunrong smiled gently and patted Sheng Yunjiao's hand: "Sister, there is no need to be modest. Between us sisters, who wins and who loses, what does it matter? What's important is that we can live in harmony and win glory for the Sheng family together."
Sheng Yunjiao felt warm in her heart when she heard this.
At this time, the housekeeper of the Sheng Mansion came over and whispered to Sheng Yunrong, "Miss, there is a guest outside the door who wants to see you. He says he is your old friend."
Sheng Yunrong was slightly startled. She thought of that person, and her heart was moved. She nodded and said to the housekeeper, "Please let him in."
After a while, a handsome young man walked in. He was wearing a long blue gown, with handsome features and an extraordinary temperament. Sheng Yunrong looked at him, and a complex emotion surged in her heart.
When the young man saw Sheng Yunrong, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He walked forward and bowed slightly: "Miss Sheng, I haven't seen you for many years, and you are still as charming as ever."
Sheng Yunrong smiled gently, with a hint of nostalgia in her eyes: "Mr. Li, I haven't seen you for many years, and you are still so handsome."
Young Master Li's name is Li Yu, and he is Sheng Yunrong's childhood sweetheart. They grew up together and had a deep relationship. Later, Li Yu left the Sheng Mansion, and the two lost contact.
Li Yu looked at Sheng Yunrong, and couldn't help but feel deeply moved. He remembered that when he was a child, Sheng Yunrong was smart and could always guess his thoughts. And now, she has become the pride of the Sheng family.
After the banquet, Sheng Yunrong and Li Yu came to the garden of Sheng Mansion. The moonlight shone on them, and the atmosphere was peaceful and beautiful.
Li Yu looked at Sheng Yunrong and said sincerely, "Miss Sheng, you have become the pillar of the Sheng family now. I am proud of you. However, I am also worried that you are too tired and neglect to take care of yourself."
Sheng Yunrong smiled gently, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes: "Mr. Li, thank you for your concern. I will take good care of myself, don't worry."
…
Sheng Yunrong did not reveal her true emotions, but just pursed her lips. She slowly stood up, her eyes swept across the crowd, and finally fell on her adopted son Qin Moyuan. Qin Moyuan noticed her gaze, was slightly startled, and couldn't help but feel nervous.
Sheng Yunrong walked up to Qin Moyuan and said calmly, "Moyuan, do you know what this feast is for?"
Qin Moyuan's heart tightened. Behind this banquet, the honor and disgrace of the Sheng Mansion was related. He said in a deep voice: "Miss, this banquet is to welcome the arrival of Prince Jing Pei Jinxiao, and also to show the prestige of our Sheng Mansion."
Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly, with a hint of appreciation in her eyes: "Yes, this banquet is of great importance. As my adopted son, you naturally have to shoulder the glory of the Sheng Mansion. But, do you know what the purpose of Pei Jinxiao's visit is?"