As night fell and the lights came on, the Sheng Mansion was brightly lit and bustling with people. Sheng Yunrong, the eldest daughter of the Sheng Mansion, wore a gorgeous red dress and walked lightly through the crowd, with a bit of curiosity and expectation between her brows. She walked to the front and saw a clever little monkey in an exquisite cage in the open space in the middle, performing various funny actions under the teasing of the crowd.

"Where did this monkey come from? It's so clever." Sheng Yunrong asked softly, with a hint of admiration in her eyes.

"Miss, this was brought back from Southeast Asia by my father and specially prepared for tonight's banquet." Sheng Yunxuan, the second young master of the Sheng family, answered with a smile, but his eyes were always on Sheng Yunrong.

At this time, Prince Jing Pei Jinxiao also walked out of the crowd. He was wearing a black robe, with an upright posture and noble temperament. He walked to Sheng Yunrong and smiled slightly, saying, "Miss Sheng, how was the monkey's performance?"

Sheng Yunrong turned her head and looked at Pei Jinxiao, with a sly look in her eyes: "Prince Pei, what do you think?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled softly and said, "It's quite interesting. However, I heard that Miss Sheng is proficient in everything from music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I wonder if this monkey can match Miss's skills?"

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with pride, and she said, "Prince Pei, you are too kind. Although this monkey is clever, it is just a few tricks. How can it compare to the thousand-year cultural heritage of my Sheng Mansion?"

As they were talking, the little monkey suddenly jumped out of the cage, startling everyone. Sheng Yunrong was not in a hurry, but smiled and said, "It seems that this monkey is quite interested in Prince Pei. How about you have a fight with it?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and said, "That's exactly what I meant."

So Sheng Yunrong ordered people to bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone, and Pei Jinxiao freely painted a vivid picture of a monkey on the paper. The grand scene of the crowd made the atmosphere in Sheng's house even more lively.

After the painting was finished, Pei Jinxiao handed it to Sheng Yunrong and said, "Miss, what do you think?"

Sheng Yunrong took the painting and examined it carefully. After a moment, she smiled and said, "Prince Pei is indeed worthy of his reputation. This monkey is painted so vividly that it seems to jump out of the paper."

Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with pride, and he said, "Then Miss, are you willing to compete with me?"

Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly and said, "Of course. Since the prince is so confident, I, Sheng Yunrong, will not be outdone."

After that, Sheng Yunrong picked up the zither and played a tune. The sound of the zither was melodious, like the sound of nature, and everyone was immersed in it. When the song ended, Sheng Yunrong put down the zither and said, "Prince Pei, how is it?"

Pei Jinxiao clapped his hands and praised: "The eldest lady is indeed worthy of her reputation. Her piano skills are amazing."

At this moment, a sly look flashed in Sheng Yunrong's eyes. She looked at Pei Jinxiao and said, "Prince Pei, since we each have our own strengths, how about we use this to have fun at tonight's banquet?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and said, "That's exactly what I want."

As the night deepened, the banquet at Sheng Mansion was drawing to a close. Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao stood in the moonlight, looking at the starry sky, with endless emotion in their hearts.

Sheng Yunrong said softly, "Prince Pei, are you satisfied with tonight's banquet?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and said, "Satisfied, very satisfied. It is my honor to spend this night with the young lady."

A hint of warmth flashed in Sheng Yunrong's eyes. She looked at Pei Jinxiao and thought to herself: It is such a blessing to meet such a close friend in this life.

At this moment, a meteor streaked across the night sky. Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao looked up at the same time, looking at the meteor with endless expectations in their hearts.

"May this shooting star take away the wishes in our hearts and let our friendship last forever." Sheng Yunrong said softly.

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and said, "Yes, may our friendship last forever."

…

Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao walked side by side into the main hall of Sheng Mansion. The servants on both sides bowed and saluted, with awe and curiosity in their eyes. The carved beams and painted buildings of Sheng Mansion were magnificent, showing the luxurious style of ancient wealthy families.

In the main hall, Sheng Yunrong's father, Lord Sheng, was chatting with several guests. When he saw his daughter and Pei Jinxiao coming in together, he couldn't help but frown, and a trace of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes. Sheng Yunrong's mother, a gentle and virtuous woman, also seemed a little surprised.

Sheng Yunrong noticed her parents' strangeness, but pretended not to notice it. She walked straight to Pei Jinxiao and said with a smile, "Brother Pei, please come this way." After that, she turned around and bowed to her parents, saying, "Father, mother, this is Prince Jing Pei Jinxiao, who came to visit specially."

Lord Sheng nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your visit, Prince Jing. I apologize for not welcoming you in person." Although his tone was polite, his eyes could not hide his vigilance towards Pei Jinxiao.

Pei Jinxiao smiled calmly and said, "Master Sheng, you are too polite. It is my great honor to be able to go home with Miss Sheng."

Sheng Yunrong's mother gently pulled her husband's sleeve and whispered, "Since you are a guest, please go to the inner room and serve tea."

The Lord of the Sheng Mansion finally put aside his dissatisfaction and took the lead to walk into the inner room, followed closely by Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao.

The inner room was elegantly decorated and comfortable, and several servants were busy preparing tea. Sheng Yunrong's father sat in the first seat, Pei Jinxiao sat in the second seat, and Sheng Yunrong sat next to her mother.

The Lord of the Sheng Mansion glanced at Pei Jinxiao and said, "I wonder what business Prince Jing has come to you for this time?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and said, "Actually, there is nothing else to say. I just heard that the eldest daughter of the Sheng Mansion is both talented and beautiful, so I came to visit her."

The look in the Sheng Mansion's eyes changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "My dear daughter, thank you for your praise. Prince Jing is too kind. I wonder what Prince Jing thinks of my daughter's marriage?"

Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with a sharpness, and he said, "Master Sheng has misunderstood. I have no such intention. I simply admire Miss Sheng's talent and temperament."

Sheng Yunrong was secretly delighted when she heard this. She knew that Pei Jinxiao was not uninterested in her marriage, but he just didn't want to show it in this occasion.

Seeing that the atmosphere was somewhat tense, Sheng's mother changed the subject and said, "Now that my daughter is back today, the house has become much more lively. Why don't we go to the garden to enjoy the flowers together?"

Lord Sheng nodded slightly and said, "Okay, let's go to the garden."

The group arrived at the back garden of Sheng Mansion, which was full of spring colors and colorful flowers. Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao walked side by side, talking in low voices from time to time.

Sheng Yunrong asked: "Brother Pei, you came to Sheng Mansion so easily today, do you have any plans?"

Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with a deep look, and he said: "I just want to see you, and I also want you to know that I will always be by your side."

Sheng Yunrong felt warm in her heart and said, "I know, but I can't selfishly let you give too much for me."

Pei Jinxiao gently held her hand and said, "I am willing to give everything for you, just for your happiness."

When Lord and Madam Sheng saw this, they couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The affection between this young couple had already penetrated deep into their bones.

After the flower viewing, Lord Sheng invited Pei Jinxiao to stay for dinner. Pei Jinxiao readily agreed, and everyone returned to the main hall together.

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Lord Sheng. As long as it is within my ability, I will do my best."

Upon hearing this, Lord Sheng smiled with satisfaction.

Pei Jinxiao will definitely be a great help to the Sheng Mansion.