"What?" Xiang Zhu was in a state of panic. She pursed her lips tightly and a trace of panic flashed in her eyes. Sheng Yunrong was sitting on a carved rosewood chair, looking at her calmly.
In the back garden of Sheng Mansion, autumn chrysanthemums were in full bloom, and the fragrance was everywhere. Beside Sheng Yunrong, Tu Subo was standing respectfully, waiting for the next instruction from the eldest lady.
"Tu Subo, you speak." Sheng Yunrong raised her chin slightly and turned her gaze to Tu Subo.
Tu Subo was slightly stunned, then slowly said: "My dear Miss, I just received a message from the palace saying that the Emperor has ordered to summon you."
Sheng Yunrong frowned slightly. This was not an ordinary summons. She couldn't help but feel uneasy, but she remained calm.
"Xiang Zhu, what do you think?" Sheng Yunrong turned her head and looked at Xiang Zhu.
Xiang Zhu bit her lower lip nervously. She knew that this summons was of great importance. But what could she say? She could only bite the bullet and answer, "Miss, I think you should go. No matter what, this is the emperor's order."
Sheng Yunrong nodded gently, she couldn't refuse. She took a deep breath, stood up, and said to Tu Subo: "Go and get ready, I want to go to the palace."
Tu Subo bowed slightly and turned to leave. Xiang Zhu looked at Sheng Yunrong with a worried look on his face, praying silently in his heart that the young lady was safe.
Sheng Yunrong walked out of the garden, crossed the corridor, and came to the main hall of Sheng Mansion. She looked at the mahogany furniture in the main hall, and her childhood memories came to her mind. At that time, she was still a carefree little girl, following her father every day, learning poetry and songs, and living an innocent life.
"Miss, you're out." A voice came from the door. It was Sheng An, the steward of the Sheng Mansion.
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly and nodded to Sheng An: "Sheng An, please arrange for the servants to prepare, I want to go to the palace."
Sheng An was slightly stunned, then replied respectfully: "Yes, Miss. I will arrange it right away."
Sheng Yunrong sat on a chair in the main hall, waiting for the team to enter the palace to be ready. She looked out the window and couldn't help thinking of Tu Subo. He was a smart and capable young man who had been loyal to her since he entered the Sheng Mansion.
Time passed quickly, and the team was ready soon. Sheng Yunrong put on a gorgeous palace dress and a phoenix crown inlaid with gems, looking dignified and elegant. She walked out of the Sheng Mansion, took a gorgeous carriage, and drove towards the direction of the palace.
Along the way, Sheng Yunrong's mood became heavier. This time she entered the palace, she might face unprecedented challenges. But she also understood that she could not back down. She took a deep breath, tightly grasped the jade pendant in her hand, and secretly told herself in her heart: Sheng Yunrong, you must be strong.
The carriage finally drove into the palace. After Sheng Yunrong got off the carriage, she immediately felt the solemnity and dignity of the palace. She followed Tu Subo and slowly walked into the palace.
Inside the palace, the emperor was sitting on the dragon throne, with civil and military officials standing on both sides. Sheng Yunrong bowed slightly, then looked up at the emperor.
The emperor smiled slightly and said, "Miss Sheng, you are here."
Sheng Yunrong's heart tightened. This conversation would affect her future. She took a deep breath and replied, "Your Highness, I see you."
The emperor nodded and said, "Miss Sheng, do you know why I summoned you?"
Sheng Yunrong paused for a moment, then replied, "I don't know. Your Majesty, please tell me clearly."
The emperor smiled and said, "I heard that Miss Sheng is both talented and beautiful, so I summoned you here because I want you to be my concubine."
Sheng Yunrong was shocked. She didn't expect the emperor to make such a request. She hesitated for a moment, then replied, "I am terrified. I am willing to serve the emperor."
The emperor smiled slightly and said, "Okay, in that case, I will confer you the title of Imperial Consort and hold the canonization ceremony on a chosen day."
Sheng Yunrong bowed slightly, but her heart was surging.
…
"Really?" Xiang Zhu blinked and looked at Sheng Yunrong. Her eyes were still full of tears, as if they would drip at any time. Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly, patted Xiang Zhu's hand gently, and comforted him:
"Of course it's true, Zhu'er, when have I ever lied to you?"
At this time, the hall of Sheng Mansion was brightly lit, and Sheng Yunrong, the eldest daughter of Sheng Mansion, was sitting opposite Tu Subo. Tu Subo was wearing a dark blue robe, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and looked handsome and unrestrained, while Sheng Yunrong was wearing a lavender silk dress, with delicate makeup and beautiful and charming.
Sheng Yunrong asked again: "Master Tu Su, what do you think?"
Tu Subo smiled slightly and said, "The eldest lady is indeed very smart. This way, the reputation of the Sheng Mansion can also be preserved. It really kills two birds with one stone."
Xiang Zhu asked curiously: "So what should we do next?"
Sheng Yunrong looked at Xiang Zhu and said, "Zhu'er, go inform your father first and tell him that the matter has been resolved and he doesn't need to worry anymore. Then, go and ask the housekeeper to come over. I have something to tell you."
Xiang Zhu nodded and left in a hurry. Sheng Yunrong and Tu Subo smiled at each other, understanding each other tacitly.
Soon, the housekeeper came in hurriedly. Sheng Yunrong said, "Housekeeper, you immediately arrange for the servants to spread this matter throughout the Sheng Mansion. Make sure everyone knows that the eldest lady of the Sheng Mansion has reached an agreement with Master Tu Su to jointly maintain the reputation of the Sheng Mansion."
The housekeeper took the order and left, and Sheng Yunrong continued to talk with Tu Subo. Sheng Yunrong asked, "Master Tu Su, do you think this can go smoothly?"
Tu Subo said: "Miss, rest assured, as long as we work together, we will be able to resolve this crisis. However, some people in the Sheng Mansion may be unstable, so you need to pay more attention."
Sheng Yunrong nodded and said, "I'll pay attention. Zhu'er, are you back?"
Xiang Zhu walked in and said, "Miss, father knows about this. He told you not to worry, he will fully support you."
Sheng Yunrong smiled and said, "Father is really becoming more and more open-minded. Zhu'er, you've worked hard. Go and have a rest."
Xiang Zhu left the hall, and Sheng Yunrong and Tu Subo continued to discuss countermeasures. Sheng Yunrong said, "Master Tu Su, we still need to develop a detailed plan to deal with possible problems."
Tu Subo said: "Don't worry, Miss, I already have a preliminary idea. As long as you give the order, I can act at any time."
Sheng Yunrong nodded with satisfaction and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Tu Su."
As the night deepened, the lobby of the Sheng Mansion was still brightly lit. Sheng Yunrong and Tu Subo discussed all night and finally worked out a complete plan.
At the banquet in Sheng Mansion, Sheng Yunrong and Tu Subo sat in the main seats, and everyone surrounded them, laughing and talking, and the atmosphere was warm. Sheng Yunrong looked at Tu Subo and thought to herself: This crisis may become an opportunity for us to be more closely connected.
However, outside the Sheng Mansion, there was a pair of cold eyes, staring closely at the Sheng Mansion, secretly observing everything.
Sheng Yunrong and Tu Subo's plan went smoothly, the Sheng family's reputation gradually recovered, and those cold eyes were secretly restrained, waiting for the next opportunity.