It was already noon when Jing Zhe returned to the city.
With only four days left until the Lunar New Year, the atmosphere in the city has reached its peak thanks to the last issue of the newspaper.
The most discussed topic among pedestrians on the street was the serialized story of Dream of the Red Chamber in the newspaper. No matter how interesting the new episodes were, they always wanted to see the next installment.
Jing Zhe did not linger on the street, but went straight back to Wenxiangju. Zhu Xinning and Zhang Xiaoyu were there, as was Yu Xiangrong, whom he had not seen for two days. The three women were talking in the private room.
"Xiang Rong has come over?"
"Um."
Yu Xiangrong agreed and lowered her head, her face flushed. Jing Zhe glanced at Zhang Xiaoyu and said, "Xiaoyu, did you bully Xiangrong again?"
"My lord, you are innocent! Xiangrong is the daughter of the Duke of Huguo, how could Xiaoyu, a commoner, dare to do such a thing?"
Before she could finish speaking, she started laughing.
Yu Xiangrong, who was usually quiet and reserved, reached out and pinched Zhang Xiaoyu's stomach after hearing this.
Ouch!
Zhang Xiaoyu cried out in pain, then giggled.
"You little rascal, Xiangrong, you've gotten quite bold now, daring to pinch your sister Xiaoyu? Aren't you afraid that once you're married into the family, your sister will make things difficult for you? Hehe~"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiangrong made an even bigger mess of her face. Instead of pulling her hand back, she pinched even harder, and the two women ended up in a chaotic brawl.
Because he had killed the Soul-Severing Fan and eliminated any future troubles, Jing Zhe was in a good mood. Seeing his woman so harmonious made him very happy. He glanced at the next room and wondered if he should tell Murong Xi about it.
After all, Murong Xi had already become his woman, and she had made up her mind not to be the empress. If she said it now, Zhu Xinning and the others would definitely not object, right?
However, Jing Zhe decided to consult Murong Xi's opinion before revealing the truth.
Then she looked at Zhu Xinning and deliberately gestured towards the next room with her chin: "Second sister, has Empress Yueyao come looking for me again?"
To play the part, Jing Zhe asked this question deliberately, firstly to show that he knew nothing, and secondly to get some information out of Zhu Xinning to see if Murong Xi had returned.
Sure enough, upon hearing Jing Zhe's question, Zhu Xinning didn't think much of it and laughed, "No, I heard that Empress Yueyao went to court early this morning and hasn't returned yet!"
"Oh, that's a good idea!"
Jing Zhe said to himself, secretly pleased: It's best he didn't come back!
If Murong Xi comes back, he probably won't have a chance to be alone with her or even talk to her today. If she doesn't come back... he has a chance to wait for her outside!
Thinking of this, Jing Zhe came up with a plan and said, "The newspaper will officially close soon, so even if she wants to study again, she won't have the chance. Therefore, the task His Majesty assigned me is finished, and I won't need to accompany her anymore!"
Jing Zhe spoke with a grin, feeling that his performance was flawless. He thought that Zhang Xiaoyu and the others would assume that they had already distanced themselves from Murong Xi and wouldn't think much of it.
Zhu Xinning nodded in agreement.
However, Jing Zhe's behavior puzzled her.
In her eyes, it's normal for men to be lustful, especially Jing Zhe, otherwise how could he have so many women?
Based on his previous interactions with Murong Xi, and considering Murong Xi's outstanding beauty, Zhu Xinning didn't believe that Jing Zhe had no feelings for her at all. Therefore, Jing Zhe's current resistance was somewhat counterproductive and aroused her suspicion.
Jing Zhe, oblivious to the situation, was still basking in the satisfaction of his own superb performance, and then casually asked, "Xiaoyu, is the room all ready?"
Upon hearing Jing Zhe's question, Zhang Xiaoyu stopped her playful banter with Yu Xiangrong and replied, "Husband, everything is ready. I've also had the kitchen prepare all the dishes, all of which are Wenxiangju's signature main dishes. As soon as everyone arrives, Xiaoyu will instruct the kitchen to cook!"
Jing Zhe nodded in satisfaction, then said to Zhu Xinning, "Second Sister, I'll go to the newspaper office again and see if they've finished packing before we come over together!"
Zhu Xinning seemed to want to say something, but in the end she hesitated and softly agreed, "Okay, go!"
Having received a positive reply, Jing Zhe greeted the other two women and then happily went downstairs.
Seeing his back, Zhang Xiaoyu was the first to react.
"Second sister, didn't our husband just come back from the newspaper office? Why is he going again?"
This morning, when Jing Zhe left home, he used the pretense of going to the newspaper office, which Zhu Xinning and Zhang Xiaoyu believed without a doubt.
At this moment, Zhang Xiaoyu recalled the scene of Jing Zhe asking Murong Xi before leaving, and exclaimed in surprise, "Second Sister, could it be that our husband went to find Empress Yueyao?"
"Perhaps..."
Zhu Xinning smiled and said that she wasn't too worried.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaoyu immediately stood up: "No, then I have to go with my husband!"
"Sister Xiaoyu, the young master said he went to the newspaper office. Aren't you overthinking this and being a little paranoid?"
Although Yu Xiangrong did not "betray" Murong Xi, she still felt sorry for her. Even if Jing Zhe had gone to find Murong Xi, so what?
Zhang Xiaoyu glared at her but didn't reply. Instead, she looked at Zhu Xinning and asked for her opinion.
Zhu Xinning smiled and said, "Xiaoyu, let him go!"
"What, Second Sister, aren't you worried anymore?"
"I'm not worried."
Why?
"Have you forgotten that Mo Chen went with Empress Yueyao this morning? Knowing Mo Chen's personality, he'll probably follow her even if he goes out. Do you think Zhe'er will have a chance even if he goes?"
"..."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaoyu also felt that it made sense. As long as Su Mochen was there, Empress Yueyao was nothing to fear.
Just then, Zhu Xinning came to the window and saw Jing Zhe walking briskly out of Wenxiangju. When he came to the street, he looked back and waved to Zhu Xinning with a smile. Then he plunged into the alley and disappeared in no time.
So Zhu Xinning laughed and said, "Since Zhe'er said he went to the newspaper office, let's just assume he went to the newspaper office and believe him!"
"..."
Zhang Xiaoyu pursed her lips and remained silent.
Upon hearing Zhu Xinning's words, Yu Xiangrong seemed to have a point and immediately perked up. Looking at Zhang Xiaoyu, she put her hands on her hips and said, "Sister Xiaoyu, I told you so! You didn't believe me. You're always so suspicious. I don't know what you're worried about!"
"..."
Zhang Xiaoyu was stunned for a moment, then turned around and stared at Yu Xiangrong, sneering repeatedly: "You, Xiangrong, I think you've betrayed Empress Yueyao and are always speaking up for her! Today, I'll teach you a lesson in front of my second sister!"
"You dare!"
"You'll see if I dare!"
As they talked, Zhang Xiaoyu and Yu Xiangrong started fooling around, while Zhu Xinning crossed her arms and watched from the side, laughing.
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