Enraged, Yinreng stood up and kicked over the bamboo chair, which landed on the legs of the two sisters.
The delicate and frail sisters knelt down in a panic to beg for forgiveness, their eyes filled with tears, looking utterly pitiful.
Upon hearing this, Suo'etu emerged from the back corridor with a smile, his eyes carrying a hint of reproach.
He thought Yinreng was just putting on an act.
He said, "These two girls were found in Yangzhou. They come from respectable families, know a bit about poetry and literature, and are pretty and charming. How could they not suit your taste?"
Soetu looked like a seasoned womanizer, with wrinkles on his face and a lecherous expression.
“Uncle, the best way is to be pure of heart and have few desires.” Yinreng frowned as he looked at Suo’etu, suppressing the curses he was about to utter.
If Suo'etu weren't his maternal uncle, he would have dumped him long ago and sent the two sisters to be together.
With a beautiful woman in front of them, how many men can resist?
It would be suspicious if Suo'etu trusted Yinreng. He patted Yinreng on the shoulder with an air of nonchalance: "The people in this estate are all servants we know well. Not a single word will get out. You don't need to take them back after you've had your fun. Just leave them here on the estate and come back whenever you want."
Yinreng inwardly cursed, "He wants to come again? That's just like a brothel madam, not at all like a minister."
"Uncle, instead of indulging in women, you should be busy with more important matters and relieve the people's worries. You know how busy the court has been lately. Adding fragrance to a woman's sleeve is the behavior of a spoiled brat, and you really shouldn't be like that." Yinreng couldn't say anything harsh to Suo'etu, so he could only hint at it.
Unfortunately, his good intentions were misunderstood.
Soetu was used to relying on his age and seniority, but now that Yinreng had said that, he couldn't save face.
"You two, get out." Soetu waved his hand, telling them to leave so they wouldn't get in the way.
With no outsiders around, Suo'etu sat down with his sword across his horse: "Your Highness, is there something you're unhappy about with this servant? Over the years, the Hesheli clan has always followed your lead and put you first in everything. However, in the past year, many clansmen have been dismissed from their posts and are no longer as glorious as before. Today's matter is just a simple matter, yet Your Highness still has a stern face. What is the meaning of this?"
It would have been better if they hadn't mentioned his great contributions, but mentioning it by Suo'etu directly hit a nerve.
Yinreng's face darkened: "What about the water conservancy project? It concerns the livelihood of the people, and Uncle has been too far-reaching and taking too much."
Soetu's eye twitched; he'd really gone too far this time. He'd gotten so used to taking bribes that he'd become arrogant without realizing it.
Suo'etu's reaction made Yinreng sigh. His maternal uncle, who used to be an important minister in the court, was becoming increasingly unable to see his own place as he got older.
Yinreng sighed, and Suo'etu felt a pang of panic.
Over the past few years, I've observed that the Crown Prince's authority has grown stronger, and the emotional appeal has become less and less effective.
Empress Hesheli has passed away. Without cultivating a closer relationship with the Crown Prince, how can the Hesheli clan become the most prominent Manchu surname?
Upon realizing this, Suo'etu conceded, "This servant will return some to you. This was a misunderstanding. This servant is not short-sighted. Besides, Hesheli is not short of money, so there's no need for him to suffer for this."
Yinreng looked at him with a half-smile, "Why are you so greedy when you don't lack money?"
"Ah, it's all because of the Fucha family. Their household is full of outstanding people. I don't know how much good fortune they must have accumulated to have such successful descendants. I was thinking of leaving more for future generations, and that's when I lost my mind." Under Yinreng's gaze, Suo'etu told the truth with resentment.
Being the head of a clan is no easy task.
Yinreng pursed his lips and gave him a deep look: "I understand."
After saying that, he turned and walked away.
Soetu was anxious: "Your Highness is leaving just like that? Even if you don't get close to women, there are still some delicious foods on the estate, and the environment is quite rustic. Your Highness can just take a stroll around some more."
Yinreng refused him, saying, "I have other matters to attend to when I return. This estate is quite nice; let your uncle enjoy it alone."
Tong Wanyan was somewhat surprised to see Yinreng return.
She held a small bowl of pickled fish noodles in her hand, the pungent aroma of boiling sourness and spiciness wafting straight to her nose.
Yinreng, who was seething with anger, had a thousand words on his mind when faced with the sour and spicy taste: "Give me a bowl too."
Tong Wanyan looked at him blankly: "Lord Suo'etu didn't entertain you, sir?"
"Don't mention him, it'll bring bad luck to me." Yinreng was starving. The estate was far away, and he had been traveling between the two places, so the little bit of food he had eaten for breakfast was long gone.
Tong Wanyan watched helplessly as he snatched away the noodles she had only eaten halfway through.
Yinreng ate with great relish, while Tong Wanyan was almost in tears.
"Master, there's still some extra noodles in the small kitchen," Tong Wanyan said expectantly.
“I know, so I’ll eat what you leave behind, and you can eat the new food,” Yinreng said without looking up.
Tong Wanyan opened her mouth, wanting to argue.
Yinreng slurped up another mouthful of noodles and shamelessly said, "Besides, this is something Xiaoyan has eaten, so it tastes even better."
A shameless person is invincible, but a shameless husband is helpless.
Tong Wanyan blushed, her eyes filled with reproach.
"Chunque, bring all the noodles from the small kitchen over, and remember to add plenty of pickled cabbage and fish slices," Tong Wanyan said to the outside.
Freshly made noodles taste best, but the small kitchen doesn't prepare much, and even if you bring everything over at once, there won't be much left.
Yinreng ate the chewy noodles, the fish melted in his mouth, and the sour and crisp taste of the pickled cabbage and the aroma of the chili peppers lingered in his mouth.
He would occasionally look up at the person sitting opposite him, a peaceful smile on his face.
With such a wonderful sweetheart, how could he possibly be interested in anyone else?
He's busy enough with politics; he'd rather spend his free time with those around him. If he's comfortable, his beloved will be happy too.
Having eaten and been warmed, Yinreng, feeling quite satisfied with his meal, reached out and hugged Tong Wanyan.
“Song’etu is old and senile,” Yinreng said.
Tong Wanyan casually pried open Yinreng's hand: "Hmm?"
"When I went there today, I thought he genuinely wanted to give me some peace and quiet. Who knew that when I arrived at the villa, twin sisters appeared? But am I such a lustful person?" Yinreng was expressing his loyalty.
Tong Wanyan nodded, and seeing that Yinreng was about to explode, she quickly said, "Your Highness is so picky, even if you are lustful, there are very few people in the world who can catch your eye!"
That's well said, and it suits Yinreng's taste perfectly.
He gently pinched Tong Wanyan's cheek, which annoyed her: "Xiao Yan is absolutely right. I only covet your beauty."
“Yes, yes, yes. No matter how beautiful others are, with me standing out like a pearl, they all pale in comparison. I’m very picky!” Tong Wanyan said, cupping her face in her hands.
Yinreng chuckled, "Anyone as thick-skinned as you, praising themselves like that? But, doesn't Xiaoyan really feel any jealousy?"
Tong Wanyan chuckled, then turned around and said seriously, "I believe you!"
Immediately, Yinreng's heart felt heavy: "I will not let you down."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
