Chapter 205 Mutual Appreciation
"You...you let go!" Shen Lishu was terrified.
She knew a little about Zhang Chengxian's affairs from her brother. Besides, it seemed that recently all the wives of officials were eyeing him, wanting to marry their daughters to him.
What kind of behavior is it for him to pull on his own foot?
Zhang Chengxian reeked of alcohol, his voice low and hoarse, "Yi'er, don't go. I've been thinking of you day and night on the frontier. No matter how much hardship I've endured, I've never complained. He'll have concubines, and countless more concubines in the future. Please don't marry him..."
Upon hearing this, Shen Lishu turned pale and wished she could slap him awake.
If he continues to spout such nonsense, he will ruin the Crown Princess's reputation!
"Shut up! You, you mustn't be talking nonsense. Are you trying to upset Wenyi?"
"Yi'er, we've been childhood sweethearts, how can you marry him? Please don't marry him, okay..."
Shen Lishu was shocked and furious. She tried several times to pull her leg away, but he held her tightly and she couldn't move at all. She didn't dare to provoke him, so she could only try to reason with the drunkard.
Xiuer's almond-shaped eyes widened in surprise, "Miss—"
Shen Lishu was extremely anxious and shouted, "Go, go quickly and call someone, call any of the shop assistants to help, anyone will do."
Xiuer nodded, turned around and ran quickly downstairs.
"Zhang Chengxian, you've mistaken me for someone else! Let go of me!"
"I won't let go, don't leave me."
Shen Lishu was on the verge of tears and could only try to pry his fingers apart little by little. Just as she was about to lift her foot, her wrist was grabbed by Zhang Chengxian again.
Shen Lishu frowned slightly in pain. "You're hurting me."
"Don't leave me. I fell in love with you back when we were in the private school for girls at the Marquis of Zhongxin's residence. You know I've always wanted to marry you..."
The surroundings were deathly silent, then suddenly a very soft "tsk" sound rang out, "Marry her?"
That voice was clear, cold, and deep, incredibly familiar, carrying a chill that made Shen Lishu tremble with fear and her scalp tingle.
The next instant, a handsome man in a purple official robe, tall and elegant, with a layer of frost between his brows, appeared before us.
Shen Lishu knew her brother's character all too well. She had only sneaked off to Fanlou today because she was craving something delicious, and he had even caught her in a compromising situation with a man...
This is really hard to explain!
"Brother..."
Shen Lishu felt her legs trembling. She knew that admitting her mistake would be the right thing to do, but before she could even open her mouth to explain, Shen Yanzhou stepped between them and forcefully removed Zhang Chengxian's hand.
Shen Yanzhou squinted at his younger sister's indecent men's clothing and the two incongruous mustaches stuck to her lips, and a surge of anger welled up in his chest.
Shen Lishu's face turned pale, both shocked and frightened, and she could barely speak, "Brother, let me explain."
"Guards, take...young master back immediately!"
Shen Lishu felt a chill run down her spine. She opened her mouth, wanting to argue, but seeing Shen Yanzhou's terrifying gaze, she could only lower her eyes and obediently follow the people from the Shen family away.
Shen Yanzhou helped the dejected Zhang Chengxian to his feet. "General Zhang, who did you just say you wanted to marry..."
"Yi'er—"
A dim light flashed in Shen Yanzhou's eyes, and a dense pain welled up in his heart. Looking at him, it was as if he saw another version of himself.
Do you want more drink?
——
The discord between Zhang Chengxian and the Crown Prince caused quite a stir, with some people happy and others worried. Naturally, the news of their severing of ties at Jingkun Palace reached the ears of Emperor Muzong.
He was actually pleased with the outcome, and found Zhang Chengxian much more agreeable. Consort Zhang took the initiative to come to him to apologize and begged the emperor to let him go to the frontier as soon as possible.
At the same time, Zong Rui resigned again. After some consideration, Emperor Muzong allowed them to return to the frontier at a later date.
Pei Siyan inexplicably beat a general of the dynasty, and naturally lost his job of receiving the delegation. Surprisingly, Xie Guidu was able to be reinstated and given important responsibilities. Emperor Muzong's actions naturally aroused various suspicions among the court officials.
Having learned from past mistakes, Xie Guidu naturally understood Emperor Muzong's attitude towards the Northern Barbarian delegation, and therefore, he generally met the delegation's requests.
Wanyan Tai was strong and powerful, and he was very satisfied with Xie Guidu. For some reason, the conversation even turned to Du Siren, the supervisor of the Xuanjia Army. "He is a friend of our Northern Di people."
Xie Guidu's expression changed slightly; he heard a different meaning in those words.
He smiled without revealing his true feelings, pretending not to understand his subtext, "Oh? The Right Prime Minister is indeed popular, and he can make friends from all over the world."
"We keep our promises and will never treat our friends unfairly, so they will naturally want to befriend us."
Xie Guidu remained expressionless. This was the art of language; what was clearly a shameless act of 'treason' could be glorified as pure friendship?
How absurd!
Wanyan Tai glanced around subconsciously, hooked his arm around Xie's shoulder, and lowered his voice, "Lord Xie, your Great Zhou people are about to celebrate the New Year, and we also look forward to returning to Beidi as soon as possible. As long as we can bring back the Seventh Prince, we are willing to discuss any conditions."
Xie Guidu's eyes held a hint of sneer, "The Right Prime Minister is quite sincere, but I wonder if this 'sincerity' is worthy of the Seventh Prince's noble status?"
Wanyan Tai said nonchalantly, "Of course. We Northern Di people actually know quite a bit about your Great Zhou. For example, the person behind Lord Du, doesn't your emperor want to know?"
Xie Guidu felt a chill run down his spine. Wanyan Tai clearly wanted to use the secrets of the spies to gain more bargaining chips!
Du Siren had known about providing protection and convenience for the Northern Di spies in his previous life, but this matter was not exposed until the Northern Di besieged Tianning City. In this life, Zhang Chengxian brought him out earlier, probably because Dou Wenyi gave him enough clues.
“The Right Chancellor is indeed sincere. I will certainly report this matter to His Majesty truthfully.”
A ruthless glint flashed in Wanyan Tai's eyes, but then a smile appeared on his face. "This matter is of great importance. I should personally present it to the Emperor of Great Zhou."
"Yes, but I must inform His Majesty first. He is very busy with state affairs and may not have time..."
"No problem, no problem."
Wanyan Tai smiled meaningfully, "Lord Xie, I've heard that your Tianning City has countless beauties, and Miss Sisi is the most outstanding among them, as beautiful as a fairy, and her pipa playing is also superb. I wonder if we could feast our eyes on her?"
A hint of disdain flashed in Xie Guidu's eyes. "I cannot do this for the time being. I must report back to His Majesty."
Wanyan Tai sneered inwardly, but did not lash out on the spot.
However, that very evening, Wanyan Tai led several Northern Di people to Lanxiang Courtyard...
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