Chapter 154 Reconciliation

Ming Huashang and Su Yuji paused at the same time. The maids behind them also held their breath, and the conversation in the incense room came into their ears intermittently.

The old lady was silent for a moment, then said, "I have already talked to him about remarrying, but he was adamant about not wanting to. Last time, he said it was his private matter and I didn't need to worry about it. Oh, my son has grown up and has his own family. How dare I make decisions for him?"

The Third Lady said, "That's because Uncle is afraid of wronging Prince Yong. We didn't understand before and thought Uncle really didn't want to get married. Now think about it, Uncle is obviously afraid of the newcomer coming in and giving orders to Prince Yong, which would bring disaster to the Ming family. Now Prince Yong has acknowledged his ancestors, and the Saint has granted him a fief in the capital and let him hold the real power of Jingzhao Yin, which shows that he values ​​him. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, Uncle's good days are still to come."

Madam Ming's tone was much gentler, but she was still dissatisfied and said, "You are thinking about him, but I understand him. He is not doing this entirely for Prince Yong. After all, Prince Yong is kept in the outer house, and no matter how frivolous a bride is, she would not dare to do anything to her husband. He is mainly doing this for his daughter. He refused to marry a daughter before, and now he has another one. He will not marry a new person to cause trouble for the inner house."

"My uncle is kindhearted and doesn't want his daughter to suffer any injustice, but my daughter will eventually marry out, and you are the root of the mansion." The third wife said slowly, "You are the ancestor, and how long the mansion can last depends on you to steer the ship. If my uncle really doesn't want to marry a new wife, then it's not a big deal that the eldest branch has no son. We must choose a filial child as soon as possible. The Zhenguo Mansion is a respectable family. We can't just ask for money to inherit the family business like those poor families, right?"

Madam Ming was a very proud person. She got angry when she heard this and said angrily, "Ridiculous! The Ming family followed Emperor Taizong in starting the war and fought many battles in the south and the north. They are the heroes who founded the country. How can they accept a son-in-law?"

"Don't be angry." The Third Lady said hurriedly, "The daughter-in-law was just talking casually. No matter how much the uncle dotes on his daughter, he will never let his son-in-law inherit the family business. Inheriting from a branch of the family is always our own family. The three-generation family business of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion, are you going to give it to the son-in-law for free?"

Su Yuji's brows furrowed halfway through listening, and when she heard the words "Zhao Yu", she was so angry that she almost went in to argue with them on the spot. Ming Huashang hurriedly pulled her back, signaled the maids to keep quiet, and walked quietly to another way.

After they walked away, Su Yuji couldn't hold back any longer and said coldly, "How can you stop me when they talk about me like that behind my back?"

"What else?" Ming Huashang sighed, "One of them is my grandmother and the other is my third aunt, what can we do to them? Besides, what they say does make sense, even if they make a scene, we are not responsible."

Su Yuji became angrier and angrier as he thought about it. He said, "We can't just let them get away with it. The first wife's family members haven't all died yet."

After hearing what Su Yuji said, Ming Huashang knew that she was actually willing to return to her family, but she just couldn't get over the hurdle in her heart. Ming Huashang pretended not to know and took her to get familiar with the Ming family little by little: "Grandmother is a person who favors sons over daughters. She was furious when she learned that the children of the eldest house were swapped. But I think she was not angry because my father exchanged his own child for the child of Prince Zhang Huai, but because such a promising boy was from someone else's family and the eldest house only has two daughters. The second aunt is a little bit philistine and her words are not pleasant to hear, but she can't do much harm. Just treat her as an ordinary relative. The third aunt is the most favored by grandmother, and her family is also powerful. She was very strong-willed in the mansion. Now that she knows that the eldest house has no son, she must think that the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion should be inherited by her son. I think grandmother will agree in the end. They both know it very well, and now they are just embarrassed to do it too obviously."

Ming Huashang had introduced the Ming family to Su Yuji when they were in the carriage, but Su Yuji couldn't match their faces. Now, after Ming Huashang's description, Su Yuji matched the names with their faces one by one, and even had a general idea of ​​their personalities.

Su Yuji discovered that under Ming Huashang's cheerful appearance, she was actually a heart that was easily hurt. She could quickly perceive other people's emotions, which made her very helpful in solving cases and could quickly win the favor of strangers, but it also made her clearly recognize the malice of the murderer and the contempt of her relatives.

This is a gift from God, but it is also a double-edged sword. When she fights with the sword, she will cut herself from time to time. She can only stay away from those who will hurt her and double her efforts to dig out the happiness around her.

Su Yuji didn't know which was better, being clearly in pain or being confusedly happy.

Su Yuji asked: "Have you been facing these things in the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion these days?"

"Not really." Ming Huashang said truthfully, "There are only a few people who gossip about me. Most people treat me as normal. Third Aunt only said these things to Grandmother because she thought there was no one here."

"That's true." Su Yuji was furious just thinking about it, and cursed, "What on earth is Li Huazhang doing? He keeps causing trouble for others, but he is never there when they need him."

Li Huazhang just walked over and heard this. He raised his eyebrows, walked out of the corridor calmly, and asked, "What do you need me to do?"

Ming Huashang was trying to stop Su Yuji when she suddenly heard the person's voice. She was embarrassed and panicked: "No, you heard it wrong."

Su Yuji held down Ming Huashang's hand and said to Li Huazhang directly: "You always say that you regard the Duke of Zhenguo as your father and will protect Ming Huashang for life like a brother. But, do you know that the third house is going to be passed on?"

Li Huazhang was stunned for a moment, and immediately looked at Ming Huashang. Ming Huashang smiled awkwardly and looked away silently.

Li Huazhang's face turned serious and he asked, "What's going on?"

Regardless of whether he really didn't know or was pretending not to know, Su Yuji told Li Huazhang what he had just heard. Li Huazhang was thoughtful after hearing it, and suddenly understood why Ming Huashang was estranged from him.

Could it be that she wanted to stay in the Ming family and accept bribes? Li Huazhang was in a complicated mood for a moment and said, "Mrs. Ming San's words are just her own opinion. I don't think there is anything wrong with accepting bribes. Besides, there is more than one solution to inheriting the title. Ren Yao can inherit the Pingnan Marquis Mansion, why can't you?"

Ming Huashang and Su Yuji were silent, obviously thinking that the possibility was not high. Li Huazhang continued, "The selection of the successor is the business of the Duke of Zhenguo. You are here to think about it, why don't you ask the Duke of Zhenguo what he thinks?"

Ming Huashang subconsciously thought, "Father has enough things to do, why bother him with something like this?"

"You haven't asked him, so how do you know what he thinks?" Li Huazhang said, "I think he would be more reluctant to see you sisters unhappy because of gossip. Let's go, I have something to ask the Duke of Zhenguo, let's go together."

Li Huazhang was calm and composed, and Ming Huashang also slowly relaxed, as if this was no big deal. She turned her head to look at Su Yuji and asked softly, "Sister Yuji?"

In fact, Su Yuji was reluctant to meet the Duke of Zhen, but seeing Ming Huashang's stubborn look, she was worried about letting Ming Huashang go alone.

Maybe after just a few words, Ming Huashang would take other people's feelings into consideration and silently swallow her anger.

Su Yuji knew the importance of money, so she couldn't stand being schemed against for her family property. She didn't necessarily need these things in the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, but it was not someone else's turn to scheme against her.

Su Yuji said firmly, "Let's go."

·

In the incense room, Zheng Guogong took Su Xingzhi aside and asked him about Su Yuji's childhood. Su Xingzhi looked calm, but he was actually very nervous.

He recognized him. This was the mysterious man who always came to see his grandmother when he was a child. Every time this happened, his grandmother would ask Su Xingzhi to take Yu Ji to play far away. Su Xingzhi didn't know what they talked about, but he knew that every time the mysterious man left, the family would suddenly become much richer.

The Su family was able to raise two children and provide for their education every day, all thanks to that mysterious man. Now Su Xingzhi knows that the so-called mysterious man is actually Yu Ji's father.

The Duke of Zhenguo was very kind and had no airs of a duke at all. He asked his daughter about her favorite colors and usual tastes like an ordinary father. However, Su Xingzhi could not relax at all. He bent his back slightly and told the Duke of Zhenguo in detail about Su Yuji's preferences.

Yu Ji will eventually go home, and he hopes she can live in harmony with her real family.

As they were talking, they heard footsteps outside, and then the guard reported: "Duke, Prince Yong and his two ladies are here."

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Zhen immediately let them in. Su Xingzhi was interested and wanted to stand up, but the Duke of Zhen stopped him and said, "Don't leave. I still have a lot to ask you. We are all family, there is no need to be polite."

Li Huazhang came in and nodded slightly when he saw Su Xingzhi. He was polite and calm as usual. He didn't make people feel looked down upon, but he wasn't overly enthusiastic either.

Equality and respect.

Su Xingzhi was infected by Li Huazhang's attitude and felt relieved. Li Huazhang greeted the Duke of Zhenguo and glanced behind him.

Ming Huashang was picking her fingers. She had always been like this when she was nervous. Su Yuji was even more so. She was still looking sullen and awkward. Li Huazhang could only speak for her, "Duke, Shangshang and the others heard the Third Madam and the Old Madam's proposal and wanted to give you the third son as the successor. They couldn't express their opinions because of the elders' face, so they wanted to ask for your opinion."

The Duke of Zhenguo was originally smiling, but his expression gradually turned cold after hearing these words: "What?"

Li Huazhang looked at Ming Huashang and encouraged her to come and talk to the Duke of Zhenguo. Ming Huashang sighed and said, "After Prince Yong left, there is no male left in our family. Grandmother thinks that we need a male heir to inherit the family business, so she is considering finding a successor for my father, or letting my cousin inherit your family."

Su Xingzhi was stunned after listening to this. He thought Yu Ji would have endless love and wealth after returning home, but he never expected that what she faced would be so realistic.

Father remarried stepmother? Step cousin?

Li Huazhang still found it outrageous the second time he heard it. He said, "Not only that, the third wife also mentioned bribery for the two sisters. There are many rumors in the mansion. Shang Shang was afraid that you would worry, so I didn't dare to tell you."

Li Huazhang spoke these thoughts directly, and Ming Huashang felt very embarrassed. She retorted angrily and angrily: "It's not that I don't dare..."

Su Yuji frowned and his heart skipped a beat, thinking that these two people were a perfect match. Su Xingzhi was a little embarrassed and said, "Duke Zhenguo, how about I..."

"No need to avoid it." Duke Zhenguo raised his hand to stop Su Xingzhi and sighed, "I always thought that you were still young and shouldn't be exposed to matters like dividing property. I didn't expect that these rumors would reach your ears. It seems that I, as a father, have failed in my duty. I don't understand Yu Ji as well as Xingzhi, and I don't care about Shang Shang as much as Prince Yong."

Su Yuji snorted coldly and said, "If you have something to say, just talk about it. Don't talk about other people. Who said he understands me?"

Su Xingzhi said, "Yes, Yu Ji's affairs are all decided by her. I only know the basics. Duke Zhenguo, please don't be misled by me."

Duke Zhenguo sighed as he watched the scene. How could he not see that although Su Yuji's tone was disgusting, in her heart, Su Xingzhi was her relative, far more important than her blood father. The same was true for Shangshang. Compared to her father, she seemed more willing to talk to Li Huazhang about her inner thoughts.

This was the retribution he had to bear when he chose to sacrifice his own children to preserve the heir. The Duke of Zhenguo did not have the face to blame his daughters for not standing by him, and said, "I had considered today's situation long before I decided not to marry. I was afraid of revealing the identity of Prince Yong, so I had never told my mother. Now is the time to reveal my cards. The division of the family property is the adults' business, and I will take care of these things, so you don't have to worry. Don't worry, I promised your mother that I would not marry a new wife, nor would I inherit other children."

Ming Huashang was relieved to hear that the Duke of Zhenguo had already made arrangements. Su Yuji was satisfied to hear that he would not be the successor, and turned to leave, but was stopped by the Duke of Zhenguo: "Yuji, your father has something to say to you."

Su Yuji was stunned for a moment, as if hesitating. Ming Huashang reacted very quickly at this time. She ran out and did not forget to pull Li Huazhang with her when she left.

Li Huazhang followed her pace and let her pull him along. Ming Huachang ran through a corridor and stopped to catch her breath. Only then did she realize why she was pulling Li Huazhang.

Ming Huashang pretended to wipe her sweat and quietly let go of Li Huazhang's hand. The person behind her chuckled, reached out and brushed away her hair that had been scattered while she was running, and said, "You little heartless thing, you're just throwing it away after you use it?"

Ming Huashang was embarrassed, but she still pretended to be calm and said, "No way. I just think that Prince Yong is of noble status, and it's disrespectful for me to push him."

Li Huazhang glanced at her and said, "When you were making a fuss and insisted on going out before, I didn't think that our Shangshang was such a polite person."

Ming Huashang suddenly felt a little depressed, lowered her head and said, "That was in the past."

Li Huazhang looked at her and suddenly asked, "You suddenly want to draw a line between you and me. Is it because I became the Prince of Yong?"

Ming Huashang lowered her head and said nothing. Li Huazhang looked at her hair and said, "That's it. Why, just because I can't marry into the family, can't I stay with you in the Ming family?"

Ming Huashang was stunned for a moment and quickly glanced at Li Huazhang, only to find that he was looking at her very seriously, his eyes full of curiosity.

Ming Huashang didn't know how he could say the word "into the rich" so calmly, but she was so embarrassed that her scalp numbed. She stammered and said, "No, I didn't think so..."

"That means you don't mind me staying with you for the rest of your life." Li Huazhang skillfully extracted the information he wanted to hear and said, "I can't go against my conscience and say that I'm willing to do anything as long as I can be with you. There are many things in the world that I can't do, but I promise that if you are willing to marry me, I will do my best to maintain our relationship. What you are concerned about is whether your family can live well, and after you marry me, will the world doubt the loyalty of the Duke of Zhenguo, question whether he is seeking a reward for his kindness, etc. In fact, they are also my family, and I am willing to work with you to find a solution."

Ming Huashang did not look up. Li Huazhang could not see her expression and continued to express his feelings: "As a woman, the resistance to inheriting the title of Duke is indeed great, but with the merits of you sisters in saving the emperor, the Ministry of Rites can agree to pass the title to your children. Now I have no real power and cannot promise anything, but I promise you that no matter what happens, the successor of the Duke of Zhenguo can only come from you and Su Yuji's wishes."

Li Huazhang heard a familiar inhalation sound. He leaned over and held Ming Huachang's face. As expected, he saw that she was crying. Li Huazhang sighed and gently wiped her tears: "Why are you crying? I have you, my second brother, to help you with everything."

Ming Huashang disagreed with the Third Lady's statement that her daughter was an outsider, but she had to admit that the current court law did not allow women to inherit the family property. Ren Yao was a special case. She had fought for many years to get to this point. There might be more hardships waiting for her in the future. She was one of the thousands of them, but they might not be lucky enough to become Ren Yao.

Only men can keep the title of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion, so it seems that the only way left for them is to bribe. Ming Huashang can't selfishly let her sister, who has been wandering outside for many years and finally returned home, face these rumors, so she has to do it.

Li Huazhang was the only son of Crown Prince Zhang Huai, so it was impossible for him to be bribed. Even if he agreed, the people of the world would not agree.

Ming Huashang had once accepted her fate, she thought it was God's will that they could not be together, but now Li Huazhang kept showing her that as long as the family worked together to find a solution, many things that seemed to be hopeless could be solved in another way.

Ming Huashang sobbed and said, "But, you could have had someone better..."

Ming Huazhang saw her eyes were red with grievance, but she still said that he could have someone better, and his heart ached. He rarely smiled, held Ming Huashang's shoulders solemnly, and said, "Shangshang, look at me."

Ming Huashang felt that she must be extremely ugly now and was unwilling to face him, but he held Ming Huashang's shoulders tightly, gently but forcefully, not letting her leave. Ming Huashang realized that he would not let her continue to escape, so she could only look into Li Huazhang's eyes hesitantly.

His eyes were like stars, bright and firm, but not scorching. He looked at her seriously and said, "If we use the secular definition, there will always be someone better. However, you are the only one who has left a bond in my life and made me look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. The secular standards of what is good are meaningless to me. In my standards, you are the best."

Ming Huashang blinked, and a tear fell on Li Huazhang's hand. The back of his hand seemed to be burned, and his fingers relaxed. Ming Huashang took the opportunity to turn around and wiped his tears vigorously.

Li Huazhang sighed softly, reached out and held her in his arms, allowing her to cry freely without worrying about being seen. He felt a slight coolness on his chest, but said nothing more, waiting quietly for Ming Huachang to calm down.

Ming Huashang cried for a while, then slowly felt embarrassed. Li Huazhang let her go at the right time, and seeing her eyes dodging, obviously embarrassed, he chuckled and tapped her forehead, jokingly saying, "You still like to think too much. You're so heartless to quarrel with your second brother over such a small matter."