Chapter 30 Cherry

Ming Huazhang held Ming Huashang's handkerchief in his hand, thinking that he had been very generous to Jiang Ling just now, so did he remember to take it when he came to him?

What’s even more infuriating is that she looked innocent, as if she was blaming Ming Huazhang for making a big deal out of nothing.

Ming Huazhang could not help but take a close look at Jiang Ling. Although Jiang Ling was uneducated and had no ambition, he was not bad looking, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, red lips and white teeth. He wore a golden dress, which made him look rich and elegant.

Because he grew up in a luxurious environment, he has a passionate and sincere childishness. He is arrogant and has a clear distinction between likes and dislikes towards outsiders, but once he regards someone as one of his own, he will become completely humble. Even if Ren Yaoming is pretending to be taking advantage of the situation, he is willing to swallow his pride and apologize.

In the capital, there are many young men from noble families who are both talented in literature and martial arts, and have both moral integrity and talent, but there is absolutely no one with a pure heart like Jiang Ling.

At least, Ming Huazhang couldn't be so frank, and I believe Xie Jichuan was the same.

Such a person should be popular among the ladies, and Ming Huashang loves to play and eat... Ming Huazhang couldn't help but think about one thing, could it be that Ming Huashang has a good impression of Jiang Ling?

Ming Huazhang felt even colder at the thought of this. Picking a good husband for Ming Huashang was one of his responsibilities. The man from Jiangling might be good, but, no.

No one noticed the interaction between the two siblings, except Xie Jichuan, who glanced at them indifferently. Jiang Ling was waiting to hear the story excitedly, but he didn't expect Ming Huazhang to look at him with a pair of black eyes, which made him feel creepy. Jiang Ling rubbed his arms and asked in surprise: "What's wrong? Is there something on me?"

Ming Huazhang retracted his gaze and said calmly, "No. Recently, there have been a lot of ghost stories in the Wei family. How much do you know about the Wei family?"

Ming Huashang shook her head. If you asked her about the delicious restaurants in Shendu, she would definitely know them all. But how could Ming Huashang know about the Wei family, which specialized in the business of dead people? As for Ren Yao, she was clueless. Practicing spears occupied most of her time. Although she lived in Luoyang, she knew nothing about this city except for the Pingnan Marquis Mansion.

Jiang Ling, on the other hand, stroked his chin and said, "The puppets they make seem to be pretty good. Many wealthy and powerful people order puppets from them for their funerals."

Ming Huazhang said, "That's right. The head of the Wei family, Wei Yanqing, was originally from Taiyuan Prefecture. Twelve years ago, in the second year of Chuigong, he came to Luoyang and made a living by making puppets. His puppets are carved very delicately. In recent years, his business has grown bigger and bigger. Now he specializes in custom-made puppets for the rich and powerful. His business is good, but he is kind and generous. He donates porridge in years of disaster and incense in years of abundance. Whether in the business world or in the neighborhood, he has a good reputation. I haven't heard that he has offended anyone. But his family is not at peace."

Ming Huashang's ears moved slightly, and she heard a key word, Taiyuan Prefecture. Nanny Su brought her real daughter back to her hometown Taiyuan sixteen years ago, and Wei Yanqing came to Luoyang from Taiyuan Prefecture twelve years ago, so would he know Nanny Su?

Ren Yao was very familiar with this kind of thing, and he understood it immediately: "Another case of wives, concubines, and children seizing the family property?"

"Not exactly." Ming Huazhang said, "He has been praying for a child for many years and donated incense to many Buddhist temples, but he still has no children. So he accepted three disciples. If nothing unexpected happens, the future leader of the Wei family will be chosen from these three."

Jiang Ling asked curiously, "What does this have to do with the haunting of the Wei family?"

"The problem lies among these three disciples." Ming Huazhang said, "Among Wei Yanqing's three disciples, the eldest disciple Wei Moyuan is a man, and the second and third disciples are both women. But at the beginning of the month, the second disciple Wei Baixuan disappeared. After that, rumors of ghosts spread in the Wei family, and people often saw puppets walking around the house. The neighbors of the Wei family privately said that Wei Baixuan was not missing, but dead, and now her soul has returned and attached to the puppet to continue serving the master and fellow disciples."

Ren Yao hissed, and his back felt a little cold. On the contrary, Jiang Ling's eyes lit up: "Really? Is it really a ghost?"

"This is just a rumor," Ming Huazhang added, "You have to listen to it, but you can't believe it completely."

Jiang Ling didn't care, and was immersed in the excitement of catching ghosts. Ming Huashang glanced at Jiang Ling and asked Ming Huazhang: "Second brother, what should we do?"

Xie Jichuan didn't say anything, but he was observing the people at the table. Some people were scared when they heard the strange talk, such as Ren Yao, and some were excited, such as Jiang Ling. Only Ming Huashang's attention was not diverted by the strange incident at all, and she still grasped the most important thing.

Ming Huazhang glanced at Ming Huashang lightly, his eyes were clear and cold, like moonlight falling on a person: "Find out the truth about the haunting ghost."

Ming Huashang was stunned for a moment, and was slow to come to her senses from Ming Huazhang's gaze. She was very surprised: "Ah? Checking for ghosts?"

She thought Ming Huazhang would let them investigate the possible murder case. After all, Ming Huazhang didn't look like someone who believed in ghost stories.

"Yes." Ming Huazhang said slowly, "The news that the puppet of the Wei family has come to life has spread among the people. Now the people of the capital are in a panic. Isn't it the most important thing to find out the truth in time and stabilize the people's hearts?"

Ming Huashang paused, nodded seriously, and said with admiration: "Second brother is right. Second brother has a far-sighted vision and is wholeheartedly serving the people. He is truly a role model for our generation and a pillar of the country!"

Xie Jichuan chuckled, propping up his head, looking like a drunkard, unable to handle the alcohol. He looked at Ming Huashang with sparkling eyes, "Second sister is so nice to Jingzhan. No matter what he says, you think it's good. What about me?"

Ming Huashang didn't even blink, and spoke sweetly: "Thank you, brother, you are so handsome and elegant..."

Ming Huashang was skilled at talking nonsense, but she didn't expect Ming Huazhang to suddenly speak indifferently, interrupting her flattery: "Xuanxiaowei only has responsibilities, not relatives. In the future, when addressing positions, don't be partial."

Ming Huashang glanced at Ming Huazhang quickly and shut up obediently. Xie Jichuan raised his eyebrows and said with a half-smile: "Jingzhan, you heard every word of what my second sister said when she praised you just now, but you interrupted me when it was my turn. I think you are partial to me."

Ming Huazhang calmly placed the token on the table and said, "Then go check it yourself?"

Xie Jichuan's attitude immediately changed. He sat up straight, no longer looking drunk, and said seriously, "General Lang is right."

Ming Huashang tried to ask: "Lang Jiang is..."

Xie Jichuan pointed at Ming Huazhang with a smile: "He. Jingzhan is now a fifth-rank Huaihua Langjiang, and is at a critical juncture of being promoted to the Tianzi level. If he makes meritorious contributions and gets a top-notch evaluation, he can be promoted to the fourth rank and will be directly under the Queen from now on."

Ming Huashang, Ren Yao, and Jiang Ling all looked at Ming Huazhang, each with a different look. Ming Huashang was gratified, her brother was too powerful, what should she do? She wanted to curry favor with him, so she couldn't be blamed, right?

Only Ming Huazhang looked at Xie Jichuan expressionlessly, the ice in his eyes seemed to have substance. At this time, Xie Jichuan realized it belatedly and said with a smile: "This seems to be a secret. But my second sister is not an outsider. If I tell them, you won't be angry, right?"

Ming Huashang quickly interrupted the conversation, "Second brother... No, Lang Jiang, what are we going to do next?"

Ming Huazhang had just said that there was no love affair in Xuanxiao Guard, so Ming Huachang tactfully changed the title to his official position. But then again, Xuanxiao Guard promotions were really fast. Ming Huazhang was only sixteen years old this year, but he had already been promoted to the fifth rank, and was about to move on to the fourth rank. If he followed the orthodox path of the court, even with the family paving the way, it would take at least twenty years to reach the fourth rank.

Once Ming Huazhang had passed this hurdle and became the empress's confidant and could meet the empress directly, the benefits of invisibility would be far beyond what any other official could match. A close minister to the emperor, even if he was a minor official of the ninth rank, would be the prime minister that many sons of noble families would fight for.

No wonder Marquis Jiang An wanted to push Jiang Ling in. Even if he could just make himself familiar to the empress, the benefit to his future career would be immeasurable.

After Ming Huachang sighed, she became more determined to join Xuanxiaowei. She was originally worried that the Xuanxiaowei people would deduct her salary, but if Ming Huazhang became a senior executive, then this worry would no longer exist. Even if she left the Ming family in the future, Ming Huazhang would not kill her out of consideration.

By then, Ming Huachang could do the most leisurely work every month, earn the most stable salary, and live a life of idleness and waiting for death in another place. If others asked her about it, she could proudly say, I have someone above me.

What a wonderful vision! As long as she gets the local level rating, this future will be within her reach.

Ming Huachang thought of this and her smile became more sincere. She thought she was very sensible and had perfectly catered to her boss's wishes, but she didn't expect Ming Huazhang to look at her again, unable to tell her emotions, and said, "The ghost story has a bad influence. We need to clear up the rumors as soon as possible and calm the people. Let's go to Wei's house to investigate first. People outside are making a big fuss about the puppet ghost story. We still need to ask the person involved about the real situation."

Jiang Ling and Ren Yao had been waiting for this sentence. They stood up immediately, but were stopped by Ming Huazhang: "Wait. Don't go out together. Jiang Ling goes first. You and Ren Yao wait for half a minute before going out."

The "you" in Ming Huazhang's words clearly refers to Huachang. Ming Huachang has no objection, but Ren Yao is unwilling: "Why should I follow this playboy?"

Jiang Ling sighed and was not happy anymore: "What's wrong with being a playboy? There are so many people in the capital who want to be playboys but can't be one."

"You still have the nerve to say that you are addicted to treating waste as trash?"

"That's enough." Ming Huazhang said coldly. His voice was not loud, but the other two people became quiet unconsciously when they saw his expression.

Ming Huazhang looked unkind and said, "Do you know where this place is? Your loud quarrel may lead to the exposure of this place. The shop owner, including the people who come here to make contact in the future, may die because of your stupidity. You have the Marquis of Jiang'an Mansion and the Marquis of Pingnan Mansion behind you. Even if your identity is exposed, no one dares to cause trouble to you. But there are not only Marquis Mansions in the world, but also ordinary people who support their families and live on the tip of a knife."

"I don't care why you want to join the Xuanxiao Guard. I will give you one final piece of advice. Once you take this step, you will never be able to go back to your previous life. You will live forever in lies, pretense, and suspicion. If you can't stand it, leave as soon as possible and don't harm other people's lives."

Ming Huazhang's words made everyone silent. Ming Huachang didn't know what Ren Yao and Jiang Ling thought of Xuanxiaowei, but she agreed to join mainly for the salary, but she didn't really feel anything.

It was not until she heard Ming Huazhang's words that she realized that she was about to enter a dark world where killing and betrayal were real, and even that she would live in endless lies in the future.

Ren Yao and Jiang Ling were silent, but surprisingly, neither of them left. Ming Huazhang didn't know whether to be relieved or sorry for them, and said, "Okay, since you understand, let's get started. Remember, hiding your whereabouts is only the simplest step."

Jiang Ling left. Ming Huashang thought that it would be useless to wait for half an hour, so he might as well do something useful. Ming Huashang asked, "Are there really steamed buns here?"

The remaining three looked at her together. Ming Huashang spread her hands and said innocently and seriously, "Although I don't like lamb liver, I've already ordered it, so it would be a waste not to eat it. Do you want some?"

Xie Jichuan sincerely sighed: "Second sister, you are such a wonderful person. I want one."

Ming Huashang thought Xie Jichuan was complimenting her. She looked at Ming Huazhang and said cautiously, "Second brother, or Langjiang, do you want one?"

Ming Huazhang's expression was quite confusing, but his heart was determined. In the end, Ming Huazhang backed down and said helplessly, "It's up to you."

Ming Huachang happily agreed, volunteered to order the dishes, and replaced Ming Huazhang's portion with cherry cakes.

She knew Ming Huazhang would definitely not eat it, but it didn’t matter, she could eat two servings.

Sure enough, when the restaurant brought the dishes, Ming Huazhang found that there were actually four plates, and his expression was indescribable. Ming Huachang was a little embarrassed: "I forgot to ask just now, if you eat here, is it paid for by the government or yourself?"

Xie Jichuan chuckled and laughed so hard that he couldn't help laughing. Ming Huazhang took a deep breath and said, "It's your own expense. I'll pay for it. Let's go quickly after we finish eating."

Ming Huashang responded crisply and immediately picked up the chopsticks to carry out the order. Cherries are in season recently. The dumplings are made of fine flour fried in oil. The cherry inside is still in color and retains its sweet and sour fragrance. Ming Huashang ate three in a row. Seeing that the plate was half empty, she felt a little embarrassed and took one of them to Ming Huazhang attentively: "Second brother, the cherries inside are delicious, you want to try it?"

Xie Jichuan saw this and was about to explain that Huazhang didn't eat fried food, but he saw him peel the skin and eat the cherries inside.

Xie Jichuan and Ming Huashang were both stunned. Ming Huashang was the first to react, thinking that he really was a difficult cat to please, since he only ate the fillings and not the skin.

Ren Yao watched this scene silently. Ming Huashang ate one cherry herself and gave one to Ming Huazhang. Then Ming Huazhang peeled the cherry and ate it. The two people's movements were surprisingly harmonious. Ren Yao didn't know what was going on. He always felt that the taste of the bun in his mouth was weird.

Did the store add more vinegar?

Ming Huachang finished eating the steamed buns, and half a minute had passed. She went out with Ren Yao, feeling satisfied. After the two of them left, Xie Jichuan looked at Ming Huazhang and asked with a half-smile, "You don't eat sweets or fried food?"

Ming Huazhang was calm and graceful, but he was actually a little embarrassed. He had never touched oily food before, but Ming Huachang ate it with such relish, her eyes sparkling, and she said the cherries in it were delicious, so he inexplicably wanted to try it.

He didn't know why he picked up the chopsticks at that time, but it was indeed not bad.

Ming Huazhang couldn't explain his behavior, so he simply didn't explain it. He changed the subject with a cold face: "When we go to the Wei family, don't let them get involved in too many cases. Just send them to do something to kill time. Jiang Ling doesn't need to be assessed, and Er Niang won't pass the assessment. As for that Madam Ren, she is not suitable to be a Xuan Xiao Guard. This case has nothing to do with them, so don't drag them into it."

Xie Jichuan nodded, then smiled, looking at Ming Huazhang with an ambiguous expression: "Let's not talk about Jiang Ling and Ren Yao for now. The fact that my second sister was noticed by Han Jie shows that she is very talented and is naturally suited to this line of work. You don't even ask her, but directly cut off her path, okay?"

"No one is born to live in the shadows." Ming Huazhang said, "All she wants is a stable and peaceful life, and to stay away from Xuan Xiaowei. This kind of place of mutual suspicion and shady dealings should not exist in the first place."

"Then why did you join?"

"What else?" Ming Huazhang looked at him calmly, "Am I supposed to guard this big ship of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion and watch it drift further and further away from the center?"

"But this is a road of no return." Xie Jichuan picked up the teapot and filled the teacup next to Ming Huazhang. He said, "Why are three newcomers with such complicated backgrounds, including your twin sister, assigned to you? Don't you think about it?"

This is a good question. Ming Huazhang picked up the teacup, but did not drink it. Instead, he slowly rubbed the patterns on it. His white fingertips pressed against the plain porcelain embryo, which was even more beautiful than Yue porcelain: "Then why did you reveal that I was at the key point of the Ascension Level?"

Xie Jichuan didn't say anything, but Ming Huazhang said it for him: "Because you want to keep them, at least keep Jiangling. If I fail, surrendering to Princess Taiping is still a way out."

Xie Jichuan sighed: "There is only one word difference between heaven and earth, but there is a world of difference. It is not easy to meet the Queen. This is just the beginning. If you insist on being promoted, this kind of thing will never end in the future. Do you have to go on?"

Ming Huazhang looked at the pure and elegant Yue porcelain in his hand and thought of the cherries just now. There were many things he had never tried but thought he would hate, but in fact, they might not be the case.

Ming Huazhang finally put down his teacup and said, "In the end, one of the Li and Wu families will die, and the other will live. The King of Wei has already issued a challenge, so why should I flee without a fight?"