Chapter 140: A Heartbreaking Love Affair? Revised.
...This time, Ye Mingzhu had to admit that it was true.
Fortunately, the bathtub was big enough that the two of them could move around comfortably while taking a bath together; otherwise, Sheng Yunche's new ideas would not have been possible.
Erotic art couldn't restrain him; I don't know what could.
The water rippled.
The ground was wet from spilled water.
Ye Mingzhu's face was flushed and burning from the hot water. She leaned weakly against Sheng Yunche's chest, letting him serve her with boundless energy.
Although she didn't have to exert any effort, just enduring his passion took a lot of energy, and soon she was so tired that she couldn't move a single finger.
However, Sheng Yunche became even more demanding.
Not content with just causing mischief in the bathroom, they made the water in the tub get cold. Finally, the two lay down on the bed, and still not satisfied, Sheng Yunche dragged her to do it again.
In the very end, only one thought remained in Ye Mingzhu's mind: Is this the physical strength of a martial artist?
That bastard Sheng Yunche, he's really good at hiding his true colors!
She had previously worried that he was frail and that he wouldn't live much longer.
...
A few days later, Ye Mingzhu arranged a coming-of-age banquet for Sheng Wan'er.
In stark contrast to the dismal wedding banquet of Sheng Huai'an at the Hesheng Mansion, Sheng Wan'er's coming-of-age ceremony was a joyous occasion.
The Duchess of Rongguo personally attended the ceremony, and Madam Qin, as the principal guest, helped Sheng Wan'er put on her hairpin.
As the coming-of-age banquet was drawing to a close, His Highness the Crown Prince arrived and ordered lavish gifts to be presented, which caused quite a stir among the guests.
Some people speculate that His Highness the Crown Prince has taken a fancy to Sheng Wan'er and wants to take her as a concubine.
After all, Sheng Wan'er was beautiful and gentle, a very likable girl.
However, His Highness the Crown Prince's close relationship with Sheng Yunche immediately dispelled these thoughts...
It was only then that everyone suddenly remembered that although Sheng Yunche was "famous" and people always said that he was unpredictable and extremely violent, he had been the Crown Prince's tutor since childhood, and they had a bond from childhood.
He used to be sickly, in poor health, and looked like he wouldn't live much longer. But now, he's full of energy, his eyes gleaming, showing that he's recovered greatly and his career will surely be smoother in the future.
Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Duke of Wei's mansion may become even more illustrious than before!
This sparked interest among many ladies, who began to inquire about Sheng Wan'er's marriage, revealing their desire to arrange a marriage.
However, Sheng Wan'er's marriage had already been arranged; it was with Xiang Tiancheng from the Xiang family.
Xiang Tiancheng was a martial artist, decisive and efficient. After taking a liking to Sheng Wan'er, he asked his family to inquire about the attitude of the Duke of Wei's mansion. After receiving a positive reply, he immediately sent an official matchmaker to discuss the wedding date.
They've finished exchanging gifts over the past few months, and in about six months, the two will get married before the end of the year.
To show their respect for her, the Xiang family arranged for Madam Xiang to attend her coming-of-age ceremony in person, even though Xiang Tiancheng was unable to attend due to official business. She was accompanied by the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xiang family and Xiang Hongying.
Upon hearing this good news, everyone present offered their congratulations.
This made Sheng Wan'er blush deeply.
...
After the coming-of-age banquet ended, the guests departed.
The Xiang family did not leave in a hurry.
During a private chat between the two families, Xiang Hongying, being very outspoken, directly addressed Sheng Wan'er as "sister-in-law."
"Third Sister-in-law, look, this is a gift I carefully selected for you." She took out a beautiful summer dress and gave it to Sheng Wan'er, and then stuffed a wooden box into her hand. "Third Brother asked me to bring this to you, hehe."
She smiled slyly, winking and making faces.
Everyone present was amused by her.
Looking at Sheng Wan'er's flushed face, Ye Mingzhu couldn't help but laugh, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
Like her, she was also someone whose fate was influenced by "storybooks." Her fate changed, and so did Sheng Wan'er's. I hope that Sheng Wan'er can have a happy life.
Although it appears that she helped Sheng Wan'er, in reality, Sheng Wan'er was also part of her fight against the "fate of the storybook".
Xiang Hongying hugged Sheng Wan'er's arm and said coquettishly, "Sister Wan'er, do you want to hear about my third brother? You must want to know, right? If you want to know, why don't you let me stay here for a day, and I'll tell you everything I know!"
Madam Xiang quickly said, "Stop being cheeky. Don't bother your sister Wan'er, or you'll expose all of your third brother's dirty secrets."
Another burst of laughter followed.
"How could it be a disturbance?" Xiang Hongying said coquettishly. "Mother, I'm getting married soon, and it's rare to have such a relaxing time. Please let me have some fun. I'm perfectly safe in the Duke of Wei's mansion, so you don't need to worry about me."
Madam Xiang naturally disagreed: "If you keep making such a racket, you might blow the roof off the Duke of Wei's mansion."
Xiang Hongying pouted.
Ye Mingzhu smiled and said, "Mrs. Xiang, Hongying and I get along very well. I'm happy that she wants to stay for a day or two. Even if she blows the roof off, I'll just fix it for her."
Madam Xiang couldn't help but burst out laughing, and Madam Xiang's shoulders trembled with laughter.
Xiang Hongying persisted in her efforts, and Madam Xiang finally agreed to let her stay at the Duke of Wei's mansion for a day or two to enjoy herself.
After dinner, Madam Xiang and Madam Xiang went home first.
Ye Mingzhu sat in the flower room with Sheng Wan'er and Xiang Hongying. The three of them drank tea, ate snacks, and chatted.
To Ye Mingzhu's surprise, yet not entirely, Xiang Hongying also had her own situation.
She had previously warned Xiang Hongying to be careful of petty thieves, fearing that she might be kidnapped and humiliated by a cunning general from a humble background, just like in the stories.
After the Xiang family strengthened their precautions, Xiang Hongying remained safe and sound, and never had any dreams related to "storybooks" despite her changed fate.
Unexpectedly, the general from humble beginnings still appeared.
Once, when Xiang Hongying went out for a stroll, she was almost injured by a runaway horse. Fortunately, a poor but talented general named Zhou Lin appeared in time, reined in the horse, and saved Xiang Hongying from injury.
The two became acquainted because of this.
Because of the significant difference between men and women, the two did not develop a close relationship. Minister Qin met with Zhou Lin on his behalf, presented him with a gift of gratitude, and secretly offered him assistance within the officialdom.
“My father said that Zhou Lin has a good character and will definitely have a bright future. If I am willing to marry him, he would be a good husband choice,” Xiang Hongying said.
"So what do you think?" Ye Mingzhu asked.
"Hmm..." Xiang Hongying rested her chin on her hand and thought for a moment, "I have a pretty good impression of him, and he's quite pleasing to the eye. Besides, he always blushes whenever he sees me, which I find quite amusing."
When Zhou Lin was mentioned, Xiang Hongying smiled.
The person in the storybook who was imprisoned, forced, and had a deeply abusive relationship with Zhou Lin seems to be a different person.
Ye Mingzhu couldn't help but ponder: the storybook featuring Xiang Hongying and Zhou Lin as the male and female protagonists was about "forced love," and Zhou Lin was the one who forced Xiang Hongying. Now, Zhou Lin had put away his domineering nature, and his character had even been praised by Grand Secretary Qin. Was this his true nature, or was he just putting on an act?
Xiang Hongying added, "By the way, Zhou Lin once told me that he had a dream about me."
Zhou Lin's dream?
Ye Mingzhu immediately perked up and asked curiously, "What did he dream about?"
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