Chapter 21: The Flower Banquet

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Shen Li had thought that this matter would set off a bloody storm.

Gu Sheng’s reasonable explanation and pitiful act made Zhong Ning forgive him on the spot.

When Shen Li heard the news, she was in awe.

What kind of magic potion did Gu Sheng give Zhong Ning?

Shen Li did not look for Gu Sheng about this. Instead, Ming Yue was not the one who could not sit still.

She knew that Gu Sheng was not a good person. He had hidden it so well and the revelation had even scared Zhong Ning, even if for just a moment. Who knew what else he was up to?

Ming Yue went to confront Gu Sheng with a flurry of words, but Gu Sheng did not react at all. It was as if she was not addressing him.

Ming Yue threw one last attempt with an impassioned speech.

“I really don’t know why Madam would believe your words.”

Gu Sheng’s previous nonchalance was gone. He finally replied Ming Yue in earnest.

“She’s willing to believe me because I’ve never done anything to hurt her. Do you agree?”

Ming Yue was stumped. The events of the past three years flashed through her mind. Gu Sheng had indeed sheltered Zhong Ning to the point that she was mostly ignorant of the world.

Ming Yue sheepishly fell silent.

It was precisely why Shen Li had not confronted Gu Sheng about it. She had seen enough to have a good guess of the situation.

In spite of his cold demeanor, he had treated Zhong Ning extremely well. For the past three years, he had protected Zhong Ning and the entire household.

She had no reason to stand in the way of that.

..

With the help of Gu Sheng and his men, the acquisition of the land and shops went quite smoothly.

They acted decisively. At Gu Sheng’s command, they broke through any form of obstacles with sheer brute force.

They caused such a commotion that there were even rumors that the bandits had stormed the city.

Shen Li sat back and enjoyed the fruits of their labor. Even so, she did not slack off. She carefully studied the fields and shops and chose some that had no room for appreciation to be sold first.

She was preparing to invest in the better ones, especially the Celebration Restaurant. Although the chef had run away with the original owner, she had no intention of using the original staff.

That shop was a hot spot. She had to make something out of it.

Shen Li was satisfied. She felt that a beautiful life was beckoning to her.

However, before she could begin to implement her own plan to get rich, she suddenly received an invitation from the palace.

“A flower banquet?”

Shen Li’s original memories gave her some ideas about this annual banquet. It was held by the Empress, and anyone who received an invitation had to be present. Shen Li and Zhong Ning were no exception.

However, she had always been an invisible backdrop. Basically, she would head out with Zhong Ning for a meal and then slink home without leaving a trace.

Shen Li had no interest of attending this dreary affair of backhanded, snide comments. If anything, she was a little worried about it.

It was said that sitting with a King was like being locked up in a cage with a tiger. The Emperor was the master of this world. If he did not like how you looked at him, he could take your head off with a single tilt of his head.

Ever since she came here, she had only dealt with harmless fools like Jin Changqing and Mrs. Jin. She was not sure about royalty.

…

At the Mansion of Scholars, Shen Jiao was far more excited.

Her face was flushed, and her tone was several octaves higher than usual.

“Mother, didn’t you and the Empress Dowager already decide on my marriage? Are they bestowinga marriage upon us?”