“Half a pill won’t kill anyone,” Murong Chen snapped irritably. “We must silence them, or if word gets out, we’ll all be dead!”
Chen Qi felt as if his soul had fled his body, trembling all over. “But the elderly, weak, women, and children in the mansion… what if they can’t withstand the effects of the medicine?”
Murong Chen’s gaze turned icy. “If you keep spouting nonsense, this prince will feed you a few pills first!”
Chen Qi’s heart skipped a beat, and he turned and fled.
Cheng Lan felt a chill run through her entire body, her feet involuntarily retreating.
Poisoning everyone in the mansion—how dare he!
If anything went wrong, how many would die!
This was nothing like the gentle, refined nobleman she had known before—it was clearly a demon in human skin!
Perhaps she had been wrong. She shouldn’t have let Cheng Yao take her place in the marriage…
“Lan’er, don’t be afraid.” Murong Chen rubbed his face, forcing out a smile uglier than a grimace. “This prince was caught off guard by the sudden bad news and acted rashly. I frightened you.”
He reached out, but Cheng Lan instinctively avoided his hand, murmuring softly, “Will you make me take the medicine too?”
As soon as she asked, she regretted it. Human hearts couldn’t withstand testing—wasn’t she just inviting humiliation by asking such a question?
Murong Chen was taken aback, thinking for a moment before replying, “How could that be? You and I are husband and wife, bound as one. If something happens to this prince, you too…”
He suddenly realized his words were inappropriate and fell silent.
And Cheng Lan’s anxious heart finally sank into despair.
Yes, their fates were tied together. He wasn’t worried she would betray him, so he wouldn’t make her take the medicine.
Not out of affection or reluctance.
Her disappointed, sorrowful expression made Murong Chen feel both guilty and ashamed. He said awkwardly, “Lan’er, with such a major incident happening in the mansion, this prince must go deal with it. You should return to your room and rest.”
Cheng Lan nodded. Only after he left did she belatedly recall: earlier, the commander had said the entire Treasury had already been emptied?
Didn’t that mean they had nothing left?!
She had schemed so hard to marry into this household, only to end up with an empty mansion?
No—if this matter wasn’t handled properly, she might not even keep her life!
At this thought, Cheng Lan felt her blood run cold, as if she had fallen into an icy abyss.
…
Cheng Yao wanted to go back to sleep, but her maid roused her to dress and prepare.
Once ready, Cheng Yao stepped out, accompanied by her maid and an elderly matron.
The autumn wind of August blew, swaying the red lanterns hanging under the eaves.
Cheng Yao looked up and saw Zhan Haoting sitting upright in his wheelchair. It seemed he had been waiting for some time.
He had a handsome, masculine face with long, beautiful phoenix eyes that tilted slightly upward at the corners. He exuded an aura of aggression, yet also carried an air of righteous integrity, as if capable of cleansing the world of all gloom and sin.
It was like in the land of her previous life—no matter how dire or uncertain the situation, the sight of a military uniform brought immense peace of mind.
So, she quite liked Zhan Haoting, especially when she saw him being cold and aloof. She really wanted to kiss his sensual lips… and, well, do this and that with him…
Damn, why was she so lustful, her mind filled with indecent thoughts!
Cheng Yao couldn’t bring herself to look directly at Zhan Haoting, guiltily averting her eyes.
It was only then that she noticed several extra carriages behind him.
“Mother prepared the gifts for your return visit,” Zhan Haoting said.
Cheng Yao’s eyes widened. Wasn’t this a bit excessive?
So many gifts just for a return visit?
These past two days, Madam Zhan hadn’t come to bother her, which showed she was a decent person—at least not a troublemaker. Now she was giving her so many things—this cheap mother-in-law was generous and easy to get along with!
Of course, she wouldn’t take these gifts from her cheap mother-in-law for nothing. She’d return them twofold later.
“You’re so kind, Mother.” Cheng Yao’s words were sweet, and so was she, like a gentle spring breeze that brought joy to those around her.
She tilted her head to look at Zhan Haoting. “You’re so busy—are you still accompanying me for the homecoming visit?”
Zhan Haoting’s eyes were deep, filled with scrutiny.
The young lady wore a simple, plain dress, which somewhat subdued her radiant and captivating appearance but added an innocent, alluring charm.
As far as he knew, Murong Chen had a preference for white clothes.
And today, for the third-day homecoming visit, Murong Chen would also be there…
His eyes flickered. “Does the Princess Consort not wish for this prince to accompany her?”
Huh?
Cheng Yao’s bright, sparkling eyes showed confusion. “Why would you think that? A husband accompanying his wife for the third-day homecoming visit is a sign of respect for her. I couldn’t be happier that you’re taking time out of your busy schedule to accompany me.”
The young lady certainly knew how to speak.
Zhan Haoting’s brow was slightly cold, but his voice was clear and smooth like flowing water. “It is also this prince’s honor to accompany the Princess Consort back.”
Cheng Yao’s eyes curved into crescents. “Then let’s hurry.”
She wondered if Murong Chen and Cheng Lan would return—she was looking forward to the show.
A guard stepped forward and lifted the carriage curtain. Zhan Haoting wheeled his chair over, placed his hands on the carriage door, and leaped lightly into the carriage. His movements were graceful and effortless, not a single strand of hair out of place, without any trace of the awkwardness one might expect from someone with a disability.
Cheng Yao admired people who remained calm and composed even in adversity.
They possessed strong inner resilience, extraordinary patience, and adaptability—born survivors.
She admired strength, and she was feeling a little flutter—ah, what should she do?!
The carriage moved forward slowly, swaying gently.
Cheng Yao couldn’t help herself and stole glances at Zhan Haoting from time to time. His face was flawless from every angle, breathtakingly handsome, enough to topple cities and captivate nations. She felt that even the top celebrities and idols of later generations couldn’t compare.
Heaven, please let him survive…
…
The General’s Mansion was still decorated with lanterns and banners, filled with festive cheer.
It was no wonder—today was the homecoming visit for the two young ladies of the mansion. Their two sons-in-law, one the illustrious War King and the other the Second Prince, beloved by Your Majesty, were the most powerful nobles in Great Feng. Who among the court officials wouldn’t envy them?
Relatives of the Cheng family, both close and distant, also shamelessly brought gifts.
Cheng Jiahui was in high spirits, hosting twenty tables at home to entertain the clan.
In the study, an elder of the clan said, “Jiahui, having two daughters married so well brings glory to our ancestors. Who in the entire capital can compare to your prestige? In my opinion, you should host eighty or a hundred tables to show those who once looked down on us that our family has become noble and distinguished imperial relatives!”
Cheng Jiahui waved his hand with a smile. “Ah, humility brings benefits, while pride invites loss. It’s better to keep a low profile.”
Another younger clansman disagreed. “Uncle Cheng, that’s not how it is. Your Majesty intends to support the Second Prince. As his father-in-law, even if you can’t contribute much, at the very least, you shouldn’t hold him back.”
These words made Cheng Jiahui and his wife, Wang Qiuniang, beam with joy, though they modestly replied, “The Second Prince is a dragon among men. Anything I do might be superfluous and only burden him. Let’s not talk about this today. Come, have some tea.” Everyone knew he was cautious with his words, so they didn’t press the topic further.
Someone flattered, “If the Second Prince ascends the throne, Yao’er will become the empress who rules over the realm. Uncle Cheng, you will then be the father of the nation! Your fortune is like the endless flow of a mighty river, a rare and supreme honor in this world. Moreover, this is a once-in-a-millennium blessing for the family. You are like the towering pillar that upholds the family’s glory, your fame spreading far and wide, leaving a legacy for generations.”
Cheng Jiahui and Wang Qiuniang’s smiles faded slightly. Other clan members silently remarked that this person had flattered the wrong way, but Cheng Jiahui said, “It is not Yao’er who is marrying the Second Prince, but Lan’er. Be careful not to say the wrong thing later and displease the Second Prince.”