The beauty of the Hou family and the king's plan

"What did you say? Is this what your young lady meant?" Xue Sheng stared at Caiwei. Caiwei swallowed and nodded solemnly.

Xue Sheng's big reaction attracted the attention of Jin Yuxin, "What happened to Xue Fox?"

Xue Sheng waved his hand hurriedly, "Nothing, my little sister asked me to pack up the food from the restaurant and take it back."

After saying this, he said goodbye to Jin Yuxin, and in an attempt to cover up his mistake, he instructed the servant to go to the kitchen and order a few side dishes to be sent to the Princess's Mansion.

Xue Sheng hurriedly followed Caiwei to Duan Ning's courtyard and rushed in without waiting for the report to be completed. He was eager to find Duan Ning and ask her clearly.

Who would have thought that Shen Baozhao was also in Duan Ning's bedroom, and felt a little embarrassed.

After exchanging greetings with Shen Baozhao, he flicked his sleeves, put his hands behind his back, and stared at Duan Ning with a stern face, "Come out now."

He walked out of the bedroom first, went to the study room on the side, and sat behind the desk.

When Duan Ning heard the noise, she thought her brother had brought Mei Qianhe here so quickly, and was complaining in her heart why he didn't give her some time to wash and dress up.

But when he stretched his neck, he didn't see anyone following Xue Sheng, so he pouted in disappointment, followed Xue Sheng to the study and started complaining.

"Didn't I ask you to help me invite Mei Qianhe? Why did you come back alone? Did Caiwei not explain clearly?"

Xue Sheng said unhappily: "How dare you say that? Even if I invite him here, will I bring him directly to your yard to meet you privately?

Brains are a good thing, but you don’t have one.”

"Just talk about the matter, why attack me personally? You've been very successful lately, and you'll be marrying your sister-in-law soon.

Don't you allow me to find a suitable husband? As a brother, don't you care about your sister's lifelong affairs? "

Duan Ning retorted. Xue Sheng was stunned by what he said, and explained with a little embarrassment: "It's not that I don't want to invite Mei Qianhe for you, it's just that he is not in Kyoto these days."

Duan Ning showed a look of regret. Xue Sheng noticed that his sister was in a bad mood and added: "He was sent on a business trip by the Ministry of Revenue. It is said that he will be promoted after returning from this business trip.

I have been gone for quite some time, and I heard that I will return to Kyoto today."

"Wait a minute, I will help you find out what Mei Qianhe thinks."

Xue Sheng naturally cared about his sister as well. He had reviewed almost all the portraits of outstanding men in Kyoto, and only after his approval would they be sent to Duan Ning's desk.

Duan Ning's marriage has now become the top priority for the whole family.

Since she has someone she likes, and the familiar Mei Qianhe, Xue Sheng certainly would not object.

No matter what, Mei Qianhe has a clean family background, good character, and is polite. He is highly regarded by his superiors and is a good candidate.

This girl has a good taste! Xue Sheng also admired her in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face, for fear that the praise would make Duan Ning even more lawless.

"You don't need to help me. I'll go ask him myself." Duan Ning said with determination.

Xue Sheng did not comment. He had been busy with some things recently. The Northern Di border had been very stable since the beginning of summer.

The emperor intended to recall the Duke of Lu, and Beidi sent the second prince to accompany the Duke of Lu to the court for an audience.

The emperor also summoned him privately to ask whether he was willing to accompany the Minister of Rites to welcome the envoy.

Xue Sheng guessed that this cheap uncle was not happy with his continued idleness and was also afraid of being gossiped about by members of the royal family, saying that he disliked his own nephew.

That's why he was assigned such a task. After this matter is over, he might be given a nominal position in the Ministry of Rites.

On the one hand, it can shut up the royal family members, and on the other hand, it can do good to the Princess's Mansion and the Xue Family.

Xue Sheng didn't care at first, but when he thought about getting married soon and having a good position, he agreed.

"You shouldn't be too reckless." Xue Sheng warned Duan Ning. His sister was good in every way except that she was spoiled by her elders and was fearless.

She had never been into any big trouble, and she had never been out of small trouble. He had no idea how many messes he had cleaned up for her since she was a child.

So it is true that brothers and sisters are here to collect debts.

Duan Ning saw that Xue Sheng had started talking again and seemed to be ready to talk for a while.

He hurriedly pulled him up from the chair and pushed him out: "Oh, I know, I know."

"Okay, I'm fine here. There are guests here, you should leave quickly." He pushed the door while pointing towards the bedroom.

Xue Sheng thought of Shen Baozhao who was still waiting in the bedroom. After all, it was impolite to keep the guest waiting for a long time.

Then he walked out of the yard.

When Shen Baozhao saw Duan Ning coming back with a listless look on his face, he knew that things had not worked out.

"What's wrong?" Shen Baozhao asked.

Duan Ning never hides anything in front of Shen Baozhao. At this moment, she is like an eggplant hit by frost. She doesn't even take off her embroidered shoes and lies directly on the beauty bed.

"Bao Zhao, do you think Mei Qianhe will like me?"

Shen Baozhao shook his head. Duan Ning's brows were almost knotted: "Sure enough, even you think Mei Qianhe won't like me."

"No, what I mean is that I can't answer this question." Shen Baozhao said calmly.

"Only Mei Qianhe knows what he is thinking. It is useless for you to speculate secretly and deny yourself.

It's better not to think about it, and ask him next time you have the chance to see him."

"If he is like you, then everyone will be happy. If not..."

Before Shen Baozhao finished speaking, Duan Ning continued, "If not, I would not have insisted. I have always been able to let go of things, so I will never be a woman who cries and wails."

Shen Baozhao felt that Duan Ning was so free and easy, and this was her truest thought.

The pride of royal blood is like engraved in the bones.

This reminded Shen Baozhao of Xiao Yuanhuai again. They had the same royal blood, but his temperament was even more unbridled and arrogant.

He has an innate attitude of seeing through everything and looking down on everything.

She was mesmerized by his extraordinary charm, which made her continue to fall in love with him until she was able to give him everything.

But she still lacks Duan Ning's free and easy attitude. Even now, she would still be interested in anyone or anything that is slightly related to him, even if it is just a word or an object.

Anything that reminds her of Xiao Yuanhuai would involuntarily appear in her mind.

This is not good at all!

She should learn from Duan Ning how to let go.

The two were talking happily when the maidservant beside the eldest princess came to report.

It turned out that the eldest princess had returned home and brought first-hand information from the palace.

The next day, the empress dowager arranged a flower-viewing banquet in the palace and invited the families of officials above the fourth rank to attend.

This news shocked both Shen Baozhao and Duan Ning.

This is the largest banquet held since Shen Baozhao's rebirth.

It was held in the palace, and the requirements were completely different from the last birthday banquet for the eldest princess.

The banquet at the Princess's Mansion was casual and relaxed.

The empress dowager has always paid great attention to women's behavior, and the palace rules are strict. If one is not careful, at best her reputation will be ruined, and at worst her family members will be implicated.

Shen Baozhao was actually impatient to participate, thinking that he could just pretend to be sick and avoid it.

But Duan Ning knew that she had no choice and would not be able to be absent.