Golden Branch

"Whether it's true or not, I will help Mr. Lou prepare!"

Wang Mian pursed his lips and silently pulled out a piece of white paper.

The servants around him helped to grind the paper. Wang Mian picked up a brush from the pen holder, dipped it in ink, and began to write.

After traveling through more than ten years, all the things that happened in the future have long been forgotten.

However, some memories that are deeply rooted in the soul can never be erased.

Swish swish!

Wang Mian filled up almost the entire page, writing down all his guesses and the horror of something.

Wang Mian was particularly detailed about the efficacy of this substance and the dire consequences it might cause.

Putting down the pen, the servant stepped forward and carefully set the paper aside, waiting for the ink to dry.

"Bring me some more paint!"

Words alone are not enough!

Wang Mian studied painting under Shen Du for more than ten years.

Perhaps she is not as good as Lou Yu and Wang Heng, but she is much better than some talented poets and painters.

She mixed the paint herself and began to paint carefully.

We must be thankful that in later generations of the Celestial Empire, popular science about this thing has been deeply rooted in people’s minds.

Even after more than ten years, and even without any reference, Wang Mian can still draw this object pretty much the same.

Looking at the gorgeous flowers on the drawing paper, Wang Mian let out a long sigh: "I hope I'm just overthinking it! Maybe this kind of thing doesn't exist!"

Otherwise, it is very likely to cause a disaster!

A quarter of an hour later, the ink was all dry.

Wang Mian folded both pieces of paper carefully and put them in a small box.

"I'll find a time in two days and send it to Ajiu!"

……

When Wang Mian arrived at the Duke of Qi's mansion, the doorman invited Wang Mian in without even waiting to be informed.

When the servants inside the second gate saw Wang Mian, they all bowed and the housekeeper respectfully welcomed her into the courtyard.

"What a coincidence that my lady has come today! Madam Chen has also come to pay her respects to the princess!"

The housekeeper said in a low voice as she respectfully led the way.

"Mrs. Chen? Mrs. Sixteen is here?!"

Wang Mian and Zheng Shiliu are not of the same age, and they are a bit like senior and junior.

However, after all these years of getting along, Sixteenth Mother followed Thirteenth Mother and became close to Wang Mian.

When Zheng Shiliu got married, Wang Mian also sent a generous dowry.

After the marriage, Wang Mian would also visit the Chen family as the young wife of the Marquis's son to support Zheng Shiliu.

Wang Mian was willing to take care of Zheng Shiliu, a sister who was a few years younger than her, not only because of their long-term friendship, but also because Zheng Shiliu was smart and clear-headed enough.

It is not easy for a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl to resist the temptation of wealth and make a firm choice.

"...Perhaps, Zheng Shiliu's starting point wasn't high enough, but he could live a better life!"

If you don't marry into a wealthy family, it seems that you will suffer.

But don't forget that Zheng Shiliu is the princess's companion, and behind her are the Duke of Qi's Mansion, the Princess's Mansion, and the Prince Rui's Mansion.

Even Princess Wang Mian would help her.

She will not really suffer, but she can have an absolute upper hand in her husband's family.

With Wang Heng and Lou Yu as his backers, Zheng Shisan never has to worry about having a bad life.

Will the husband she helped to rise to prominence change his heart after gaining power?

Oh, unless Chen Yan can sit in a position higher than Lou Yu and possess power more noble than that of a princess.

is it possible?

Wang Mian and other people who are familiar with Lou Yu think it is impossible!

Lou Yu's background, the heights he has reached now, and his almost extraordinary talents, not to mention that Chen Yan is now an eighth-rank official, even the emperor's new favorite like Zhou Jiming cannot surpass him.

Unless Lou Yu dies early, he will be the backer of all those who follow him!

Wang Mian thought to himself, but did not stop walking.

Soon, she arrived at the main courtyard.

After walking to the corridor, Wang Mian took off his shoes and put on only his clothes, then slowly walked into the main hall.

"Amian is here!"

Seeing Wang Mian, Wang Heng smiled and waved at her, "Come and sit down! The chef made milk smoothies today!"

It's already May and the heat is getting worse.

In the huge main room, there are ice basins in the four corners, and there is also an ice jar near the seats.

The ice was piled high, emitting wisps of cold air.

There are compartments on the ice jar, and fruits, tea, etc. are placed in each compartment.

With air conditioning, chilled fruits, and smoothies, the heat wave outside does not affect the people in the hall at all.

"That's what they call arriving early is worse than arriving at the right time. I'm in for a treat!"

Wang Mian sat down with a smile, took the bowl of ice served by the maid, and chatted with Wang Heng for a few words.

Seeing Wang Mian start to taste the smoothie, Wang Heng turned around and continued the conversation with Zheng Shiliu.

"Princess, what you said that day, my husband is really looking forward to it."

Zheng Shiliu had already greeted Wang Mian. When he saw Wang Heng turn her head, he knew that the princess was waiting for her to speak.

She bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Princess, my lord, please grant me your blessing!"

A hint of admiration flashed in Wang Heng's eyes. She was indeed the one chosen by Shiliu Niang. She was insightful and also dared to take risks.

"Nanzhou is remote and not a prosperous place. Going there will be hardship! Shiliu Niang, has Mr. Chen really made up his mind?"

"Princess, I've made up my mind! My husband and I are both willing to go to Nanzhou."

Zheng Shiliu's still childish face was filled with determination: "Chang'an is prosperous, but considering your age and qualifications, you are only able to become an eighth-rank official. This is thanks to the princess and Mr. Lou."

"If you want to be promoted, you have to endure it!"

Officials in Beijing are indeed more honorable and respectable than those in local areas, but they need to accumulate experience.

In various government offices, it is no longer just one position for one person, but rather one position has several people watching over it.

Chen Yan's family background is not prominent, so even with the care of Mr. Lou, he cannot always rely on noble people.

He still needs to work hard on his own.

This trip to Nanzhou is an excellent opportunity.

Admittedly, Nanzhou does have too many daunting and harsh conditions, but——

"Princess, you and Mr. Lou have both condescended to come to Nanzhou. Are you and I more noble than you two?"

"My dear husband, he said that the person he admires and respects the most in his life is his Master Lou. As long as Master Lou allows, he will follow him until death!"

It not only explains that the couple is willing to go to Nanzhou, but also shows their sincerity.

Wang Heng, as well as Wang Mian who was watching, couldn't help but nod secretly: Shiliu Niang is still so insightful, and her husband seems to be a wise man too!

"Okay! If that's the case, I'll tell you. In two days, there should be an appointment from the Ministry of Personnel."

"Thank you, Princess, and thank you, Mr. Lou!"

Zheng Shiliu bowed to express his gratitude, then said goodbye and left.

After Zheng Shiliu's back disappeared, Wang Mian looked at Wang Heng: "Ajiu, you, you are going to Nanzhou too?"

"My husband and I are one, and we are inseparable."

Wang Mian was very thankful that she had prepared the "treasure bag" in advance. Otherwise, if something went wrong when Di Zhanggui went to Lingnan, she would definitely regret it...