I fulfilled the female supporting role's wish and I succeeded

The news that Changbai and Changfeng were admitted to high school spread back to the Sheng Mansion as quickly as the spring breeze.

Upon hearing the good news, Sheng Hong beamed and exclaimed, "Great! Great! Great!"

Wang Ruofu burst into tears of joy, clasped her hands together, and bowed devoutly toward heaven again and again: "Thank you, Bodhisattva, for your blessings! Thank you, Bodhisattva, for your blessings!"

Lin Qinshuang was even more smiling, twisting her waist and ordering the servants: "Quick, go to the door to light firecrackers, and prepare more red envelopes, and give them to everyone you see!"

The servants moved at the sound, and for a moment, firecrackers rang out inside and outside the Sheng Mansion, gongs and drums were loud, and the atmosphere was full of joy.

Sheng Hong waved his hand and announced proudly, "Today, the Sheng Mansion will hold a grand banquet to celebrate the two brothers' high school admission!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Old Madam Sheng walked out of the inner hall slowly, leaning on her cane.

Her face was solemn and her tone was low: "Hong'er, I'm afraid this is not appropriate."

Sheng Hong was stunned, his smile frozen on his face: "Mother, what do you mean?"

Old Madam Sheng glanced at the crowd and spoke slowly, "Erlang of the Gu family and the young master of the Duke of Qi's mansion both failed the exam. If we, the Sheng family, celebrate so lavishly now, wouldn't that be like rubbing salt in their wounds? If word gets out, it's likely to cause criticism."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qinshuang frowned slightly. She stepped forward and softly soothed, "Old Madam, you're worrying too much. Having our children pass high school is a truly joyous occasion. If we act like we don't take it seriously, won't outsiders look down on us? How will they gain a foothold in the court in the future?"

She paused and continued, "Besides, the Gu family and the Duke of Qi's Mansion are both prominent families. Why would they care about such trivial matters? They will definitely be happy for us, as it's a happy occasion for our Sheng Mansion."

After hearing this, Mrs. Sheng frowned and was silent for a moment. In the end, she just sighed: "Forget it, forget it, as long as you know what's going on. I'm old and can't care about so much."

She turned around and walked back to the inner hall with a staggering gait, her back looking somewhat lonely.

Lin Qinshuang looked at the departing figure of Old Lady Sheng, with a barely perceptible sneer on her lips.

She thought to herself that the Sheng Mansion could survive without her.

This old lady comes out from time to time to seek attention, and I don’t know what she’s trying to do.

As night falls, the Sheng Mansion is brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The banquet was held in the main hall, filled with guests, toasting each other.

Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng wore new clothes, looked very happy, and accepted everyone's congratulations.

At this time, Lin Changze arrived exhausted. He was left in the palace by the prince to accompany him in his studies a few days ago, and he took leave to come back today.

In his official uniform, he looked even more handsome and majestic.

Lin Changze walked straight up to Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng, raised his glass, and congratulated them loudly: "Congratulations, big brother, congratulations, third brother, for getting your names on the list of successful candidates and bringing honor to our family!"

Sheng Changbai raised his glass in response, a rare smile on his face: "Thank you, cousin Changze."

Sheng Changfeng patted Sheng Changze's shoulder excitedly: "Cousin Changze, you're finally back. I must have a few drinks with you today!"

The three brothers smiled at each other and drank it all in one gulp.

Wang Ruofu looked at her son, her heart filled with pride and satisfaction.

She raised her glass frequently, greeted the guests, and her face was filled with a happy smile.

Lin Qinshuang brought Molan with her and shuttled among the guests, being versatile and able to get along with everyone.

She whispered from time to time and chatted with everyone, her words showing her pride.

Molan followed Lin Qinshuang obediently, with elegant manners and grace, attracting the attention of many guests.

Rulan and Minglan sat next to Old Madam Sheng, eating quietly.

Rulan would secretly glance at Molan from time to time, with a hint of jealousy in her eyes.

Minglan was preoccupied, her eyes wandering, as if she was thinking about something.

When she remembered that Qi Heng's name was not on the list, she felt an inexplicable sense of loss in her heart.

She didn't understand why someone as talented as Qi Heng failed the exam.

She was even more worried that Qi Heng would never recover from this.

Halfway through the banquet, Sheng Hong stood up, raised his glass, and announced loudly: "Today, our sons Changbai and Changfeng have passed the imperial examination. This is truly a great honor for the Sheng family. Everyone, drink to your heart's content and don't leave until you're drunk!"

Everyone raised their glasses and congratulated in unison, and the atmosphere reached a climax.

Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng took turns toasting the guests and thanking them for their blessings.

The banquet lasted until late at night, and the guests gradually dispersed.

After Sheng Changfeng passed the imperial examination, although the emperor had not yet granted him an official position, he became increasingly busy.

Sheng Changfeng and Lin Changze were nowhere to be seen the entire day.

Lin Qinshuang sat in front of the mirror, gently gathered her hair, and with a glance, she had guessed the reason.

She parted her red lips and whispered to her beautiful face in the mirror, "Prince Yong and Prince Yan, I'm afraid your days are almost over."

"The situation in the imperial court is so unpredictable. I wonder if there will be another rebellion?"

Lin Qinshuang's fingertips gently brushed across a red gold hairpin in the dressing box. The phoenix carved on the hairpin was lifelike, as if it was about to spread its wings and fly away in the next moment.

"After all, we still have to make plans early."

"We can't let those evil spirits take advantage of the chaos and fish in troubled waters in the Princess's Mansion."

"I need to find an opportunity to reveal the truth to Sheng Hong so that he can have a clear idea of ​​what's going on."

One evening a few days later, when Sheng Hong stepped into the Princess's Mansion, he smelled a faint scent of jasmine.

Lin Qinshuang was sitting by the window embroidering.

"Hirou is back."

Lin Qinshuang put down the embroidery frame in her hand, stood up to greet him, her voice soft and charming.

Sheng Hong walked to the table and sat down. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. A warmth instantly spread throughout his body.

"Why do you have time to come to my place today?"

Lin Qinshuang walked behind Sheng Hong, put her delicate hands on his shoulders and began to knead them gently.

"The court situation has been tense recently. Hong Lang must be working very hard. I feel sorry for him."

Sheng Hong closed his eyes, enjoying Lin Qinshuang's service without saying a word.

Seeing this, Lin Qinshuang continued, "I heard that Prince Yong and Prince Yan have been making frequent moves recently, and they seem to be harboring some rebellious intentions."

"Hiroro, be careful."

Sheng Hong suddenly opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and turned to look at Lin Qinshuang.

"Where did you hear this news?"

Lin Qinshuang smiled slightly and replied calmly, "My information naturally has its source."

"No need to ask, Honglang."

"I just want to remind Honglang that although Bianjing looks prosperous, it is actually full of dangers."

"If something unexpected happens, I'm afraid..."

Lin Qinshuang did not continue speaking, but gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, looking pitiful.

Sheng Hong frowned and fell into deep thought.

He knew that Lin Qinshuang was not making a move without a purpose. The atmosphere in the court was indeed a little off during this period.

Officials from the factions of Prince Yong and Prince Yan frequently wrote letters to impeach the crown prince, using harsh and aggressive language.

However, the emperor had not yet expressed his opinion, which made him feel vaguely uneasy.

"I know everything you said."

Sheng Hong said solemnly, "I will be more careful."

"Don't worry about these things, so as not to upset your mind."

Lin Qinshuang heard this and responded softly, "I understand."

"I just hope that Honglang can be safe and that the Sheng family can get through this difficult time safely."

Sheng Hong held Lin Qinshuang's hand and softened his tone: "Don't worry, I will protect you and your daughter."

"During this period, you should also be more careful, don't go out easily, and don't have too much contact with outsiders."

"I will ask Mo'er to go out less and stay in the mansion with peace of mind."