Tianliangyuan

Chapter 172 I Want to Be Xie Sanlang's Wife

Zhu Zi and his group successfully delivered the grain and medicinal wine to General Xie, and were even summoned by General Xie for a private audience.

Zhu Zi was so excited that he walked with a limp and even stuttered when he spoke.

Fortunately, General Xie only wanted to express his gratitude and didn't care about these details.

Zhu Zi and his men settled down temporarily in Jizhou City. Then, he sent someone to see what local specialties Jizhou had that could be brought to the capital. Anyway, they had so many carriages, and they were sure to fill them to the brim when they returned, otherwise they would be at a loss.

Someone was secretly watching Zhu Zi and his men. Once they were sure that the other party was just buying some local specialties from Jizhou, they relaxed their guard considerably.

As for Zhu Zi himself, he rarely goes out. After all, he has errand runners under his command, and he prefers to stay at home and be a pampered gentleman.

No one knew that Zhu Zi would change his clothes and leave through the back door of his residence.

Zhu Zi had a fake beard glued to his chin, and he deliberately walked with a hunchback, all of which Gao Da Kui had taught him.

A heavy-looking money bag was hanging from the pillar's waist as it headed towards the largest brothel in the border town.

The madam happened to be in the lobby. Upon seeing the well-dressed stranger, she naturally took the initiative to greet him: "Oh, sir, you look unfamiliar. Let me help you inside for a cup of tea!"

"No need to bother."

The madam immediately sensed something was off about the voice; it didn't sound like someone coming to seek pleasure, but rather like someone speaking with a commanding tone.

"Sir, how about we invite two young ladies over to keep you company?"

Zhu Zi's eyes widened as he leaned closer and said, "The osmanthus is fragrant in August. The osmanthus cake is ready now, I've come to collect it."

The madam was startled upon hearing this, and after looking around, she led the person to a private room.

"Sir, osmanthus cake isn't cheap. You can't just take it away like that, can you?"

Zhu Zi smiled and said, "We won't go back on our word about the one ingot of gold we agreed on back then."

The madam's eyes suddenly lit up; she was almost jumping up.

"Alright, alright, sir, please wait a moment, I'll be right back."

Zhu Zi successfully pocketed the items and left the brothel openly and honestly.

Two days later, Zhu Zi and his group returned directly to Beijing.

Zhu Zi was unaware that people had been following them all along, and not just one group.

When they returned to the capital, only one caravan followed them on the road. In fact, halfway through the journey, the two caravans simply merged into one, which meant that with more people, they would be more powerful and not afraid of encountering bandits.

As for the corpses of the wandering knights who had previously followed the pillar, they were now left to feed the wolves on the desolate mountain.

That day, Cheng Yuan changed into a gorgeous dress and spent a long time dressing in front of the mirror until it got dark and curfew was approaching when there was a knock on the door.

The old servant said with some concern, "Miss, it's so late. I'm afraid it's not appropriate for you to go out at this time."

"Don't worry, Granny. I'm going there to clear the name of our Cheng family. It's not convenient for them to meet with me during the day. We can discuss it tonight, and with Prince Qi and Xie Sanlang there, no one will dare to make a move on me. However, I may not be able to return until after dawn. I'll trouble you to cover for me."

The old servant sighed, "How can we cover this up?"

This is just an ordinary little courtyard, without even a back door. Now you're going out through the front door and not coming home at night. Do you think everyone else is blind?

But Cheng Yuan is the mistress, so how could the old servant stop her from doing whatever she wants?

Although Cheng Yuan had entered the Prince Zhong's residence, she still knew where her bottom line was. Therefore, she would not truly submit to any man, not even the Prince Zhong.

Cheng Yuan felt confident because she had the ability to back it up.

If the Loyal King wants to succeed, he needs what he has in his own hands.

“Miss Cheng, this is our third meeting. You can name your terms, but I need to see something.”

"Why is Your Highness in such a hurry? I am now in dire straits, and even when I go out, I can only wear plain clothes. If it weren't for the fact that I am riding in the carriage sent by the Prince's Mansion, I would not dare to wear such gorgeous clothes today."

That's what she said, but the arrogance in Cheng Yuan's eyes contradicted her words.

The Prince of Zhong was not angry, knowing that Cheng Yuan had the right to be arrogant.

"I've heard that the fortune left behind by Master Cheng is all in your hands?"

Cheng Yuan smiled but remained silent.

The Prince of Zhong chuckled as well: "You want me to exonerate Cheng Gong?"

Cheng Yuan remained silent, raising her eyelids to look at him.

Prince Zhong shook his head with a wry smile: "This will not work. The case back then was ordered by Father Emperor himself, and the fact that Father Emperor could forgive your clansmen is already a great favor. Cheng Yuan, do not challenge the majesty of the royal family!"

If Cheng Gongping were to reverse his decision, it would mean that the Emperor was wrong about what happened back then.

But is this possible?

No one in the world is wrong, but emperors are never wrong.

That's why King Zhong said it was impossible.

Cheng Yuan smiled and shook her head: "I never said I wanted to exonerate him. I want wealth and luxury, I want to live a life of ease and comfort, and never have to worry about making a living again. I want a perfect husband who can make me happy. Is that too much to ask?"

King Zhong raised an eyebrow. To be honest, it wasn't difficult.

But the question is, what are the standards for this luxurious lifestyle?

As a woman, apart from the glory brought by her family background, her status was basically given by her husband's family.

For example, only the wives or mothers of officials of the third rank or above could be called "County Lady," while the wives or mothers of officials of the first rank or above could be called "State Lady."

Cheng Yuan was the daughter of a disgraced official, so she could not possibly enjoy any of the privileges afforded to daughters of officials.

With such a background, which noble young master would dare to marry her?

Unless he is an illegitimate son who is not valued by his family or a spoiled brat.

"I own two shops in the West Market of the capital. The locations are quite good, and the monthly income is over ten strings of cash. I will transfer them directly to your name. What do you say?"

Ten strings of cash a month is quite a lot!

That's ten thousand coins!

But for Cheng Yuan, it doesn't seem like she has many demands.

Seeing that she remained silent, the Prince of Zhong smiled and said, "I also have six hundred mu of fertile land in Wannian County, which I will give to you as well, including the tenants of these six hundred mu of fertile land."

Cheng Yuan smiled faintly, "I want to be Xie Sanlang's wife."

Upon hearing this, the Prince of Zhong was slightly taken aback, then narrowed his eyes and cursed Cheng Yuan inwardly for being ungrateful.

Is Xie Sanlang someone she can cling to?

"this is not OK."

"How do you know it won't work if Your Highness hasn't tried it?"

"Xie Sanlang is already engaged and is expected to get married next year."

"I know you're talking about Xu Zhaozhao from the Marquis of Anxin's mansion. A duke's son and a marquis's daughter, they seem like a good match. But why? Xu Zhaozhao is nothing special; how could she be worthy of Xie Sanlang!"

Prince Zhong rolled his eyes inwardly. If she wasn't good enough for him, who was? You?

Have some shame!

Cheng Yuan leaned forward slightly: "Your Highness, if you can grant my wish, not only will that thing be yours, but I can also have the Cheng family's assassins serve Your Highness!"