Chapter 381: One Hundred Percent Certain

Soon a whole cart of ice was arranged, and Lord Rong finally let out a breath and asked.

Steward, where is Song Bing Zhi Ren?

The Steward hurriedly looked, and at this time Qiao Mai and the others were already wandering around the Rong Mansion.

This Rong Family Branch is truly extraordinary; a Zhai can actually compare to the Imperial Palace.

The Empress smiled with a crooked mouth, looking worse than crying, "When I was a concubine, they weren't like this; surely these families have relied heavily on my influence."

"You needn't take it to heart; throughout the ages it's always been like this—when one attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven, it's normal. As long as you do virtuous deeds, there's nothing to worry about."

"The Rong Mansion is somewhat out of the ordinary, no wonder they're holding the Jin Qiu Banquet; the trees they plant are mostly fruit trees."

Qiao Mai reached out and picked a bunch of bright red lychees, handing a few to them.

"Not bad, very sweet, it's exactly lychee season."

"Over there are also Longan; these fruit trees are cultivated Exquisitely, regularly pruned, and not only are the fruits large, their flavor is top‑notch, clearly a lot of effort has been put in."

"Do you know their background?"

"Do you not know what business the honored guests conduct?"

"It's rare for the lady to speak a compliment."

At the mention of Jingcheng, a group of men and women who had been looking down from on high immediately lowered their gaze.

Just then, the Rong Young Master came over, saw them resting in the pavilion, and thought his father was making a fuss over nothing.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

The four, tired from walking, came upon a pavilion with no one inside; various fruits were displayed on it, presumably for entertaining guests.

"Brother, who are these people?"

Just as they sat down to rest, they saw a group of people strolling over.

"Jingcheng!"

"Honored guests, you are most courteous; welcome to the Rong Family to be seated."

"Compared to the lady's fruit, these fall far short."

"It's Rong Young Master, one of the Five Young Masters of Luzhou."

"Stop whatever you're doing now, find them, stay with them, and investigate their background."

The Emperor took a sip of tea, "Tell me, then?"

Those people must have understood the situation, so, unwillingly, they left; after all, they too wanted to rest here.

"We haven't been doing business for a long time; all family matters have been left to the children. The few of us just want to travel together across the lands of our Great Ming."

"Yes, Dizi yesterday met friends at the Tea House, happened upon them, found it very interesting, and invited them."

Rong Young Master, seeing his sister like that, hurried her, "Your other sisters still need you to entertain them; go accompany them quickly."

The Emperor and his party didn't want to bother with these people; they're just kids, not worth his words.

"One must not have a malicious heart, but must have a defensive heart."

While speaking, the group stopped outside the pavilion, watching the four.

Miss Rong finally surveyed the strangers in the pavilion: the Old Emperor, slightly plump with a beard, looked tasteless; the Empress was of heavenly beauty, though a bit older; Qiao Mai had an icy, jade‑like complexion, yet was not attractive; Yuan Jiaqi was tall, imposing, and outstanding, exuding the charm of a mature man.

"Hmm, they're out‑of‑town merchants, just passing through."

"I see, judging by your attire, you're either rich or noble; the ice that's so hard to obtain here, you managed to give away a whole cart as a gift."

A mature man with such good temperament and handsome looks is her favorite type.

"Since the gifts you sent are much liked by my family, may I personally accompany you to tour my home?"

Miss Rong glanced at Yuan Jiaqi again, "Excuse me, everyone!"

"You're welcome."

Many people passed through the pavilion, almost all acquaintances of Rong Young Master; they greeted and left, but one person stayed behind.

"Go ahead!"

Who? Rong Young Master's sister, his full sister, sharing the same mother.

"Father, they were just out for a stroll, never intended to come to our house."

"For mortal things to grow like this is already impressive; look, not a single blemish on the leaves."

No need to be difficult; just look at her gaze—she's taken with Yuan Jiaqi, a hundred percent certainty!

Qiao Mai let out a soft cough, and Miss Rong finally came to herself, withdrew her gaze, and gave an embarrassed smile.

"You should have some mental preparation; I see the Rong Family's outward splendor, but I have no idea how filthy it is behind the scenes."

"You're getting old; after walking a while your feet hurt, so sit here and rest; when the banquet begins, we'll go over."

Rong Young Master called a maid to serve tea; the few of them sat there without moving, chatting idly.

Many people who passed through here have a strong Opium scent on them; many men look listless, gaunt, though they don't normally smoke Marijuana.

"Rong Young Master, why aren't you entertaining the guests?"

"On the surface, Rong Young Master is a decent figure, but Miss Rong is different; the way he looks at Yuan Jiaqi is sheer possessiveness. Mother-in-law, aren't you angry?"

"Oh? Where are you all from?"

This made Qiao Mai chuckle a bit; could it be that this young lady has taken a liking to her own man?

Rong Young Master, at this moment, was outside the Keting, bowing his head listening to his father's question.

"They're all acquaintances; they'll take care of themselves. As for the few distinguished guests from afar, they truly make the Rong Family shine brightly."

"Sss, this Opium really harms people deeply."

"Isn't it said that boys and girls shouldn't sit together until seven, yet I didn't expect the atmosphere here to be so liberal?"

In the Rong Mansion's Keting, those seated are the most prestigious people of Luzhou City, both men and women, all of advanced age.

"Do I appear as a spirit devouring yang energy?"

Here~

How did the Rong Family Branch become like this?

Young Master Rong gave an awkward laugh; he had intended to keep winding the crooked road, but was abruptly stopped by Yuan Jiaqi.

Looks like a few of you aren't locals, huh?

Hero, don't ask about origins; you and I are fated, not because of status or rank. What do you think, young friend?

After Young Master Rong was driven away, the Empress pursed her lips and then sighed.

A few people watched her leave indifferently, then said bluntly, "You go entertain the guests; we'll just sit here and not go anywhere. When the banquet starts, send someone to call us."

They chatted freely, and occasional bursts of laughter rang out.

So they're from Jingcheng; no wonder their attire and speech differ from ours.

Miss Rong carried the bearing of a legitimate daughter of a great family; on the surface she seemed quite poised, yet her eyes never left Yuan Jiaqi.

She snorted coldly in her mind: the man she coveted being from out of town—what of it? If he were willing, fine; if not, she would simply keep him here by force.

A woman like that, my husband wouldn't even spare a glance.

Those who delivered a cart of ice—are they your friends?

Inside there were men and women; it seemed they were all unmarried.

A gathering, after all, is just for those unmarried folks; strolling together isn't a big deal, right?

Miss Rong's gaze was a bit forlorn, "So they're out‑of‑town merchants," she said, glancing again at Yuan Jiaqi.

She first saw Young Master Rong, "Brother, why are you here?"

"We haven't had time to investigate yet; they said they'll stay here for half a month, apparently on a trip."

Yuan Jiaqi gave them a bow, "We were invited by Young Master Rong."

We just couldn't discern these people's identities, so we dared not rashly cause trouble for the Rong Mansion.

Hmm, your description is spot on; an Opium user looks as if a monster has sucked away their yang, with bluish circles under the eyes, skin as thin as parchment, making one think they crawled out of a grave.

This is Huang Sixth Master, this is the Sixth Master's wife, this is Yuan Fifth Master, and this is the Fifth Master's wife.

"I accompany the distinguished guests by my father's command,"

"Which Young Master Rong? There are several Young Masters Rong in this Rong Mansion."

"Ah, two elder brothers, welcome, welcome."

Not only that, the offspring of those who have used Opium inherit smoke cravings and various illnesses; the chance of early death is very high.

"I have already sent the Golden Dragon Guard to investigate."

"Perhaps the Rong Family made its fortune from Opium."

The Empress's complexion turned pale, her hands clenched, "What a sin!"

(End of Chapter)