Chapter 22: Bao Zheng

Bianliang, Princess Mansion,

after losing the Prince Consort Chen Shimei, Princess Yingxing gradually became indifferent.

After all, the husband she had chosen was actually someone who abandoned his wife and children.

Even though she had begged the Empress Dowager to step in at the end, it was of no use.

But just as Princess Yingxing was sitting in the garden in loneliness, a maid ran in: "Princess, Princess!"

"Shouting and screaming, what kind of decorum is this!"

Turning to look at the maid, the princess scolded.

"I'm sorry, Princess, this servant was too anxious!"

Bowing, the maid came to her side: "Princess, have you heard? His Majesty has found a new husband for you!"

"My Imperial Brother can decide such matters. Now, my heart has turned to ash!"

Hearing the maid's words, Princess Yingxing's face was full of loneliness.

"Princess, do you know? The person marrying you is the Censor and Vice Prefect of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Zhang Erhe's adopted son, Zhang Cheng!"

Explaining to the princess, a smile appeared on the maid's face.

"Hmm? Why is this person's name so familiar?"

Looking at the maid in confusion, Princess Yingxing immediately frowned.

But just as she was in a daze, the maid said: "Do you remember the person who stole the Empress Dowager's dragon-headed cane in court back then? That's him! Princess!"

"What? That person is Zhang Cheng!"

Speaking in anger, Princess Yingxing roared.

"Princess, don't be angry. I heard people say that Zhang Cheng took a fancy to you first, which is why he found Qin Xianglian to go to the capital to file a lawsuit..."

Just as the maid whispered into Princess Yingxing's ear, the maids guarding the four sides also poked their heads out to eavesdrop.

Because this matter was simply too explosive; even though they were in the royal family, they had never heard of it.

"Princess, that Young Master Zhang Cheng really stopped at nothing to get you!"

Looking at Princess Yingxing with a face full of happiness, the maid chuckled.

"Actually... actually, did I cause the Prince Consort's death?"

Covering her chest in disbelief, Princess Yingxing immediately showed a look of sadness.

"Princess, you must not think that way. If the Prince Consort hadn't abandoned his wife and children, how could he have ended up like that!"

Gazing at Princess Yingxing before her, the maids on the side comforted her one after another.

"That villain, even if my Imperial Brother issues a decree, I will absolutely not let him touch me at all!"

Roaring in anger, Princess Yingxing, although she felt happy hearing the maid say that, still scolded them sternly.

After all, someone had actually gone to Kaifeng Prefecture to file a lawsuit for her sake; this was simply unheard of!

Censor and Vice Prefect of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Mansion,

Zhang Erhe was playing chess leisurely: "The marriage contract is set for the sixteenth of next month!"

"Forty thousand taels, when will you give it to me!"

Gazing at Zhang Erhe before him, Zhang Cheng smiled.

"Hey, hey, hey, you're my adopted son, how could I deceive you!"

Picking up the teacup in his hand, Zhang Erhe took a sip and smacked his lips: "Fragrant!"

"Do people in our Zhang family ever talk about integrity?"

Looking at Zhang Erhe, Zhang Cheng stared at him with a face full of suspicion.

Everyone was their own people; saying such stupid things was meaningless!

Watching Zhang Cheng with a twitching mouth, Zhang Erhe leaned in: "Old man found you a princess, and you're still asking me for money? That's a bit too much!"

"Marrying a princess, I can only have one wife, but if I don't marry a princess, I can have many wives..."

Tapping the table, Zhang Cheng looked at Zhang Erhe with a face full of smiles.

"Sigh, life is hard for you, child!"

Gazing at Zhang Cheng saying this, Zhang Erhe sighed with embarrassment.

But just as Zhang Cheng thought Zhang Erhe was finally going to pay up, he raised his head and said: "Can you give a little less?"

"Less how much?"

Looking at Zhang Erhe in confusion, Zhang Cheng asked.

"Less thirty-nine thousand... no, thirty-eight thousand..."

Just as Zhang Erhe spoke with a face full of seriousness, Zhang Cheng gasped: "Or should I go assassinate the Emperor now?"

"Hmm?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng in astonishment, Zhang Erhe was dumbfounded.

"Then we'll be executed to the ninth degree, and we'll go together!"

Looking at Zhang Erhe, Zhang Cheng could not help but slam a chess piece onto the table.

"I let you marry a princess, and you're playing at being executed to the ninth degree with me?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng in shock, Zhang Erhe was stunned at this moment.

Because assassinating the Emperor was at the very least the execution of three clans!

"Punishment does not extend to the scholar-official class"—in the face of assassination, that wasn't enough to save you!

But even if Zhang Erhe wanted to go back on his word now, it was too late; after all, the whole of Bianliang knew he was his adopted son!

"Forty thousand taels. If I don't see it on the wedding day, we'll see each other at the vegetable market execution ground!"

Standing up dominantly, Zhang Cheng stood with his hands behind his back with a face full of arrogance.

Looking at Zhang Cheng with endless sighs, Zhang Erhe could not help but say: "The waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves in front! This forty thousand taels, godfather will pay for you, but you sit down first and finish the game!"

Gazing at a junior who was even more shameless than himself, Zhang Erhe was also quite moved at this moment.

After all, if he had had Zhang Cheng's thick skin when he was young, he would have become Prime Minister long ago!

Fifteen days later, Heaven on Earth,

flags were fluttering in the wind.

"Imperial Guard Zhan Zhao has arrived!"

"Mr. Gongsun of Kaifeng Prefecture has arrived..."

"The Lesser Prince of Shang's son has arrived!"

"Young Master Pang has arrived..."

As one shout after another rang out, the entrance to Heaven on Earth appeared exceptionally lively.

"Bang, bang, bang!"

Firecrackers exploded, and welcoming the sound of gongs and drums, a line of figures in black silk appeared.

"It's an insult to refinement, an insult to refinement!"

Speaking in anger, Bao Zheng had never seen such a scene and felt his nostrils starting to feel dry and hot.

However, for the sake of Kaifeng Prefecture, he still came without hesitation.

Because Zhang Cheng had promised that as long as Bao Zheng attended, he would donate money to hold a charity hall to improve the living environment of the poor outside the city.

For the sake of his own words, Bao Zheng would absolutely not come to this place, but for the sake of the common people, Bao Zheng still came!

"Yo-ho, this looks really good, Young Master!"

Following behind Chai Wenyi, Pang Yu's face was full of pleasant surprise.

"Look at this brother, heroic and spirited; he must be the legendary 'tight-lipped' Young Master Pang!"

Arriving before Pang Yu, Zhang Cheng could not help but admire him.

Because if it weren't for the fact that he and Bai Yutang had emptied Grand Tutor Pang's mansion, he would have believed Pang Yu!

"Hey, hey, don't talk nonsense! My brother has never done such a thing!"

Looking at Pang Yu beside him, Chai Wenyi quickly explained.

"That's right, I've never done such a thing!"

Hearing Chai Wenyi's words, Pang Yu also quickly explained.

However, the guests looking at Pang Yu did not believe him.

Because everyone would rather believe Pang Yu was tight-lipped than believe that a million taels of silver had vanished into thin air!

Pang Yu: I'm afraid I won't be able to wash this pot clean!

Grand Tutor Pang: You unfilial son, go die!

Entering Heaven on Earth, white mist constantly emerged from the water pools on both sides, like a fairyland.

"Amazing, truly amazing! Is this really a fairyland on earth?"

Stroking his beard, Bao Zheng revealed a look of curiosity.

But just at this moment, Zhan Zhao explained: "What's amazing about it? There's dry ice in the pond to create mist!"

"Eh, how does Guard Zhan know that?"

Looking at Zhan Zhao with curiosity, Gongsun Ce and Bao Zheng were confused.

"That... this subordinate has patrolled this place a few times!"

As he spoke, Zhan Zhao's face turned red.

But just after Zhan Zhao finished speaking, two women in cheongsams passed by and said: "Guard Zhan, remember to come find us later! Mwah!"

Blowing a kiss, the women walked past.

And watching this scene, Zhan Zhao turned his head and said: "I said, I'm not familiar with them, can Minister and Mr. Gongsun believe me!"

"Hehe!"

Watching Zhan Zhao with a twitching mouth, Gongsun Ce and Bao Zheng were silent.

Because this thick-browed and big-eyed Zhan Zhao wasn't a good person either!

Zhan Zhao: Zhang Cheng, you villain, you've ruined me!