In the backyard of the Prime Minister's Mansion, Hong held the post in her hand, her eyes full of jealousy. Now, which minister in the court didn't want to curry favor with the mighty Marquis' Mansion? Unexpectedly, their brother and sister Leng Jingcheng would catch Mo Yu's eye.
Her father was only a minor ninth-rank official, so she could only be the prime minister's concubine. Fortunately, the mistress of the house died not long after giving birth to Leng Ruoran. After so many years, she was almost out of it. The prime minister promised her that he would make her his principal wife soon.
The prime minister still had feelings for his original wife, but the trivial matters in the mansion could not be left unattended. Seeing that Hong had been doing a good job, he decided to support her as his first wife.
It's a pity that he was like a fish in water in the court, but he was unaware of the thoughts of the women in the backyard, and let his legitimate son and daughter live under a concubine.
Even after receiving this note, the servants handed it to Mrs. Hong first.
Hong handed over the note in her hand, and said in a gentle voice but with unkind eyes: "Since it is for the Third Young Master, then send it over."
The servants complimented Mrs. Hong and then left.
The agreed time soon arrived, Mo Yu and Mo Ranran, Leng Jingcheng and Leng Ruoran met at the gate of Changchun Garden.
This is a famous opera troupe in the capital, and they recently staged a new play called "The Number One Scholar".
Leng Jingcheng wanted to salute, but Mo Yu stopped him immediately: "Jingcheng, we are friends after all, there is no need to be so polite. The show is about to start, let's go in!" He nodded gently to Leng Ruoran behind him.
Leng Ruoran was stunned for a moment, returned the greeting, and then walked in.
This was the first time that Mo Yu brought Mo Ranran out to listen to a play. He was very excited and pulled Leng Ruoran and the two girls together, talking about something.
Mo Yu and Leng Jingcheng just looked at each other, smiled at each other, and let the two little girls chatter.
This theater is quite well-managed, with screens placed around every other table, creating a private space that is quite popular among dignitaries.
Mo Yu took a look and was very satisfied. After the waiter brought some snacks, he spoke: "Jing Cheng, I heard that this play is very interesting. You must watch it carefully!"
Mo Yu said meaningfully.
There was a thoughtful look in Leng Jingcheng's eyes, as if he was thinking about what Mo Yu meant. He smiled but didn't say anything.
The show has begun.
They started singing enthusiastically. Mo Yu had never been interested in opera, so he stopped caring about it. The plot was halfway through, and Mo Yu finally became interested.
This play mainly sings about what happened to a talented man who passed the imperial examination and became the top scholar. He has an older brother, with whom they originally had a very good relationship. His brother had no interest in studying, and got married after he became an adult. However, his wife secretly wasted her time on his elderly parents. The talented man saw this and wanted to find his sister-in-law to argue with her, but his parents disagreed. As time went on, things got worse and worse. His elderly parents were depressed for a long time, and eventually both passed away. His sister-in-law would not let the talented man, who could not lift his hands or shoulders, live in the house. His elder brother was afraid of his wife, so he watched his younger brother being driven out of the house. The resentment in the talented man's heart turned into motivation, and he finally passed the imperial examination and taught his sister-in-law a lesson.
Now he is singing about the story of his parents passing away and his sister-in-law wanting to kick the talented scholar out of the house.
Mo Yu chuckled and moved closer to Leng Jingcheng: "Jingcheng, what do you think of this play?"
Leng Jingcheng didn't know what he was thinking, so he asked, "It's just a play, but does the Marquis have any different opinions?"
Mo Yu's eyes sparkled, and then he spoke: "I think this talented man is too indecisive. If he had spoken earlier, perhaps the old parents could have lived for a few more decades. What a pity, Yu Xiao, Jing Cheng, do you think what I said makes sense?"
Leng Jingcheng chuckled: "My Lord is right."
Leng Jingcheng had no idea what he was thinking. He looked at the two people opposite him who were talking about something and both of them were covering their mouths and laughing. He hadn't seen his sister laugh so happily for a long time.
When the show was over, the two little girls were still reluctant to leave.
Mo Yu patted Mo Ranran's head gently: "Okay, if you want to see each other in the future, you can make an appointment to go out and play. It's getting late today, it's time to go back."
Looking at Leng Jingcheng who was also comforting Leng Ruoran on the other side, he said, "Jingcheng, don't forget what I told you. Don't hesitate to make a decision. Don't regret it later!"
Leng Jingcheng glanced at the man with a gentle smile on his face: "Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to stay."
After Mo Yu left, Leng Ruoran asked in confusion: "Brother, what were you talking about with the Marquis?"
Leng Jingcheng: "Nothing, let's go back."
In front of the Prime Minister's Mansion, Hong's personal maid had already been waiting for Leng Ruoran.
"Miss, Madam invites you!" Liu'er said respectfully.
Now everyone in the mansion calls Aunt Hong "Madam", treating her as the mistress of the house.
Leng Ruoran's originally good mood immediately cooled down. He forced a smile and said to Leng Jingcheng, "Brother, you go back first. I'll go back to the yard by myself later."
Leng Jingcheng immediately said: "I'll go with you."
Leng Ruoran shook her head and said, "No need. If you go, I don't know what she will say in front of my father." After that, she left with Liu'er.
Leng Jingcheng looked at the three big words "Prime Minister's Mansion" and fell silent for a few. They were obviously the real masters of this mansion, so why should they let a concubine run wild? Did he really have to wait until things were beyond redemption before regretting not resolving this matter earlier
He didn't know how long he stayed in front of the door, and his steps unconsciously walked towards Aunt Hong's courtyard. He saw Yi Leng Ruoran, who was not well-mannered outside and had to keep bowing in front of the governess.
It’s not that he didn’t complain to his father, but the next day his father said that it was for Ruoran’s own good, and he would not complain again as time went on because after complaining his sister would only suffer more from Hong’s bullying.
He held a porcelain bottle tightly in his hand. It was given to him by Mo Yu, and he knew exactly where it was used.
Leng Jingcheng looked at the humiliation on his sister's face, but he still kept performing grand ceremonies towards Hong. Even when his mother was alive, she would not let her own daughter perform such ceremonies.
Leng Jingcheng chuckled, and his originally conflicted heart already had the answer. He turned around and left without hesitation. If so, just bear with it for a while, and I will definitely let you be free.
Mo Yu returned to the Marquis' Mansion. He was usually very busy, busy fighting with the Ninth Prince Yi Qingyu and busy fighting with those officials who tried to trip him up.