Lin Feng, let me remind you once more, this lantern, you must remember to light it yourself. It's not easy to extend your life, and it's all tied to this lantern.
Sun Rongniang decisively turned away, choosing not to engage with them. At that moment, she felt a bit heartless yet somewhat relieved.
The Old Innkeeper sighed and approached, unsure of how to offer comfort.
Sun Rongniang ended up comforting him a few times, but the Old Innkeeper lamented that this matter would likely cause more trouble.
No worries, that cunning fox has already fallen into my hands. With a little more wealth and some coercion, with her whispering in his ear, there will surely be a resolution by tomorrow.
The Old Innkeeper protested, saying that would be too lenient on her!
Uncle, let's leave it at that. I'm tired.
Sigh.
With gold and silver in one hand and leverage in the other, Qin Niang was indeed working hard. By noon the next day, Lin Feng had already packed his things and was eagerly shouting about leaving with Sun Rongniang, appearing somewhat impatient.
Sun Rongniang, you did save me; since this shop is given to you, consider it repaying that life-saving grace. In the future, don't keep bringing it up.
Also, I have etched your insulting words from yesterday into my heart. In this capital city, I will open another shop and show you whether I can succeed or not!
Tsk, still entangled endlessly. Sun Rongniang calmly severed ties with Lin Feng and secretly arranged matters so he could not establish himself in the capital.
After this ordeal, while Sun Rongniang appeared radiant on the outside, the pain in her heart was something no one else could understand. Li Cu didn't care about that; she pulled Sun Rongniang along to celebrate her with a lavish feast laid out under the moonlight.
Your ex-husband, even if he's driven out of the capital and left with nothing, will still shamelessly come back looking for you. Don't be soft-hearted then.
He won't come back; I'll have people watching him closely. I won't let him reach rock bottom or live too comfortably.
By keeping pressure on him and considering his ridiculous pride, as long as he can still get by, he will surely aim to prove himself better than me. He wouldn't dare show his face to me otherwise.
Uh, your method is quite elaborate.
Sigh. In the end, I still have some softness in my heart. Let's leave my matters aside for now; you all will be attending Niu Xianshi's banquet in a couple of days. That Niu Xianshi...
Sun Rongniang instructed them on many things regarding this matter, fearing they might offend someone they shouldn't or unknowingly prepare inappropriate gifts.
Though they had only known each other for a few days, they were truly considerate.
On the day of the banquet, when she woke up in the morning, she saw many red silks floating outside the inn. The red lanterns from the temple and white Riri had already been hung up.
Sang Qingxiao glanced outside the inn and saw that every household was similarly adorned. She sighed to Sun Rongniang about the grand scale of it all.
Sun Rongniang whispered back that a few years ago when the Crown Prince got married, it didn't have such grandeur. You woke up late and missed it; just now, gifts from the palace arrived one cart after another—I couldn't even count them all! The road in front of the inn has been blocked off; only those holding invitations can pass through.
the signs of a grave situation.
The Red Silk lantern had been announced early in the morning. My family's lantern had been taken away, so I borrowed yours. With so much going on these days, I forgot about it until this morning when I remembered to inform you. Li Cu said it could be used freely.
Sang Qingxiao dismissed it as a trivial matter.
Sun Rongniang replied, "I knew you weren't sincerely asking for the Immortal Statue."
She thought for a moment and added, "I didn't dare to get too close to that lantern either."
Sang Qingxiao simply responded, "It's always good to be cautious."
Calculating the time, it was time to set off. Walking down the street, one couldn't help but marvel at Niu Xianshi's display of power. Just a eunuch, yet he had the emperor's personal guards handling trivial matters like guest inspections and patrols.
First, there was a queue for ceremonial verification, followed by another for body checks. It was supposed to be a banquet, yet they started lining up before noon. After much difficulty, they finally entered but were forced to wait in a shabby outer courtyard without even a seat. They stood for over two hours as more people came in, making the space increasingly cramped, and no one dared to complain; the surroundings were eerily silent.
Such influence and intimidation made the Dayu and Great Jing royal families seem inferior.
After half an hour of waiting before the banquet began, they were finally allowed in. The attendants guiding them to their seats were palace maids dispatched to help, seemingly dressed in palace attire on purpose to make a statement.
After sitting for a long while, waiting for the princes to arrive, Niu Xianshi finally made his entrance.
Sang Qingxiao finally saw his true appearance—just as Old Vine and Li Cu had peeped at him—short and stout with a weak gait. His physical condition was concerning, yet he appeared full of spirit. When he spoke, his voice was strong and confident; perhaps years spent in the palace had refined his speech into something eloquent and highly persuasive. He delivered one speech after another, earning thunderous applause and flattery from those present.
Niu Xianshi seemed unsatisfied and began boasting about his son.
In the four years since he ascended, Niu Xianshi had been obsessed with having children. He diligently sowed seeds every day and ended up with eighteen children; however, the first seventeen were all daughters. Finally managing to have a son this time—how could he not be happy?
His speech about fatherhood was even longer than his opening remarks. Amidst the atmosphere he created, Sang Qingxiao felt drowsy with boredom while Qi Xiaomian leaned over to shield her from the crowd. It took over half an hour before Niu Xianshi concluded his lengthy monologue and had someone bring out his precious son.
"This child of mine was sought from an immortal in my dreams; the immortal even bestowed him with a name—Niu Xian. With such origins, he is destined for greatness; no one in the world can compare to my son."
"Look at this broad forehead; he must be exceptionally intelligent! Look at those slanted eyes; they shine brightly! Look at those thick lips; he will surely be blessed!"
As he continued praising his son excessively, Sang Qingxiao stifled a yawn and glanced over. The child looked just like Niu Dali—no doubt about it.
Niu Dali cherished this hard-earned Male Descendant dearly, praising him wherever he touched him—even commenting on the child's farts! Habitually, he pinched his son's little nose once but then traced along its outline again. When his finger reached just below the nostrils, it suddenly stopped.
The expected praises did not follow; instead, the atmosphere turned tense as everyone held their breath upon seeing Niu Dali's change in expression.
He checked for breath several times and called out "Bao'er" repeatedly without receiving any response. Trembling fingers unbuttoned the child's shirt to check his chest—there was no heartbeat or warmth.
"Imperial physician! Is there an imperial physician here? My Bao'er is unwell; come quickly!"
Just unwell? Given his series of probing actions and drastic change in expression, it was clear that this was far more than just an illness—it was a dire situation indeed.
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