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墨書 Inktalez
"There are indeed some things I want to discuss with Mr. Zhu. Let's be straightforward; what you're thinking in your heart is probably the same as what I'm thinking in mine." Shangguan Yiting raised her eyebrows, her delicate hand gently resting on his shoulder. He laughed heartily and instantly spun her into the center of the dance floor.
"I have heard that Miss Shangguan has a cheerful personality and is not particular about trivial matters, always prioritizing the bigger picture. Now that I've met you, it truly seems to be the case. You speak and act without beating around the bush, getting straight to the point—very good." Zhu Yefeng leaned close to her ear, his voice slowly reaching her heart. "In your opinion, Miss Shangguan, when should we hold our wedding?"
A gust of wind seemed to sweep through Shangguan Yiting's eyes, and the curve of her lips became more pronounced. "Everything must be discussed with your parents first, right?"
"Yes," Zhu Yefeng raised an eyebrow. "I really have married a good wife; it has been worth all these years of waiting."
Shangguan Shaoyi stood at the edge of the dance floor, his sharp brows and bright eyes filled with intensity. He knew that now that the Cheng Family had withdrawn their influence, the Zhu Family had become the largest financial conglomerate in the south. A marriage alliance would indeed benefit him greatly at this time, but Zhu Yefeng clearly did not seem like a good person. He could disguise all his scheming with a facade of elegance, indicating he was quite cunning. He wondered if Shangguan Yiting could truly handle him.
"Are you watching Mr. Zhu and Miss Shangguan? From my observation, this is their second dance today. They seem quite in sync; they could be considered a perfect pair," Jiang Yating said, having appeared beside him at some point, her luscious lips slightly parted and her eyes sparkling.
"Whether they are suitable or not depends on my sister's opinion," he replied coldly, his expression stern.
Jiang Yating raised an eyebrow and smiled, her fair and delicate hand lingering in mid-air, her smile radiant and her teeth like pearls. "Shaoyi, aren't you going to invite me for a dance? Remember how we amazed everyone two years ago when we danced together?"
"No need," he coldly refused, prompting Jiang Yating to laugh out loud. "No way! Shaoyi, have you stopped dancing with other women since getting married? Tsk tsk, you really are henpecked."
Her provocation clearly had no effect on him. Shangguan Shaoyi raised an eyebrow noncommittally and turned to walk away. She hurried after him, grabbing his sleeve while maintaining her unchanged bright smile. "Don't you want to know what my father’s true purpose for hosting this ball is?"
Shangguan Shaoyi's pitch-black eyes flashed with a glimmer of light as he stared at her intently.
Jiang Yating toyed with the deep blue tassels on her shawl, her pink fingertips entwined among them. "If you dance with me, I'll tell you."
"Hmph." He let out a cold snort, his gaze lightly sweeping over her. "You should know that I hate being coerced."
"Yes, I'm quite aware." Jiang Yating reined in the smile in her eyes, the corners of her lips hinting at anticipation. "But if you don't dance with me, I'll tell your wife about our agreement. I don't think you want her to know that you once promised me..."
His pupils tightened, and without thinking, he reached out and grasped her neck. She, however, showed no fear, her eyes wide open with a smug smile on her face. He hesitated for a moment, then wrapped his arm around her waist and spun her into the center of the dance floor. The couples dancing around them instantly stopped, quietly watching this somewhat peculiar pairing.
In truth, they all understood very well that if it weren't for Cheng Mo's sudden return, Jiang Yating would likely be the current Consort Shangguan.
Cheng Mo felt a tightness in his chest; his water-colored eyes lowered slightly, carrying a hint of sadness and longing.
"Your wife seems quite unhappy," Jiang Yating said lightly, a smile playing on her red lips. "After all, I was the one by your side during the ceremony back then, while she only has a photo with you accompanied by an extremely sarcastic poem."
"What exactly do you want to say?" The words seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.
Jiang Yating chuckled lightly, raising her delicate eyebrows. "Actually, it's nothing much. I just wanted to dance with you and tell you something about my father. He..." Her voice lowered, almost drowned out by the music if one didn't listen closely. "My father is preparing to unite all the generals to declare war on the Manchus."
His pupils constricted slightly as he looked at her in disbelief; her smile grew more pronounced. "In other words, Shaoyi, you can reclaim Feng Province! How about that? Isn't it good news?"
He snorted coldly, sneering at her. "Does Commander Jiang have any conditions?"
"No, you can rest assured." She gave him a mysterious smile. "My father faced much criticism for withdrawing troops last time; he regrets it deeply. This time he has called everyone together for a meeting to get close to them again. In just a few days, he will announce this decision."
Her explanation was watertight, but his intuition told him that things were not so simple. He furrowed his brows, stopped in his tracks, and released Jiang Yating.
"What's wrong? Are you turning your back on me after hearing all this? That's really too much." Her voice slowly drifted over, but he ignored her and walked toward the edge of the dance floor, meeting Cheng Mo Su's water-colored eyes, his heart stirred.
Cheng Mo Su smiled gently, her long eyelashes covering her bright eyes, her brows slightly furrowed. Although she was smiling, he could see the deep sadness within her. He pulled her into his embrace and softly said, "Mo Su, I and Miss Jiang..."
"No need to say more." Cheng Mo Su interrupted him, carrying a faint scent of magnolia. "Shaoyi, I have always believed in you. We have faced many people and events together; I understand a lot of things. You really don’t need to explain anything further."
He was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and nodded in response. She lifted her beautifully shaped brows, looking much happier than before, but then her expression darkened again as she recalled something. "I just asked my sister; she said she has already discussed marriage with Mr. Zhu and will be going back to Shanghai soon to meet his parents. Shaoyi, I always feel..."
"I also think it's inappropriate." Shangguan Shaoyi frowned. "I will try to persuade her again, but you know my sister's personality; it’s useless no matter how others advise her. She needs to figure things out for herself. If she insists on marrying him, I have no other way."
Cheng Mo Su sighed. "I'll contact my father another day to see if he can provide you with some more military supplies."
"No need." His brows were bright, and the corners of his lips unconsciously lifted into a smile. "Jiang Shaohao plans to reorganize the army to attack Feng Province; my chances of reclaiming Feng Province have greatly increased."
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled with joy, and the corners of her lips formed a faint smile, revealing two small dimples that appeared and disappeared playfully.
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