Chapter 381: One Hundred Percent Certain

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Soon, the ice blocks in the cart were distributed, and Master Rong breathed a sigh of relief.

“Steward, where are the people who delivered the ice?”

The steward hurriedly searched while Qiao Mai and the others were wandering around inside Rong Mansion.

“This Rong family branch is remarkable. A residence like this can rival the imperial palace.

The empress smiled bitterly, “When I was a concubine, they weren’t like this. I suppose these families have taken advantage of my influence.”

“Don’t take it to heart. It has always been like this. One person achieves success, and their relatives benefit. It’s normal. As long as we accumulate virtue, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“The Rong Mansion is unique. No wonder they are hosting a Golden Autumn banquet. They have many fruit trees planted here.”

Qiao Mai reached for the lychees and handed them to the others.

“Try these. They’re sweet. It’s the season for lychees.”

“There are also longans. These fruit trees are well taken care of. They are regularly pruned, resulting in large fruits with exceptional flavor. It seems they’ve put a lot of effort into it.”

“Compared to the fruits my wife cultivates, these are far behind.”

“For earthly things to be cultivated to this extent is already commendable.

Look at the leaves; there’s not a single flaw.”

“Rare for my wife to praise something.”

After walking for a while, they found a pavilion to rest. No one was around, but various fruits were placed on top, seemingly prepared for guests.

As they rested, a group of people approached.

There were men and women, seemingly unmarried.

“Isn’t it said that unmarried men and women should not share the same table?

I didn’t expect the customs here to be so relaxed.”

“It’s a gathering for the unmarried men and women. There’s nothing wrong with them walking together.”

While they talked, the group stopped outside the pavilion and looked at the four individuals.

“Excuse me. Who are you?”

Yuan Jiaqi arched his hand and replied, “We were invited by Young Master

Rong.”

“Which Young Master Rong? There are several Young Masters in the Rong Mansion.”

“It’s Young Master Rong from Lucheng, the fifth son.”

“Oh? Where are you all from?”

“From the capital!”

At the mention of the capital, the group’s demeanor, who had been looking down on them, immediately changed.

“So you’re from the capital. No wonder your attire, demeanor, and speech differ from ours.’

The emperor chose not to engage with these young individuals, considering them mere youngsters not worth wasting words on.

Presumably, these young people understood the situation and left reluctantly.

It turns out they just wanted to rest here.

However, they couldn’t figure out the identities of Qiao Mai’s group and didn’t dare to cause trouble for the Rong Mansion.

In the living room, the most distinguished people of Luzhou City were seated.

The men and women present were of advanced age.

They engaged in lively conversations, accompanied by occasional bursts of laughter.

At that moment, Young Master Rong was outside the living room, attentively listening to his father’s inquiries.

“The people who delivered the ice are your friends?”

“Yes, Father. Yesterday, I met them by chance during a gathering at the teahouse and found them interesting. So, I invited them.”

“Do you know their background?”

“I haven’t had the chance to check yet. They said they plan to stay here for half a month. It seems they are on a sightseeing trip.”

“Stop whatever you are doing now and find them. Accompany them and find out their background.”

“Father, they are on a sightseeing trip. They haven’t considered coming to our house at all.”

“Don’t be so naive. Guard against malicious intentions. Don’t be without vigilance. ”

Young Master Rong found his way to them, saw them resting in the pavilion, and thought his father was overly cautious. “Hey, brothers, welcome.”

“Young Master Rong, why not greet the guests?”

“We are all acquainted. They will take care of themselves. But I’m grateful for your presence, esteemed guests. It adds to the glory of our Rong family.” “You’re too polite.”

“My family was fond of your gifts. I will accompany you around the mansion.” “We are tired from walking. We’ll sit here and wait until the banquet begins, then we’ll come over.”

Young Master Rong called a servant to serve tea, and they sat without moving.

They chatted a bit.

“Brothers, what business are you in?”

“We’re no longer in business. We handed over the family affairs to our children.

We only want to travel through the territory of the Great Ming Dynasty.”

“I see. Judging by your appearance and attire, you seem wealthy. The ice you brought was a rare commodity in this region, yet you even brought a whole cart. ”

“Heroes don’t ask about the origins. We are fated to meet not because of our social status. What do you think, young friend?”

Young Master Rong awkwardly smiled. He had wanted to take the conversation in another direction, but Yuan Jiaqi cut him off.

Many people passed by the pavilion, almost all of them acquaintances of the Young Master. They greeted and left, but one person stayed.

It was the younger sister of Young Master Rong, who is blood-related.

She first saw her brother. “Brother, why are you here?”

“I am accompanying honored guests on my father’s orders.”

Miss Rong noticed several unfamiliar people in the pavilion. The elderly emperor was a bit chubby with a beard, lacking in charm. The empress, though possessing heavenly grace and beauty, was unfortunately showing signs of aging. Although Qiao Mai possesses an elegant demeanor, she is not particularly good-looking. On the other hand, Yuan Jiaqi was tall, imposing, and exuded the charm of a mature man.

“Brother, who are these people?” “This is Mr. Huang, and this is his wife. That is Mr. Yuan and his wife.”

“Welcome to the Rong family.”

Miss Rong displayed the demeanor of a prominent young lady, seemingly poised and gracious on the surface. However, her eyes remained fixed on Yuan Jiaqi throughout.

This amused Qiao Mai. Could it be that this young lady is interested in her man?

Judging by her gaze, she’s a hundred percent interested in Yuan Jiaqi.

Qiao Mai lightly cleared her throat, and Miss Rong finally returned to her senses. She retracted her gaze and smiled apologetically.

“You’re not locals?”

“Yes, we are merchants passing through. That’s all.”

Miss Rong’s gaze revealed a tinge of disappointment, “So, you are foreign merchants.” As she spoke, she glanced again at Yuan Jiaqi.

She coldly snorted in her heart; what if the man she set her eyes on was from another place? If he was willing, it would be fine; if not, she could keep him here forcefully.

Such a refined and mature man with an attractive appearance was her preferred type.

Seeing his sister like this, Young Master Rong hastily urged her, “Your sisters still need your company. Go and attend to them quickly.”

Miss Rong looked at Yuan Jiaqi again. “Excuse me, everyone!”

The group watched her leave and suggested, “You should also attend to your friends. We’ll stay here. When the banquet begins, have someone call us.”

“This…”

“Go ahead!”

After Young Master Rong was ushered away, the empress pursed her lips and sighed.

“On the surface, Mr. Rong seems decent, but Miss Rong is a different story. The way she looked at Mr. Yuan was a blatant possession. In-law, aren’t you upset?”

“My husband wouldn’t spare that kind of woman a second glance.” “How can a branch of the Rong family produce such a person?”

“You should still be mentally prepared. There may be some dirt in secret.”

The emperor took a sip of tea. “Tell me more.”

“Many people who have passed through here have a strong smell of tobacco. The men look listless and thin as if they were bones. Usually, they don’t smoke large hemp.”

“Don’t they look sucked dry by monsters?”

“Yes, your image is appropriate. People who smoke marijuana seem to be sucked dry of their vitality. They have eyebags, their skin is thin, and it seems like they crawled out of a grave.”

“Ah, this tobacco is too harmful.’

“More than that. The victim’s offspring carry the addiction and various diseases. The probability of premature death is high.” “I’ve already sent the Golden Dragon Guards to investigate.”

“The Rong family probably relies on marijuana to get rich.”

The empress’s face turned pale, and she clenched her hands tightly.. “How sinful!”