Chapter 371: Eating and Living Very Well
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“If Young Miss is agreeable, you can discuss it with Young Master Meng first.
“If you are not agreeable, you can pretend that 1 never mentioned this matter,” Song Rui said. He looked like he was thinking of Shen Rong’s interests.
A hint of internal struggle flashed across Shen Rong’s face.
“I’ll discuss it with Meng Xuan before giving you an answer, Young Master Song,” she then said.
Song Rui was right. Her father was already prepared to make a move on Meng Xuan.
The capital was also filled with her father’s spies. If they stayed in the capital, Meng Xuan could be in danger at any time.
Since things had already progressed to the stage where Meng Xuan would have no chance to embark on an official’s career as long as her father was alive, there would be little meaning for them to continue staying in the capital.
It would be better to make a clean break surreptitiously and go as far as the horizon permitted.
As she mulled over this, a wave of determination swept over Shen Rong’s heart.
So what if she left the capital? As long as she could be with Meng Xuan, her days would be happy.
“Mm-hmm,” Song Rui responded as he looked at Shen Rong’s expression.
He knew in his heart that his plan was already 80% complete.
After all, Meng Xuan trusted him more than Shen Rong.
Moreover, he had already discussed this matter with Meng Xuan.
After making up her mind, Shen Rong looked at Song Rui with a kinder expression that was even tinged with a little gratitude.
“Meng Xuan and I thank you, Young Master Song.” As she spoke, she bowed to Song Rui respectfully.
“Don’t mention it, Young Miss.
“Leaving the capital is not exactly a good idea for you, Young Miss.
“I still hope that Young Miss can think twice before acting.” Song Rui looked at Shen Rong as he spoke.
Shen Rong was taken aback.
Song Rui was staring at her and she almost fell into a daze.
However, she quickly regained her senses and averted her eyes.
“I… 1’11 give you an answer after discussing it with Meng Xuan,” she said in a flustered manner.
Why was Song Rui looking at her like that?
Was he interested in her? So he was hoping that she would stay?
If there was nothing between her and Meng Xuan and she was not pregnant, perhaps…
Just as she had this thought, Shen Rong quickly stopped herself.
There was no “perhaps.” She was already Meng Xuan’s woman. In this life, she could only accompany Meng Xuan for the rest of her life.
No matter how good Song Rui was or how talented he was, he was not suitable for her.
Fortunately, her Meng Xuan was not bad either.
As long as she could be with Meng Xuan, in the future, the two of them would be able to live like a couple with mutual respect, and she would stay by his side as he studied. They would be able to lead the life of a perfectly compatible and harmonious couple
When she thought of this, the trace of regret in Shen Rong’s heart was quickly quelled.
She was even more determined to elope with Meng Xuan and leave the capital.
Song Rui nodded and didn’t compel her anymore.
After saying a few more words to Shen Rong, he left.
Shen Rong watched Song Rui leave. After he had moved far away and her maidservant had returned, she went back to her courtyard together with her maidservant.
Over the next few days, as Song Rui’s new poems spread out in the palace, his reputation as an “Immortal Poet” was reinforced.
Countless scholars in the capital were proud of being able to memorize Song Rui’s poems. When they went out on gatherings, they would talk about Song Rui.
Meanwhile, Song Rui, who was staying in the Prime Minister’s residence, also received various invitations to poetry recitals. There was even a visiting card from a great scholar.
For a while, there were countless people who wanted to meet Song Rui.
At this point, Song Rui was holed up in the small courtyard dwelling, having a wonderful time with his beautiful wife.
Over the past few days, as the Palace and the Prime Minister’s residence kept adding fuel to the fire, Song Rui’s fame was second to none in the capital.
Meng Xuan and Shen Rong had already agreed to Song Rui’s suggestion.
At this moment, Song Rui was in high spirits due to the series of happy events and everything going smoothly.
As for Qin Xiaoyao, she had just bought the manor on the outskirts of the capital yesterday.
With her first official business established in the capital, the woman was in a very good mood.
“Early this morning, Liu Ling brought some workers to the manor to settle everything.
“After they clean up the manor, I’ll move the century egg workshop there.
“Not only will we save on the rent of the house, but we can also accommodate more workers.” Qin Xiaoyao was smiling brightly.
“From now on, there will only be a sales department left in the city. If the customers want to pick up the goods, they have to go directly to the manor.
“Separating the sales and the workshop will also prevent others from taking advantage of any loophole and leaking out the recipe.”
When he saw his wife’s smug look, Song Rui was in a good mood and kissed her on the forehead.
“Based on this momentum, you will probably be rich very soon, my dear.” He was quick to grovel at her feet.
Qin Xiaoyao was very pleased when she heard him. She stretched out a finger and lifted Song Rui’s chin.
“Of course.
“When I’m rich, my hubby will be able to eat and live well with me!” she said magnanimously.
Song Rui smiled in amusement.
He pulled the mischievous woman into his arms.
“Alright. When my wife is rich, your husband will obediently warm your bed.”
Qin Xiaoyao’s eyes darkened instantly.
“Why wait…” After saying that, she pounced on him.
By the time the two of them left, it was already evening.
After eating the dinner prepared by Granny Hu, the two of them left the courtyard one after another.
The difference was that Song Rui rubbed his waist several times when he left, whereas Qin Xiaoyao was very lively and her face was filled with expressions of love and passion.
Another three days passed.
The hiring results for the candidates who passed the talent recruitment examination were announced.
Many of Qin Xiaoyao’s soldiers had obtained official positions through the martial examination.
The four Huang brothers and her big brother were all among them.
It was unknown if Empress Jia was intentionally taking care of them, but the four Huang brothers and Qin Dahu were all assigned to the army under Qin Xiaoyao’s command.
Qin Xiaoyao was very satisfied upon learning of the result. That night, she went to Cloud Scent Court and booked a few tables.
After drinking to her heart’s content with her subordinates, she returned to her residence.
As for the literary examination, Song Rui’s performance was outstanding. Coupled with the support from the Prime Minister’s residence and Empress Jia, he entered the Ministry of Appointments straightaway and became a sixth-grade official.
Once this appointment was announced, it caused another commotion.
The sharp-eyed officials had already noticed the difference in this new official from the Ministry of Appointments.
For a while, not only were the scholars flocking to Song Rui, but there was also an endless stream of courtiers who wanted to get close to Song Rui.
After another three days, the Prime Minister’s residence finally sent out news.
Prime Minister Shen announced that the newly appointed official of the Ministry of Appointments would be marrying into his family, and he would be giving the hand of his only daughter to Song Rui.
Once the news came out, there was a new topic to talk about in the capital.
Some people felt that Song Rui was both talented and capable, but in order to rise in society, he actually agreed to marry into the Prime Minister’s family, thereby giving up his dignity.
There were also people who felt that a real man should know when to give and take, so it was fine for him to marry into the Prime Minister’s family. After all, the Prime Minister only had that one daughter.
After marrying into the family, although Song Rui was a live-in son-in-law, Prime Minister Shen would definitely groom him as his successor.
In the future, after Prime Minister Shen’s death, the world would be Song Rui’s oyster.
At that point, what did it matter if he married into the family? Song Rui would have the world at his feet.
Song Rui didn’t care about the comments from outsiders.
At this moment, the only person he was worried about was Qin Xiaoyao.
That was right. Qin Xiaoyao had also heard the news.
Back then, Princess Xiangyang had rushed into Qin Xiaoyao’s courtyard happily and told her about it.
Then, her initially good mood instantly turned gloomy.
She ignored Princess Xiangyang who was talking enthusiastically, stood up, and left the Marquis’s residence with a long face..