Mo Lingxi understood Sheng Lengshuang's intention and pondered for a moment, "Tell me your thoughts."
Sheng Lengshuang turned her body to look at him and extended a finger. "Firstly, sweet potatoes were originally a national treasure of the Southern Jin Dynasty. If our Eastern Jin Dynasty possesses them, it's hard to guarantee that the Southern Jin Dynasty won't use this to their advantage. It's better to gift sweet potatoes to the Western Yue Dynasty and Northern Yuan Dynasty."
"One is to curry favor, second is to prevent the Southern Jin Dynasty from using the Northern Yuan Dynasty and Western Yue Dynasty to scheme against our Eastern Jin Dynasty. Third, with this favor, if the Northern Yuan Dynasty and Western Yue Dynasty were to scheme against our Eastern Jin Dynasty, it would be their fault."
Mo Lingxi gave a thumbs up and praised, "My wife is truly amazing, to think of such a brilliant plan."
Sheng Lengshuang rolled her eyes at him. "Stop being playful. What do you think of this plan?"
Mo Lingxi's smile faded. "This matter should not be brought up by us; it should be brought up by the Western Yue Dynasty and Northern Yuan Dynasty."
Sheng Lengshuang thought for a moment and understood. "Indeed. If we were to propose it, it would seem less precious. If these two dynasties propose it, they will cherish it even more."
This was exactly Mo Lingxi's point. "I will mention it to His Majesty tomorrow."
Sheng Lengshuang nudged him. "You're waiting until tomorrow? Go tell His Majesty now. Let a rumor spread during the morning court tomorrow. I believe the Western Yue Dynasty and Northern Yuan Dynasty will eagerly approach His Majesty."
Mo Lingxi cast her a resentful glance but still went to the palace.
Sheng Lengshuang continued to look at the account books, thinking about visiting the academy tomorrow and sending some books.
"Miss, you are attending Miss Sima's engagement banquet tomorrow," the maid reminded her. "You haven't prepared a congratulatory gift for Miss Sima yet. Shall I prepare it?"
Sheng Lengshuang lightly tapped her forehead, suddenly remembering. "Choose a good congratulatory gift from my private treasury."
The items in her private treasury were all given to her by her parents and Xiao Feng.
Normally, whatever good things Xiao Feng received, he would give them to her, claiming it was to save up dowry for his mother.
The maid took her orders and retreated to handle the matter.
Sheng Lengshuang narrowed her eyes and asked the hidden guards to handle two matters. Her relationship with Sima Min was not good, so she had to be extra careful tomorrow.
...
The next day.
Sheng Lengshuang and Mo Lingxi arrived at Prince Rui's mansion to attend Sima Min's engagement banquet.
Upon their arrival, they discovered that not many people were attending Sima Min's engagement banquet. Moreover, those who attended were mostly ladies from minor families, scattered and looking rather sparse.
Sheng Lengshuang handed the congratulatory gift to a servant and followed Mo Lingxi to greet Prince Rui and his wife. Afterward, they stood in a corner chatting.
"I really didn't expect Sima Min's engagement banquet to be so desolate," Sheng Lengshuang said lightly.
Mo Lingxi replied, "A new emperor, new officials."
This time, Sheng Lengshuang felt it deeply and couldn't help but sigh. Yes, when Prince Rui was highly regarded, not only was his legitimate daughter made a county princess, but he was also the object of flattery and attention from all sides. But now...
Therefore, she couldn't move to the estate with Xiao Feng. She had to help him adapt to this circle as soon as possible and pave the way for his future.
"Don't worry," Mo Lingxi understood her concerns and comforted her. "If the situation deteriorates, I have the ability to protect you both."
Sheng Lengshuang shook her head. "I'm not worried about that..."
Seeing Sima Min and Cheng Han emerge, she stopped her topic. "You say, why did Cheng Han agree to get engaged to Sima Min?"
Mo Lingxi had investigated this matter thoroughly. "A starving camel is still bigger than a horse. After Cheng Han divorced Tao Li, coupled with the ascension of the new emperor, his situation has become increasingly awkward."
Sheng Lengshuang understood. Although it was Tao Li's fault before, Tao Li was not Sheng family's daughter. The current emperor's attitude towards the Cheng family was not good, so Cheng Han had to get engaged to Sima Min for his future.
After all, Prince Rui had many connections and relationships that could greatly help Cheng Han.
Seeing Sima Min and Cheng Han approach her and Mo Lingxi, she smiled faintly and nodded. "Congratulations to both of you."
Sima Min smiled shyly. "Thank you, Miss Sheng. It is our honor that Miss Sheng and Prince Ming Rui can attend our engagement banquet."
Sheng Lengshuang replied, "Just by looking at Miss Sima's demeanor, I can tell you are very happy."
Sima Min said, "Being able to meet Cheng Han and get engaged to him is my greatest happiness."
Cheng Han scratched his head. "These words should be said as, I am grateful that Min'er doesn't mind that I was married before."
Sheng Lengshuang felt a chill and couldn't help but shiver. "I think you two are a match made in heaven. I believe you will live in harmony in the future."
Sima Min * Cheng Han: "Thank you."
After staying for a while longer, the two went to chat with the guests.
Sheng Lengshuang nudged Mo Lingxi with her elbow and covered her mouth with her hand. "It seems these two are very satisfied with this marriage."
Mo Lingxi replied, "It's just a matter of each getting what they need."
"What do you mean by that...?"
"Sima Min approached Cheng Han proactively, not as she claimed. As for what Sima Min and Cheng Han discussed, I haven't found out yet."
Sheng Lengshuang thought of many things in an instant, her gaze towards Sima Min shifting slightly. Sima Min proactively approaching Cheng Han and using her own marriage indicated that her schemes were not small.
Then, what did Sima Min want to do?
"Let's go," Mo Lingxi said, taking her hand and leading her outside.
Sheng Lengshuang was surprised. "Aren't we staying a bit longer? It doesn't seem good to leave so soon after arriving?"
Mo Lingxi said it was fine and continued to lead her outside.
As they were halfway out, they suddenly saw a familiar figure flash by. They exchanged a glance and continued forward.
"Do you think Prince Rui and his wife know about these things?" Sheng Lengshuang said with a half-smile.
Mo Lingxi couldn't be sure about this. "I will investigate."
With a wave of his hand, another hidden guard was sent to check the situation.
Sheng Lengshuang stroked her chin. "I have a feeling Sima Min is still plotting against you."
Mo Lingxi: "...Whether she's plotting against me or not, it doesn't concern me. I only need you to plot against me."
Sheng Lengshuang chuckled. "Then I'm truly sorry, I'm not plotting against you."
Mo Lingxi tempted her. "You're really not plotting against me? Think about the benefits of plotting against me. You can get countless properties and wealth, and a husband who is so good and considerate."
Sheng Lengshuang extended a finger. "All your goodness cannot outweigh your troubles and dangers."
Mo Lingxi was taken aback. "Wife, let's not talk about this. Let's talk about my proposal. When do you think is a good time for me to propose? Or perhaps, it's better to strike while the iron is hot?"
Sheng Lengshuang said, "You're thinking too much. If you dare to come to propose, my father will definitely chase you with his sword."
Mo Lingxi imagined that scene, and his eyebrows twitched. His father-in-law was truly capable of such a thing.
"Then why don't we discuss it first, and then go find father and mother?"
Sheng Lengshuang replied, "What do you think your father and mother will do if you do that?"