"Your Highness Prince Han, what exactly does Man'er know?" A clear, cold voice cut through the air. Nangong Cheng's body stiffened. He glanced over and saw Wen Mohan approaching, his dark blue cloak lined with white fox fur, making him appear even more frigid and radiant as the moon.
"Mohan."
A smile bloomed on Wen Mohan's cold face, like a plum blossom suddenly bursting forth in the depths of winter. "Man'er, what a coincidence. I was just planning to visit the General's residence to find you."
"Lord Wen." Nangong Cheng's face showed apprehension. He had thought that by marrying Wen Moyu, he would gain the support of the Prime Minister's manor. Little did he know, Wen Mohan was the true core of the family.
"I will surely report everything Your Highness Prince Han said today to His Majesty."
Nangong Cheng's expression shifted. "I said nothing!" Sudanshu.com
"Young Lord Nangong Fei forcibly abducted common women, showed disregard for human life, molested a high-ranking official's daughter, and insulted a military commander. Memorials impeaching him will soon reach His Majesty's imperial desk. If Your Highness Prince Han believes Nangong Fei has been wronged, you are welcome to plead his case before His Majesty."
Wen Mohan's tone was gentle, each word a carefully chosen gem that left Nangong Cheng unable to refute. What wronged? After Nangong Fei arrived in the capital, how many wicked deeds had he committed? If it weren't for Prince Yan covering for him, a single spit from each accuser would have drowned him.
"Whether he is wronged or not has nothing to do with me." Nangong Cheng cast a deep glance at Xiao Man, then turned and left. As he turned, a flicker of hatred crossed his face. How dare Xiao Man humiliate him like this? Did she truly believe that by gaining Wen Mohan's favor, she could achieve unparalleled glory? No matter how capable Wen Mohan was, he was still a subject!
One day, he would certainly have Xiao Man lying beneath him, her pleas of ecstasy filling his ears. At that time, he would see if Xiao Man could still be as arrogant as she was today!
"Finally, that annoying presence is gone." Xiao Man breathed a sigh of relief when Nangong Cheng left. "Mohan, thank you."
"There's no need for thanks between us." Wen Mohan's gaze fell upon their clasped hands. Dugu Mingyu quickly withdrew his hand. This Lord Wen's affection for Xiao Man was undisguised, and he understood the meaning behind that look perfectly.
"Right, you said you were coming to find me. Was there something important?"
"A few days ago, you were in a deep slumber. Now that you've recovered somewhat, I thought we could go out for a stroll and breathe some fresh air, which would be beneficial for your recovery. The plum blossoms at Chunxi Garden are blooming beautifully. Would you be interested in admiring them?" Wen Mohan walked alongside Xiao Man, asking gently.
"When?"
"There's no time like the present. The day is still young, the sky is clear and crisp, perfect for brewing wine and admiring the plum blossoms," Wen Mohan said softly. "Shall we?"
"Excellent." Xiao Man nodded. "Mingyu, let's go brew wine and admire the plum blossoms together."
Dugu Mingyu's expression changed. "I... I seem to have something to attend to. I should return..."
"If you have something, have my brother handle it."
"Young General is busy with wedding preparations and doesn't have time," Dugu Mingyu quickly replied. This Wen Mohan clearly wanted to spend time alone with Xiao Man. If he went along, wouldn't he be ruining the mood? Yet, the last time they met, Xiao Man had seemed to be getting along well with Prince Qin, as if they were deeply in love. How was it that after returning to the capital, her taste had changed to favor such a gentle and refined man?
"Today, you don't need to do anything else. You just need to keep me company," Xiao Man said, pulling Dugu Mingyu along without further ado. "Besides, A'luo has been missing you greatly. You can chat with her."
In the carriage, Wen Mohan noticed Xiao Man looking out from time to time, a hint of confusion in his heart. "Man'er seems to treat General Dugu differently than others."
Xiao Man smiled brightly. "Do I?"
Wen Mohan nodded decisively. "Yes, Man'er treats him with exceptional kindness, so much so that I've become jealous."
Hearing this, Xiao Man covered her mouth and laughed. "What are you jealous about? Mingyu is like a younger brother to me, like family. Naturally, I treat him differently than others."
Wen Mohan found this statement strange. Dugu Mingyu was twenty-four, several years older than Xiao Luo. He shouldn't be considered a younger brother: "He should be considered an older brother. He's many years older than you."
"Yes, yes, older brother. He's just like my own brother."
Although Wen Mohan didn't quite grasp the meaning behind her words, he was relieved to know that Xiao Man harbored no other feelings for Dugu Mingyu. Seeing Xiao Man holding Dugu Mingyu's hand had made him uncomfortable, but now that he knew there was nothing more to it, his unease vanished.
On the carriage shaft outside, Dugu Mingyu resignedly drove the carriage. Dugu Luo was an expert fighter, but driving was not her forte. If she were to drive, he feared he wouldn't live long.
Chunxi Garden was a pleasant spot on the outskirts of the city. Even in winter, people ventured out to tread through the snow and seek out plum blossoms. However, it primarily catered to high-ranking officials and nobles, with ordinary folk unable to gain entry.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of Chunxi Garden, and a young servant waiting at the gate immediately stepped forward. Xiao Man alighted first, followed by Wen Mohan carrying a food box.
"You brought food?"
"Pastries from Ba Zhen Pavilion, your favorite," Wen Mohan said, holding up the food box. "I also got two pots of plum blossom wine. At this time of year, drinking plum blossom wine, enjoying Ba Zhen Pavilion's pastries, and admiring the plum blossoms at Chunxi Garden will surely be a unique experience."
"As expected of a scholar and gentleman, your arrangements are more thoughtful than others."
The servant led them inside. The plum blossoms had recently reached their peak, with red, white, and yellow hues intertwining, creating a stunning spectacle.
They took their seats in a wind-sheltered pavilion. The pavilion was situated at a slightly elevated position, offering a panoramic view of the garden's beauty. Xiao Man couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"Warm rain and gentle breezes break the frost, willow eyes and plum cheeks, already feel the stirrings of spring." Xiao Man raised her wine cup and drank it down in one gulp. "Such beautiful scenery, such exquisite wine. This trip was well worth it."
The smile on Wen Mohan's face deepened. "If you like it, you can come often in the future. Chunxi Garden doesn't just have plum blossoms; there are also pear blossoms, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, lotus flowers... the scenery is different at different times of the year."
"That's wonderful, another excellent place to visit."
Dugu Mingyu's gaze fell upon the two figures seated and drinking in the pavilion. He asked Dugu Luo gently, "Are you accustomed to staying in the capital?"
Dugu Luo nodded. "There's a lot of delicious food."
Dugu Mingyu chuckled, somewhat speechless. "Does the Eldest Miss treat you well?"
"A'man gets hurt often," Dugu Luo frowned. "They bully A'man."
Dugu Mingyu's expression shifted slightly. He knew from Xiao Luo that Xiao Man's situation in the capital wasn't entirely smooth, but he hadn't expected Xiao Man to be injured so frequently.
"Then protect her well."
"I will," Dugu Luo nodded fiercely. "Otherwise, Zhan Tianque will replace me."
Dugu Mingyu started, turning to look at Dugu Luo. "You met Zhan Tianque?"
Dugu Luo nodded.
"When?"
"A few months ago."