The Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion brought tonic, and happened to see Wei Feng hurrying out. Recalling the recent events outside, she couldn't help but sigh.
"Han'er."
"Mother, why have you come?" Wen Mohan stood up and took the tray from Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion. "Such a small matter, you should let the maids do it."
"Your father has been so busy lately that his feet haven't touched the ground, and you're always out of sight. I feel so empty in the mansion," Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion leaned closer to Wen Mohan. "Han'er, when will you marry the Xiao girl? Give me a big grandson soon, and I won't be lonely."
"Cough, cough." Wen Mohan was drinking soup when he heard his mother say that and choked.
Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion quickly patted his back. "Drink slowly, don't rush."
"Mother, we haven't even gotten to the first step. Why are you in such a hurry?" Wen Mohan put down his bowl. "Besides, having a child isn't something you can do just because you want to."
"Mother is eager to hold her grandson. Look, Miss Xiao has almost recovered. I'll pick an auspicious day and go to your home to propose. What do you think?" Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion asked with a smile.
Wen Mohan, blushing unusually, said, "This matter... I'll handle it myself."
"This is a major life event, a marriage. It's the parents' order and the matchmaker's word. How can you handle it yourself? How about this, let your father sound out General Xiao's intentions. If the Xiao family is also willing, we'll arrange the marriage early to avoid any unexpected complications."
Wen Mohan's thoughts stirred. If he were to get engaged to Xiao Man at this time, even the young emperor Yun Qi wouldn't be able to forcefully take another man's wife.
"I'll make a decision after I ask Man'er about this."
Hearing this, Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion couldn't help but glare at Wen Mohan. He had to ask Xiao Man's opinion about everything. Son, your marital authority will be weak in the future!
"Fine, as long as you're happy. This matter should be done sooner rather than later." Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion remembered the Prime Minister's worry. "She is also a princess. I'm afraid His Majesty won't bear to part with his daughter and will push her into a political marriage."
Wen Mohan felt a mix of emotions. He disliked Man'er's mother before, but now she was thinking of Man'er.
"Mother, thank you."
"Why thank me? You love her, and you can't be with anyone else. Of course, I have to think more for her. You are my only son now. I don't ask for anything else, just that she treats you sincerely." Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion said gently. "Han'er, Mother... just one more question, is it really her or no one else?"
"It's her or no one else."
Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion opened her mouth, wanting to ask, "What if she's unwilling to marry you?" But looking at her son's unwavering eyes, she swallowed the words back.
"As long as you like her."
Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion watched as Wen Mohan finished the tonic and cleared the bowls. Wei Feng returned, with Cen Yu following behind him.
"Aunt."
"It's Cen Yu. I heard that the Cen family's business hasn't been good lately. Is everything alright?" Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion asked with concern. After all, Cen Yu had a very good relationship with her son and had provided a lot of funds to the Prime Minister's mansion. Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion treated Cen Yu very well.
"Aunt, you don't need to worry. They are just minor issues."
"That's good. You two talk, I won't disturb you."
Cen Yu watched Lady of the Prime Minister's mansion leave, then followed Wei Feng into the room. He had also intended to find Wen Mohan and happened to run into Wei Feng leaving, so he returned with him.
"It seems you also wanted to see me." Wen Mohan saw Cen Yu arrive so quickly and understood after a moment's thought.
Wei Feng retreated and closed the door, leaving the two alone.
Seeing Wen Mohan reviewing official documents, Cen Yu sat down beside him and began to grind ink for him. "The Crown Prince has been confined, and you've entered the cabinet. Your responsibilities have increased, but you must also take care of your health."
"You are still so thoughtful and caring," Wen Mohan said while reviewing documents.
Cen Yu smiled gently, his peach blossom eyes full of affection. "I can handle the matters of the Cen family. Don't interfere."
"I have no intention of interfering." Wen Mohan replied, "Everyone must be responsible for their own actions. I am, and so are you."
Cen Yu's hand grinding ink paused for a moment, then he continued as if nothing had happened. "Yes, everyone must be responsible for their actions."
Wen Mohan put down his brush and looked at Cen Yu. "Cen Yu, how many years have we known each other?"
"Eight years, seven months, and three days." Cen Yu said slowly. "I still remember vividly how I scaled your wall in a sorry state, fell into your courtyard, and you asked nothing, but hid me in your room and secretly sent someone to invite an imperial physician to treat my injuries."
"We've known each other for so long?" Wen Mohan's voice was very low, his eyes cold, as if he was meeting Cen Yu for the first time. He still remembered how Cen Yu was covered in wounds then, yet his smile was still pure, like a newborn lamb, evoking pity.
"Yes, we've known each other for so long." Cen Yu put down the inkstick. "If it weren't for you, I would have lost my life eight years ago."
"Cen Yu, would you lie to me?" Wen Mohan looked into Cen Yu's eyes and asked earnestly. Would he lie to him? Or rather, how many times had he lied to him?
Cen Yu knew that Wen Mohan had many questions he wanted to ask. As long as he asked, he would tell him. Although he had done many bad things behind his back, he had never lied to him!
"No, and I have never lied to you."
Wen Mohan stared at Cen Yu quietly. Never lied to him? This statement was a complete lie to him!
"When I wanted to kill Wen Moyu, was it you who saved her?"
"No." Cen Yu said frankly. "How could I save someone you wanted to kill?"
Wen Mohan was puzzled. So, the person who saved Wen Moyu was indeed someone else, but Cen Yu definitely knew that Wen Moyu was still alive.
"The daughter of the Minister of War, kidnapped on her wedding day, did it have anything to do with you?"
"I didn't do it." Cen Yu's face was full of sincerity. What he said was the truth. He didn't do it; he just instructed someone to do it.
"In Jiangzhou, when I went to find Man'er, what did you say to Wen Moyu?"
"She asked me to save her, and I refused. Then she cursed me," Cen Yu said briefly. As for the truth Wen Moyu knew, it would be unknown to anyone after Wen Moyu's death.
"You killed her?"
"Yes." Cen Yu nodded affirmatively. "After all, we knew each other for many years, and you had loved her for many years. Seeing her suffer from the torment of the poison that tore her heart and lungs apart, I couldn't bear it and gave her a quick end."
Wen Mohan fell silent, seemingly contemplating what else to ask. He remained silent for a long time. Cen Yu was not in a hurry and waited patiently. He hoped Wen Mohan would ask the questions he hadn't yet asked. He felt a sense of eagerness, both anticipation and trepidation.