Soon, the carriage stopped at the entrance of Pingyang Marquis Manor.

At this time, the heavy snow continued to fall.

Though it was lighter than yesterday.

The coachman jumped down from the carriage.

He called out, “Master, Young Master, we’ve arrived.”

Hearing this, Left Prime Minister Gong descended from inside.

Gong Shilin followed closely behind.

Snow fell in flurries, drifting with the wind onto their bodies.

Fortunately, both wore cloaks.

Behind them followed another carriage.

Loaded entirely with gifts.

The Marquis of Pingyang came personally to greet them.

“Marquis of Pingyang.” Left Prime Minister Gong clasped his hands in greeting.

“General Gong.”

The two exchanged pleasantries.

Although Gong Chi now held the distinguished position of Left Prime Minister, the Marquis of Pingyang was still accustomed to calling him General Gong in private.

The Gong family servants suddenly called out, “Bring the items inside.”

They unloaded the gifts from the carriage one by one.

The Marquis of Pingyang said, “Our two families are about to become one. Why be so formal?”

Left Prime Minister Gong said, “It’s necessary, it’s necessary. Some courtesies cannot be omitted.”

The two men laughed.

Then, Gong Shilin, who had been standing to the side, stepped forward and politely bowed, calling out, “Marquis.”

“Shilin! It’s been a long time.”

“Indeed. Today I’ve come to visit with Father. I hope we won’t trouble the Marquis.”

“How could it be trouble? I’m very happy you could come.”

Gong Shilin smiled gently.

The Marquis of Pingyang then patted his arm, quite satisfied. “From now on, we’ll be one family. You don’t need to call me Marquis as you did before. Just call me Uncle.”

As if reminding him.

You’re about to be my son-in-law!

Gong Shilin lowered his head, appearing completely compliant. “Yes, Shilin understands.”

The Marquis of Pingyang laughed heartily with satisfaction.

“Well then, with such heavy snow, let’s not keep standing outside. Let’s go in.”

The three men entered.

Exchanging pleasantries all the way to the main hall.

Today, Li Qiao had to enter the palace, so he wasn’t at the manor.

As for Li Cheng, because he had been waiting these past two days for Ji Yunshu’s portrait, he had nothing to do.

He didn’t want to go to the City Bureau either, so he stayed home all day.

But this morning when he suddenly learned that Left Prime Minister Gong was coming to visit, his whole mood soured.

Because this job of his had been obtained through the back door with Left Prime Minister Gong’s help.

If it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t have to suffer this torment.

Moreover, Gong Shilin was also coming today!

His mortal enemy.

He worried he wouldn’t be able to control his murderous impulses, so he planned to just go out. Who knew that before he could leave, he was caught red-handed by the Marquis of Pingyang, who forced him to stay home and entertain the guests properly.

So he was full of anger.

Right now, he sat in the main hall sulking.

Gripping a porcelain cup in his hand as if trying to crush it.

Looking fierce and menacing.

Even the maid serving tea didn’t dare approach him.

When he saw his father ushering in the so-called “guests,” he snorted.

He set down the porcelain cup in his hand and rose to greet them.

Seeing Gong Shilin behind Left Prime Minister Gong, he glared viciously at him.

Full of murderous intent.

Then withdrew his gaze, and reluctantly, unwillingly, deeply bowed to the entering Left Prime Minister Gong.

“Uncle Gong.”

Because last time Li Cheng went to settle accounts with Gong Shilin and happened to be caught by Left Prime Minister Gong, he still harbored some displeasure in his heart. But since they were about to become one family, and Li Cheng was the Heir Apparent of the Marquis of Pingyang, he didn’t hold it against him.

He simply nodded.

Then with a smile on his face, said meaningfully, “Ah Cheng, you mustn’t cause trouble today.”

Ugh!

Ginger gets spicier with age indeed.

A thousand wild horses stampeded through Li Cheng’s mind.

His molars ground together audibly with hatred.

Because after Li Cheng made that scene at the Gong Prime Minister’s Manor last time and was dragged back by his brother Li Qiao, he hadn’t told the Marquis of Pingyang.

So the Marquis couldn’t understand what this meant.

He ushered them in, “Don’t keep standing outside, let’s go in.”

As Gong Shilin passed by Li Cheng…

Li Cheng quietly said something to him, “You better watch yourself.”

Don’t you dare leave later!

Gong Shilin didn’t even glance at him and walked straight in.

The Gong father and son removed their cloaks and handed them to the servants.

The servants brought over two warming braziers and placed them in front of each of them.

They also served hot tea.

As soon as Li Cheng sat down, his gaze was filled with murderous intent as he stared at Gong Shilin sitting across from him.

If it weren’t for the current setting, he would have definitely pounced on him.

And fought to the death!

As for Gong Shilin, he treated him like he was completely transparent.

Acting completely indifferent.

This made Li Cheng even angrier.

His hands gripped the armrests on both sides of the chair, his fingernails practically digging into the lacquered wood.

Making creaking sounds.

“By the way, why don’t I see Wenshu?” Left Prime Minister Gong suddenly asked.

The Marquis of Pingyang asked the steward beside him, “Where is the young lady?”

The steward stepped forward and said, “Master, the young lady woke up this morning… feeling unwell and is resting in her room.”

“Feeling unwell? Didn’t she know the Gong family was coming today?”

“She knows, but the young lady caught a cold and is coughing severely.”

“That serious?” The Marquis of Pingyang was worried.

Li Cheng immediately stood up. “Elder Sister is ill? Why didn’t anyone say so earlier?”

His face anxious, he strode off.

With no regard for propriety whatsoever.

The Marquis of Pingyang couldn’t even call him back in time.

He sighed.

Then turned to Gong Shilin and said, “Shilin, why don’t you also go see Wenshu?”

Having his future son-in-law go see his daughter—this was a good move.

Left Prime Minister Gong also chimed in, “You go. Your uncle and I still have things to discuss.”

Gong Shilin was like a puppet.

He rose silently.

“Yes.”

And left.

Li Cheng arrived at Li Wenshu’s courtyard. Before he even entered, he heard coughing from inside.

“Elder Sister.”

He rushed into the room.

Li Wenshu lay pale against the bed.

One hand holding a handkerchief over her mouth as she coughed.

A maid was adding charcoal to the warming brazier beside the bed.

Seeing him rush in so urgently, Li Wenshu caught her breath.

“Why did you come?”

Li Cheng sat at the bedside, his face full of worry. “Elder Sister, why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”

“It’s just a small cold, it’s nothing.”

“You’re like this and it’s nothing? Did you have a physician come look at you?”

“Some medicine will make it better. It’s just an old ailment.”

“Elder Sister…”

“That’s enough, I’m really fine. But you—weren’t you supposed to be in the front courtyard with Father entertaining the people from the Gong Manor? Why did you run over here?” Li Wenshu’s tone carried slight severity.

Li Cheng fumed sullenly.

Looking unhappy, he said, “Elder Sister, you know my temperament. Knowing full well you don’t like that boy from the Gong family, how could I have any mood to face him? I want nothing more than to sweep him out.”

“Nonsense!” Li Wenshu frowned. “This marriage was arranged by Father for me. Since ancient times, parents’ commands and matchmakers’ words—how can you say such things? If Father hears this, you’ll bring trouble upon yourself again.”

“I just feel it’s unfair to Elder Sister.”

“Stop talking!” Li Wenshu turned her head away.

Not wanting to continue this topic.

Just then… a voice came from the doorway, “Young Master Gong.”