Su Nansheng stared at the name "He Xun", her expression complicated.
In her previous life, after she successfully framed He Xun, he had forcefully taken her onto a carriage.
She was extremely frightened at that time, afraid that he would hurt her in revenge.
But He Xun just sat beside her, looking at her coldly for a while before saying in a deep voice,
"You're very scared, aren't you? Why don't you cry?"
Although his face was calm, the murderous aura emanating from him made Su Nansheng's hair stand on end.
Was he trying to torture her?
But He Xun just took her to the top of Floating Cloud Mountain, from where one could overlook the entire capital.
He Xun looked at the row upon row of houses at the foot of the mountain.
"The capital is so well - regulated, with strict hierarchical order. It's not like the northern border, which is broad, vast, and free. Since you said I defiled your innocence, would you like to go to the northern border with me?"
At the end of his words, He Xun turned his head and stared at Su Nansheng. His sharp eyes made her dare not look directly at him.
Su Nansheng lowered her head, on high alert. Who would want to go to the barbaric and desolate northern border with him.
"No."
At that time, Su Nansheng was already prepared to be thrown off the mountain and die, but He Xun finally sent her back to the Anshun Marquis Mansion.
The next day, he left for the northern border and never returned to the capital again.
After being reborn, Su Nansheng thought that she might have misunderstood He Xun.
But every time she thought of his words "Why don't you cry", she was a bit unsure about He Xun's personality. Did he like to see people cry?
At present, she couldn't figure out Chen Wanrong's intentions. The other party hadn't finalized the marriage yet and even held a flower - viewing banquet.
As is well - known, some flower - viewing banquets are really for enjoying flowers, while some are just an excuse for men and women to meet.
Su Nansheng sighed. She had thought she was sure of success.
"Bitao, go and ask mother if she has received the invitation."
Since she was determined to marry He Xun, she had to go even if it was a trap.
However, since it might be a matchmaking banquet, it would be more convenient for her mother to go with her. Her mother could also try to find out Chen Wanrong's intentions.
If something really went wrong, she could deal with it in time.
...
As soon as Su Hele returned to the courtyard, she heard that Deng was looking for her.
She looked down at the slightly wrinkled ruffled skirt on her body, changed her clothes, and then went to the main courtyard.
Entering the outer room, she saw Deng sitting on the beauty's couch, looking at the account books with a smile on her face, obviously very satisfied with the accounts.
Su Hele frowned imperceptibly. What a money - grubbing woman.
"Mother, why did you call me?"
Deng pushed the account book aside and motioned for Su Hele to sit down.
"Another person came to propose marriage today. It's a scholar without any official title. Should I tell you about it?"
"Mother, if they are really talented, I will naturally marry them. But they don't even have an official title, let alone talent."
A look of displeasure flashed in Su Hele's eyes, and she became even more annoyed.
Concubine Li actually disagreed with her marriage to He Jin. Where did she get the courage?
Although she was He Jin's biological mother, she was just a concubine after all. It was not up to her to decide in the Anshun Marquis Mansion.
Moreover, she was so outstanding. Why did Concubine Li look down on her?
"True love is more evident when sharing hardships. When I married your father, he was also a commoner. But look at him now. He hasn't even taken a concubine.
When that scholar achieves fame one day, I'm sure he will treat you even better."
Su Hele scoffed in her heart. It would be good if he achieved fame, but what if he remained unknown?
Besides, she would surely become the mistress of the Marquis Mansion in the future. Why waste time on a scholar?
Not wanting to argue with Deng anymore, Su Hele directly played her trump card.
"Mother, if they can't impress me with their talent, I'd rather go to Fangzhou with you all."
Sure enough, Deng felt sorry for her.
"That won't do. Fangzhou is a hard - living place. How can a delicate girl like you go there? Well, this marriage doesn't have to be rushed."
Su Hele lifted her chin slightly, looking smug.
"Since that's the case, come with me to the flower - viewing banquet. You're sure to meet a man who matches you."
"Mother, I've never liked to participate in such vulgar banquets. If mother has nothing else to say, daughter will go back."
Su Hele scoffed in her heart. She didn't want to be sized up by others.
Deng sighed and said regretfully,
"I knew you wouldn't want to. Those who can attend the flower - viewing banquet of the Anshun Marquis Mansion must be from noble families."
Su Hele stopped in her tracks. "The Anshun Marquis Mansion?"
Deng nodded. "A Sheng has also received an invitation. It's probably related to her marriage."
"Mother is right. The guests of the Marquis Mansion are naturally all powerful and wealthy people. Sister is always impulsive. What if she accidentally offends those noble ladies?"
Su Hele took a step forward, her voice full of concern.
Hearing this, Deng frowned and then said seriously,
"You still have to go with us. I'll only feel at ease if you can give A Sheng some advice."
"But..." Su Hele looked a bit embarrassed.
"Don't say anything. You must go."
"All right. For A Sheng's sake, I'll just reluctantly participate in this vulgar banquet."
Su Hele turned around, a slight smile on her lips.
She wanted to show Concubine Li what a noble and unworldly person she was, and let her see what a great loss it was to reject her.
...
In the Listening - to - the - Wind Courtyard of the Anshun Marquis Mansion.
He Xun was reclining on the couch, looking noble and at ease. However, the military book on the table hadn't been turned for a long time.
Although he had been prepared, he still felt a bit disappointed that he hadn't seen Su Nansheng.
He wanted to see what that little girl looked like now. Thinking of this, he fiddled with the pouch around his waist.
At this time, Chen Wanrong walked in. "I heard you didn't see the person."
He Xun closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. "Feiyu~~"
He didn't even need to think to know that it was that guy who had spilled the beans.
Before Feiyu could come out to admit his guilt, Chen Wanrong waved her hand.
"Why are you scaring him? If I ask, can he not tell me? Can't I care about you?"
Every time Chen Wanrong brought out the card of motherly love, He Xun couldn't resist. He had no choice but to say,
"She's gone out."
Chen Wanrong chuckled.
"It doesn't matter. You'll see her in three days anyway. There's no need to be in a hurry."
He Xun ignored his mother's teasing smile and changed the subject.
"Why make such a big fuss?"
He had heard that dozens of invitations had been sent out.
"Isn't it for you to meet that girl in a proper way? Besides, it's not often that you come back. Don't you want everyone to know?"
At this point, Chen Wanrong paused for a moment before continuing,
"And that Concubine Li. I don't know what got into her. The other day, she suddenly begged me to hold a banquet in a hurry, saying that she wanted to find a match for the second young master. Isn't this just perfect?"
At the end of her words, Chen Wanrong's voice was full of pride.
Killing three birds with one stone. She was such a wonderful mistress of the Marquis Mansion.
He Xun fiddled with the pouch.
"I'll just have a casual chat with Miss Su. I won't socialize. As for the others..."
Chen Wanrong gave him a strange look.
"Don't even think about the other girls. You're always running to the northern border. Those girls may not take a fancy to you. If you can just settle things with Miss Su, I'll be relieved. Don't even think about others."
He Xun was helpless.
"Mother, I'll stay for a longer time this time. Please spare your son."
This kind of veiled sarcasm was much harder to deal with than real battles on the battlefield.
After Chen Wanrong left, Feiyu came to report.
"Master, we just caught a tail."
He Xun's eyes suddenly turned sharp. A murderous aura spread from his body and rushed straight towards Feiyu's face, making him can't help but lower his head.
The corner of He Xun's lips curled up slightly, but his eyes were cold and merciless. He only spat out two cold words from his thin lips:
"Strangle!"