It was already getting late when they returned to the mansion. Chen Wanrong gave a few more instructions before letting everyone disperse to rest.
After washing up, Su Nansheng reclined on the couch, thinking about what had happened that day.
Since her rebirth, she had changed many things and indeed improved her own situation.
However, correspondingly, other things had also changed. For example, Chen Mingzhu had been approached by the Zhou family.
Fortunately, she had overheard what Lady Zhou said, and the marriage had finally fallen through. But still...
Just thinking about what Chen Mingzhu would have to face in the future made Su Nansheng feel a pang of anxiety.
In her previous life, Chen Xuan had been implicated and convicted. She had to find a way to remind him, but she didn't know how to bring it up.
As she was thinking, Su Nansheng looked out at the sky, which had already completely darkened.
It was so late. Why wasn't He Xun back yet?
On ordinary days when there was nothing to do, he always lingered in front of her. But now that she had something to discuss with him, he just wouldn't come back!
As she kept thinking, Su Nansheng's eyelids gradually grew heavy, and she fell asleep.
She didn't know how long she had slept when, in a daze, Su Nansheng heard some movement in the room.
Accompanied by the fresh scent of saponin, a pair of big hands encircled her waist and pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Why are you back so late?"
Su Nansheng's voice was hoarse, with obvious tiredness.
"I was dragged by my uncle to his mansion to discuss matters as soon as I got off work."
Su Nansheng leaned her head on He Xun's chest, and her drowsiness lessened a bit.
"What important matters did you discuss until so late?"
Could it be...
He Xun's chest vibrated, and his voice was especially clear.
"Lady Zhou really angered my uncle today. He thought I had more tricks up my sleeve and wanted me to help investigate those who wanted to propose marriage to Mingzhu, especially matters in the inner courtyard."
"The Imperial Secretariat, who has always been dedicated to public affairs and never interfered in internal matters, is now concerned about other people's inner - courtyard affairs. He must have been really angered."
He Xun let out a low laugh.
"When my uncle asked me to do this, my aunt was glaring at him from the side. I bet he got scolded badly."
Su Nansheng also smiled.
"Aunt's temper is really unexpected."
She looked so gentle and weak, but when she got angry, even Chen Wanrong would shrink back.
"Well, I heard she had a fiery temper when she was young."
As he said this, He Xun stroked Su Nansheng's back. "Go to sleep. It's very late."
But Su Nansheng remembered what she had been thinking about before falling asleep and tentatively asked,
"Is there something going on that makes Uncle arrange a marriage for Mingzhu at this time?"
"Probably not. Otherwise, I would have heard some rumors."
He Xun patted Su Nansheng's back, signaling her to go to sleep quickly.
"Is it because..."
Before Su Nansheng could finish her sentence, she felt He Xun's hand slip into her inner robe. His hot fingertips traced along her spine all the way to her neck bone, sending a shiver through her.
"If you're not sleepy, let's do something more meaningful."
He Xun's breath tickled Su Nansheng's ear.
Su Nansheng immediately closed her eyes.
"I'm going to sleep."
Hearing this, He Xun pinched Su Nansheng's waist hard.
"That's really a pity."
Su Nansheng's low cry was lazy and soft, making He Xun curl his lips.
...
In the Carefree Studio of the mansion of Feng Xiuxian, the Imperial College Instructor, there were beautiful women and the air was filled with fragrance.
Outside the window, there was the gurgling sound of a stream and the crisp and melodious singing of birds, making one feel as if they were in the mountains.
A dozen women were sitting in a semi - circle. In the middle of the semi - circle was a large rosewood table, on which there was a white jade plate.
In the plate, a piece of incense with a dark color and plump grease was burning, emitting a very thin and faint wisp of green smoke.
Behind the rosewood table, Lady Feng, in a plain Taoist robe, was closing her eyes and savoring the fragrance.
Some of the others in the room were closing their eyes in concentration, while others were whispering to each other.
Chen Wanrong was kneeling on a cushion. She turned her head and whispered to Concubine Li,
"All the guests at today's incense - tasting banquet are elegant and refined people. There must be someone who shares the same interests with Miss Su. Tell her to behave herself and not cause any more trouble."
Concubine Li looked around at the women, with a smile on her face and her voice extremely low.
"Don't worry, mistress. I'll definitely make A Le behave well. If she can catch the eyes of these noble people, it will be her fortune."
Those who had been invited by the Instructor's wife to the banquet must be both rich and noble. She had to seize this opportunity to make good connections with them.
Behind them, Su Nansheng smiled faintly. She couldn't mention catching the eyes of noble people in front of Su Hele.
As she thought this, she glanced at Su Hele out of the corner of her eye and saw a flash of disdain on her face.
"What do you all think of the Nanhai Incense?"
Lady Feng looked calm. As soon as she spoke, the room immediately fell silent, and everyone looked up at her.
"It's excellent. This incense smells light at first, then becomes mellow. It's mellow but not overpowering, with a long - lasting charm that makes people savor it."
Qiao Lan had a delicate makeup and a clear and beautiful voice.
Lady Feng nodded with a smile, obviously satisfied with her answer.
At this time, the green smoke in the white jade plate in front of her thickened, and the fragrance became more mellow and full, lingering in the room for a long time.
"I think this young lady looks a bit unfamiliar. What do you think of this incense?"
Lady Feng spoke again, but she was looking at Su Hele.
Everyone then turned their eyes to Su Hele, only to see a look of disapproval on her face.
Concubine Li's eyes darkened slightly. Just as she was about to give a warning, she heard Su Hele speak.
"You're completely wrong. Although the aroma of this Incense is not obvious at first, its after - note is too rich and the layers are too distinct and fragmented. It's not harmonious enough."
After she finished speaking, everyone looked at each other, their expressions hard to read.
Chen Wanrong closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, not wanting to face this situation.
Su Nansheng sneered secretly. It was indeed not harmonious.
This incense - tasting gathering was nothing more than an elegant activity for self - cultivation and spiritual communication. There was no right or wrong.
Moreover, the perception of fragrance was a subjective matter. Different people had different tastes, just like different people had different views on the same path. Everyone had their own preferences.
Although it was inevitable to have different opinions during the discussion of incense - tasting, most people wouldn't be so direct and sharp.
There was no such thing as being completely wrong. She just wanted to show off her knowledge.
Lady Feng looked a bit stunned, obviously not expecting Su Hele to say such a thing. But she quickly showed a smile.
"Both of you young ladies have unique insights and excellent tastes."
Hearing this, Su Hele lifted her chin slightly, obviously not agreeing with Lady Feng's even - handed attitude.
"It's just her shallow opinion. It's not worthy of being called unique. Lady Feng, you're overpraising her."
Concubine Li said as she glared at Su Hele.
Lady Feng smiled but said nothing. She motioned for someone to remove the incense plate on the table and served fragrant tea to everyone to refresh their palates.
"We've finished tasting the incense today, but the banquet is not over. I'm sure you've all been sitting for a long time. Refreshments and fresh fruits have been prepared in the outer garden. Please go and stroll around first. I'll come right away after changing my clothes. Qing'er, show the ladies the way."
After she finished speaking, the woman named Feng Qingyun sitting next to her stood up with a gentle smile.
"Please follow me, ladies."
Everyone got up and walked outside one after another. Qiao Lan, who had been rebuked by Su Hele just now, gave her a distant look and then followed the crowd.