Inside the Liang Residence, Liang Yun rushed into Liang Xiao’s courtyard with a worried expression.
"Second Brother, I heard that some merchants in the capital have found craftsmen to custom-make wine vessels for you, and they're rushing to produce them. Our wine business might be at its end..."
As Liang Yun spoke, he sighed helplessly, and then added, "But then again, we've already made enough profit. We should be content!"
Liang Xiao, who had been watching Yue Lian instruct Zhen Mi, turned around and smiled confidently.
"Don't worry. Even if they try to imitate us, they won't be able to replicate the craftsmanship in a short time. Furthermore, a portion of the crucial wine vessel craftsmen, along with their workers, have signed contracts with me and are temporarily staying at the Liang Residence."
Liang Yun was astonished.
"Now you understand why I stopped brewing wine, don't you?" Liang Xiao said sternly. "In a short period, these merchants and wineries will undoubtedly try to imitate it. If I were to continue brewing, grain prices would skyrocket, and it would be the common people who suffer."
Liang Yun suddenly understood and returned to his post, relieved.
Zhen Mi, with her clear, watery eyes, gazed at Liang Xiao.
She was still young and couldn't comprehend why Brother Xiao was giving up such an opportunity for further enrichment.
But she knew clearly that Brother Xiao was the best person in the world!
That night, after changing his dressing, Liang Xiao set off for the imperial palace, leaving Yue Lian behind to look after Zhen Mi.
At the palace gate, after Liang Xiao announced himself, not long afterward, two shadow guards hurried over. Their faces were expressionless, and they didn't even offer a salute. They merely waved at Liang Xiao, signaling him to follow them.
Liang Xiao, understanding the unique nature of the shadow guards, didn't mind and followed them into the depths of the imperial palace.
The shadow guards silently retreated to guard the entrance, leaving Liang Xiao alone, frowning.
These people, not speaking was one thing, but they weren't even taking me to see Xiao Shuangzi?
Just as Liang Xiao was wondering, Ning Xuejun emerged from within and said with a smile, "Second Young Master Liang, please come in."
Seeing a familiar face, Liang Xiao finally smiled and followed Ning Xuejun into the palace, traversing corridors.
"Commander Ning, this doesn't look like where Xiao Shuangzi lives," Liang Xiao asked.
Ning Xuejun suppressed a smile and replied, "Because the person you're meeting tonight is..."
Liang Xiao's expression changed, and he suddenly realized something was wrong, turning to flee on the spot.
"I have urgent matters to attend to, Commander Ning. I'll come back another day!"
Before Liang Xiao could take a few steps, a gentle voice called out from behind him.
"Why is Second Young Master Liang in such a hurry to leave?"
Liang Xiao laughed heartily, turned around, and his smile froze, his laughter abruptly ceasing.
Before him stood a young woman, dressed in flowing red, graceful like a startled swan, her beauty stunning the world!
With bright eyes and pearly teeth, her face bore an extreme resemblance to Xiao Qing, but her attire and dark hair lent her a softer aura.
She was like a red-clad fairy fallen to the mortal realm, her eyes twinkling with a smile that made Liang Xiao's heart flutter.
Her smile was captivating, her eyes were alluring.
Liang Xiao found himself staring, mesmerized.
This young woman, while different from Luo Qingxue, possessed a charm all her own, delicate and gentle, evoking a desire to cherish and protect.
"Ah... Hahaha..." Seeing who had arrived, Liang Xiao regained his senses, covering his mouth with one hand and emitting an awkward laugh.
It was over. The person he was supposed to meet was indeed the Emperor's twin sister, Princess Ning Shuang, Xiao Shuang!
Recalling the ill things he had said about Xiao Shuang to Xiao Qing, Liang Xiao's face flushed.
Could this be immediate retribution?
Xiao Qing saw Liang Xiao's reaction and was inwardly delighted, but maintained a calm smile. Her red lips parted lightly.
"Second Young Master Liang, do I have flowers or grass growing on my face that you're staring for so long and then laughing?"
Liang Xiao finally regained his composure and bowed, "Your subordinate, Liang Xiao, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works, pays his respects to Princess Ning Shuang!"
"No need for such formality!" Xiao Qing quickly interjected. "Your Imperial Brother has already granted you the privilege of an audience without bowing. How could I dare accept your prostration?"
Liang Xiao thought that made sense and simply cupped his hands towards Xiao Qing, "Greetings, Princess Ning Shuang!"
Xiao Qing smiled enchantingly and gestured for Liang Xiao to follow her and Ning Xuejun to the Western Palace gardens.
"Where is your Imperial Brother?" Liang Xiao asked urgently.
He felt guilty now, wanting nothing more than to escape this place. After all, Ning Xuejun, the "insider," was present, and she had likely already told Princess Ning Shuang everything.
"My Imperial Brother is feeling unwell, so I shall meet you in his stead," Xiao Qing said with a light laugh.
Liang Xiao, who had been planning his escape route, became anxious. "What's wrong with him!"
Seeing Liang Xiao's sudden worry, Xiao Qing felt a warmth in her heart and said softly, "Second Young Master Liang need not worry. He merely requires rest tonight."
Only then did Liang Xiao relax. He then noticed that this Princess Ning Shuang showed no signs of anger, and he looked at Ning Xuejun, puzzled.
Ning Xuejun was also looking at him.
Liang Xiao assumed Ning Xuejun had kept his secrets and hadn't conveyed his negative remarks about Princess Ning Shuang, feeling touched. He cupped his hands towards Ning Xuejun, "Thank you!"
His favor towards this Princess Ning Shuang, who didn't refer to herself as "this consort" and wasn't overbearing, greatly increased.
Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun were momentarily startled, then understood.
Ning Xuejun felt speechless and dared not respond.
"Hmph, look at you, so pleased with yourself!"
Xiao Qing muttered inwardly, but outwardly, she maintained her smiling demeanor. "Second Young Master Liang is a rare genius, having won five top titles. I am deeply impressed."
"It was merely luck, Your Highness! If Your Highness has no other matters, then I shall take my leave. I shall visit His Majesty again another day..." Liang Xiao replied humbly, preparing to flee.
"What? Are you afraid I'll skin you alive or swallow you whole?" Xiao Qing huffed.
Liang Xiao remained silent.
She seemed completely unaware that I had spoken ill of her?
Xiao Qing continued, "I am of the same flesh and blood as my Imperial Brother and possess the authority to act on his behalf. Seeing me is like seeing him. Speak freely, and I will not hold it against you."
"That won't do!" Liang Xiao shook his head repeatedly.
"Why not?"
"Because when I see you, I mistake you for Xiao Shuangzi... um, I mistake His Majesty for having put on women's clothes and dressed as a woman."
Hearing this, Xiao Qing's heart fluttered, and she let out a soft哼, saying, "Do you have a penchant for men?"
"Of course not!" Liang Xiao was utterly bewildered.
She looked too much like Xiao Shuangzi. He dared not look any further!
"I am well aware of the sworn brotherhood between my Imperial Brother and you. You don't need to treat me as an outsider," Xiao Qing said, then changed the subject. "I advise you not to be ungrateful, otherwise, I will immediately request my Imperial Brother, claiming I am immensely infatuated with you and wish for you to become the imperial son-in-law."
Liang Xiao's breath hitched. He sat up straight, a rare calm smile appearing on his face.
"Your Highness is renowned throughout the land for your virtue and grace. You would certainly not hold a grudge against a commoner like me. I won't run away anymore. Speak your mind."
Seeing this, Xiao Qing felt an inexplicable sense of loss and said softly, "It was my Imperial Brother who asked me to meet you. Moreover, Second Young Master Liang is now the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works. You are no longer an ordinary citizen, so how can you refer to yourself as a commoner?"
Liang Xiao narrowed his eyes, lost in thought, and silently vowed revenge in his heart.
It seemed this night wouldn't end smoothly. Xiao Shuangzi, my brother, I'm holding a grudge!
Seeing the changes in Liang Xiao's expression, Xiao Qing couldn't help but smile and asked, "May I ask, Second Young Master Liang, what are your thoughts on my Imperial Brother?"
"You won't tell your Imperial Brother?" Liang Xiao asked tentatively.
"Of course not. Grandma Ning won't either."
Only then did Liang Xiao relax, leaning forward and approaching Xiao Qing across the table.
Xiao Qing's pretty face flushed, and she tried to maintain her composure, awaiting his words.
Liang Xiao, in an extremely sharp whisper, said, "Your Imperial Brother is truly untrustworthy and unreasonable towards me. You, as his sister, should persuade him more. He needs to be more decent and stop bullying honest people like me."