Liang Xiao’s anticipation grew as he opened it, his smile widening. He nodded slightly.
The document contained a wealth of crucial information, detailing the intricate networks of the noble families, their industries, and the backgrounds of their key members. This would prove immensely helpful to Liang Xiao.
Gu Shaoyan explained, “This is intelligence painstakingly gathered by my father and his associates. Even the Prime Minister hasn’t had a chance to review it yet…”
“I understand!” Liang Xiao replied, nodding.
The four men finally breathed a sigh of relief. Before this, these relatively loyal noble families had intended to remain neutral, even hoping to strengthen ties with the three opposing factions.
Wang Canghai was an advisor the Emperor relied upon, so they dared not associate too closely with the Wang family. However, Liang Xiao’s brilliant emergence had changed everything, empowering them to reveal their stance and place their bets.
“Do you have copies of this intelligence?” Liang Xiao asked.
“My father prepared several copies. If our talks went well, he intended to present it to the Prime Minister to have it delivered to His Majesty…” Gu Shaoyan replied.
Liang Xiao smiled and nodded, then casually tossed the intelligence into the nearby brazier.
“This!” everyone exclaimed, looking at Liang Xiao in astonishment.
“Don’t worry, I’ve memorized everything. This kind of ‘startle the snake’ tactic is only useful when I employ it, and there’s no need for too many backups,” Liang Xiao said calmly.
“Eidetic memory…” Gu Shaoyan and the other three were dumbfounded. Luo Qingxue, however, looked on with pride. Given Liang Xiao’s reading speed, it was undoubtedly photographic memory! Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong now truly understood the formidable nature of Liang Xiao.
“Husband is amazing~” Luo Qingxue exclaimed with a radiant smile.
Everyone blinked in surprise.
Gu Xiaoxiao whispered, “Qingxue, what do you mean by calling him husband?”
Luo Qingxue realized she had slipped up, her face blushing. “It’s just that we’re not married yet, so calling him ‘Xianggong’ isn’t appropriate. He let me call him ‘husband,’ and when he calls me ‘wife,’ it means I’m his fiancée…”
Gu Xiaoxiao understood and looked at Mu Hong. “Hong-gege, then I’ll call you husband too!”
“I’ll call Shaoyan-gege husband too!” Mu Wanjun chimed in excitedly.
“Oh, alright, wife.” Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong, not daring to object, nodded obediently.
Liang Xiao almost burst out laughing. He had intended to take advantage of Luo Qingxue, but he never expected the terms “husband” and “wife” to be popularized in this world, in this manner, with this explanation… What a mess!
The three male companions present felt awkward. Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong, sensing the inherent shame in the term, coughed violently.
Liang Xiao quickly interjected, “Brother Gu, Brother Mu, I hope your families will remember your original intentions. In the future, you two will undoubtedly be pillars of His Majesty’s court. His Majesty intends to cultivate you, and the promotions a few days from now are proof of that.”
Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong were overwhelmed and deeply grateful! Although they were older than Liang Xiao, his talent and status had earned their utmost respect. What official positions would the Emperor assign them to, allowing them to realize their ambitions?
After Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong departed, Luo Qingxue’s eyes sparkled. She embraced Liang Xiao and showered him with praise. Her beloved had managed to reach an agreement with these noble families, even guiding them towards a brighter future, resulting in universal satisfaction!
After some affectionate moments, they were about to retire when Princess Ningshuang, in disguise as Xiao Qing, finally arrived.
“Xiao-gege~”
Seeing Princess Ningshuang, Liang Xiao’s heart soared.
“Oh! Qingxue-jiejie is here too?” Xiao Qing walked over obediently and engaged in a pleasant conversation with Luo Qingxue, leaving Liang Xiao to himself.
Liang Xiao stood there contemplating life, inexplicably feeling like crying. It was over. He was indeed just Luo Qingxue’s ‘main wife,’ and these other women were merely Luo Qingxue’s ‘concubines.’ Even Jian Qinwan couldn’t escape her grasp!
“Xiao-gege, you’ve reached an agreement with the neutral noble families?” Hearing Luo Qingxue’s account, Xiao Qing was both surprised and delighted.
Liang Xiao almost wept on the spot. Finally, she remembered her Xiao-gege!
“Tomorrow, I’ll speak with your imperial brother and tell him that as a young lady, you should enjoy a more comfortable life and not concern yourself with these matters,” Liang Xiao said, his voice filled with concern.
Xiao Qing quickly walked over, clung to Liang Xiao’s arm, and pouted. “I want to listen! Perhaps it will make me happy, and when I’m happy, I’ll eat more…”
Liang Xiao’s heart melted. “Alright, alright, anything you wish!”
Ning Xuejun and Ding Wuyi, standing behind Xiao Qing, felt goosebumps all over. Was this truly the leader capable of instructing officials and possessing the potential of a wise ruler?
Luo Qingxue returned to rest with Yue Lian. Xiao Qing remained in Liang Xiao’s room, listening as he recounted his views on the noble families. Unbeknownst to her, tears began to blur her vision. He was working so hard for her and the people, dedicating himself to the officialdom, facing political storms that ordinary people would shun! Even a loyal official like Zhuo Zifang had become disillusioned with the corrupt bureaucracy and retired to his hometown!
Liang Xiao held Xiao Qing in his arms, tenderly stroking her long, black hair. He sighed, “I told you, just let me and your imperial brother worry about these matters. After all, he’s unreasonable, just like me, and shamelessly bold.”
Ning Xuejun and Ding Wuyi held their breath, wishing they could deliver a swift kick to Liang Xiao’s backside.
Xiao Qing looked up at Liang Xiao with a resentful gaze, then suddenly smiled and, gathering her courage, offered her lips.
“Mwah~”
Before Liang Xiao could react, Xiao Qing fled. “Bad man, speaking ill of my imperial brother again! I’m going to find Qingxue-jiejie to play!”
Liang Xiao was speechless. Indeed, her beloved was still her Qingxue-jiejie. However, Liang Xiao was about to sit down and formulate his future strategies, intending to hand them to Xiao Qing the next morning, so he let Xiao Qing go.
Ding Wuyi and Ning Xuejun stood guard outside. Inside, Xiao Qing and Luo Qingxue sat at a table conversing, while Yue Lian tidied the bedding.
Listening to their conversation, Yue Lian couldn’t help but exclaim, “Young Master has become increasingly witty and humorous.”
A few breaths later, Yue Lian suddenly sensed someone beside her. She turned her head and saw Xiao Qing sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at her expectantly. “What else?”
“P-Princess!” Yue Lian exclaimed, startled.
“Continue what you were saying earlier, there’s no need to be so formal!” Xiao Qing said happily.
“Say, what should I say?” Yue Lian looked bewildered.
Luo Qingxue huffed, “Although he’s sometimes shamelessly bold, when he’s serious, he’s truly captivating…”
Before Luo Qingxue could finish, Xiao Qing ghosted beside her and sat down, looking obedient and listening attentively. Luo Qingxue was stunned. Did their praise for Liang Xiao act like a magnet for Shuang-mei?
Yue Lian, blushing, replied, “Yes, especially when Young Master is writing seriously or reciting poetry, he’s simply peerless. And…”
Under Luo Qingxue’s astonished gaze, Xiao Qing ghosted again and sat by the bed, appearing to listen with rapt attention, her expression enamored.
“Heavens…” Luo Qingxue looked on in disbelief. Was this truly the Princess Ningshuang who could act as regent and command the respect of officials?
“Shuang-mei, you need to be careful in the future and stay calm. What if others praise him…” Luo Qingxue began to worry.
Xiao Qing smiled shyly. “I only believe what you two say, and also Eunuch Ding and Granny Ning!”
Luo Qingxue finally relaxed. The three young women, talking about Liang Xiao, soon descended into playful banter.
The next morning, as Liang Xiao was about to seek out Zhang Yang for an important discussion, Chen Shaoling rushed over from a distance.
“Marquis of An! Senior Qin Jiu, a retainer of the Sage of Qin, requests an urgent audience!”
Upon hearing this, Jian Qinwan, standing behind Liang Xiao, turned pale with alarm!