Lu Nianfu's gaze involuntarily drifted towards Cheng Beizheng. Cheng Beizheng felt utterly cornered. "What do you mean? Did Situ Yan sell me out?"
Mo Sang's eyes widened in realization. "So it was you."
Without ceremony, she scrutinized him from head to toe, finally nodding with satisfaction. "Not bad, you're even better looking than I imagined."
Cheng Beizheng was provoked by her gaze. "I'm telling you, I never agreed to marry you. Situ Yan isn't my father; why should I repay his life-saving grace?"
"How would I know? Perhaps he saw how pitiful you are, still unmarried at your age."
Cheng Beizheng choked, almost unable to breathe.
Lu Nianfu also seemed bewildered. "Miss Mo, His Highness never mentioned this matter."
Mo Sang narrowed her eyes. "You don't intend to acknowledge it?"
"Acknowledge what... hiss." Cheng Beizheng's protest was cut short. He saw a large snake suddenly appear on Mo Sang's shoulder, his voice trembling. However, he forced himself to remain calm and said cautiously, "Mis- miss, please don't move. There's a snake on you."
Lu Nianfu also grew flustered. "How can there be such a thing in the residence? Miss Mo, please calm down. I'll find someone immediately."
Mo Sang saw Cheng Beizheng pick up a broom and, despite his fear, attempt to attack Wanwan. She was even more pleased. "Your character is decent. You didn't kick me when I was down. This test is passed. Oh, don't be afraid. Wanwan is my pet; she's very gentle."
As she spoke, she even stroked its triangular head.
Cheng Beizheng dropped the broom. "You, you keep snakes?"
"To be precise, this is a Gu. Husband, if you like it, I can raise one for you too."
"Who, who is your husband?"
"You are. Wanwan, come and greet your father."
Wanwan, following her arm, began to climb onto Cheng Beizheng. Cheng Beizheng let out a yelp and stumbled backward, falling into a large armchair. Wanwan climbed even more smoothly.
Lu Nianfu felt a chill for him. "Mis- Miss Mo, your pet is truly frightening. Perhaps it's best to wait until you're more familiar before greeting each other."
Mo Sang waved her hand. "It's fine. We're family, of course, we should start cultivating our affection early. Husband, I've been relying on Master Cheng's expenses these past few months and borrowed quite a bit of money. You'll help me repay it, won't you?"
"As long as you get it off me, everything is negotiable." Wanwan was crawling up his thigh, and he could feel its coolness through his clothes. Looking at its triangular head, he felt he had a remarkable amount of courage not to wet himself.
"Two thousand nine hundred taels."
"No problem, no problem."
"I've just arrived in the capital and have nowhere to go. Take me home, won't you?"
"Uh..."
Wanwan stuck out its tongue at him, and Cheng Beizheng cried out, agreeing to everything.
Mo Sang clapped her hands happily and whistled, calling Wanwan back into the bamboo basket.
Lu Nianfu stared in disbelief. Only when the bamboo basket was covered did she quietly breathe a sigh of relief. Cheng Beizheng also slumped, utterly drained, in the armchair, covered in sweat. Mo Sang took a handkerchief and wiped his sweat. "Husband, don't be scared. You'll grow to like Wanwan after spending more time with her."
Cheng Beizheng didn't want to say anything more. He knew she was deliberately letting the snake get close to him to scare him; it was a blatant threat.
Aunt Cui soon brought food. After Mo Sang had eaten her fill, Lu Nianfu, in a display of loyalty, said, "Since Miss Mo is His Highness's savior, I should naturally host you. Why don't you stay at the residence?"
*Wuwu*, even though she was also afraid of that big snake.
Mo Sang waved her hand. "I've been wandering for too long. I don't want to be a dependent. It's more convenient to return to my own home."
Her little darlings also needed to settle down.
Cheng Beizheng almost ground his teeth to dust. How had his house become her home?
Lu Nianfu said, "Miss Mo, after all, you are not yet married. Moving in like this would harm your reputation."
"What is reputation? Fame? Princess Consort, you don't need to worry. We in the Western regions don't pay attention to such things."
Lu Nianfu cast a sympathetic glance at Cheng Beizheng: Third Young Master, I truly tried my best.
In the end, Mo Sang happily returned to the residence with Cheng Beizheng.