This man had always been notoriously untoward. Lu Nian Fu knew he was up to no good the moment she heard his words. She reached out and pinched him hard on the inside of his arm, but his arm was too tough. She used all her might, but it was barely a tickle to him.
Situ Yan laughed heartily, swept her up in his arms, and carried her into the house.
They had just moved into a new home, and Lu Nian Fu should have been busy, but her mind was not on that. Instead, she sent a calling card to the Cheng Residence, requesting to see Cheng Jiao Jiao.
However, the reply was not from the lady herself, but from Madam Cheng, Zhao Shi, in her own handwriting.
Cheng Jiao Jiao had caught a slight cold and was not to see visitors.
Just yesterday she was talking about preparing for her wedding at home, and today she had a cold? This excuse was too carelessly crafted.
Fortunately, her calling card was just a probe. Situ Yan had said he would handle this matter. Still, not being able to see the person, she was somewhat worried. It seemed she would have to find someone to investigate the Minister's mansion tonight. Wasn't Jiao Jiao being held under house arrest by them?
Situ Yan did not try to hide his visit to the Crown Prince, directly telling the Crown Prince that he wanted to share a drink at his residence. Good heavens, the Crown Prince lived in the Eastern Palace, virtually under the Emperor's watchful eye.
What was the Seventh Prince up to?
The Crown Prince's mouth twitched, "Seventh Brother, why are you in such a mood today?"
If he tried to get close like this, what if their father thought he was trying to win over the Seventh Prince? Although that was indeed his intention, he couldn't make it so obvious.
Situ Yan said, "I just suddenly thought that we brothers haven't had a drink together. I've heard that the Eastern Palace has many rare vintage wines. Crown Prince Second Brother cannot be stingy and try to fob me off with ordinary wine."
"Your Seventh Brother's visit is naturally to be entertained wholeheartedly."
The two brothers, speaking in official tones, were very polite. Upon arriving at the Eastern Palace, Situ Yan went straight to the point: "Minister Cheng intends to offer his niece to Prince Ning as a concubine."
The Crown Prince was a typical man of official circles, often preferring to lay some groundwork before the main discussion. Although he found Situ Yan's sudden request for a drink at his residence to be abrupt, he was still prepared to follow the usual procedure and foster brotherly affection first.
For example, asking if he was adjusting to his new home and so on.
Who knew that as soon as he started, he would drop such a bombshell? The Crown Prince thought for a moment, and for a while, he couldn't understand what was so strange about Minister Cheng offering his niece to Prince Ning?
Hadn't Cheng Jing Hao already hitched his wagon to the Fifth Prince's ship? The prepared pleasantries got stuck in his throat. He brought the wine glass, which was meant for toasting, to his lips, and after taking a sip of wine, he said, "Could it be that Seventh Brother also fancies that woman?"
Situ Yan choked, feeling fortunate that he hadn't started drinking yet, or he would have sprayed it all over the Crown Prince's face. "Second Brother, this niece is Cheng Bei Zheng's own sister."
If it had to be explained this much, and the Crown Prince still didn't understand, he would have to give up.
Fortunately, the Crown Prince understood.
His second cousin had introduced this person to him, and he had even dined with Cheng Bei Zheng twice. However, that young man was slippery, and on both occasions, he had only offered financial thanks for escaping his grasp, without giving any commitments.
Because of Cheng Jing Hao's relationship, he hadn't pressured him too hard, fearing that if he used too much force, he would push the man towards the Fifth Prince. He didn't expect the Fifth Prince to act faster, actually setting his sights on his own sister.
The Crown Prince's thoughts raced in his mind, but his expression remained calm. He gave a soft "oh" and asked, "Why is Seventh Brother telling me this?"
Situ Yan twirled his cup, a trace of impatience showing in his beautiful eyes, "Doesn't Second Brother understand?"
Cheng Bei Zheng was currently in charge of the Yangzhou Cheng family. He and Cheng Jing Hao were on very bad terms. If he could win him over, not only would he gain a powerful ally, but he could also cripple the Fifth Prince's forces.
The Seventh Prince and the Fifth Prince had always been at odds. This was the Seventh Prince trying to curry favor with him.
The Crown Prince was very pleased and proactively accepted this olive branch. "Seventh Brother, rest assured, Second Brother naturally understands. However, this woman's identity is sensitive. What are Seventh Brother's plans?"
If the Fifth Prince could take her, he naturally could too.
But if the Seventh Prince wanted her, he wasn't opposed to fulfilling his wish.
Situ Yan, however, had no interest in Cheng Jiao Jiao's fate. "Whoever's sister she is should worry about her. Her affairs will be handled by her father and brother."
The Crown Prince's mouth twitched. Then what was he doing now?