Chapter 43

The housekeeper said that Sheng Changyu had transferred Ning Zhen’s two older brothers back from the front lines and had given them decent positions. 

The old lady responded, “I already know about this!” 

The whole city knew. 

“…But before this, at the Ge family’s birthday banquet, the young master from the Wu family had a verbal clash with Madam and was beaten half to death by the Governor. You probably don’t know about this,” the housekeeper said. 

The old lady was taken aback, “The day of the birthday banquet? I didn’t hear about it.” 

“The chief steward heard about it. It seems it happened behind closed doors. The young master from the Wu family is still bedridden and unable to get up,” the housekeeper said. 

The old lady was somewhat surprised. 

The housekeeper continued, “You always say that someone from the old mansion needs to win the Governor’s favor. The path for the third concubine is now narrow, but the wife’s path has just begun. 

Since she has gained the Governor’s favor, if you show her more kindness, she will be grateful, and the relationship between the old mansion and the Governor will improve, won’t it?” 

The old lady’s thoughts were slightly stirred. 

The housekeeper added, “How much the Governor used to dislike the Ning family, and now look, even the Supply Office is giving positions to the Ning family’s young masters.” 

She continued, “After all, he’s a young man. No matter how harsh the Governor might be, he can’t resist the charm of a beautiful woman. This Madam is particularly composed and capable of handling significant matters.” 

The old lady sighed lightly, “An unintentional benefit. I never expected Ning Zhen to receive such special treatment from Changyu.” 

“Now it seems she has succeeded.” 

“Changyu might not necessarily like her. His thoughts are a mystery to me. Back then, he seemed to have a strong affection for Adu,” the old lady said. 

The housekeeper:  

It wasn’t apparent how much the young Marshal liked Xu Fangdu back then; he merely made sure she was taken care of. 

Young men are like hungry cats—if they truly liked someone, how could they not keep them close? 

The old lady thought that because Changyu was indifferent to everyone and still took care of Xu Fangdu, he must have had a special fondness for Xu Fangdu. She didn’t really understand her own son. 

While the two were talking, Ning Zhen had already returned to Zhiyuju. 

After a moment’s thought, Ning Zhen changed into a fluffy Western dress. 

The Western dress was quite complicated to wear because the underdress, the main dress, and the outer skirt all had to be worn separately. Two maids helped her. 

The ivory-colored dress was adorned with layers of handmade lace at the hem, which was a bit cumbersome but suitable for hiding weapons. 

When Cao Ma saw her hiding two small guns under the outer skirt, her eyebrows twitched, “Are you going out to play, or to rob someone?” 

“I intend to go out for fun, but others might have other intentions. Better to be prepared,” Ning Zhen said. 

Cao Ma: “Maybe you shouldn’t go?” 

“The Ge family has face with both the old lady and the Governor. Since Miss Ge invited us, there will be other chances if we don’t go this time. It’s not possible to avoid it. 

Besides, Nuan Nuan really wants to go and has already agreed. If we don’t go now, we would be retreating without a fight, and Miss Ge might make things difficult for me in the future,” Ning Zhen said. 

If she backed down, others would think it was easy to push her around and become even more unreasonable. 

Backing down won’t bring about tolerance. 

Cao Ma: “How did you offend her? You usually don’t like going out or being in the spotlight.” 

Ning Zhen:  

Beauty leads one astray. 

She had only spoken to Meng Xinliang privately. 

Ning Zhen believed that Ge Baoxian bore a grudge against her not because she understood Ge Baoxian, but because she understood Yao Wenluo. 

Some people have similar temperaments, and Ge Baoxian was just like Yao Wenluo. Ning Zhen knew all too well the mindset of such wealthy young ladies. 

“…Maybe I’m overthinking it. What if Miss Ge is genuinely trying to befriend me because she sees that our family has recently received the Governor’s favor?” Ning Zhen said to Cao Ma. 

Cao Ma:  

It was clear that even you don’t believe this nonsense, yet you’re trying to comfort me. 

Cao Ma was very uneasy and wished she could go along. 

But Ning Zhen, carrying two guns, set out casually and easily. 

Ning Zhen didn’t drive herself this time because the dress’s enormous hem made it difficult to fit into the driver’s seat and drive comfortably. 

She asked the driver to pick up Jin Nuan. 

When Jin Nuan saw her dress, she was surprised and said, “You’re all dressed up so early? Is the Governor going as well?” 

Ning Zhen said, “No, I just wanted to look pretty.” 

Jin Nuan replied, “You’ve always been pretty. Ge Baoxian can’t compare to you.” 

She added, “This dress is even more beautiful. I’ve never seen you wear anything like it.” 

Ning Zhen responded, “Wearing this feels like being in prison. I don’t have the patience for it.” 

Jin Nuan:  

Jin Nuan was blissfully carefree, and Ning Zhen enjoyed her company. Together, they were in high spirits as they headed to the dock. 

The early winter dock was chilly with a biting sea breeze; the waves crashed against the seawall with a continuous roar; the distant sandy beach was evenly spread out by the sea. 

Under the night sky, there were still several workers unloading cargo at the dock. 

The cruise ship docked there was much smaller than Ning Zhen had imagined, about three stories high, with every level brightly lit in a golden splendor. 

The scent of wine and piano music wafted from the windows, creating a contrast with the shabby faces of the distant dockworkers. 

Even in chaotic times, some people live in drunken indulgence. 

Ning Zhen quickly looked away and walked forward with Jin Nuan. 

The Ge family’s servants were waiting at the dock and approached Ning Zhen and Jin Nuan. “Miss Ge is waiting for you in Suite No. 7.” 

With Ge Baoxian’s invitation, Ning Zhen and Jin Nuan smoothly boarded the cruise ship. 

The deck was polished to a mirror-like shine and had several tables and chairs set up, with fashionable men and women sitting around, drinking coffee and chatting; inside the cabin were a restaurant, dance hall, bar, and lounge. 

The Ge family’s attendants guided Ning Zhen and Jin Nuan to the second floor. 

The second floor had soft carpets laid from the staircase, making footsteps silent. 

Inside the cruise ship, aside from a slight sway, it was almost indistinguishable from a normal restaurant outside. 

Ning Zhen and Jin Nuan ascended to the second floor and went to Ge Baoxian’s suite. 

The room was filled with people. 

Ge Baoxian, being warm and hospitable, had invited over twenty people, mostly young men and women—fashionable young ladies needed male companions to escort them on outings. 

As Ning Zhen and Jin Nuan entered, many people greeted them, and Ge Baoxian stood up. 

“This dress is really beautiful, Madam.” 

“The lace is so delicate.” 

“I haven’t seen such a glamorous and elegant dress in a long time. Where did you get it custom-made?” 

The crowd chimed in with various comments. 

Ge Baoxian also looked at Ning Zhen’s dress. Her smile was present, but it didn’t reach her eyes. 

Ning Zhen and Jin Nuan sat down, and Ge Baoxian took Ning Zhen’s arm. “Madam, may I speak with you for a moment? I have something to discuss.” 

She led Ning Zhen to the lounge at the end of the corridor. 

Ge Baoxian apologized for her previous offense at the birthday banquet. 

It was polite but somewhat insincere. 

Ning Zhen remained composed, “Miss Ge, you’re too polite. The old lady heard that you were hosting and asked me not to neglect you.” 

Ge Baoxian’s face showed a hint of satisfaction. 

“I’m not like Yao Wenluo. She wanted to be the second wife, but I am not so lowly. Madam, you don’t need to be wary of me. We can be good friends,” Ge Baoxian said with a smile. 

Ning Zhen replied, “Alright.” 

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before Ge Baoxian and Ning Zhen left the small lounge to return to the suite. 

Just as they reached the door, Ge Baoxian adjusted her shawl with a bit too much force, causing her wrist to bump against the door with a sharp, clear sound. 

Her jade bracelet had actually shattered. 

She covered her wrist and cried out in pain. 

“What happened?” 

“It’s bleeding. My hand is cut. I don’t know if I’ve severed an artery,” Ge Baoxian said, panic-stricken. 

Ning Zhen saw blood flowing between her fingers. 

Her expression also changed. 

“Quick, find the ship’s doctor! Hurry, I can’t move,” Ge Baoxian’s voice had a pleading tone. 

Ning Zhen hurriedly asked, “Where is the ship’s doctor?” 

Ge Baoxian pointed to a small door next to the lounge, “Go up from there. It leads to the doctor’s room. Hurry!” 

Ning Zhen said, “Don’t move! I’ll go right away!” 

The small door, though seeming tightly closed, could be easily opened, revealing a dimly lit staircase leading up. 

Ning Zhen stood in the shadows, her eyes flashing.