Chapter 76

That day, when they returned, Sheng Changyu instructed Cheng Baisheng to go to the stables and pick out two cars to send to the Ning family. 

“Two cars? I thought you were only sending one to Ning Yian. Who’s the other one for?” Cheng Baisheng asked on purpose. 

Sheng Changyu ignored him. 

Turning on his heel, he went to the stables himself. 

Cheng Baisheng followed, saying, “I didn’t say I wouldn’t pick them out. Why are you going yourself?” 

“You talk too much,” Sheng Changyu replied. 

Cheng Baisheng couldn’t resist nagging, “Someone sends a sachet, and you respond by sending two cars. Is your car so cheap that it’s comparable to a sachet?” 

“Stop talking nonsense,” Sheng Changyu frowned in annoyance. “This has nothing to do with it.” 

Cheng Baisheng said, “You refused to renovate the inner courtyard before, but now you’ve agreed. I can see you’re purposely undermining me.” 

“What reputation do you have to undermine?” 

“That’s too harsh. I’m hurt,” Cheng Baisheng replied. 

Sheng Changyu ignored him again. When he knew he was in the wrong, he would act cold and refuse to talk. 

Having known him for over a decade, Cheng Baisheng understood Sheng Changyu’s temperament and knew how to deal with him. 

Since Sheng Changyu wouldn’t speak, Cheng Baisheng deliberately provoked him, forcing him to respond. 

“Someone sends a sachet—big deal. You send a car, and of course, the Ning family will be pleased. But two cars? It’s still not enough to go around. Who are you planning to give them to?” Cheng Baisheng kept rambling, repeatedly bringing up the sachet. 

Sheng Changyu continued to ignore him. 

There were over a dozen cars in the stables, and two of them had just arrived recently. They were newer models, large and luxurious. 

Sheng Changyu pointed to one of them, saying, “This one goes to the Governor’s wife.” 

Cheng Baisheng said, “You’re really giving Meng Xinliang a lot of face. That sachet is worth a fortune to you.” 

“If you like sachets so much, I’ll send you a few,” Sheng Changyu said casually. 

He didn’t seem angry at all. 

Cheng Baisheng studied him for a moment before suddenly saying, “You’re in a good mood tonight.” 

“I’ve always had a good temper,” Sheng Changyu replied. 

Cheng Baisheng retorted, “I was just complimenting you, and now you’re talking nonsense again.” 

Sheng Changyu:  

The next morning, the cars from the Governor’s mansion arrived at the Ning family’s residence. 

It was still early. The Ning family had stayed up late the previous night, so everyone was still asleep. 

Ning Yian was still groggy, while his wife, Tang Yingying, had just returned from checking on the nursemaids, helping the children get dressed. She hurriedly pushed him, saying, “The car is here.” 

“What car?” Ning Yian was still confused. 

“Didn’t the Governor promise to send you a car without a government license plate last night? It’s already at the door. Hurry and get up. I’ll go tell Zhen’er,” Tang Yingying said. 

She rushed out, full of energy. 

Ning Yian was left wondering, My car has arrived, so why is she telling Zhen’er? 

Shouldn’t she inform our parents first? 

Not wanting to delay the people from the Governor’s mansion, Ning Yian quickly got up, washed, and dressed. 

His son, already five years old, clung to his leg and said, “Dad, I want to see the car too.” 

Ning Yian replied, “Alright.” 

His three-year-old daughter also wanted to go. 

Ning Yian carried both well-bundled, round little children under his arms and headed outside. 

The two nursemaids, seeing this, were so exasperated they put down what they were holding and chased after them. 

Ning Yian arrived first. 

He immediately saw the impressive, shiny car and felt a surge of joy. 

This car was bigger than the others, and the front looked especially novel, a bit like the one Sheng Changyu usually rode in—imposing and grand. 

“The Governor really spared no expense!” Ning Yian felt a mix of excitement and unease. “Why did he give me such a good car? What’s going on?” 

The rest of the Ning family came out a little later. 

His siblings all arrived. 

When Ning Zhen saw the car, her eyes lit up. “This car looks amazing!” 

At this moment, Cheng Baisheng finally stepped forward. 

In front of the Ning family, he addressed Ning Zhen as “Madam,” saying, “The Governor said to send one car each to you and Master Ning (Ning Yian).” 

Ning Zhen couldn’t help but laugh, “I get one too? Where’s my car?” 

“This one,” Cheng Baisheng pointed. 

Ning Zhen’s eyes lit up even more. 

Ning Yian moved to the side to take a better look and realized that behind the luxurious car, there was another car. It wasn’t bad, but compared to the one in front, it seemed quite humble. 

The difference was stark. 

“The Governor said that Madam needs a car for social engagements. This was personally chosen by the Governor,” Cheng Baisheng explained. 

Ning Yian felt both a bit disappointed and relieved. His sister was the Governor’s wife, so she should get the best car. 

Ning Zhen said, “Thank the Governor for me.” 

Then she added, “I didn’t know I was getting one too.” 

Cheng Baisheng smiled, “The Governor said Madam can consider it either a reward or compensation. Either way, it’s something Madam deserves.” 

Was the “reward” for her work on renovating the inner courtyard of the Governor’s mansion? And what did “compensation” mean? 

Was it compensation for when Third Concubine Xu Fangdu tried to scheme against her, and the Governor had apologized to her on behalf of the old mansion? 

“… Prepare the fireworks,” Ning Zhen instructed the servants. 

The Governor gifting a new car was a big deal and a joyful occasion. It was also important for others to see. Regardless of the internal dynamics, outwardly it appeared that the Governor was becoming less guarded with the Ning family, and that should be loudly proclaimed. 

Ning Zhen called for the fireworks, and two strong maids from her grandmother’s household were sent over to help. 

When the fireworks went off, the deafening noise drew out half the street to watch the spectacle. 

This only made the car seem even more luxurious. 

“Baisheng, come in and have some tea. You’ve worked hard being on duty so early in the morning,” Ning Zhen said to Cheng Baisheng. 

Cheng Baisheng replied, “The Governor is still waiting for my report, maybe next time. Madam, after breakfast, please head to the Governor’s mansion. He’s waiting for you to review the layout of the inner courtyard.” 

Ning Zhen nodded, “Alright, I’ll head over shortly.” 

Master Ning and his wife, along with the old lady, came out a bit later and exchanged a few pleasantries with Cheng Baisheng. 

After Cheng Baisheng left, Ning Zhoutong ordered the main gate to be fully opened, the threshold removed, and the car driven inside. 

Since it was the car’s first time entering, it wouldn’t be appropriate to use the regular side entrance for cars. 

“Let’s leave it at the door for a day to show it off,” Ning Zhen suggested. 

Ning Zhoutong objected, “That’s inappropriate.” 

Ning Zhen replied, “It’s a gift from the young master. Even if it seems a bit ingratiating, we should show the utmost respect. Otherwise, if he gets upset, riding in the car won’t have any sense of dignity.” 

Her father clearly understood this, but couldn’t bring himself to admit it. 

Ning Zhen continued, “Since the cars were given to me and my brother, it’s our turn to show off. Don’t worry about it, Dad.” 

Grandmother interjected, “Let the children be. It’s fine to leave it at the gate for a day.” 

But then she added, “Don’t forget, Zhen’er is still living at home, and she’s a married woman.” 

Ning Zhen was currently in a delicate power struggle with the old lady of the Sheng family, and the Governor sending her a car was undoubtedly a bargaining chip. 

Even for that reason alone, it had to be displayed for everyone to see. 

Ning Zhoutong didn’t say anything further. 

In the end, the Ning family was pleased. 

Her brothers teased their little sister, envious of her new car. 

“Leave it here so we can drive it around during the New Year.” 

“How about we trade? That car’s too big, and you don’t like driving.” 

Ning Zhen laughed, “I’m not the one powering it like an engine. Whether it’s big or small, it drives the same.” 

Everyone laughed together. 

The car stayed on display for half a day, and soon all the high-ranking officials of the military government had heard about it. 

Eventually, the Sheng family’s old residence couldn’t sit still any longer. 

The old lady personally called the Ning family. 

But she didn’t call Ning Zhen; instead, she asked to speak with Ning Zhen’s grandmother. 

Ning Zhen felt a sinking feeling in her chest. 

If the old lady scolded her grandmother, this might not end well.