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For a moment, Mu Shengsheng wondered if her eyes were deceiving her. Hadn’t Madam Cui said they were at the Zhen Guo residence? How could they appear here?
Hearing the door open, Zisu and Lvl Luo turned in unison. Seeing Mu Shengsheng, they were both shocked and overjoyed.
They rushed toward her, hugging her tightly, crying uncontrollably. “Miss, you’re really alive! That’s wonderful! I knew the rumors about living only until sixteen were lies. Our young mistress will live a long life…”
Mu Shengsheng still didn’t know the full situation, but seeing them safe and sound, she let out a relieved breath, her eyes reddened. She patted them gently to comfort them and asked, “Weren’t you at the Zhen Guo residence? How are you here?”
They looked at Tian Shu. “This gentleman brought us here.”
Tian Shu then explained, “Miss Mu, you were unaware. A few days ago, Madam Zhen Guo caused a commotion at your residence, so His Highness sent me to investigate. When I arrived at the Zhen Guo residence, I found the two of them locked in the firewood storage. I inquired and learned they were your maidservants, so I brought them back. I was just about to ask Your Highness what to do next.”
Now that Zisu and Lvl Luo were safe, Madam Cui’s plan had failed, and she could no longer threaten Mu Shengsheng. That meant Mu Shengsheng no longer had to go to the Zhen Guo residence to marry that corpse.
Mu Shengsheng finally relaxed, her heart lifting with secret joy. She quickly bowed to Tian Shu in thanks. “Thank you, Brother Tian Shu.”
Tian Shu scratched his head and smiled awkwardly. “By luck, by luck… I never expected to actually help you, Miss Mu.” Then, gesturing toward the room, he added, “It’s all thanks to His Highness’ foresight.”
Following his gesture, Mu Shengsheng saw Lan Xun sitting inside, calm and composed, a faint, subtle smile at the corners of his lips, showing he had already seen through everything.
She said, “Please wait a moment; I’ll be right back.”
Then Mu Shengsheng entered, her steps graceful, her posture elegant, and approached Lan Xun.
Lan Xun sipped his tea and asked softly, “Why aren’t you leaving?”
Mu Shengsheng stepped forward, refilled the empty cup before him, and forced a faint smile. “How could Shengsheng bear to leave Your Highness? It’s all because that woman threatened me. To save the lives of my two maidservants, I had no choice but to say what I did. Your Highness will understand, won’t you?”
Lan Xun’s expression remained stern, showing no sign of approval.
Mu Shengsheng’s smile widened, lifting the cup to his lips, coaxing gently, “Drink this cup of tea, Your Highness, and consider everything forgiven, okay?”
Lan Xun glanced at her, snorted lightly, paused, and still took the cup, tilting his head to drink.
Seeing him drink, Mu Shengsheng’s heart leapt. She wanted to do something, perhaps gain a few more “extra days” of luck.
But the man coldly pushed her back, motioning toward the door. “Step outside first. Your two maidservants are waiting to greet you.”
Mu Shengsheng realized she had been careless; the door wasn’t even closed. If she had done anything, everyone outside would have seen.
“Then… Shengsheng will take her leave first.” Blushing, she hurriedly fled.
After Mu Shengsheng left, Lan Xun instructed Tian Shu, “Go and get Madam Cui to leave—permanently, if possible.”
He did not want the Zhen Guo residence to use this as an excuse to frequently disturb the Prince’s mansion, interrupting Mu Shengsheng’s recovery.
Sending Madam Cui away wasn’t difficult, but permanently…
The other party was the Zhen Guo residence, and the marriage contract was still in their hands. How could it be handled thoroughly, leaving no loose ends?
“I beg Your Highness to instruct.”
Tian Shu couldn’t think of a solution, so he consulted Lan Xun. They knew their Regency Prince’s methods could resolve the matter and eliminate future troubles.
Lan Xun thought for a moment, sipped his tea, then said, “They just want a girl for the posthumous marriage. Give them one.”
Whether it was Mu Shengsheng or not didn’t matter much to the Zhen Guo residence.
Tian Shu suddenly had an idea. “Your Highness, I have a candidate.”
“Who?”
“The lady Su sent by the Empress Dowager. She’s been at the mansion for a month. Since Your Highness has no intention of marrying her, we need a chance to send her away. Let her pose as Miss Mu and return to the Zhen Guo residence. By the time they realize, it will be too late—they’ll have to accept it.”
No one had seen Mu Shengsheng’s face when she left with her veil.
Lady Su was carefully selected by the Empress Dowager, beautiful, from a respectable family, and backed by the Empress Dowager herself. Even if the Zhen Guo residence investigated, they wouldn’t dare touch her.
Tian Shu’s plan was excellent. Lady Su was indeed a perfect candidate—but would she agree to a substitute marriage?
Lan Xun said, “Ask if she is willing. If she agrees, the Regency Prince’s mansion will be her support, and the Prince will grant her a generous dowry. If not, we will find her another marriage.”
Tian Shu immediately went to the backyard and found Su Yun’er.
She was watering plants. After a brief pause, she agreed. “I am willing to share the burden for the Regency Prince.”
Tian Shu added, “If you refuse, His Highness will find another marriage for you.”
Regardless, the Regency Prince had already decided to send her away.
It was likely for the sick young lady, wasn’t it? Though Lan Xun seemed cold, he truly cared.
Su Yun’er smiled at the arrangement. She thought the marriage was suitable.
Though it was a posthumous marriage, she would become the second young mistress of the Zhen Guo residence. Many would envy that status—better than being ignored in the Prince’s mansion, where the Regency Prince hadn’t even glanced at her.
Tian Shu then brought her a set of Mu Shengsheng’s clothes and veil, instructing her to imitate Shengsheng’s weak, sickly demeanor.
Though she had never met Mu Shengsheng, Su Yun’er could feign illness convincingly. Their physiques were similar, and with careful dressing and the veil, even Xuanji barely recognized her.
Once ready, she was placed in the sedan chair and sent out, with Xuanji accompanying her for protection.
Outside, Madam Cui saw “Mu Shengsheng” and rejoiced, feeling proud and triumphant.
Because Xuanji was present, she only exchanged polite words, and then they all boarded the carriage, heading to the Zhen Guo residence.
Little did Madam Cui know, the person being returned was not Mu Shengsheng at all.