Helian Duo and Cheng Xiran were invited to the secluded courtyard of the Qian Mansion where distinguished guests were entertained. The courtyard was filled with rare and beautiful flowers and plants, looking extremely elegant. In the distance, a solid - wood arched bridge nestled beside a rockery. Under the bridge, clear water flowed gurgling. Further ahead, a winding path paved with cobblestones could be faintly seen. It truly had a unique charm.
Cheng Xiran couldn't help but praise, "It's so beautiful. If I could stay here, I think I could spend half my life."
However, she received a disdainful look from Helian Duo. "Cheng Xiran, I'm not kidding. Do you only have such small ambitions?"
She was about to retort when she heard a slightly hoarse voice say, "Greetings to the prince."
When the official Qian approached, he continued, "Your Highness has graced my humble abode. I failed to greet you from afar. I hope Your Highness will forgive my disrespect this time."
"Don't mention it..." Helian Duo nodded to him. After he sat down, Helian Duo continued, "We came a bit early. We didn't expect you to still be having lunch, Lord Qian."
Lord Qian's gaze finally fell on Cheng Xiran. After a careful look, he couldn't help but ask, "The eldest daughter of the Cheng Mansion?"
Cheng Xiran nodded calmly. "Good day, Lord Qian."
Today, Cheng Xiran had fully witnessed Helian Duo's methods. He was extremely swift and decisive. First, he stated his purpose, and then he listed one by one the major mistakes Qian Youliang had made over the years outside, without a single error.
After that, he listed the punishments these mistakes would receive according to the law, which made Lord Qian keep rubbing his forehead.
Finally, he summarized what he had said, "I know your character, Lord Qian, and I'm also aware of the contributions you've made to the court. Over the years, the emperor has turned a blind eye, but it doesn't mean he doesn't know."
He took a sip of tea and then continued in the most ordinary tone, "Lord Qian, you've had a hard time. So this time, I'll discipline your son on your behalf. On the one hand, it can silence those gossiping mouths outside; on the other hand, it can also give the emperor an explanation."
"Exile Qian Youliang to Pianzhou for two years. He can return to the capital after that. What do you think, Lord Qian?"
Lord Qian naturally had nothing to say.
He wasn't unaware of what kind of person his son was. He was a dedicated official in the court, but not a good father at home. Although he was a kind - hearted father, he had been too lenient. That's why Qian Youliang had repeatedly challenged his bottom line.
Now that someone finally stood up to forcefully solve this problem for him, apart from the reluctance, he actually felt more relieved in his heart.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I hope he can reflect on himself during these two years in Pianzhou and start a new life when he comes back."
Cheng Xiran saw the glint of tears in Lord Qian's eyes and felt a bit uncomfortable herself.
Helian Duo didn't stay long in the Qian Mansion. He just ordered that Qian Youliang should set off tomorrow.
The two of them returned to the newspaper office. Along the way, Cheng Xiran's mood remained low.
Helian Duo asked her several times, but she didn't hear him because she was absent - minded.
"Actually, it's okay if I don't step in. Anyway, the Hundred - Flower Banquet is just two days away. As long as Cheng Zhiyue tries a bit to marry into the royal family, even if Qian Youliang has some thoughts about her, he won't dare to have any more covetousness."
Helian Duo emphasized his words, and only then did Cheng Xiran react. She nodded obediently and said, "Yes, that makes perfect sense."
Helian Duo rolled his eyes at her angrily.
The two came to the newspaper office one after another. Cheng Xiran handed the pre - written manuscript to the shopkeeper and took out the flower and fruit tea that Xue Lianyu had left here to boil. She was in a bad mood today and needed to adjust herself.
She originally wanted to watch the jokes of the Liu mother and daughter, but now she had given up this opportunity for her grandmother. So it was normal for her to feel a bit resentful.
Helian Duo took out the *Shurangama Sutra* from the bookshelf and continued reading from where he left off last time.
Seeing that he lived a leisurely life like a person outside the mundane world all day long, Cheng Xiran couldn't help but feel angry. But what could she do? Apart from envy, jealousy, and hatred, she only seemed to have a tiny bit of liking for him.
No, it definitely wasn't liking. It was just the effect of hormones. It was a sign that she was too starved of male company!
Cheng Xiran kept reminding herself in her heart that there was no possibility between her and Helian Duo, and then quickly shifted her gaze. The flower and fruit tea was still boiling on the stove, so she went to the front and chatted with the shopkeeper.
She talked with the shopkeeper about the fact that his daughter - in - law had given birth to a baby yesterday.
As soon as this topic came up, the joy on the shopkeeper's face was obvious. "This baby really looks like his father. It's as if they were carved from the same mold. They say that a daughter takes after her father. It's really true."
Just then, a figure suddenly blocked the sunlight at the corner outside the door.
"Excuse me, is Miss Cheng here?"