Hearing what he said, no matter if it was the princess of Yulin State or anyone else coming, she would refute them one by one without the slightest sign of weakness.
Cheng Xiran calmed her mind and focused on her meal, not interrupting the conversation between Helian Duo and Helian Yue. They were mostly talking about court affairs. Somehow, the topic turned to the arrest of Lord Qian's family and the recovery of the disaster relief funds.
Given the speed of information dissemination in ancient times, it was not surprising that they outsiders had just learned about it.
Helian Yue was probing indirectly. It was estimated that the people from the Empress Dowager's maternal family had already recognized Helian Duo's identity and knew that his so - called inspection of the border was a guise, and his real purpose was to investigate this matter.
Cheng Xiran looked at him worriedly from the side, but Helian Duo's expression remained as calm and composed as ever.
Only then did she realize that she had been over - worrying. When had he ever needed her concern?
Suddenly, a sense of melancholy welled up in her heart and lingered for a long time. Then it turned into glass after glass of wine she sent into her mouth.
Helian Duo stopped her in time. "No matter how happy you are, you can't drink so much."
Seeing Cheng Xiran obediently put down the glass, he then looked at Helian Yue and replied indifferently, "Oh, really? I also heard from the emperor that the disaster relief funds had been recovered and someone was sent to Qizhou overnight. I think the famine there can finally be properly dealt with this time."
Helian Yue continued to probe, "I heard that it was someone under Your Highness's command who handled this matter."
"Really?" Helian Duo started to play dumb.
Seeing that he couldn't get anything out of Helian Duo's mouth, Helian Yue didn't pursue this topic anymore and switched to another one. Cheng Zhiyue seemed unenthusiastic but still insisted on chatting with Cheng Xiran. Although they were just talking about daily matters, Cheng Xiran couldn't force a smile when she saw Cheng Zhiyue's affected look.
So Cheng Zhiyue started to make an issue out of it. Looking dejected, she said, "Did I say something to displease you, sister? Why do you look so unhappy?"
Without waiting for Cheng Xiran to reply, Cheng Zhiyue continued on her own, "Although father was angry these days and expelled you from the family, you don't have to be discouraged. I will plead with father to let you come back home soon. Sister, there's no overnight feud between father and daughter. Why are you so reluctant to bow your head to father?"
Cheng Xiran almost vomited out the steamed spareribs she had just eaten.
"I'll keep your words in mind, but I also have something to ask you..."
A glint of cunning flashed across Cheng Xiran's eyes. She continued, "A few days ago, Young Master Gu's mother came to see me. Speaking of Young Master Gu, you two were once together. Why haven't you visited him even though he's been injured for so long?"
Helian Duo added fuel to the fire on the side, "This makes me think of how Young Master Gu was seriously injured to protect you... But Miss Cheng, the second daughter of the Cheng family, is always gentle and kind. I guess you must have visited him many times in private. We just don't know about it, right?"
If Cheng Zhiyue refuted, it would prove that she was cold - hearted. If she agreed, it would show that there was an unclear relationship between her and Gu Yuanqing. Anyway, she would be in an unfavorable position.
So naturally, she was in an awkward situation.
Helian Yue gave her a probing look. Feeling a bit embarrassed under his gaze, after much thought, she chose self - preservation. "There's nothing between me and Young Master Gu. Please stop teasing me, or I'll be really embarrassed."
As she said this, she pretended to be shy, which made Helian Yue's heart flutter. He then spoke up for her, "Yes, Uncle Regent. After all, Zhiyue is my fiancée now and will soon become a part of our family. Isn't it a bit unfair for you to say such things about her?"
These two had already joined forces so quickly...
Helian Duo twitched the corner of his mouth and just smiled without saying a word.
Originally, they thought this visit would be a feast full of hidden dangers, but after the meal, they found that there was no problem at all. Cheng Xiran even thought that the food in the Prince Qi's Mansion was no worse than that in the palace, which showed that the Prince Qi was a man who enjoyed life.
It was said that they would take a short rest in the courtyard after dinner. But seeing that Cheng Xiran seemed a bit sleepy, Helian Duo said they should leave.
The two were seen off by Cheng Zhiyue as they left the Prince Qi's Mansion, but Helian Yue didn't come out to see them off.
According to his seniority and status, he should have come out. By doing this, he was clearly showing his dissatisfaction with Helian Duo.
Helian Duo wasn't angry.
"His Highness drank too much and is now taking hangover soup inside. The Regent and sister left in a hurry, so His Highness asked me to see you off. Please don't mind."
Helian Duo then looked at Cheng Xiran and instructed, "You wait for me in the carriage first. I'll go in and say a few words. I'll be back soon."
After saying that, he followed Cheng Zhiyue back into the mansion.
A cold wind blew, making his long robe flutter. He looked extremely elegant.
Cheng Xiran stared at him for a while before getting into the carriage.
It wasn't long before Helian Duo came back.
Seeing his proud expression, Cheng Xiran couldn't help but be curious. "What happened?"
"Nothing. I just paid them back in their own coin..." Helian Duo said leisurely.
Seeing that Cheng Xiran still didn't understand, he explained, "They put aphrodisiacs in your wine before. You fell for it last time. Didn't you even notice this time?"
No wonder she felt that the first glass of wine tasted different from the ones after.
So that was it.
"So the hangover pills you gave me were actually antidotes?"
Seeing him nod slightly, Cheng Xiran suddenly realized and frowned. "Do these two have some kind of problem? What did I do to them that they treat me like this?"
Helian Duo pointed out, "It should be Cheng Zhiyue who did it. Her purpose was probably to ruin your reputation."
Cheng Xiran got back to the point and looked at him eagerly. "So you went back to drug her too?"
Helian Duo asked seriously in return, "Why not do something that only requires a bit of sweet - talking?"
Helian Duo only needed to show off his good looks a bit to make Cheng Zhiyue willingly fall into his trap. This was indeed one of his great advantages, and even Cheng Xiran felt inferior.
Helian Duo sent Cheng Xiran back to the newspaper office. He sat there for a while before returning to his mansion.
"The Prince has been accompanying Miss in the newspaper office recently. It's so nice," Yun'er flattered.
Cheng Xiran's mind was full of thoughts about Cheng Zhiyue.
She just nodded absent - mindedly to敷衍 Yun'er. After thinking for a while, she said, "Yun'er, go to the market early tomorrow to buy some tonics and good wine. Then we'll go to the Cheng Mansion early."
"What are we going to the Cheng Mansion for?" Yun'er murmured softly.
Cheng Xiran smiled. "To apologize to father."