After that.
People in Shengjing City all said.
The second young master of the Duke's Mansion seemed to have contracted some strange illness. He couldn't fall asleep without a woman in his arms.
Fortunately, he later met a reclusive expert.
No one knew what method the expert used.
From that day on.
The second young master of the Duke's Mansion seemed to be a different person.
He no longer indulged in wine and women.
He no longer kept shouting for women all day long.
Especially when he saw the expert, his usual arrogant and unruly temper disappeared without a trace.
Everyone said.
A fairy had come to the Duke's Mansion.
The fairy was that expert.
Although few people had seen her, they all said she was extremely beautiful and her temperament was gentle beyond compare.
It was said that Duke Yan was influenced by this woman, and thus started to do good deeds and got rid of his previous bad habits.
When Steward Yan told these rumors obsequiously to Zhao Shuning, she was feeding the bird in her hand.
Although.
Half of the rumors in Shengjing City were spread under her instructions.
Zhao Shuning still blushed a little when she first heard them.
After all, these flattering words were all thought up by herself. She just took advantage of the gossiping nature of the people in Shengjing City to make the rumors more vivid.
If her investigation a few days ago was correct, Xia Jingning, who had heard these rumors, should be getting impatient soon.
"Senior, how about this rumor?"
Zhao Shuning asked with a smile.
Shamelessly, she replied, "It's not enough."
Steward Yan gasped.
"Even this is not enough?"
"Yes."
Of course it wasn't enough.
Steward Yan wiped the sweat off his forehead.
Maybe he thought he hadn't seen such a shameless "expert" in a long time.
Zhao Shuning just waved her hand.
Steward Yan had no choice but to follow her orders.
Because now.
In the Duke's Mansion, Zhao Shuning's words carried a lot of weight.
Although the rumors were a bit exaggerated.
The second young master of the Duke's Mansion did owe his life to Zhao Shuning.
As for how she saved him.
This matter.
Only Zhao Shuning and Duke Yan probably knew.
There was no one else present at that time.
However.
Although they were waiting outside.
They heard the second young master's heart - rending cries.
In less than a quarter of an hour.
The second young master ran out with a bruised face and a panicked look. At that time, there was not a trace of his dissipated lifestyle on his face.
Following the second young master out was Zhao Shuning.
Just by looking at this situation.
It was obvious that the second young master had been severely taught by this audacious girl. Steward Yan thought he was doomed at that time. After all, he was the one who brought this girl to the Duke's Mansion. If the second young master held him accountable.
He would be dead a hundred times over.
But the result was unexpected.
The second young master not only didn't hold Steward Yan accountable, nor did he go after Zhao Shuning. On the contrary, he treated Zhao Shuning well, and told everyone in the Duke's Mansion to obey her orders.
The way the second young master looked at the little girl.
Was timid.
Just like a cat seeing a tiger. He didn't dare to be arrogant anymore.
Whenever someone asked Zhao Shuning what exactly had happened that day, Zhao Shuning just smiled slightly, clapped her hands, and said indifferently, "I influenced him with love."
With love?
This was a lie that not even ghosts would believe.
Fortunately, few people in Shengjing City of Hailing Country had heard of Zhao Shuning. As the rumors spread and the common people heard them more often, they would naturally take them to heart.
In the evening.
Duke Yan came back in a hurry.
As soon as he entered the Duke's Mansion, he rushed to Zhao Shuning's courtyard.
When he saw Zhao Shuning.
He was extremely excited.
Immediately, he respectfully handed the purple visiting card in his hand to Zhao Shuning as if showing off his achievements.
"What is this?"
Hearing Zhao Shuning's question.
Duke Yan sat down proudly.
Ignoring everyone's gazes.
He directly said, "Master, take a good look. Whose visiting card is this?"
When Duke Yan spoke now.
There was no longer any air leakage.
Zhao Shuning took a closer look.
It turned out.
The three knocked - out teeth had been replaced with gold teeth.
The title of "master" was something Duke Yan insisted on calling Zhao Shuning.
She was originally reluctant, but couldn't stand this kid pestering her every day, so she just let him call her that.
"From the Crown Prince's Heir?"
Zhao Shuning didn't even need to look to know what was written inside.
Duke Yan nodded quickly.
"Master, it took me a great deal of effort to get the Crown Prince's Heir to notice you. Your goal is about to be achieved."
A smile curled up on Zhao Shuning's lips.
But she just replied indifferently with two words.
"Decline it."
Decline it?
What?
Duke Yan stared at her in disbelief with wide eyes.
He didn't understand.
Didn't the master go to so much trouble to get the attention of the Crown Prince's Heir?
Now that they had finally achieved their goal.
Why decline it?
"Master, I don't understand."
"You don't need to understand. Just decline it."
The smile on Zhao Shuning's face carried a hint of meaning.
Finally.
The big fish had taken the bait.
Before, it was she who had been casting a long line.
Now.
It was time for a reversal.
Now, the Crown Prince's Heir Xia Jingning was just interested in the rumors, so he wanted to meet her.
At this moment.
His guard against Zhao Shuning should be at its highest.
If Zhao Shuning agreed at this time, it would just prove one thing, that is, before, she had been setting a trap for the Crown Prince's Heir Xia Jingning.
Just waiting for him to jump in.
"However, Master, if you decline the Crown Prince's Heir now, our Duke's Mansion won't be able to help you get a second chance. My ability is limited."
"No need. From now on, you don't need to do anything."
Just quietly wait for the fish to take the bait.
Although he didn't know what Zhao Shuning was up to, Duke Yan still followed her orders.
A real expert was truly unfathomable to an ordinary person like him.
Speaking of Duke Yan.
Actually.
He wasn't a bad person at heart.
It was just that the power and wealth of the Duke's Mansion had spoiled him to the point of being lawless.
There were many prodigal sons in Shengjing City. Those of his age would naturally play with him, because Duke Yan was the wealthiest. Every time they went out, there were many flattering young masters.
Hanging out with them all day long.
He became indulged in wine and women, living a dissipated life, not knowing what day it was.
That day.
Duke Yan still remembered when the master entered the room. A beautiful figure made his already restless mind even more muddled.
However.
As soon as he reached out his hand.
As soon as he opened his mouth, before he could say a word, he was forced to swallow a very bitter pill.
Then.
He was beaten up.
After the beating.
Duke Yan came to his senses.
Looking at the woman in front of him, he was in a daze for a while.
On the ground, there were his three teeth and a pool of blood.
Duke Yan was stunned at that time.
The master explained to him.
Saying that he had been poisoned by a charming powder and his mind was muddled. The poison had already invaded his heart. If the master hadn't treated him in time, he would surely not live long.
Duke Yan still remembered.
At that time, the master pointed at the three teeth and the blood and said.
"I'm just treating your illness."
Beating him?
Was that also for treating his illness?
Although it was a bit strange, if it were someone else, they definitely wouldn't believe it.
But Duke Yan had never been very smart. He not only believed it, but also regarded every word Zhao Shuning said as the truth.