The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class

Chapter 548

Since learning that the Prince of Southern Pacification couldn't suppress the unrest in Yunnan, Jin Cheng dispatched officials to govern the troublesome locals and magistrates in the region. Months later, the results were remarkably effective.

In the spring of his thirteenth year, the Prince of Southern Pacification arrived in the capital with his consort.

The feast was prepared, and Jin Cheng chatted with his parents in the imperial garden while waiting for his two uncles and their wives to enter the palace.o cling to—if I stay on her good side, Eldest Uncle won’t dare touch me!"

Jin Cheng circled back through the rocks but froze when he heard his second uncle arguing with his father.

Luo Jingfeng scowled. "This is a Luo family banquet. Why are you here?"

Zong Zhao replied coolly, "What do you think?"

Seeing the two generals locking eyes again, the little troublemaker hurried over to mediate: "Ah, Uncle, Aunt, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, please sit down! The dishes are all ready—we’ve been waiting for you to arrive before serving."

After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.

The Prince of Southern Pacification noticed Lu Zhu sitting beside Luo Jingfeng, her hands never still—adjusting his utensils, tugging at his sleeve, and, most surprisingly, his second brother even handing her a handkerchief.

Suddenly, the prince recalled his brother’s past words: "Women? Just tools for warming the bed. Do you care how many heating stoves you own?"

Luo Jingyun couldn’t resist teasing: "Second Brother, your ‘heating stove’ seems quite fiery. Do you need a few more?"

The others looked puzzled, not understanding the reference.

Only Luo Jingfeng froze, flushing with embarrassment before snapping, "Mind your own business, Eldest Brother!"

The Prince of Southern Pacification nearly died laughing, leaning over to whisper to his princess and thoroughly exposing his younger brother’s hypocrisy.

Luo Jingfeng was so furious he almost flipped the table.

Lu Zhu, though confused, quickly held him back to prevent any rash actions.

Jin Cheng studied his uncle and aunt—whom he’d never met before—with curiosity. Based on what he’d overheard earlier, he’d expected his uncle to look rough and simple-minded, and his aunt to appear sharp-tongued.

But reality was quite the opposite. The Prince of Southern Pacification was tall and broad-shouldered, with a lean build similar to Luo Jingfeng’s. His aunt, however, was petite and delicate, the very image of a classic southern beauty.

The princess, Shi Yue, was a local physician’s daughter from Yunnan—orphaned, without power or influence. Though she’d married far above her station, rumors said the prince had pursued her for years. Seven years her senior, he hadn’t wed until twenty-five.

Shi Yue was naturally reserved, rarely speaking much, but now she took the initiative: "Your Majesty, my husband is straightforward and impulsive—that’s why he sent those reckless memorials one after another. But he’s since realized his mistake. I hope you can overlook his past errors and forgive him."

Under the table, she kicked the prince, signaling him to speak up.

The prince hastily added, "Ah, yes! After learning how my actions caused misunderstandings between you and Second Brother, I felt terrible. Sorry, Cheng’er—your uncle acted thoughtlessly and scared you."

Seeing no signs of his uncle wanting to throttle him, Jin Cheng quickly seized the chance to smooth things over: "It’s fine, it’s all in the past now. The magistrates involved have been dealt with, and we’ve reinforced the border troops in Yunnan. No one will dare steal your mushrooms again."

The prince brightened immediately. "Ah, Cheng’er, you’re truly considerate! You’ve no idea how infuriating those people were. I tolerated them for years, but they grew bolder, even targeting my new mushrooms! Your aunt discovered them—they’re miraculous! Not only do they curb hunger, but they also heal illnesses. If we cultivate them widely, not just Yunnan but the entire Chu Kingdom will thrive!"

"Really? Are mushrooms that incredible?" Jin Cheng was almost swayed by the enthusiasm.

"Absolutely!" The prince dragged his chair closer, gripping his nephew’s hand. "Listen—if we plant these across the nation, problems like famine and disease will—"

His uncle’s grand claims were so earnest that Shi Yue couldn’t bear to watch.

Jin Cheng giggled uncontrollably.

Xu Wan and Zong Zhao exchanged glances, silently agreeing: No need to intervene here.

Zong Zhao shrugged helplessly.

By the end of the banquet, the prince was still treating his nephew like a comrade, declaring, "Cheng’er, you’re truly heaven-sent—a ruler who understands his uncle’s vision! Don’t worry, once I’m back in Yunnan, I’ll send you samples of every mushroom we have. Let the Ministry of Agriculture study them. If they can’t figure it out, I’ll personally tutor them. I guarantee you’ll grow these mushrooms splendidly!"

His wife looked thoroughly exasperated.

Jin Cheng nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! I’ll wait for your next visit, Uncle!"

The prince waved. "No need to see us off, Cheng’er! We’ll meet again!"

Jin Cheng beamed. "Of course—until next time!"