Chapter 94 The mantis stalks the cicada and the oriole follows behind
He does not mean that.

After returning to Songheyuan, Aying couldn't understand why Liu Wutong favored Xie Chengfeng, that bastard, and ignored Xie Chenglin and He Ni.

"Su Jian, do you know why?" A Ying turned his head and looked at Su Jian.

Su Jian shook her head. "The concubine always said that the Third Young Master's personality was like hers. In addition, the Third Young Master was sweet-mouthed and could coax people, so naturally he was favored more than the Second Young Master and the Second Young Lady."

Aying smiled speechlessly. Is this also a reason?
It wasn't a serious matter anyway, so Aying didn't ask any more questions.

But a new dilemma has arisen again.

It is really difficult to deal with Liu Wutong asking her to report to her every time she goes out. But now, Liu Wutong is in control of the finances, so it will naturally be difficult for her in this regard. Her brother needs to save money, so how can she solve it if she doesn't ask Sister Hua?
Xie Chengyi still has to go to court every day. Even if she knows that he has the intention, she can't ask him to take the lead in everything. Otherwise, how will they live in the future?

In the end, you have to figure this out yourself.

The next day, early in the morning.

Before Xie Chengyi went to court, he specially transferred to Songheyuan.

Standing outside the window, looking at Ah Ying, he asked sincerely, "Today is the first time you want to pay your respects, do you need me to turn it down?"

Ah Ying smiled softly, "If I want to marry you, I will have to face this situation sooner or later. Don't worry, I know my limits and I have a solution."

Xie Chengyi said seriously: "You really don't need me here?"

Ah Ying met Xie Chengyi's gaze and said to him with a leisurely smile: "You want to be a person who only cares about the beauty's smile and the king's absence from the morning court?"

Seeing that Ah Ying could still tease him, Xie Chengyi finally felt relieved and said mysteriously: "Okay, when I come back in the evening, I'll take you somewhere."

Ah Ying nodded with a smile and watched Xie Chengyi walk away, looking back every few steps.

Then, Su Jian came back and nodded to Aying.

Ah Ying said with a relaxed look: "Okay, it's time for us to go. We are busy today..."

A quarter of an hour later, King Rui sent someone to invite A Ying.

At this time, Aying had just arrived at Songbaiyuan to pay his respects and was standing properly on one side, looking as docile as possible.

"King Rui?" Liu Wutong originally wanted to give Huo Asing a warning on the first day, but who knew that before she could establish her authority, King Rui sent someone over.

No matter how domineering she was, she knew that the Marquisate could not afford to offend Prince Rui, so she looked at Huo Aying with resentment in her eyes and said in a biting voice, "Go!"

Ah Ying said very meekly, "Thank you, Madam."

As Ah Ying walked out, Liu Wutong smashed the antique vase beside her with a "bang", "This Huo Ah Ying is determined to oppose me! Why didn't she invite her earlier or later, but at this time!"

Qiao'er immediately comforted her, "Madam, don't be angry. There is still a long time to come, and we have plenty of opportunities!"

Liu Wutong sat there with a grudge, and turned her eyes to Qiao'er, "Hurry up and think of a solution. I can't bear to see her showing off like this for even a day!"

As soon as she left the Marquis' Mansion, Aying got straight into Prince Rui's carriage.

Looking at Xiao Cong, who was waving his folding fan and looking calm and composed, Ah Ying said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Highness Prince Rui."

Xiao Cong raised his eyebrows in a playful manner and said, "You are so miserable. Didn't you just confirm your feelings with Xie Chengyi? Is he protecting you like this?"

Ah Ying replied lightly, "I don't want to depend on him for everything."

Xiao Cong had come here for Ah Ying. When he heard what Ah Ying said, he asked with great interest, "So what do you want to do?"

Ah Ying sighed and said, "Let's take it one step at a time."

"Follow me. My house is short of a mistress. You don't have to please anyone except me. How about it?" Xiao Cong raised his eyebrows.

Ah Ying was already used to Xiao Cong's jokes, so she said with a fake smile: "Your Highness, this joke has been told for the 9981st time, why don't you find someone else to joke with."

Xiao Cong said helplessly, "Well, I was thinking that I could have a quarrel with you, but now this girl who was trained by Xie Chengyi has already started to follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues before she even gets married?"

Ah Ying said helplessly: "Oh, my life is so miserable... I have to trouble you to help me out of my predicament. Please help me and send me to a place."

Xiao Cong was very pleased with Ah Ying's "flattery" and said proudly: "Brother, I have time today, let's go!"

In a short while, Xiao Cong sent Ah Ying to the long street. "I'll wait for you here. If you need anything, feel free to contact me."

Ah Ying nodded gratefully, "Okay."

"Girl, where are we going?" Su Jian asked softly.

Ah Ying calmed down and said, "I'm going to meet someone."

Xiao Cong saw A Ying off and went straight to the teahouse on the right.

He found a private room, ordered a pot of Biluochun tea, then curled the corners of his lips and looked at the tightly closed door opposite.

***
On the way back home, Xie Chengyi casually observed the scene in the capital.

Suddenly, with a "whoosh!" sound, an arrow carrying the folded paper hit the left side of Xie Chengyi's carriage railing. Zhan Li immediately tightened the reins and raised his knife alertly.

Xie Chengyi looked to the front and side, only to see a black shadow flash by.

"I'll chase him!" Obviously, Zhan Li also discovered it.

Xie Chengyi stopped her and said, "No need to chase!"

"Prince." Zhan Li was puzzled.

"This person is just delivering a message, why bother to find out who it is."

There was only one address on the letter: Yingbin Building.

Looking back at the reception building, Xie Chengyi ordered: "You go back first."

Zhan Li had no choice but to obey, "Yes."

As soon as he entered the reception building, the owner came to greet him, "Prince, the private room on the third floor you reserved is ready, please come in!"

Xie Chengyi followed the shop owner upstairs until they reached a room with the word "Chi Nan" engraved on the door.

"Sir, this is it." The owner was very respectful.

Xie Chengyi took a quick look around and saw that everything was quiet. He thought that it must have been arranged, so he said, "Go and get busy."

The shopkeeper bowed and stepped back, "Yes."

Full of doubts, Xie Chengyi gently pushed the door open and saw a man sitting inside.

The man was dressed in dark clothes, but his luxury could not be concealed, and his whole body exuded a noble and gloomy aura.

"You're here?" a cold voice sounded.

As soon as he looked up, Xie Chengyi saw who was coming. He was startled and immediately bowed, "Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Xiao Bai's face was filled with sorrow, his body was tall and slender, and he had a solemn and cold feeling.

"There are too many eyes and ears in the palace, so it's not appropriate to talk to you. I can only visit you in person!" After Xiao Bai finished speaking, he bowed respectfully to Xie Chengyi.

Seeing the prince being so respectful, how could Xie Chengyi accept it so easily? He quickly replied: "If Your Highness has any instructions, just tell me directly. Don't show such great courtesy."

Xiao Bai said persistently, "I came here today to discuss something important. I hope the general will listen to me."

Having said that, Xie Chengyi could only wait and see why the prince did this.

"Please!" Xiao Bai said.

After Xie Chengyi was about to sit down, Xiao Bai personally poured wine for Xie Chengyi.

Then, Xiao Bai raised his glass and said, "I will drink three cups myself to show my sincerity."

After saying that, he drank three cups in a row, each empty.

"General, you have always taken the needs of Northern Jin as your responsibility. You have killed enemies and fought on the battlefield without fear. Now that you have fallen from power, there are people who want to use your power to achieve hegemony. My foundation is shaky, my mother's family is weak, and I am left alone. I dare not ask the general to do anything. However, I am dedicated to the people, and the heavens can see it. Please take a closer look at me. If you think I am sincere, I hope you can lend a helping hand!" Xiao Bai said every word sincerely.

At least Xie Chengyi was not disgusted by Xiao Bai's words, but it was too early to get him to stand in his camp.

"How could I have deserved the favor of Your Highness? Unfortunately, I have served in the army for many years and only have some knowledge of military affairs, but I dare not speak on government affairs." Xie Chengyi said lightly.

Xiao Bai looked at Xie Chengyi and said with a serious expression, "I wonder if my second brother has ever visited you?"

Xie Chengyi's heart moved, but he tried to keep his expression unchanged. Perhaps this was the point. "Your Highness Prince Rui just thought my cousin was very cute, so he came to the mansion to chat with me. His friendship with me is not that deep, that's all."

After hearing what Xie Chengyi said, Xiao Bai gradually let down his guard. "My second brother is very efficient in handling matters, but he is a prince after all, so he must win the hearts of the people."

Xie Chengyi said nothing, but just smiled faintly.

At the right moment, Xiao Bai's expression relaxed slightly, "Then I will wait for good news from the general!"

After saying this, he left.

Right now, Xie Chengyi was too defensive, he couldn't be too impatient for quick success, it was already the best that he didn't refuse.

Xie Chengyi sat quietly. Now, the King of Qi had fallen, the King of Rui was showing goodwill, and the Crown Prince was so eager to be his minister. How could he not think too much?

Xiao Cong next door gently placed the teacup on the table and said to his confidant with emotion: "Okay, no need to listen anymore. Next, it depends on what the general will choose..."

When the footsteps lightly rose, Xie Chengyi's ears instantly sensed it, so he turned his head and said to Zhan Li: "Are you leaving?"

Zhan Li nodded, "Prince Rui has already gone down."

Xie Chengyi's expression relaxed then. It was really clever of Prince Rui to stalk the cicada while the oriole was behind. He didn't expect that he was so familiar with the whereabouts of the prince. What did he mean?