Chapter 196: Chapter 196

“Are you tired?” Xiao Chengyu asked, “I’ve been leaving early and coming back late recently, you must have wanted to ask me about these things but couldn’t see me.”

“In a couple of days, when everything is handled, I’ll tell you in detail about what I’ve found out.” That was Xiao Chengyu’s plan.

Fu Shinian shook her head, “I was tired, but after a short nap and a walk, I feel quite refreshed.”

“If that’s the case, shall I tell you now?” Xiao Chengyu asked.

“Aren’t you tired, Marquis?” Fu Shinian replied, “I only need to know the general idea.”

“I’m not that tired either.” Xiao Chengyu smiled, “Besides, it’s been a while since I last saw you.”

Not reunited often, Xiao Chengyu was reluctant to part with Fu Shinian so quickly.

Xiao Chengyu pulled Fu Shinian to sit down and began recounting what he had discovered in his investigation.

To go into exhaustive detail about each matter, they would need the whole night.

So Xiao Chengyu spoke in detail about the crucial aspects, while summarizing the rest.

Even so, it took quite some time.

In truth, Fu Shinian just wanted to confirm that Xiao Chengyu had gathered enough evidence to convict Xiao Fengxing.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Chengyu had even uncovered a breakthrough involving the time when Xiao Fengxing and Mrs. Liu poisoned him all those years ago.

If it was just about drugging Fu Mingzhu, attempting to kill that maid unsuccessfully, Xiao Fengxing might not have faced serious consequences.

But poisoning Xiao Chengyu was a different matter.

It once endangered Xiao Chengyu’s life.

Being Marquis Changping and held in high esteem by His Majesty, Xiao Fengxing certainly couldn’t escape this time.

Having said this, Xiao Chengyu remarked, “Let me see you home, you should rest, no need to rise early, sleep longer.”

Fu Shinian nodded.

Chunmian and Chunyu led the way, holding lamps to light the path.

Xiao Chengyu escorted Fu Shinian to the courtyard entrance, where Fu Shinian stopped and asked him, “How many more days will you be busy?”

“About three days,” Xiao Chengyu replied, “After that, the court can be convened.”

“Even though we’re betrothed, it’s not proper for me to stay long in the Marquis’s mansion.” Fu Shinian said, “I planned to stay two more days and then return.”

Considering Fu Shinian’s reputation, Xiao Chengyu agreed and didn’t insist she stay.

However, Xiao Chengyu sighed, saying, “Can’t we move our wedding date a bit earlier?”

Fu Shinian blushed and said, “My family couldn’t possibly manage that.”

It wasn’t that they lacked Silver Coin, thanks to Aunt Cheng.

Aunt Cheng not only helped Fu Mingzhu with her dowry but was also preparing the same for her as well.

And for Fu Changqin’s marriage proposal, Aunt Cheng had provided a lot of gifts.

Madam Fu felt a bit embarrassed, but Aunt Cheng insisted they were family, and there should be no differences between the children.

Besides, Fu Mingzhu’s dowry was prepared the same as Fu Shinian’s.

And it wasn’t because Fu Mingzhu was now a noble lady that Madam Fu began to prepare equally.

Like with Fu Shinian, preparations began from their birth.

However, marrying off two daughters and taking a daughter-in-law in succession was exhausting.

How could they handle it?

Xiao Chengyu helplessly smiled and said, “I know, I was just saying, not really expecting it to move forward.”

“How has your eldest sister been lately?” Xiao Chengyu asked.

“She’s been well.” Fu Shinian brightened up, “Little General Gu has more free time than you and often visits my sister.”

“Mrs. Gu was the first to bring supplements to visit my sister, telling her this matter wasn’t her fault and not to worry about outside gossip. It comforted not just my sister, but also my mother and aunt.”

“Gu Lingyi often visits to chat with my sister. My sister is sewing her wedding dress at home, unable to go out.” Fu Shinian said, “The Gu family is truly wonderful; we made the right choice this time.”

Xiao Chengyu nodded, “You should go in and rest now.”

Xiao Chengyu glanced up at the night sky, it wouldn’t be long before dawn.

“Mm.” Fu Shinian lowered her head, looking at Xiao Chengyu’s wide sleeves, his hand was hidden inside.

Fu Shinian originally wanted to hold his hand but abandoned the idea.

“Then I’ll go in.” Fu Shinian said.

Just as she was about to turn, she saw Xiao Chengyu’s wide sleeve flutter.

Then his hand appeared and clasped hers.

Fu Shinian’s heart skipped a beat, wondering if Xiao Chengyu had guessed her thoughts.

But immediately, the space above her head dimmed slightly.

Then, her forehead was touched by an indescribable softness.

Fu Shinian blushed and looked up, just in time to see Xiao Chengyu step back with a flushed face.

He had just kissed her forehead, hadn’t he?

Chunmian and Chunyu had already averted their eyes, quickly turning their backs.

But since Xiao Chengyu and their lady were engaged,

they chose to turn a blind eye, as long as it wasn’t excessive, they wouldn’t say anything.

“Sleep well.” Xiao Chengyu said, the fragrance of her skin lingering on his lips.

“I might not be able to sleep.” Fu Shinian muttered.

With such a sudden act, how could she sleep?

Xiao Chengyu: “…”

The little lady’s words made him want to do it again.

Xiao Chengyu managed to restrain himself, but he couldn’t help but squeeze her hand, “Being this tired, you’ll surely fall asleep.”

Fu Shinian looked back at him three times before finally entering the courtyard.

Xiao Chengyu only turned toward the Bamboo Residence after seeing the light come on inside the house.

Yet as he walked, he couldn’t suppress the smile on his lips.

From time to time, he glanced up at the moon in the sky.

Though the moon above was incomplete, his heart was full.

Once Xiao Chengyu had organized all the evidence, Lord Tao convened the court again.

Bringing forth Xiao Fengxing, Lin Qingqing, and Chang Tai.

Xiao Fengxing felt a bit skeptical.

An entire month passed since the last court hearing, could it be that Xiao Chengyu had truly discovered something?

But he wasn’t overly worried; it was just a maid’s life after all.

Furthermore, it hadn’t succeeded, and regardless, he was still the son of the Marquis’s household, not someone easily punished.

Even if there was evidence, he could have Chang Tai take the fall.

Who could have known that Lord Tao’s first statement would be: “Xiao Fengxing, Marquis Changping Xiao Chengyu accuses you and your aunt Mrs. Liu of repeatedly poisoning him. Do you admit to this?”

“What?” Xiao Fengxing was stunned.

Wasn’t this about the attempted murder of that Fu Mansion maid?

“My lord, I don’t understand what you mean. My aunt and I have never done such a thing,” Xiao Fengxing replied, trying to maintain his composure.

“Bring forth the shopkeeper of Perfect Pharmacy, Zhang Shengquan,” Lord Tao commanded loudly.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep