"You want to see Shen Xinglan?"

"This is the quickest way to find the answer," Tang Fei said.

"No way." Lu Siyu refused, saying, "In this outfit, others might not recognize you, but Shen Xinglan definitely will. As soon as you meet him, your identity will be exposed... At that time, leaving won't be so easy."

Tang Fei was also aware that he shared a deep connection with Shen Xinglan, and it would be difficult to hide his identity upon meeting.

"So what should we do? Is there a better way?"

"We're new here, so we should hold off and bide our time to act opportunely."

Tang Fei nodded, though he had his own plans in mind.

------

Yanqing Street. Number eighteen.

Dynasties rise and fall, and the king's banners change at the city gate.

Yet, it seems not to affect the Sheng Family at all.

They are not the top family in the Empire, yet a powerful force that no one can ignore.

When Zhong Daolong was the King, Sheng Jing was the Finance Minister living at number eighteen Yanqing Street.

With the Shen Family controlling the throne behind the scenes, Sheng Jing remained the Finance Minister, still residing at number eighteen Yanqing Street.

Beneath the transient King, the ironclad Finance Minister.

The courtyard is of classical elegance, with pavilions, terraces, rockeries, and ponds, a picturesque setting at every step, with a world seen in a glance.

In the tea room, Sheng Jing and Shen Jianping sat across from each other.

As the Shen Family wielded power, Shen Jianping now held the position of Vice Minister, assisting Minister Su Zhenlie in handling important state affairs.

Moreover, as Su Zhenlie grew older, his tenure seemed unlikely to last, making him a probable candidate for the next Minister of Culture.

The chief of the three ministers, holding the reins of national governance.

His power is formidable, almost unmatched.

"Brother Sheng's place here is a labyrinth of scenic beauty, truly overwhelming," Shen Jianping sighed, holding a cup of hot tea.

"A small household cannot compare to the peerless scenery of Luojia Mountain," Sheng Jing said with a stern face.

Luojia Mountain is a famous scenic area of the Empire, but its core has been occupied by the Shen Family.

It can be said to belong to the Shen Family, with what's visible to the outside being only what the Shen Family allows.

Everyone knows he is an old relic, rarely showing a smile to anyone except his precious granddaughter, Xin Huai.

As such, he didn't care about Sheng Jing's attitude.

"If Brother Sheng likes, a visit to Luojia Mountain is a must. I can't guarantee anything else, but at least the snow-brewed tea there will not disappoint you."

"Certainly," Sheng Kuang nodded.

Shen Jianping was not satisfied with this indifferent response and asked Sheng Kuang, "What does Brother Sheng think of the current situation?"

Raising his eyebrows slightly, Sheng Jing looked at Shen Jianping and said, "With Shen Xiang at the helm of the Empire's core, who understands the situation better than you?"

"Being in the midst of it, I find it hard to see the whole picture. If Brother Sheng could enlighten me, it may bring great clarity," Shen Jianping said, looking directly into Sheng Jing's eyes.

Sheng Kuang sipped his tea slowly, not responding.

Was he testing his stance?

------

In the garden, Sheng Xinhua and Shen Lewen were strolling and enjoying the scenery.

Impatient by nature, Sheng Xinhua walked briskly, as if just going through the motions.

Shen Lewen followed unhurriedly, but not too far behind.

Watching the graceful figure ahead, Shen Lewen's lips curled into a slight smile.

To rank March Seven Stars and leave Sheng Xinhua out is a colossal joke.

Besides having a more prominent reputation and family, what else do the March Seven Stars have that's superior to her?

This is a beauty ranking, not a lineage chart.

Shen Lewen preferred Jie Wencai's review of her: a charm within charm, a fragrance beyond fragrance.

Truly the epitome of beauty in the world.

Unfortunately, she'd rather 'soil herself' than benefit her suitors.

"They say Miss Sheng is not adept at cultivation, which I find hard to believe, as her footwork is so much better than mine," Shen Lewen teased.

Slowing her pace, Sheng Xinhua glanced at him and said, "I've seen this garden a thousand times. What's the point? Let's move on and go back for a drink."

"Miss Sheng must realize that Aunt Mei didn't ask you to give me a tour of the garden just to look at flowers," Shen Lewen said with a wink and a smile, "although the Sheng family's garden is indeed a masterpiece."

"Could there be other reasons?" Sheng Xinhua gave Shen Lewen a sidelong glance, feigning ignorance.

Shen Lewen was known as one of the handsomest men in Phoenix City, tall with long legs, sword-like brows, and starry eyes, every movement exuding the manner of a gentleman.

It must be said that the Shen family's genes are indeed outstanding.

Shen Xinglan, Shen Lewen, Shen Lewu, Shen Leyou...

Each member of the "Le" generation surpasses the next, standing alone in the Empire.

No wonder the Shen Family has persisted for centuries, now with dragon energy at their side, hinting of imperial grandeur.

"Miss Sheng, you must understand my real reason for visiting," Shen Lewen was not one to mince words. He had investigated Sheng Xinhua's character and knew she hated such indirectness. "I've been smitten with you at first sight, admiring you for years."

"Admired for years, yet you never mentioned it?"

"If I had stated it... would you have agreed, Miss Sheng?" Shen Lewen asked.

"No," Sheng Xinhua answered decisively.

"That's why I've been waiting for the best opportunity," Shen Lewen, still smiling brightly, said. "Good things are worth the wait."

"Why do you think now is the best time?" Sheng Xinhua curiously asked.

"Heaven's timing, earth's advantage, only missing harmony between people," Shen Lewen responded. "Of course, I'll strive for human harmony too."

"Don't strive too much; the more you strive, the more unfortunate," Sheng Xinhua advised. "You should know I have a bad reputation, like drinking, like new men... No need to waste energy on someone like me."

"Miss Sheng, saying that insults my intelligence and judgment as Shen Lewen. Without any understanding of you, how could I dare ask my father to propose?"

"The rumors say you're disreputable, but in fact, you stand aloof, unwilling to bog yourself down. That outside perspective is from someone who doesn't know you at all."

"As for your liking new men, besides a previous scandal... I've heard no man has truly gotten close to you."

"If such a woman's reputation is undeservedly bad and unworthy of affection... is there a good woman left in Phoenix City?"

"Oh, you really think highly of me," Sheng Xinhua laughed. "Looks like you did your homework."

"Of course, sincerity makes even stones worthwhile. I hope Miss Sheng can feel my heart."

"Sorry, I can't feel anything," Sheng Xinhua shook her head. "Feelings can't be forced. If they could, it wouldn't be feelings but a transaction."

"What a pity," Shen Lewen shrugged, quite dejected.

"However, I do have some doubts," Sheng Xinhua said.

"Oh? What doubts do you have, Miss Sheng? I promise to tell you everything I know."

"You said just now that the timing is right, only missing human harmony... You should understand that if I were to truly agree to marry you, an alliance between our families, what that implies."

"Miss Sheng means... an alliance between our two families might not sit well with others?"

"Your uncle is the Empire's Vice Minister, holding significant military affairs. My father is the Empire's Finance Minister, holding the nation's purse strings... If our families were to ally, what would others think?"

"You're mainly thinking about how Shen Xinglan would take it, aren't you?"

"Quite right," Sheng Xinhua said, not denying it. "His grandfather controls the national military. If our families came together, what position does that leave Shen Xinglan in? Will Shen Wuxiang let it go?"

"If it were before, I wouldn't have such thoughts. But times have changed... Everyone else is moving, so if we don't do something, we'll fall behind."

With her heart a little moved, Sheng Xinhua still feigned incomprehension, "What do you mean?"

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