The Incense Monopoly Order

Chapter 154 Be prepared for danger in times of peace
Compared to Cheng Mian, Cheng She was undoubtedly slightly better.

Cheng Mian was able to touch the soft spot in Shang Mingshu's heart. This softness was not because she couldn't bear to refuse, but because she really wanted to try and see if she could marry such a pure and innocent young man.

This strange attraction was something neither Cheng She nor Xu Tianxing had ever given to Shang Mingshu.

Since that day, Lu Sanlang never visited again, and Shang Mingshu was happy to have some free time, focusing all her energy on making a living at home.

A few days later, Prince Zhang brought generous gifts to bid farewell, as they were to return to the capital together.

“Yu Shuang…” Shang Mingshu pulled Zhang Yu Shuang aside, her eyes filled with worry.

Zhang Yushuang felt a warmth in her heart and grasped Shang Mingshu's soft hands: "Mingshu, you enlightened me that day."

"Did I enlighten you?" Shang Mingshu asked, somewhat puzzled. Was she referring to her statement that day that Prince Yu hadn't come for her alone?

If that were truly the case, Zhang Yushuang should have distanced herself even further from Prince Yu. Judging from her behavior these past few days, she not only did not distance herself from Prince Yu, but seemed to have been moved by him and rekindled her old feelings for him.

“If he ascends to the throne and becomes the most honored person in the world, I will become a sinner to my family. They will be terrified because of my lack of respect today, and perhaps they will do something to harm my father, brothers and me in order to please the emperor.” Zhang Yushuang was calmer than ever before, her face as if covered with an invisible layer of frost. “I cannot implicate them.”

“They don’t want you to sacrifice for them…” Shang Mingshu felt a little sorry for Zhang Yushuang, but she knew that the Duke of Changguo and the Prince of Zhang truly cared for her as their closest relatives.

“That is precisely why I must shoulder the responsibility of being the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Changguo’s mansion.” Zhang Yushuang stood straight, her eyes clear. “I cannot allow the Duke of Changguo’s mansion to be suspected by the new emperor because of me.”

"Then you..." Shang Mingshu couldn't figure out Zhang Yushuang's plan for a moment.

Zhang Yushuang smiled slightly: "That night you said that he was using my name but actually came for Lu Sanlang and General Xu. I later confirmed that it was indeed the case."

Her smile gradually turned mocking, but Zhang Yushuang's voice remained calm: "He knows His Majesty suspects him, so he even has to be so secretive and cautious when trying to win over court officials. My dear lady, do you really think he would marry me as his second wife? Does he really dare to marry me as his second wife?"

Shang Mingshu was taken aback, and suddenly it was as if she had been enlightened.

Given Prince Yu's cautious nature, if someone were to whisper in His Majesty's ear that Zhang Yushuang's status was too prominent after Princess Yu's passing, Prince Yu would be eager to seize the throne.

Prince Yu will definitely abandon Zhang Yushuang.

She decided to be the one who would be abandoned by Prince Yu once again!

Their eyes met, and tears welled up in Zhang Yushuang's eyes. Shang Mingshu stepped forward and silently embraced Zhang Yushuang.

Zhang Yushuang rested her chin on Shang Mingshu's shoulder, inhaling the unique, delicate fragrance emanating from Shang Mingshu: "Don't worry about me, I'm just giving myself a chance."

She had loved the man deeply, but after learning the truth, her pride and rationality forced her to withdraw. However, how could the true feelings she had given be easily withdrawn or completely severed?

"If that day comes, and he dares to risk his life for me just once, I'd marry him for that one time, regardless of whether we're together for life or our love ends in heartbreak," Zhang Yushuang whispered in Shang Mingshu's ear. "If he abandons me for the greater good again... then it won't be me who has wronged him..."

Now that she has severed ties with Prince Yu, it will plant a thorn in his heart and sow the seeds of future trouble.

This time when she turned back, she wanted to deeply engrave her "deep affection" into Prince Yu's heart. When Prince Yu betrayed her and abandoned her, she would become the emperor's unrequited love, shameful face, and lifelong guilt!
Only in this way can the Duke of Changguo's mansion avoid incurring the wrath of Prince Yu.

"Take care." Shang Mingshu solemnly bid farewell to Zhang Yushuang. A faint smile played on Zhang Yushuang's lips: "I'll be waiting for you in the capital."

Shang Mingshu is going to the capital to participate in the tribute market and also to open a teahouse there. They will see each other again soon.

"it is good."

After seeing Zhang Yushuang off, the Shang family welcomed the first happy event of the year: Madam Chen personally brought several large boatloads of betrothal gifts from Xihang to present Shang Zishu with a grand betrothal.

She also brought along elders from the Chen clan, giving Shang Zishu ample face.

The elders of both sides set a wedding date for next spring when the flowers bloom, but Shang Wenshu and Du Zhong's wedding will take place this autumn.

With both of his daughters engaged, Shang Jinliang's gaze fell on Shang Mingshu: "Mingya, I can see that General Xu and Second Master Cheng both have feelings for you. What do you think?"

"Father, let's wait a little longer." Shang Mingshu did not say that she did not want to get married.

She is ambitious; the Shang family's wealth needs to be protected.

The eldest sister was married into the family, while the second sister was a suitable match. If the Shang family wanted to continue to prosper, they had to have connections in the court. That was the reality.

Even if Shang Jinliang were alive, even if he did have a son and was very shrewd, he could not protect the increasingly wealthy Shang family.

Shang Jinliang hesitated, then sighed softly. He took a few steps, but couldn't help turning back: "Mingya, your father is looking forward to your marriage. You should think more about yourself."

He didn't understand this young girl before, but after Shang Mingshu stopped hiding her talents this year, Shang Jinliang gained a deep understanding of his daughter's temperament and abilities.

Although he was not well-read, he knew that talented people did not value worldly sentiments.

If Shang Mingshu is focused on promoting the Shang family business and achieving success in business management, she will understand what Shang Jinliang lacks. This was once a major concern for Shang Jinliang, who was determined to marry Shang Mingshu off to a higher social class to gain protection through marriage.

Now that he knows his daughter shares his thoughts, he feels sorry for her and hopes she can think more about him. After all, life is long, how can one not find someone they love?
"Thank you, Father." Shang Mingshu felt a warmth in her heart. "Your daughter knows what she's doing."

His daughter was too stubborn, and Shang Jinliang could only sigh, "A famous child, when things reach their peak, they will inevitably decline. The Shang family may not be doing so badly now."

They were wealthy but unassuming, and not the type to stand out. In the vast Huizhou Prefecture, they lived a fulfilling and respectable life, and even enjoyed great prestige throughout the Jiangnan region.

Shang Jinliang was very satisfied with this.

"Father, if Prefect He is transferred and the new prefect is a corrupt official, can the Shang family still live so peacefully?" Shang Mingshu asked rhetorically.

Nobody knows what kind of person their next prefect will be. Prefects are transferred every three to nine years. Shang Mingshu is only sixteen years old. How many prefects will she have to go through?
As long as there is a person who loves money and is insatiable, the Shang family will be the best target, as they have neither the power of the imperial court nor enough wealth.

If they were to encounter someone who was not only greedy for money but also lustful, the three sisters would bring utter destruction to the Shang family.

Of course, with Shang Mingshu's abilities, if she really encountered such a situation, she would have a way to escape or even fight back. But would she be forever trapped in such defense and struggle?

Why doesn't she use marriage to solve the problem once and for all, and free up time to pursue her own ambitions?