The Incense Monopoly Order

Chapter 178 Please take a closer look at me, beautiful lady.
The river surface was like a mirror, reflecting the scattered stars, so still that not a ripple could be heard. A river breeze swept across the water, creating a soft rustling sound. Inside the boat, the candlelight flickered, casting a warm yellow glow that made the patterns on the carved wooden windows even clearer.

A night breeze swept through the hall, carrying the refreshing mist from the river, and lifted the hanging plain gauze curtains. The curtains swayed gently, their shadows intertwining with the candlelight to create a hazy play of light and shadow.

Cheng She stared at Shang Mingshu quietly for a long while: "Yes, and no."

Shang Mingshu raised her eyebrows, about to ask further, when a knock came at the door.

He Sui and the boatmen brought out steaming hot food. Cheng She, who was starving, couldn't control his body's reaction and his stomach rumbled with hunger.

"Second Master, please have your meal first."

Shang Mingshu wasn't in a hurry to know the answer, but Cheng She didn't stand on ceremony. Knowing that Shang Mingshu had used it, he silently picked up his chopsticks and started eating alone.

Shang Mingshu silently rose, walked to the window, felt the river breeze, and gazed at the night view on the river, lost in thought. After a while, Cheng She's voice came from behind her: "My mother said that her days in the Cheng family were the most carefree days of her life. My father treated her very well and didn't consult her on everything. My stepfather thinks that my mother is literate and has been in the capital for many years, so she is knowledgeable and worldly. He has to discuss all matters of the Cheng family with her, no matter how big or small..."

Turning around at the sound, Shang Mingshu saw Cheng She gazing at the vast river, a gentle and contented smile spreading across his lips. It must have been one of the happiest days of his childhood...

"My mother asked my stepfather to find the head of the Cheng family and persuaded him to use the entire family's resources to help my stepfather run a business. My mother sold her dowry to support the Cheng family, and the family quickly prospered. With money in hand, my mother and stepfather sent the three of us brothers to a private school."

As the Cheng family's life improved day by day, I almost forgot about the Lu family in the capital. However, Madam Lu somehow found out that I was learning literature and martial arts quite well, and she sent someone to warn my mother.

Over the years in the Cheng family, my mother has also undergone a complete transformation, no longer taking Madam Lu's threats seriously. Madam Lu was furious and put pressure on the then prefect, but since the prefect was not affiliated with the Lu family, Madam Lu had no choice but to come to Huizhou herself and send people to kidnap me..."

Cheng She's voice lowered, paused for a moment, and when he spoke again, his tone was exceptionally cold: "My mother refused to abandon me, so she spent a fortune to hire many capable people to help her. In the end, both sides suffered heavy losses. Madam Lu finally wanted to eliminate the root of the problem, and my mother died to save me."

Shang Mingshu was shocked. She never imagined that Cheng She's adoptive mother had died at the hands of his birth mother, and that his birth mother had originally wanted to kill him when he was young!
“I have a blood feud with the Lu family for killing my mother. For years, I have been working in the shadows for the court, seeking revenge against the Lu family and becoming the debt collector who destroyed them, as described by Madam Lu.” Cheng She withdrew his gaze and met Shang Mingshu’s eyes. “I am embroiled in court intrigues, which have nothing to do with you.”

The Cheng family's business should rightfully be inherited by its descendants, which is why I urge Sanlang to strive for success. As for myself... after avenging my mother, I wanted to withdraw from officialdom in time, which is why I didn't enter government service. Now, it's not entirely for San Niangzi's sake; it's mostly for my own selfish reasons. I want to take over everything from the Lu family openly and honorably.”

Shang Mingshu looked at Cheng She, and suddenly a faint smile appeared on her lips.

She asked the question, curious about what kind of answer Cheng She would give her.

Based on her understanding of Cheng She, she knew he wouldn't say no. Such dishonesty was not the self-righteousness of a famous court lady. She was certain that one of the reasons Cheng She suddenly entered the court as an official was that she wanted to marry a powerful and wealthy man.

She wanted to know how Cheng She would say "yes" in a way that wouldn't burden her, even though she wouldn't feel burdened at all.

To everyone's surprise, he didn't mention anything about her, but instead laid bare his entire past before her eyes.

Shang Mingshu had to admit that she felt very comfortable with Cheng She.

"Since you've asked me so many questions, I have a question for you. May I ask you to answer it?" Cheng She asked, noticing that Shang Mingshu suddenly seemed inexplicably happy.

Shang Mingshu: "Go ahead and ask."

"Should marriage and having a son be included in Third Sister's plans for the rest of her life?"

Marriage and children were, of course, part of Shang Mingshu's life plan. She didn't know what others thought, nor did she comment on their life choices; everyone in this world has different desires and needs. She simply felt that she had to experience life for herself, to know what it felt like to be a wife and a mother, and she didn't want to have any regrets.

What kind of person to marry? This is an important matter that she needs to carefully consider.

"Yes," Shang Mingshu answered frankly.

Upon hearing this, Cheng She's eyes shone brightly.

To him, Shang Mingshu was an extremely determined and opinionated woman. If marriage and having children were not part of her life plan, he would never be able to win her over, no matter what.

"I hope you will take a good look at me, Miss Cheng." Cheng She seized every opportunity to recommend himself.

"I already know Second Master's intentions." Shang Mingshu showed no shyness as a young lady, and her expression remained gentle. "Second Master also knows what kind of person I am. I am extremely picky when choosing a husband. He must be someone who holds a high position, but who will not disturb my will or restrict my actions."

"I'm not afraid of your pickiness, I'm only afraid that you won't be picky at all." Cheng She's heart skipped a beat. He sensed that Shang Mingshu's attitude towards him was closer than last time.

From a firm refusal to being willing to give him a direction to strive for.

Shang Mingshu chuckled and nodded repeatedly: "It's getting late, Second Master, will you be staying on the boat tonight?"

He could tell that this was Shang Mingshu's way of telling him to leave. He was reluctant to part with her and dared not disturb her sleep. It was indeed very late, and even though the doors and windows were wide open, he could not stay any longer: "I have reserved a guest room. We will set off early tomorrow morning. Take care, Third Sister."

"Second Master, take care."

Shang Mingshu knew that Cheng She had come specially to celebrate her birthday in person. Cheng She didn't say anything, and she didn't point it out either, watching Cheng She leave.

After washing up, Shang Mingshu opened the gift Cheng She had given her.

"Wow! This backpack is woven with gold thread!" He Mai couldn't help but exclaim.

Shang Mingshu took it out; it was a short vest that reached her waist, with layers of gold thread crisscrossing. It wasn't smooth to the touch and felt a bit prickly. It had a soft lining inside, so it was probably worn over a close-fitting garment.

"How could Second Master Cheng give his wife such a personal item? It's incredibly presumptuous!" He Mai muttered, frowning after seeing the size.

Shang Mingshu touched it again, turned around and took out a dagger from under the pillow, then slashed it hard against the back.

"My lady..." He Mai exclaimed. She felt that it was inappropriate for Cheng She to give her this gift, but it looked valuable and there was no need to destroy it. "Huh?"

He Mai was astonished. Shang Mingshu hadn't held back her strength, and the backpack was not only undamaged but also without any scratches.

"Could this be... the legendary invulnerability to swords and spears?"

"We'll try it with a musket another day." The purpose of Shang Mingshu's vest should be to defend against muskets.

Last time she was injured by a musket, Cheng She must have been worried about her. She had also asked Cheng She for a musket before. Cheng She couldn't stop her from dealing with muskets, so he could only protect her from being seriously injured by them and losing her life.