They were in charge of being beautiful, and she was in charge of taking the hits.

Chapter 347 Handsome Men's Shelter

Wu Ziyan lifted the carriage curtain, stood between heaven and earth, and stared at her new "home" with endless emotions.

At that moment, Sima Lingchuan, Fang Yuerong, and Changsun Boyou happened to walk over from the other side of the street.

He was also holding some papers in his hand, which looked like some kind of document.

It turned out that the rented mansion had been completely bought by Fang Yuerong. They had just finished the transfer of ownership and came back to see this scene.

They also learned that Wu Ziyan might arrive in the capital today.

But I didn't expect it to be so early, unlike the others who went to the city gate early to wait.

After all, they had all become much more independent during the time Wu Ziyan was away.

Now, all the men she's been trying to win over have probably arrived: four in the back and three in the front, but only Sima Lingchuan has a proper title.

A gentle smile appeared on Wu Ziyan's face. She took two steps forward and threw herself into Sima Lingchuan's arms.

They couldn't be jealous, after all, he was a proper househusband.

"Ziyan, you've worked hard."

Sima Lingchuan always smiled gently, patted her back, and she looked up and said, "I missed you."

"It's cold outside, let's go inside and talk."

Everyone went into the mansion, took off their blood-stained cloaks, and gathered around the fireplace.

The servants packed their luggage, but Wu Ziyan was completely unfamiliar with this new mansion.

But it seemed that all the men around him, except for Chu Qiu, were quite familiar with each other.

"Yuerong, you bought this house?"

"This was deducted from Baixiang Pavilion's revenue, but it was purchased in my name because it might not be appropriate to buy property in your name."

"That's very thoughtful, but everyone must be tired from the journey today. I especially want to get some rest."

"Then I'm afraid you won't be able to rest, Master. The Crown Prince said that you need to go to her residence immediately after you return. I don't know what it's about, but it seems quite urgent."

Xiao Yun'er stood beside her and reminded her, but her face fell, probably because something important had happened.

"Then I'll go over after I change my clothes."

Mo Baiyun smiled inwardly. Of all the men present, only he could rightfully follow her, while the others would be left alone.

Meanwhile, Yue'er, who had returned to Yue Rong Pavilion alone, was furious. After all, he had separated from Wu Ziyan and the others on the way back, and he was upset because he had only eaten half of the melon.

Moreover, Fang Yuerong wasn't at Yuerong Pavilion either; he was so tired... Then he asked the people working inside.

When asked where their young master was, the people working inside naturally knew he was at Wu Ziyan's new residence, so Yue'er walked over to find him.

Wu Ziyan was already drowsy in the warm room, and the chill in her body had almost completely dissipated.

Mo Baiyun shook her shoulder: "Master, we should get up and go to His Highness's place."

"Okay, let's go, help me comb my hair and change my clothes."

All the men's eyes were on her, and she smiled slightly.

"No one needs to wait for me today. I think I'll be spending the night at my eldest sister's house."

When Chu Yu was still alive, Chu Qiu had a reason to go with her, but that's probably not possible now.

They could only gaze at each other with reluctance, but Wu Ziyan couldn't bear to look at anyone else, so she turned around and left immediately.

"My brothers, what would you like to eat tonight?" Sima Lingchuan asked.

"The usual, shall we?" Han Yuxiu replied.

Wu Ziyan had no idea that all these men had moved into the mansion. Chu Qiu was like an outsider, but at least he was quite familiar with Changsun and Fang Yuerong.

Huang Ziliang and Han Yuxiu got up and went back to their rooms. Perhaps they had their own things to do. They greeted each other politely and left together.

Changsun Boyou casually draped his arm over Choulou's shoulder, a gossipy smile on his face.

"Come on, your room is next to mine and Yue Rong's."

"Is it really alright for us all to live in this mansion?"

"Isn't it great? This room is full of handsome men, I'm happy just looking at them, hahaha, let's go, let's go."

"Chu Qiu was pulled away by Changsun Boyou."

Sima Lingchuan said, "Then I'll trouble you, Boyou, to take care of Chuqiu."

"As expected of the head of the Lingchuan household." This place is more like their dormitory than a mansion.

In the room, Wu Ziyan was sitting there. Mo Baiyun found her clothes and warmed her up with a heater.

Then Wu Ziyan stood up, helped her put on her clothes, and sat down to comb her hair.

"Master, you seem to have lost a lot of weight since I last saw you."

"Could it be because I've grown a bit? After all, I'm still growing."

Mo Baiyun smiled, then pinned up the last strand of hair and put it in a hairpin.

She didn't wear any makeup on her face, just a little bit of lip rouge to brighten her complexion.

She was wearing a white and purple dress and a red cloak.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Mo Baiyun realized that she seemed to have matured a bit; her jawline had become more defined, and her face had become less fleshy.

Mo Baiyun wrapped her arms around her waist: "Master, why have you gained weight?"

"Little Yun'er, are you asking for a beating!" Her hand was already raised, and she gently poked his forehead one last time.

"Oh dear, Master, stop fooling around. I was wrong. Let's go. His Highness is waiting for us."

"it is good."

Since they were only two streets apart, they didn't need to take a carriage. Mo Baiyun helped Wu Ziyan outside, where it had snowed and the road was still a bit slippery.

As soon as they stepped out onto the first street, they encountered Sima Lingyu and Cheng Yi buying things at a shop under umbrellas. When did they become so blatant and unconcerned about appearances?

Wu Ziyan's gossip-loving spirit was reignited. He pulled Xiao Yun'er behind the umbrella stand, and although the two walked together, they maintained a certain distance.

"Little Yun'er, isn't that Big Sister's assistant? Her?"

"She was ordered to protect Young Master Lingyu."

"Hey, sometimes my older sister can really play matchmaker. I think those two have a chance."

"Master, stop playing hide-and-seek. It's still snowing. You'll get your cloak soaked in a bit."

"Oh, then let's use umbrellas too."

“We didn’t bring umbrellas, and you said it’s only two streets, so we don’t need umbrellas, so I didn’t bring any either.”

"Um...then let's hurry up and leave. Lingyu can't possibly be staying at my eldest sister's house right now, can she?"

"Oh, I forgot to mention, Young Master Lingyu is also currently staying at our residence."

Wu Ziyan thought to herself, "So my house has become a haven for handsome men? But is it really okay if others know this? They're all living in my mansion. Don't those men care about their reputations?"

What if someone brings this up in court again?

As she walked, lost in thought, she tripped over a raised brick, losing her balance and swaying back and forth. Mo Baiyun grabbed her hand and said, "Master, what are you thinking about again? You seem so engrossed in your thoughts."

"it's okay no problem."

After calming myself down, I continued walking. When I reached the gate of Wu Chengji's mansion, I even felt a sweat breaking out on my back, even though it was only two streets away.

The people at the door clearly recognized them and didn't need to announce their arrival. Perhaps they had been notified in advance, so Wu Ziyan could just walk in.

"Fourth Prince, you've arrived. The First Prince is waiting for you in the hall."

"Did you tell me what you wanted to see me about?"

The servant shook her head respectfully. How could she know such things? She didn't want to know, and she dared not know.

Pushing open the door, a warm current rushed out, mixed with a woody scent. Wu Ziyan took off her cloak and put it aside. When Wu Chengji saw her, he stood up and gave her a hug: "Fourth sister, I missed you so much."

"Big sister, I just got back, why did you call me over?"

"The Lantern Festival is just around the corner, and I reckon our Queen Mother will be dumping the lantern-making task on the two of us again. Plus, your reputation has been sour lately. I was worried you'd be upset, so I wanted to comfort you as soon as possible."

Wu Ziyan: "Huh? That's it?"

She had no idea what kind of reputation she had outside. At most, people would say she was a lecherous fool, nothing more, and she didn't care about any of that.

"So nothing serious or life-threatening happened?"

"Where can you find such calm and tranquility?"

"I am leaving, bye."

I was surprised that she came all this way. I even thought she had something important to discuss, so I told my family I wouldn't be home that night. But when she arrived, I told her this.

"Don't go, Fourth Sister, it's about Bei Rong."

This was just the beginning of the main topic. She also put away her carefree demeanor, her expression turned serious, and she sat opposite Wu Chengji.

"Perhaps because of the internal strife in Xiao Rong, they want to take advantage of the situation. They may also know about our internal conflicts and want to cause trouble on the border."

"I heard about this when I came back from Qiyang, and I don't know why the Empress Dowager sent Wu Chengye to Beiyang, such an important place?"

"I don't know what the Empress Dowager means, but if Wu Chengye goes there and colludes with Bei Rong, then the consequences would be unimaginable!"

"I have also spoken with General Situ."

"Let's wait until after the Spring Festival to see how the situation develops."

"Ah."

Wu Ziyan was also deep in thought. She was increasing the men's favorability while moving closer to the throne, but there were only seven people. Where was the other one?

"Fourth Sister, I won't go back tonight. How about you sleep with me?"

"How dare you, my dear sister, not sleep with your handsome husband but want to sleep with me?"

"Oh, I forgot that you and Sima Zhufu haven't seen each other for a long time and must miss each other very much. I didn't expect that."

Xiao Yun stood to the side, his eyes narrowed. The fact that he could hear these secrets meant that the two of them trusted him a lot.

At this moment, Wu Ziyan turned to look at Xiao Yun'er: "Keep an eye on things in Beiyang."

"Yes, master."

The two drank tea for a while, and after Changsun Bozong returned and they had dinner together, Wu Ziyan went back. Before she even stepped out the door, a servant brought her a pile of blueprints, saying that she would need them for court the next day.

The snow outside was falling heavier and heavier. Mo Baiyun held an umbrella in one hand and these drawings in the other. Wu Ziyan didn't understand. Was it really worth discussing how to make a lamp?

"Master, you need to put your heart into designing the lanterns to win that person's favor. After all, during the Shangyuan Festival, all members of the royal family go to Zhangtai Mausoleum to worship their ancestors and then release lanterns to pray for blessings."

"Huh? Is that so? Isn't it just about admiring lanterns, watching fireworks, and guessing lantern riddles? We also have to perform ancestral worship?"

Mo Baiyun was stunned for a moment. She could even forget such an important thing. No wonder she was unmoved when she heard about making lamps. Was she really herself?

Wu Ziyan realized that she had almost given herself away by asking that question, and awkwardly tried to change the subject: "That's not what I meant. What I meant was that I can't steal my older sister's credit, right?"

"If you want to move up to that position, then His Highness has no intention of competing with you."

"Alright, Xiaoyun, let's hurry up. It's getting windy outside. Look at you, your hands are all red from the cold."

With appropriate concern, Mo Baiyun dispelled his doubts, and she also pretended not to hear, as long as the person in front of her was someone she liked.

Fang Yuerong and Sima Lingchuan were still checking accounts in the room, and Fang Yuerong didn't seem to care much about Wu Ziyan. Perhaps this was the awareness of a househusband.

Just then, they heard a noise outside. Wu Ziyan pushed open the door, and a blast of cold air woke them up.

Both of them were stunned for a moment, their eyes filled with doubt. Didn't they say they wouldn't be back tonight when they left? They've only been gone for a short while, and they're back already?

"Why are you two looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?" Wu Ziyan quickly took off her cloak, put it aside, rubbed her hands together, and squatted down by the stove.

Mo Baiyun put the umbrella outside before carrying the stack of blueprints inside. Several of the blueprints on the flipped-over pages already had lantern designs drawn on them, and Sima Lingchuan and Fang Yuerong immediately knew what they were for.

"I didn't expect that the lanterns for the ancestral worship ceremony would be made by the owner this year. It seems that His Majesty values ​​them highly."

Wu Ziyan was extremely shocked. What information had she missed? To think that making a lamp was considered a sign of high regard, what other strange settings were there that she didn't know about?

"Who used to make the lanterns?"

"The Second Prince and the Third Prince."

"So, am I taking Wu Chengling's job? Is she secretly trying to trip me up again?"

“This ancestral worship is a major event; who would dare to interfere?”

"That's not necessarily true. What if it's a fight to the death, where everyone's willing to risk their lives?"

As he spoke, he held up the drawings to his eyes. "Aren't these just the lanterns used for solving riddles outside? Why do we need to draw special blueprints for them?"

However, upon closer inspection, the designs of these lights seem to be slightly different, but they are just ordinary lights.

Wu Ziyan had a sudden inspiration: what if we used a nightlight? Wouldn't that be dazzling? Then he shook his head. What was he thinking? It was such a solemn occasion as ancestor worship; we couldn't let our ancestors come out and dance.

In the past, the journeys were all about ordinary things like peaches or the Year of the Zodiac, which seemed to lack any novelty.

"How about we make a dragon and phoenix lantern? I don't think we've ever made one before."

Everyone else looked troubled. Why didn't they look troubled before? Was it because they couldn't think of it? It must be because they couldn't do it.

No problem, she's determined to make a splash. She can redeem a dragon and phoenix lantern frame as a reward from the system. All she has to do is stick stickers and paint on it. Surely there are some good painters among these men!

"Don't worry, just help me with the drawing, and I guarantee you'll have a surprise!"

As she spoke, she even seemed to be looking forward to the lantern festival. Holding the blueprints, she exchanged a few words with them before returning to her room.