Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 405 - 403

Shangguan Xuanyi and Di Shaowei had arrived together, and without needing to announce their presence, they were led in directly by the gatekeeper.

Observing from afar, a servant saw that the Sixth Prince had indeed arrived and quickly ran back to inform his master.

The moment Shangguan Xuanyi stepped through the doorway, he turned his head and glanced around before withdrawing his gaze nonchalantly.

"Who is it?" When Di Shaowei noted that Shangguan Xuanyi had turned around, he too looked back.

"You’ll find out soon enough." Shangguan Xuanyi continued walking into the residence.

It was still fairly early, but Ming Zhijie, Lai Zhewei, and Shen Chengzu were already chatting with Shen Chengyao in the front yard.

When they saw Shangguan Xuanyi and Di Shaowei stroll in one after the other, they promptly stood up to greet them.

Di Shaowei’s eyes lit up when he saw Ming Zhijie. Miss Ming must also be present.

When Shangguan Xuanyi sat down, he noticed something like a map on the table. He picked it up and casually asked, "What is this?"

"Your Highness, it’s a treasure map," Shen Chengyao rose to reply.

"Please sit down, there’s no need for formalities. I am here to wish you a happy birthday as your future son-in-law." Shangguan Xuanyi hurriedly asked his future father-in-law to sit down. He then unfolded the treasure map and began examining it. The map seemed haphazardly drawn, but... Shangguan Xuanyi’s brows steadily furrowed.

"Where did this map come from?" Shangguan Xuanyi queried a bit solemnly.

The location of the treasure highlighted on the map was clearly the same underground room filled with gold and venomous spiders that they had inadvertently fallen into in the desert.

"I bought it on the street for one tael of silver. There were a hundred copies initially, and they all sold out. I thought it was rather odd, so I purchased one." Lai Zhewei replied, as he was the one who brought the map.

Shangguan Xuanyi was taken aback by this answer.

"You know the location of the treasure on this map?" Di Shaowei asked, noticing his reaction.

"Yes, it’s a trap. The supposed treasure consists of numerous venomous spiders, and triggering the dispatch of each spider sets off traps inside. Even if someone highly skilled at martial arts entered without knowledge of this, their chances of surviving would be slim." Shangguan Xuanyi explained calmly.

Inside was indeed a wealth that could rival that of nations, a pity that he’d already taken it! Now what’s left can’t be disturbed.

Thus, it’s not a treasure, but a trap instead!

However, the well of the Yi Manor was not shown on the map, which suggested that the mapmaker had not managed to successfully penetrate it.

The man who sold the treasure map claimed that it was circulated from some border town in the northwest, and rumors were saying that someone had genuinely discovered the entrance to the treasure. The gate though, it was made entirely of gold! But no one has yet been able to enter. There were already many people from other regions setting off for it," Lai Zhewei added.

On hearing this, Shangguan Xuanyi frowned. While the rumors were technically correct, as there indeed was a gold gate, the very existence of that fact was likely the reason people were willing to risk their lives going to seek the treasure!

Shangguan Xuanyi stowed away the treasure map, "I must send someone to investigate this matter."

"If it truly is as you’ve said, Your Highness, then the person who originally introduced the treasure map must be aiming to attract more people to hunt for the treasure. Thus, the consecutive treasure hunters would likely exterminate the venomous spiders, and he could reap the benefits afterwards!" Shen Chengyao shared his conjecture.

Shangguan Xuanyi nodded in agreement, he was thinking the same thing.

At that moment, a servant came to report: "The Minister of Revenue is here to wish our master well."

Hearing this, Shen Chengyao was somewhat surprised, for today he had not invited anyone outside his family!

However, since the guest had arrived, he ought to welcome him in immediately regardless.

Following the arrival of the Minister of Revenue, some officials who were once secretly supporting the First Prince also started trickling in.

Upon seeing these individuals, Shangguan Xuanyi and Di Shaowei exchanged glances.

It seemed that these people were using this opportunity to pledge allegiance?

Unfortunately for them, he wasn’t the First Prince and he was not interested in that position either.

However, just because he wasn’t interested didn’t mean they should profit the undeserving individuals. So, it was good that these people made the timely decision to turn over a new leaf.

Yet, these people could not be entrusted with important matters, as there was no telling when they might choose to desert him!

Upon receiving the news that so many people were arriving, Mrs. Liu was a bit flabbergasted. With so many arrivals all at once, the cooks in the house were going to be overwhelmed, but fortunately, there was enough food in the house.

Xiao’er decisively arranged for two chefs from the Four Seasons Restaurant to come and lend a hand.

The visiting officials arrived not only with themselves but also brought their wives and daughters.

So, Mrs. Liu and Xiao’er had to personally receive them.

The First Prince, hearing that the officials had gone over to the Marquis Shengping’s residence with their families, angrily knocked over the tea cup on the table.

Liang Yanli happened to walk in at that moment, hurried over to the First Prince, sat on his lap, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She asked in a soft and pleasant voice, "Your Highness, why are you so angry? It’s not worth harming your health over."

The First Prince initially wanted to push her away, he was not in the mood to flirt with her now.

However, considering that she was pregnant with his child, his gesture to push her hand away turned into a caress on her belly: "They’re all opportunists, seeing how the Emperor treats me, and can no longer bear it. Now they are openly going over to the Marquis of Shengping’s to wish him well on his birthday, trying to win over the Sixth Prince! As for all of this, you need not concern yourself. Just focus on giving birth to my son."

Upon hearing this, Liang Yanli thought of a plan.

"Your Highness, I have a way to teach those displeasing people a lesson."

"What kind of method? We must maintain a low profile these years, and not stir up any trouble that could upset the Emperor even more." The First Prince gently reminded, despite his mixed feelings.

"Your Highness, let’s discuss it after you hear my idea. If you don’t approve, I wouldn’t dare to proceed!"

The First Prince was quite satisfied with her compliant response.

Liang Yanli leaned into the First Prince’s ear, and in a voice only they two could hear, she revealed her plan.

"This,..." The First Prince hesitated.

"Your Highness, if you’re not interested, it’s fine. Regardless, I can still give those snobs at the Marquis of Shengping’s residence a hard time. Keep in mind, ’Spare the rod, spoil the child.’" Liang Yanli couldn’t help but snuggle against him, tracing circles on his chest with her fingers.

’Spare the rod, spoil the child! This piece of advice made the First Prince shiver.

He thought of Lan Yue’s appearance; it really dampened his mood. What if...

He didn’t want that!

"Fine, we will do as you said, but make sure you don’t mess things up; otherwise, I won’t let you off!" The First Prince gripped her wandering hand.

"Don’t worry, Your Highness! Nothing will go wrong. I will go and arrange things now." Having said this, she stood up and left. Before leaving, she couldn’t help but cast him a playful look.

The First Prince nodded. After she left, he discovered that she had ignited his desire!

What a little enchantress!