Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 682 - 518 Getting Along

Gu Chengyu’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. Was he being suspected?

It seemed that Lu Chen was indeed a meticulous person. From the way he had been frequently glancing at him earlier, it was clear that he had been speculating whether he was behind it all along.

However, would he admit to such a thing? Of course not.

Gu Chengyu shook his head, "Not at all. Earlier, I went to the restroom and got distracted by the beautiful scenery of the Princess Mansion, losing track of time. I didn’t see Mr. Ji."

Lu Chen smiled mysteriously, "Is that so?"

The second courtyard was only so big, and since Ji Mingxuan headed in the same direction as Gu Chengyu earlier, it seemed unlikely they wouldn’t have crossed paths in such a long time.

Gu Chengyu smirked. Even if Lu Chen suspected him, he wasn’t afraid, as there was no evidence anyway.

Zheng Lun looked at the two confronting each other thoughtfully but didn’t intervene.

Although the Tang Family was reluctant to report the matter to the Eldest Princess, if they called on the maids from the Princess’s Mansion to help search, the Eldest Princess would find out eventually.

By then, if a girl they brought was missing and they didn’t inform the host, wouldn’t that be a slap in the host’s face?

Moreover, even if a scandalous thing happened, the Princess’s Mansion would likely help cover it up, which would be more convenient than an outsider looking for someone, right?

If there was trouble with a guest at the mansion, it would also disgrace the Princess Mansion. Who would dare attend banquets in the future? So, the host would be even more anxious than she was.

Zhu Pang had already followed a few others out of the flower hall. He thought there must be something wrong since Ji Mingxuan hadn’t shown up for so long. The mere thought of Ji Mingxuan making a fool of himself delighted him immensely.

Qin Min certainly couldn’t rely on these young gentlemen to find the person. He had long since sent servants to search. Although the second courtyard was large, with many servants, finding someone shouldn’t be difficult.

As Gu Chengyu and others were dining, a young gentleman suddenly entered from outside.

"Oh? Second Young Master Qin, why are you so late? Come over quickly, you must drink three penalty cups!"

Gu Chengyu turned his head toward the voice and saw a man dressed in a ginger-colored Daoist robe. He resembled Heir Qin to some extent, but his features were more chiseled, giving him a ruggedness that Heir Qin lacked.

Zheng Lun, recognizing Second Young Master Qin, quietly introduced him to Gu Chengyu, "This is the Eldest Princess’s second son, Qin Hui."

Gu Chengyu understood now. So they weren’t cousins; Qin Hui must look more like Duke of Qin.

"Today was just unfortunate. I only returned from outside. As per everyone’s request, I shall drink three penalty cups."

Qin Hui picked up a wine cup just sent by a maid, filled it with wine, raised it to apologize to the assembled guests, and then drank it in one go.

"I truly apologize for my rudeness today. I hope everyone enjoys the banquet."

Zheng Lun smirked slightly, showing a hint of disdain at his lips. Although Heir Qin was seen as a shrewd person, responsible and well-raised by the Eldest Princess,

Second Young Master Qin was far less comparable. Neither proficient in literature nor combat, with no title to inherit in the future, he naturally had to make his own way in life.

But Second Young Master Qin only knew how to gallivant around, different from Zhu Pang and his lot, who were just minor troublemakers. Meanwhile, Qin Hui was reckless.

Arriving so late to his own banquet, he most likely played until now and just woke up, emerging from who knows where.

Heir Qin kept Zhu Pang and others from wandering around too much, fearing if Ji Mingxuan was found and they dispersed, there’d be another search.

Moreover, with so many servants pulled away to find Ji Mingxuan, if someone had some scheme and ran to the womenfolk, wouldn’t people say the Princess Mansion lacked discipline?

"I know everyone is worried about Mr. Ji; I’ve already sent people to search. Our second courtyard has many woods, and with the flowers and plants in full bloom, it’s possible Mr. Ji is mesmerized by the scenery and fell asleep. You young gentlemen certainly aren’t as familiar as the servants, so let the servants search!"

Zhu Pang and the others looked at each other. In fact, Qin Min had a point; their search would be futile, akin to headless flies randomly colliding.

"Young Master! The person has been found."

Suddenly, a servant approached, reporting to Qin Min.

Qin Min perked up upon hearing it—finally found. But seeing the servant’s hesitant expression, he sensed something was amiss.

He pulled the servant aside to inquire about the situation.

Zhu Pang’s eyes lit up, anticipating a grand spectacle unfolding!

"Young Master! This is a serious matter, and we must inform Her Highness," the servant urgently said to Qin Min.

Qin Min frowned at these words. What could have happened that required his mother to intervene?

"If it’s not a major issue, there’s no need to bother my mother. I’ll handle it myself."

The servant blushed and stammered for a moment before saying, "Someone has already reported it to Her Highness. It’s about Mr. Ji and a lady, something you are ill-suited to handle!"

Poor servant, just a young lad, had never seen such a scene before. When he found them, he was truly astonished.

The lady’s pale body was indeed tempting! It was his first time seeing a woman’s body, and he secretly marveled. No wonder Mr. Ji couldn’t resist.

Zhu Pang edged closer to the two, and upon hearing this, he understood. Was it a rendezvous between Ji Mingxuan and a lady that the searching servants stumbled upon?

But even a rendezvous shouldn’t take this long, right? And how did these two meet? Even he and his fiancée had no such opportunity.

Seeing the servant’s flushed face, he instantly understood further—something significant must have happened. It wasn’t a rendezvous but a direct liaison.

He clicked his tongue. Zhu Pang couldn’t help admiring Ji Mingxuan’s audacity. To frolic in someone else’s mansion, wasn’t he afraid of being caught?

Why rush? Couldn’t he wait for another opportunity next time?

Zhu Pang’s eyes twinkled. He had to go see this himself.

"Ahem! Didn’t Heir Qin say Mr. Ji was found? Why hasn’t Mr. Ji shown up yet?"

Qin Min, now grasping the servant’s point, realized he indeed wasn’t suitable to address such matters. After all, it involved someone’s daughter; his mother should handle it instead.

But something must have happened. Otherwise, why would Ji Mingxuan do such a thing in someone else’s mansion? Unless he was a fool.

It’s unfortunate that today’s splendid flower appreciation event was ruined by this incident. The Princess Mansion couldn’t bear this blame. Otherwise, who would dare let their daughters attend future banquets?

Moreover, such incidents couldn’t be covered up. Instead of letting rumors distort the truth, it was better to confront the matter head-on.

He decided to discuss with his mother later how these two came across each other; it was very suspicious.

What was the gatekeeper woman doing at that time? This matter definitely needed a thorough investigation.

"Go call Lin Hua to me and bring a few people to apprehend the gatekeeper woman."