Later, they expended considerable manpower and resources in searching for their second daughter, only to find no trace of her.

It was not until seven years later that they accidentally found the second daughter in an armed escort agency, identified by a unique birthmark.

The family that took the second daughter had fled to the remote mountains and lived under an assumed name. Four years later, upon having their own son, they grew to despise the second daughter, subjecting her to daily beatings and servitude. They even sold her to a human trafficker for money, but when the girl became seriously ill and was at death's door, the trafficker dumped her on the roadside.

Fortunately, the boss of the armed escort happened by and, out of kindness, brought the second daughter back to their agency for treatment. Before they found her, she had been following the boss around on his armed escort missions, developing a fierce and uncontrollable temperament. All day long, she knew nothing but to brandish swords and clubs, impossible to tame.

The second daughter was soon to turn fourteen, yet no one had come to ask for her hand in marriage. The young talents were even more keen to steer clear of her, for the second daughter was prone to fights, claiming to be upholding justice. Seriously, who would dare to marry her?

This had turned their hair white with worry, yet they had no strategy to consider. They couldn't possibly force someone to marry the second daughter with their wealth and power, for she would not be happy either.

Nangong Lingyan was most afraid of her father losing his temper. Upon hearing this, she hastily let go of her sleeve and stood obediently with her head bowed. But she couldn't help shooting Yang Chengxuan a defiant glare, "Just you wait, I'll show you how formidable I am!"

As if understanding the meaning behind Nangong Lingyan's glare, Yang Chengxuan appeared somewhat conflicted.

It was clear that Second Young Lady Nangong was challenging him to a duel. Should he accept? If he did, would he stop at the first strike, or would he beat her without mercy? And what if he lost; wouldn't that be embarrassing? But if he hurt this delicate lady, what would he do if the Nangong family demanded compensation? No, it seemed he had to consult his sister first.

His sister was so smart; she would surely have a way to solve this.

Observing the thoughts of the two, Yang Mengchen maintained a calm exterior, though inwardly he was amused.

"Serve the dishes." Long Xuanmo, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke. Then he stared intently at Yang Mengchen, "Ah Jiu, come sit beside me."

Besides the stunned Nangong family and Lady Hua, the others took it for granted.

Giving Long Xuanmo a warning glare, Yang Mengchen gestured the womenfolk to another table, with Nangong Lingyan sitting close to her.

Long Xuanmo, however, did not insist too much, but his eyes darkened, and his mood soured.

As everyone present was an acquaintance, formalities were dispensed with. The men were divided into elders and youths, each at their table, while the women sat at another, without servants to wait on them.

Sister Mu had intended to join the rest of the staff for a meal in the next room, but Nangong Lingyao clutched her hand tightly, refusing to let go. Despite persuasion from Lady Nangong, Nangong Lingyan, and Sister Mu herself, Lingyao was unmoved, leaving Sister Mu no choice but to stay.

While idly toying with the Red Jade Bracelet on her wrist, Yang Mengchen's eyes gleamed with amusement as she scrutinized Sister Mu standing opposite her.

Plain and unremarkable in appearance, with jet-black serene eyes and a respectful and proper demeanor, she seemed no different from the usual servants. Only that... the corner of Yang Mengchen's lips curled into a mischievous smile.

Shopkeeper Lin promptly served all the dishes with his staff and then respectfully withdrew. The meal proceeded in silence among the crowd, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After lunch, the Yang siblings continued with the preparations for the store's opening the next day. Long Xuanmo, of course, stuck close to Yang Mengchen's side. Nangong Lingyan insisted on helping, while everyone else had their own arrangements.

As night fell, Yang Mengchen stood by the window and saw Yang Chengxuan and Nangong Lingyan leave the grand hotel one after the other (apart from the Luo family, Yang Mengchen had arranged for the others to stay at her grand hotel), a smile hidden in her eyes.

"You have high hopes for them?" Long Xuanmo approached Yang Mengchen and watched the two quietly departing figures together.

"Yes, big brother is tall and dashing, always dreaming of traveling the world, while Sister Lingyan is smart and straightforward, with none of those roundabout thoughts and cannot stand confinement. I think they are a match made in heaven," Yang Mengchen smiled, "It's just that Uncle Nangong and Aunty Nangong might not agree."

"If I'm not guessing wrong, they're probably worried about the Nangong family's ancestral teaching."

"What ancestral teaching?"

"The descendants of the Nangong family must not get involved in royal conflicts, to remain neutral forever."

"Does that have anything to do with our family?"

Frustrated, Long Xuanmo grabbed Yang Mengchen's right hand and interlocked their fingers, then lifted it to her face, "What do you think?"

Facing Long Xuanmo's intense and profound gaze, particularly the warm, close touch of their right hands, Yang Mengchen's heart inexplicably pounded, as she struggled to free her hand clutched tightly by Long Xuanmo. He held on as firmly as iron, unyielding to her attempts.

Eventually relenting, she averted her eyes and changed the subject, "By the way, Prince, our cement, Ceramic Glaze, and mirrors all have a 'Yongchang Manufacture' mark on them, is that alright?"

Confronted with Yang Mengchen's evasion, Long Xuanmo's heart was filled with wistfulness and loss, but he couldn't bear to pressure his Ah Jiu even slightly.

"Don't worry, Ah Jiu. Although cement is promoted through legal means, like Ceramic Glaze and the mirrors, I have had shops set up in each county to sell them. They are labeled with marks from various places according to your method, so if an issue arises with the products from any location, it can be easily traced, simultaneously reducing attention here.

The Emperor has also agreed to this," he said.

"The Prince is truly wise and brilliant, I admire you deeply!" Yang Mengchen let out a sigh of relief, only remembering this oversight on the day the goods were to go on the shelves, not realizing that Long Xuanmo had already thought of a comprehensive plan.

"Thanks for the compliment, Ah Jiu!" Embracing Yang Mengchen, he quickly pecked her plump and soft lips, his voice tender and intoxicating, "Ah Jiu, I'm very happy today."

The warm and melting sensation on her lips, the firm and warm embrace, and the lingering scent of fresh grass from his bath product made Yang Mengchen feel an extraordinary sense of peace in her heart.

The night grew deeper, and the cool moonlight gently bathed the two figures huddled together, shrouded in a serene and beautiful haze.

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