She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

Wei Chengchao took a deep breath, picked up the scissors from the tray, and tried to squeeze out a smile, preparing to start his ribbon-cutting speech.

”Ladies and gentlemen, my father, Prime Minister Wei, has always governed our family with benevolence, and we juniors should strive diligently. I am unworthy, but with your care, today the ’Drunken Immortal Inn’ and ’Mandarin Duck Hairpins’ open simultaneously. May the fine brew intoxicate hearts and the treasures adorn beauty, sincerely inviting you all to come and appreciate, sharing in this grand prosperity.”

As Wei Chengchao finished speaking, the bright red ribbon was cut, and the crowd erupted in applause. The invited guests began to gradually enter the store to browse and shop, adding two lively spots to the Capital City.

”Mr. Wei, truly a promising youth! With the Prime Minister as your support, your future is surely bright.”

An elder in a brocade robe stepped forward, hands clasped in praise.

Wei Chengchao wore a fake smile and returned the gesture politely: ”Not at all, it’s all thanks to my father. I am merely a fortunate junior. Please come inside, please come inside.”

The elder entered the shop, followed by other noblemen coming in succession to offer congratulations.

The opening celebration of the Drunken Immortal Brew and Mandarin Duck Hairpins in the Capital City was unmatched in its moment of glory.

Wei Chengchao’s face wasn’t large, but with the Prime Minister’s reputation, the two stores seemed to be gilded, shining under the sun.

Today’s grandeur was truly astonishing. All the invited guests were of distinguished stature. Royal relatives, princes and marquises, they covered almost the entire social elite of the Capital City, giving the Wei Family plenty of face.

Wei Chengchao worked hard to maintain his smile, standing at the shop entrance, continuously greeting guests.

He did not notice that among the numerous guests, there were two people who shared his troubled expression.

They were Princess Changle’s parents—the Champion Marquis couple.

The Champion Marquis and his wife, dressed in luxurious attire, wore worried faces, moving forward with the crowd while whispering to each other.

The Champion Marquis frowned deeply, speaking in a low voice: ”Dear, do you think we should send someone to Canzhou to look for her? Since she went missing, we’ve searched the entire Capital City with no clues.”

The Champion Marquis’s wife had red and swollen eyes, clearly having cried already.

Upon hearing, her voice carried a hint of choked sobs.

”My lord, this is the only clue. The other day, the Empress mentioned that Changle was deeply infatuated with King Zhao Zun of Canzhou. She said Changle was not eager for marriage because she was waiting for Zhao Zun. Now that Zhao Zun is in Canzhou, could she have really gone there out of longing?”

The Champion Marquis sighed: ”Ah! This silly girl, you’ve truly spoiled her. She leaves without a word. Canzhou is so far away, what if something happens on the road?”

The couple was conversing as they arrived in front of Wei Chengchao. They quickly composed themselves, forcing a smile.

”Mr. Wei, congratulations, congratulations!”

”Marquis, you’re too kind. Your presence brightens our humble store!”

Wei Chengchao clasped his hands in return, noticing their complexions were poor, asked casually: ”I notice the Marquis and Madam don’t look well, is there something...”

Before Wei Chengchao could finish, the Champion Marquis shook his head with a sigh.

”Ah! To be honest with you, Changle has been missing for days, with no word, and we are deeply worried.”

”Princess Changle is missing?”

Wei Chengchao’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

Princess Changle went to Canzhou to find Zhao Zun, didn’t her family know?

Since their collaboration to abduct that wretched Han Lei nearly three months ago had passed, regardless of the relationship between Princess Changle and Zhao Zun, she should have sent word to her family. How could there be no news?

Could it be, Princess Changle was having too good of a time with Zhao Zun and forgot?

Thinking this, Wei Chengchao’s head felt big.

He dared not mention the conspiracy with Princess Changle to kidnap Han Lei. After all, Han Lei was now the emperor’s personally appointed Princess Cangzhou.

If this were exposed, his crime would be painful.

If it reached Zhao Zun’s ears, with Zhao Zun’s fearless and explosive temper, there would be no need for any antidote daily; his life would be directly at risk.

Feeling guilty, Wei Chengchao could only offer a couple of embarrassed laughs and then make up an excuse to comfort the Champion Marquis couple.

”Marquis and Madam needn’t worry too much. Last time at the poetry gathering, I overheard Princess Changle saying she really likes Zhao Zun and wants to find him in Canzhou. Perhaps...”