I changed the world.

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Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind History Books: Chapter 1008 Do you think I'm ignorant?

Zhu Yingwei wore a polite smile, dressed in a luxurious royal blue wide-sleeved long jacket, with a fox fur scarf around her neck, and a maid followed behind her, looking extremely noble.

Hearing Wen Zaide's words, she suppressed the urge to kick him away and simply said, "Heh... Brother, you really have a big appetite. Aren't you afraid of stuffing yourself to death..."

Previously, the heir of the Marquis of Changping and the second son of the Marquis of Runan wanted to visit her, but Wei Chengguang's parents happened to be visiting at the time, so she turned them away.

Tonight's social banquet was hosted by the Duke of Wu's mansion, and she was naturally invited to attend. However, as soon as she entered the venue, she was entangled by this young master...

The key point is that the Changping Earl's Mansion and the Jingbei Marquis's Mansion have always been close friends. To be precise, the first Changping Earl was a general under the Jingbei Marquis. Therefore, in the court, the Changping Earl was often regarded as a member of the Jingbei Marquis's faction. This relationship continues to this day. Even now, on some important issues, the Changping Earl usually follows the lead of the Jingbei Marquis.

Furthermore, the two families occasionally intermarried afterward, making their relationship quite extraordinary. In fact, this was the norm in the circle of nobles, where a noble's status was often not simply determined by their rank, but by their influence.

Because of this relationship, Zhu Yingwei couldn't directly embarrass the other party, so she could only pretend to be indifferent.

This young master of the Marquis of Changping has been incessantly probing her views on this matter ever since we met. Heaven help me, what views could she possibly have? Could she possibly be plotting to seize my second senior sister's family's property?!

She knew perfectly well whose young lady her second senior sister was...

Even within the sect, this was no secret. After spending a long time together, the fellow disciples knew each other's situations very well. Of course, the eldest disciple was an exception; he was far too mysterious.

"As the saying goes, the right time, the right place, and the right people. The public opinion has already been hyped up, and we're just giving it a push. In these kinds of things, you have to get involved yourself so you can get a slice of the pie when it's time to divide it up..." Wen Zaide chuckled from the side. "Actually, we don't really want to take it all for ourselves, but you always have to play along a little... It's not impossible that they might not be able to withstand the pressure. If they're willing, they can handle the behind-the-scenes stuff..."

"Wen Zaide... Oh ho... Haven't seen you in years, and you've certainly grown quite arrogant..." Zhu Yingwei snorted coldly, looking at Wen Zaide with a rather sarcastic tone, and addressed him by his name directly: "You dare to bite into a company worth hundreds of billions like this? If I hadn't just met your father last year and knew he was in good health, I would have thought you had already inherited the title..."

"And do you think I'm ignorant?" Zhu Yingwei stared into Wen Zaide's eyes: "Qianluo Group has now decided to acquire 10% of the shares of Southern Bank. I don't need to explain what this means, do I?"

"Hehe... Sister, how could that be? You're too kind, too kind..." Wen Zaide wasn't angry at being interrupted a few times, and shamelessly continued, "If it were someone else, this matter might really be difficult to handle, but if we can persuade the Marquis to give his word..."

"Stop..." Zhu Yingwei frowned and turned to look at Wen Zaide: "Don't think I don't know how many people are watching this. With my father's temperament, he would never want to get involved..."

"Speaking of which, you're also going to inherit the title. Don't take risks like the second son of the Marquis of Runan. If you really cause some trouble, your father doesn't only have one son..."

Zhu Yingwei's words were undeniably harsh. Even Wen Zaide, who was not easily offended, paled upon hearing them. However, his face first flushed red and then turned pale, indicating that he understood the implication of Zhu Yingwei's words.

Clearly, although Wang Ling, the second son of the Marquis of Runan, has a higher family title than Wen Zaide, Zhu Yingwei is undoubtedly reminding him that he is the eldest son and will inherit the title, while Wang Ling is the second son. After his elder brother inherits the title, he will only be a wealthy man. Therefore, it is completely understandable that Wang Ling wants to fight for his future life. However, if something really happens to his status, it could very well affect his inheritance of the title.

“Sister…you mean…the story behind this…” As a nobleman’s son, Wen Zaide was not stupid. Zhu Yingwei’s hints were so obvious that he did not think she was really arrogant and looked down on him. Instead, he instinctively realized that the Qianluo Group might not be as simple as he had imagined.

Recalling the video he had seen before of An Zhengquan's visit to the mountain temple, where Li Jingxin, the Taoist master, personally came out to greet him, he increasingly felt that the businessman who had been so respectful in front of him before was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing...

Zhu Yingwei neither admitted nor denied it, but simply waved her hand dismissively: "Alright, let's leave it at that..."

In Wen Zaide's eyes, her behavior was an admission of guilt. After all, in his opinion, Zhu Yingwei had absolutely no connection with the Qianluo Group. There must be some unknown factor behind it that made this second young lady of the Zhu family so wary.

"Brother Jingde...hahaha..." Just then, a slightly exaggerated voice came from the side.

Wen Zaide knew who it was without even looking, and immediately turned around with a smile and cupped his hands, saying, "Ziling is here. I was just saying why you hadn't come downstairs yet, hahaha... Come, let me introduce you. This is the second daughter of the Marquis of Jingbei."

“Sister, Brother Ziling is the second son of the Marquis of Runan.”

"Wang Ling, courtesy name Ziling, greets Miss Zhu."

"Greetings, Brother Ziling."

Today, Wang Ling was dressed in a white scholar's robe with wide sleeves and a jade pendant at his waist. Several other people present were dressed similarly.

Such slightly loose attire is generally intended to display one's refined and elegant demeanor, distinguishing oneself from others. However, because Wang Ling is somewhat thin, wearing such clothing makes him look like a clothes rack supported by bamboo poles, hardly exuding any elegance. Yet, he clearly doesn't feel this way. After exchanging greetings with Zhu Yingwei, his attention is entirely focused on her, and he keeps trying to strike up a conversation with her.

In this situation, out of courtesy and etiquette, Zhu Yingwei couldn't simply abandon him, so she chatted with him casually for a few minutes. Wang Ling's topic quickly shifted to Qianluo Group and the anti-monopoly issue...

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind History Books: Chapter 1009 A Pretty Face

Zhu Yingwei didn't want to talk about this topic any longer, and after a few words, she changed the subject. At this time, Wang Ling did not realize that the girl in front of him did not want to continue on this topic, and persistently brought the topic back.

Fortunately, Wen Zaide, who was standing nearby, had already discussed this topic with Zhu Yingwei. Seeing this, he quickly gave Wang Ling a wink and interjected to help change the subject.

“By the way, I’ve heard that you’re quite fond of the Xuanmen sect, which is perfect, since Brother Ziling is also quite accomplished in this area and often talks about it,” Wen Zaide said, while giving Wang Ling meaningful glances.

As a son of a noble family, especially since he was not the eldest son of the legitimate wife, Wang Ling was by no means stupid in his dealings with others. In fact, most scions of noble families are like this. Because they have been influenced by their surroundings since childhood, they have their own sense of propriety in dealing with people. Many people feel that scions of noble families are arrogant or difficult to deal with, but this is actually because of the difference in status between the two parties, and the other party does not care about your feelings.

However, under the current circumstances, although Wang Ling did not yet understand Wen Zaide's meaning, he could tell that the other party seemed to be intentionally hinting to him to change the topic.

Having decided to ask Wen Zaide about the specifics later, he smoothly changed the subject, since this was indeed a topic he had prepared for.

He had already learned from Wen Zaide that the second young lady of the Jingbei Mansion was devoted to Taoism and had reportedly visited some Taoist temples and monasteries to seek out famous masters and high-ranking officials. Therefore, he thought he should try to please her.

In particular, after seeing Miss Zhu in person today, he was extremely moved. Her bright eyes and white teeth, her fair skin, and the added advantage of her status as a member of the Marquis of Jingbei's family made her even more attractive to him.

After all, he hadn't gotten married as early as Wen Zaide. If he could develop a relationship with this Miss Zhu... that would be a wonderful thing!

Wang Ling was secretly pleased that the intensive study of Xuanmen materials he had done last night had not been in vain. He could show off his knowledge today and find some common ground.

"Speaking of which, I am also very interested in Taoism. Just a few days ago, I was reading Master Wang Cunzhong's 'Thirteen Subjects of Taoism'." Wang Ling then began to show off some common knowledge he had learned in the book in the past few days, which can be regarded as learning on the spot.

"Master Wang Cunzhong's book is indeed extremely detailed, with very meticulous descriptions of rituals and ceremonies," Zhu Yingwei commented casually. She had also read the book and naturally knew what it was about.

"Indeed, Miss Zhu is quite well-read..." Wang Ling quickly offered a few words of praise. He hadn't expected that the other party would actually have read such an obscure book, which he had found. He himself hadn't really read it in detail; he had only flipped through a few pages and was able to offer some insight. He feared that continuing the conversation would expose his ignorance, so he immediately changed the subject, offering a slight bow:

“My mother usually makes offerings to the Heavenly Venerable very diligently. Speaking of which, my family has a long-standing relationship with the Yunxiao lineage. My grandmother’s generation made offerings to the temple every year. I have met the abbot of the temple a few times with my mother. I was thinking about taking some time after the New Year to go to the temple for a period of quiet cultivation…” Wang Ling knew that large temples like Yunxiao Temple have special guest halls for visiting lay Buddhists and believers to live and cultivate. Of course, you have to pay for your own living expenses.

"Speaking of which, I have read several of Master Wang Cunzhong's works and have gained some insights. I was hoping to have a discussion with the senior monks at the temple then..."

“Brother Ziling… I wonder if you are aware that Wang Cunzhong is the successor of Chunyang Palace on Yuhua Mountain, while the Yunxiao Mountain lineage and Chunyang Palace are completely different in terms of rituals and origins. If you want them to discuss this, I'm afraid…” Zhu Yingwei didn’t finish her sentence, but a faint smile appeared on her face, which to others seemed to carry a hint of farewell.

Wang Ling's eloquent speech suddenly froze, he really didn't know about this relationship!

"These...aren't they all Xuanmen?" Wang Ling's eyes were blank, and he blurted out subconsciously. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized that he had made a mistake and felt a surge of annoyance. He must have given himself away...

Sure enough, Zhu Yingwei glanced at him with her bright eyes and said indifferently, "Of course not. The Xuanmen has the so-called Three Mountains Talisman, which refers to the three main branches of the Xuanmen: Yunxiao Temple on Yunxiao Mountain, Tianshi Mansion on Danding Mountain, and Chunyang Palace on Yuhua Mountain."

According to the "General Register of All True Sects," there are currently 86 lineages within the Xuanmen (Taoist) sect, of which only about fifty have a traceable lineage. If we trace their origins closely, at least half of these sects directly or indirectly originate from the Three Mountains of Xuanmen. Of course, there are also some lineages outside the Three Mountains system, but most of them are not numerous and their influence is not as widespread as that of the Three Mountains…

"Young Master, you are truly learned and knowledgeable, reciting everything with such familiarity!" Wen Zaide, who had been following behind and was originally preparing to give the opportunity to Wang Ling, hurriedly chimed in upon hearing this. Inwardly, however, he cursed Wang Ling, thinking, "This guy can't even pass an open-book exam! He failed before he could even make a proper first impression. You're given a chance, but you're useless!"

"Brother, you flatter me. It's just a matter of liking him. After reading more books and visiting some teachers, I'll understand." Zhu Yingwei only glanced at Wang Ling and knew what kind of person he was. His muscles and bones were relaxed, and even though he tried his best to appear energetic, the faint scent of perfume on his body was still impossible for someone with Zhu Yingwei's extremely keen senses to hide.

This is just a good-for-nothing playboy...

Born into a prominent aristocratic family, Zhu Yingwei, though seemingly unreliable to many, was far from foolish. On the contrary, she had a keen understanding of the so-called young talents surrounding her since childhood. Many of them had received excellent educations from a young age and served in the military as arranged by their families, preparing them for succession. Others, relying on their parents' legacy, engaged in business or became local civil servants or councilors. Of course, there were also many who preferred pleasure, frequenting various banquets in high society. These were usually aristocratic scions without inheritance rights; for them, enjoyment was the greatest meaning of life, and finding opportunities to accumulate capital for even greater future enjoyment was a better thing.

Conversely, while there are indeed typical "bad guys" in novels who actually bully the common people, they are certainly not numerous within the circles of aristocratic sons. This is mainly because bullying ordinary people or those at the bottom of society is neither meaningful nor satisfying for the sons of aristocratic families. On the contrary, if they were discovered and exposed by the news media, it could bring trouble to their families.

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind History Books: Chapter 1020 A Slip...

In fact, even among the sons of noble families, there are different levels. People from families like Zhu Yingwei's have been used to all sorts of people flattering them since they were young, and they have become somewhat immune to it. Especially as they got older, they roughly understood what these people were up to.

After joining the Kunlun Sect, she disliked these peacock-like fellows even more; they were just too boring...

Wang Ling was unaware that he had already been sentenced to death in the heart of the beauty before him. He cursed inwardly, "I only read some books on the Xuanmen sect in the last couple of days, who knew the factions here were so complicated..."

On the one hand, he was still trying to turn things around, showing off some arguments he had hastily come up with in the book.

However, Zhu Yingwei clearly had no patience to continue his rambling. After chatting with him for a few more minutes, seeing that he was still chattering on and on, she casually brushed her hand across the table and found a pine nut in her hand.

At this moment, Wang Ling was still chattering in his ear...

"...The spread of faith in this Xuanmen sect is still weaker than that of the Western Holy Revelation Church, mainly because there are too many different kinds of ghosts and gods in the Eastern religions, making them too mixed up... In fact, in my opinion, if it could be like the Western religions, with only one deity, then spreading the faith would definitely be much easier..."

Zhu Yingwei frowned inwardly upon hearing this, thinking to herself that in such a vast world, how could there possibly be only one deity? If that were the case, it would be utterly absurd...

Feeling impatient and not wanting to say anything more to him, she clutched the pine nuts in her hand, hid her hand in her sleeve, and subtly flicked them with her finger...

Just as Wang Ling was speaking enthusiastically, he suddenly cried out "Ouch!" and twisted his body, falling headfirst onto a table. Instinctively, he reached for the tablecloth, but this action only caused more trouble. The entire tablecloth was pulled to the ground, scattering food along with it...

Unfortunately, the table was originally covered with drinks and pastries. When it was overturned, many of the drinks and pastries fell on and around Wang Ling. In an instant, the sound of breaking glass and the screams of the women around him filled the air...

Wang Ling was in a terrible state. Actually, the fall hadn't caused him any real injury; he had only been hit in the back of the knee, causing his horse to stumble. At his age, a fall wouldn't be a big deal. However, the subsequent spilled drinks and pastries covered him in cream and various other liquids...

Zhu Yingwei deftly and skillfully turned to a grove of trees, perfectly dodging the attack. Then, feigning surprise, she covered her mouth with her hand and stood aside watching two maids from the venue rush over, hurriedly cleaning up everything on the ground while helping Wang Ling up.

"Brother Ziling, Brother Ziling, what's wrong?!" Wen Zaide rushed forward to check on him and helped him up.

"Are you injured?" Wen Zaide frowned as he looked at the wine and cream stains on Wang Ling's body and asked with concern.

"No...no...I just slipped...slipped..." Wang Ling's mind was blank at this moment, and he couldn't remember how he had fallen. However, he quickly noticed the gazes of the guests around him, and everyone was whispering and pointing. Then he looked down at the various liquids on his body and his face turned bright red.

At this moment, Zhu Yingwei, who was standing to the side, slowly spoke up: "Brother Ziling, how could you be so careless? Fortunately, you were not injured..."

“Brother Shi, why don’t you take Brother Ziling to change his clothes…” she said calmly and reservedly to Wen Zaide beside her, “I still have to visit a few elders, so I won’t accompany you upstairs…”

"Oh...okay, okay, my dear sister..." Wen Zaide seemed to understand that this second young lady of the Zhu family probably wasn't interested in Wang Ling. For him, given his relationship with Wang Ling, helping to introduce them was certainly an option; if the two really got together, he would at least gain a favor. However, he was absolutely unwilling to offend Zhu Yingwei because of him. After all, the Changping Marquis's Mansion and the Jingbei Marquis's Mansion had a special relationship, and in the future, he would still have to rely on the father and brother of the other man. He knew which was more important.

Therefore, with a slight sigh in his heart, he turned to Wang Ling and said, "Come, Brother Ziling, let's go upstairs and change into our new clothes..."

At this point, Wang Ling had no interest in pursuing the second young lady of the Zhu family. His only thought was to leave this awkward situation. So, with his head down, he hurriedly followed Wen Zaide out of the venue...

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"Excuse me, I've run into an old acquaintance. Please allow me to leave for a moment..." An Huiling said calmly to the young man beside her who was holding a glass of red wine and talking at length about his views on the recent economic crisis.

“Oh…okay…alright, Miss An, please go ahead…” The young man, who was clearly wearing light makeup, dressed in bright red clothes, and spraying perfume, and dressed rather flamboyantly, paused for a moment upon hearing this, but still nodded and smiled with great manners, though the smile was somewhat forced.

An Huiling nodded at him, then turned away without looking at him again, and walked with her maid Mei'er toward the young man who was walking toward her.

An Huiling waved to Mei'er to get a little further away and came to the young man's side, walking alongside him. This man was none other than Wei Chengguang.

"Greetings, Second Senior Sister!" Wei Chengguang said respectfully in a low voice.

"Greetings, Junior Brother." An Huiling lowered her voice as well, letting out a soft breath. Since she arrived at the venue, several so-called "young talents" had come up to her, and in this situation, it was inconvenient for her to be too aloof. So, regardless of her preferences, she had to exchange a few words. This made her somewhat regretful that she had accompanied her father to this so-called banquet.