Even though Cheng Xiran had put on a little makeup, there was still a hint of tiredness on her face. But what could she do? It didn't affect her at all. She still had to greet the guests outside as usual. Beside her, Cheng Zhiyue was greeting the guests while observing Cheng Xiran. After noticing the tiredness under her eyes, she took advantage of the moment when there was no one around and said proudly, "Cheng Xiran, from now on, both you and I will be legitimate daughters."
"It doesn't matter," Cheng Xiran replied lazily without even looking at her.
Cheng Zhiyue was annoyed by her attitude. "From now on, wherever I go, I won't be embarrassed because of the difference between legitimate and illegitimate daughters. Aren't you scared, Cheng Xiran?"
"Scared of what? I'm too happy for you..." Cheng Xiran said with a smile in her eyes, still not looking at her.
This made Cheng Zhiyue feel very humiliated. She walked up to her impatiently and said haughtily, "Cheng Xiran, from now on, I'll make sure you'll never be able to hold your head up in this family. I'll make Father hate you for the rest of his life."
Just as Cheng Xiran was about to reply, she saw Gu Yuanqing walking towards them, so she stopped talking.
"Sister Zhiyue, you must be tired from standing. Do you want to go inside and take a seat? I'll help you greet the guests outside."
Gu Yuanqing got close to her affectionately, but Cheng Zhiyue deliberately took half a step back. Her tone was also a bit distant. "Brother Gu is a guest today. You'd better go inside and take your seat. I'll handle things here."
Gu Yuanqing subconsciously looked at Cheng Xiran with a hint of blame in his eyes. Cheng Xiran felt a bit annoyed but still forced a smile. Silence is the greatest contempt. This saying is really true.
Seeing Xue Lianyu and Helian Duo walking side by side, followed by Chu Liyin, Cheng Xiran left the other two and greeted them actively.
Chu Liyin was extremely excited to see Cheng Xiran. "I haven't seen you for a few days, sister. You've become even more beautiful!"
Cheng Xiran gently pulled her to her side and gave Helian Duo a triumphant smile. "So, how about the theme of today's newspaper? Isn't it exciting enough?"
Helian Duo put his hands behind his back and slightly curled his lips. "Good."
He really was a man of few words. He really had the air of a noble.
Cheng Xiran suddenly felt bored. She pulled Chu Liyin inside. "You came so early. Have you had breakfast? I'll go inside and get you some delicious food."
Xue Lianyu watched the two of them leave and then looked at Cheng Zhiyue. He couldn't help but sigh. "I think they look more like sisters from an ordinary family."
Helian Duo's gaze fell on Mrs. Liu who was slowly walking out of the inner courtyard. Looking at all the gold hairpins and ornaments on her, he suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable, just for Cheng Xiran's sake.
Seeing him in a daze, Xue Lianyu pulled him inside and joked, "There are quite a few nice girls here today. Isn't the emperor quite anxious about your marriage? You might as well take a good look today and see if there's anyone you like. It'll be a worthwhile trip."
Helian Duo ignored him indifferently.
To be honest, he didn't come here today just to attend the banquet and enjoy some good wine. He wanted to see how much influence Prime Minister Cheng had in the court. Judging from the current situation, it was indeed quite a lot.
Mrs. Liu was extremely happy today. She always maintained the most perfect posture. She had practiced many times before this and only dared to appear in front of everyone after making sure everything was perfect. Even if some people were being hypocritical and flattering during the banquet, she accepted it all with a smile that never faded.