She concealed the disgust in her eyes and instead stepped forward with a beaming smile. Then she ordered the servants at the door, "Young Master Qian is an honored guest. How could we allow those vulgar people outside to lurk around and point fingers? Drive them away at once!"
At this moment, Qian Youliang's heart was completely occupied by Cheng Zhiyue. He didn't have time to ponder over Mrs. Liu's words. Instead, he pursed his lips shyly and smiled, saying, "Previously, madam, you kept trying to match me with the eldest young lady. But now I've figured it out. I like Zhiyue more. I hope you'll give me another chance."
He even emphasized that this wasn't being fickle.
Originally, Cheng Xiran and Mu Li, who had been watching the show on the eaves, now shifted their position - to a small cubicle in the front hall.
Seeing that Mrs. Liu just smiled, Qian Youliang was only focused on himself. He introduced the flowers behind him to her. "I heard from Xiran that Zhiyue likes these. So I searched the entire capital. Since these flowers are extremely rare, even though I spent a fortune, I only managed to get a dozen or so pots. I hope Zhiyue won't blame me."
Mrs. Liu bit her lower lip slightly and wore a somewhat insincere and polite smile.
She told the maids to take the flowers and arrange them in the back yard. Then she invited Qian Youliang to sit down. "I appreciate your kindness, Young Master Qian. But our Zhiyue doesn't deserve your affection. This daughter of mine has a terrible temper and often talks back to us. If she were to marry into your noble family, your father might not like her."
To relieve her daughter from this situation, she didn't hesitate to speak ill of herself. It seemed that Qian Youliang was really a powerful suitor.
But upon hearing this, Qian Youliang laughed even more recklessly. "That's perfect! My father also thinks I'm good - for - nothing and doesn't like me. In that case, isn't Zhiyue and I a perfect match?"
Suddenly, there came a soft laugh from the courtyard, seemingly from the twenty - odd people protecting Cheng Xiran.
Qian Youliang didn't pay much attention, as this was supposed to be a happy occasion. As for Mrs. Liu, although she wanted to complain, she didn't dare to, because all these people outside were sent by the emperor. How could she afford to offend them?
Mrs. Liu coughed lightly and then lowered her voice, looking full of apology. "Young Master Qian, perhaps your affection for our Zhiyue is just a passing fancy. Moreover, to be honest, Zhiyue already has someone she loves."
There was nothing but disdain in Qian Youliang's eyes. "I knew this when I came. Is it someone named Gu Yuanqing?"
Mrs. Liu was stunned. After a moment, she replied, "Yes, she really likes that young man from the Gu family. We were just saying the other day that after some time, we'd find a suitable opportunity to discuss the matter with the Gu family..."
Before Mrs. Liu could finish her words, Qian Youliang interrupted her harshly. "The Gu family... There doesn't seem to be any official surnamed Gu in the court, does there?"
Mrs. Liu evaded the question. "That's right. The Gu family is quite ordinary and not a noble family."
Hearing this, Qian Youliang spat disdainfully, frowned slightly, and showed a disgusted expression. "I can understand that Zhiyue didn't have good taste before. After all, she hadn't met me yet. But now that she has and has such a good opportunity, that Gu Yuanqing doesn't matter anymore."
He spoke so arrogantly that Mrs. Liu felt terrified.
But at this moment, she suddenly had an idea. Her eyes lit up, and her expression changed from joy to sorrow. She took out a silk handkerchief and pretended to wipe the corners of her eyes, slowly saying, "But I'm afraid Young Master Gu won't let go easily. He once vowed to us that he would treat Zhiyue well for a lifetime!"
Qian Youliang immediately understood the hidden meaning in her words. He suddenly stood up, slapped his chest, and promised, "Madam, don't worry. I'll go and settle this matter right away. I'll make that Gu Yuanqing admit defeat whole - heartedly and never dare to look for Zhiyue again!"
Without waiting for Mrs. Liu to ask, he excitedly led his men out of the mansion. Mrs. Liu let out a long sigh and slumped onto the pear - wood chair. She couldn't move for a moment. She felt her mind was blank and didn't care about anything else.
Since that Gu Yuanqing really loved Zhiyue, he should be able to bear it, right?