"I understand. I'll consider Father's words," Lou Xingzhou said expressionlessly.
Seeing this, Lou Yueying let out a sigh. Her face was full of helplessness. "I know elder brother is unhappy about Father's decision, but for your future, Liu Qingran is the best choice."
Liu Qingran was the daughter of the prime minister. The prime minister held the position of the first - rank official. If Lou Xingzhou really married Liu Qingran, it would be a great honor for the General's Mansion.
However, upon hearing this, Lou Xingzhou, who had been expressionless, suddenly showed an angry look. Lou Yueying could clearly feel the killing intent emanating from his dark eyes.
"I'll only ask you one question. If Father doesn't allow you to marry Zhanzhi, what will you do?" Lou Xingzhou's expression was complicated, and the temperature around him dropped to an extreme level.
All along, the relationship between him and his father had been strained. Their father had never given them the fatherly love they deserved, and Lou Xingzhou didn't like others interfering in his affairs. So their father - son relationship was very tense.
One day, when he discovered his father's secret, he didn't know how to face his father and his friend. Now he even didn't want to go home.
Lou Yueying paused for a moment, seemingly not expecting Lou Xingzhou to ask such a question. "I'll never marry anyone but Brother Jing in this lifetime! Brother... Yue'er will always stand by your side."
Almost instantly, Lou Yueying understood Lou Xingzhou. If one day Father didn't allow her to marry Brother Jing, she would leave with him even if she had to give up everything. But now...
Thinking of this, Lou Yueying's almond - shaped eyes stared fiercely at Mu Fengqie. Now that Jing Xunchi wasn't here, it was the best time for her to get rid of this annoying woman.
She concealed the haze in her eyes and showed a sinister smile as she looked at Mu Fengqie. As if feeling a burning gaze on her, Mu Fengqie looked up and happened to see Lou Yueying's smile. She couldn't help shivering.
Why was that woman looking at her with such a sinister and terrifying expression? She must have some evil intention. It seemed that she had to be more careful next and not fall into Lou Yueying's trap.
The tea - brewing session came to an end. Next was the poetry - matching session for the young masters and ladies. Usually, the talented ladies were selected at this time. In previous years, the title of the most talented lady had always belonged to Lou Yueying. So she planned to make things difficult for Mu Fengqie during this session.
She thought that a country bumpkin like Mu Fengqie couldn't have much literary talent. Maybe she couldn't even read a single character. And Sun Yuerou was just the weapon for her to humiliate Mu Fengqie.
Mu Fengqie didn't intend to participate in these activities. Her attention wasn't on this tea party at all. She had been secretly observing the faces of the ladies around and had already selected some candidates.
Since she had decided to develop in the imperial city, she naturally couldn't do without connections. She should also build a good relationship with the noble ladies. With connections, it would be easier to handle things in the future.
"Why is Miss Mu still sitting there motionless? I bet she can't even recognize a single character!" Sun Yuerou laughed as she looked at Mu Fengqie.
Lou Yueying also slightly raised the corner of her mouth. Her heart was full of sarcasm and contempt for this country woman. How could such a country woman be worthy of her Brother Jing?
Mu Fengqie didn't intend to pay attention to these people and wasn't interested in the poetry gathering at all. She was a modern person and had memorized the Three - Hundred Tang Poems thoroughly. If she used these poems to compete with these people, wouldn't it be cheating?
Moreover, she was new here and had already annoyed some people. If she shone brightly in this poetry gathering, wouldn't she become a thorn in the side of these noble ladies?
Shen Yiru snorted and sat beside Mu Fengqie. She gave Mu Fengqie a disgruntled look. Shen Yiru was a woman who hated evil as much as poison. She was different from those noble ladies. If someone bullied her, she would surely retaliate ten or a hundred times. A cowardly woman like Mu Fengqie wasn't worthy of being her friend at all.
Mu Fengqie saw all of Shen Yiru's small actions clearly. She also rolled her eyes silently. But compared with Sun Yuerou, Mu Fengqie preferred Shen Yiru's straightforward personality. At least she didn't make people feel annoying and coy.
"I don't know what Lord Shen and Lady Shen were thinking. They actually chose a country girl as their adopted daughter. It's really disappointing!" Liu Qingran also sneered at Mu Fengqie.
As the daughter of the prime minister and one of the most noble ladies in the imperial city along with Lou Yueying, she naturally looked down on Mu Fengqie. Moreover, she had been observing Lou Yueying and Lou Xingzhou. If Lou Yueying hadn't given the order, Sun Yuerou wouldn't have dared to mock Mu Fengqie so boldly.
It seemed that there was only one truth, that is, Lou Yueying didn't like Mu Fengqie. In that case, why not do Lou Yueying a favor?
Liu Qingran had always had feelings for Lou Xingzhou. If their two families formed a marriage alliance, Lou Yueying would be her sister - in - law in the future. Although she didn't want to be inferior to Lou Yueying, at this moment, she should try to please her.
Mu Fengqie looked up to examine the woman who had sneered at her. Although this woman was dressed in gorgeous clothes, she had always been very low - key. But now she even stepped on her at this moment. If this woman hadn't spoken, Mu Fengqie might have even tried to win her over. It seemed that it was really hard to judge a person's heart just by their appearance.
"What did you say? Don't think that just because your father is the prime minister, you can do whatever you want. I'm warning you, watch your mouth. I don't care if you're the daughter of the prime minister. If you mention the Minister's Mansion again, don't blame me for beating you up!"
Shen Yiru usually didn't like to meddle in other people's business, but since Liu Qingran had mentioned the Minister's Mansion, which was related to the reputation of the Minister's Mansion, she couldn't ignore it.
Liu Qingran had never lost face in such an occasion. This was the first time she had been scolded so harshly. No matter how patient she usually was, she couldn't save face at this moment.
"How dare you talk to me like this? Aren't you afraid that your father, the fourth - rank junior official, won't be able to sit still?" Liu Qingran stared at her fiercely.
Shen Yiru snorted. Her face was full of arrogance. "The prime minister has such great authority. The current emperor hasn't said a word, but the prime minister's daughter can make decisions on behalf of the emperor. I really don't know if it's the emperor or you, Liu Qingran, who rules the world?"
Shen Yiru had never liked a hypocritical person like Liu Qingran. Coupled with Liu Qingran's arrogant words, Shen Yiru's words were enough to put Liu Qingran in a desperate situation.
Liu Qingran stared at her for a long time but couldn't say a word. She never expected Shen Yiru to be so eloquent. She had accidentally been caught in a trap.