Chapter 320 Family Disputes

Although Liu's voice, tinged with complaint, was soft, it was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

The city lord's face darkened instantly, and Madam Zhou also looked embarrassed, quickly glancing at Jiang Huan with apologetic eyes.

Jiang Huan, however, seemed not to hear Liu's complaints. Her expression remained calm and composed, with a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.

Oh, so this is starting to turn into a family drama.

This Mrs. Liu is really persistent; she can't stop talking about her daughter's marriage.

Tsk tsk, it's really a headache for the city lord to have such a confused and troublesome younger sister. Look at his face, it's almost as black as ashes.

But since I'm just killing time anyway, watching a show might as well be a good idea.

In Jiang Huan's mind, the little one had already prepared a stool, grabbed a handful of melon seeds, and was ready to watch the show.

Seeing that her brother remained silent with a sullen face, her sister-in-law looked hesitant to speak, and Jiang Huan seemed indifferent, Liu felt a surge of anxiety.

She steeled herself, disregarding all decorum, and began to complain: "Brother, my dear brother! Don't you really care about Ying'er at all? She's your own niece, she has half of our family's blood in her veins."

As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes, occasionally letting out a sob.

Although the acting was slightly exaggerated, the emotions were very full.

“I know you are the lord of a city and are very busy with official duties, but a daughter’s marriage is a lifelong matter. Can’t you take some time to help her find a match? The requirements are really not high: a respectable family background, upright character, and a little bit of future prospects so that Ying’er can live a worry-free life in the future.”

Before Liu Qiyun could answer, she launched into a barrage of questions.

“Our Fengcheng region has a large population, surely we can’t find a suitable young talent? Or is it that you, brother, simply don’t care about Ying’er?”

She became more and more agitated as she spoke, as if Ying'er had become an unwanted old maid, all because her uncle didn't care about her.

Liu Qiyun was annoyed by his sister's unreasonable behavior, especially since it happened in front of Consort Zhuang, which made him feel extremely humiliated.

He suppressed his anger and hissed, "What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever say I didn't care about Ying'er's marriage? It just needs to be considered carefully. How can it be done so hastily?"

"Let's take this time to think it over. We've been discussing this for a long time already."

Liu's voice suddenly became sharp, and she persisted: "If we keep going on like this, all the good young men will be taken by other families. Brother, can't you put your heart into it? Even if... even if you let your unmarried generals come to the manor for a visit, so that Ying'er can have a look at them, that would be fine."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huan quickly covered the corner of her mouth with her handkerchief to hide a speechless smile.

Pfft, making military generals stand in a row for people to judge? This Lady Liu has quite a unique idea.

Should we choose cabbage, or treat the soldiers who fought on the battlefield as commodities to be sold?

If Huo Lin knew that his soldiers were being targeted like this, I wonder what his expression would be.

I bet his face is as black as the bottom of a pot.

Liu Qiyun was amused and annoyed by his sister's outlandish idea: "Absurd! Stop talking nonsense and making a fool of yourself!"

He really didn't want to get entangled with his clueless sister in front of Jiang Huan any longer, so he could only turn to Madam Zhou for help.

Mrs. Zhou received a look from her husband and sighed inwardly.

She knew Liu's personality all too well; she was usually somewhat snobbish and calculating, and now she was even more obsessed with her daughter's marriage.

But now is not the time to discuss this, and we must not lose our decorum in front of the Empress.

She stepped forward, gently took Liu's arm, and said in a gentle tone, "Sister, don't be anxious. Your brother and I have kept Ying'er's matter in mind. However, with such distinguished guests here, it's really not appropriate to discuss these family matters. Let's discuss it further later, okay? We need to find a reliable and suitable person. We can't let Ying'er suffer, can we?"

Madam Zhou's words were perfectly tactful, both appeasing Madam Liu and pointing out the inappropriateness of the occasion, gently offering a way out.

However, Liu was extremely anxious at the moment. Seeing that her sister-in-law was using the same tactic again, she became even more agitated and wouldn't listen to any advice. She kicked the steps away.

“Sister-in-law, that’s true, but how long will this discussion go on? Ying’er’s age is catching up with us.”

She turned to Liu Qiyun, almost pleading, but when she saw Jiang Huan beside her, she couldn't help but feel a little resentful.

"Brother, can't you just give me a straight answer now? Just because there's a distinguished guest here, does that mean we can't talk about our own family matters?"

In her view, this woman, whose family background was unclear and who might have been a refugee, had no right to occupy her brother and sister-in-law's attention and delay her daughter's important matter!

Madam Zhou's face turned deathly pale instantly. Liu's words were practically flirting with death.

Liu Qiyun was furious, veins bulging on his forehead. He could no longer hold back and shouted sharply, "Insolence! Shut up!"

His voice was loud and clear, which made Liu tremble all over.

Madam Zhou hurriedly stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Sister, you've made a mistake. Quickly apologize to the nobleman."

Startled by her brother's shout, Liu shrank back, but the resentment in her heart surged forth.

She retorted, "What did I say wrong? It's our own family matter that's more important..."

Seeing that she showed no remorse, Liu Qiyun was so angry that his chest heaved. Just as he was about to scold her again, Jiang Huan spoke up.

"Lord Zhao, Madam Zhou, there is no need to be angry."

The three of them looked at Jiang Huan, who had spoken.

“Madam Liu is concerned about her beloved daughter and may have spoken inappropriately in her haste. I understand. It is only natural for parents to worry about their children’s future. Besides, I am already a guest here and have been a bother. If I were to delay the important matters being discussed at your residence, I would feel bad.”

It wasn't that she wanted to speak well of Liu.

However, if she continued to make a scene, the situation would become increasingly heated, which would contradict her original intention to keep a low profile.

Liu Qiyun and Madam Zhou were stunned upon hearing this.

The scene of Consort Zhuang's fury that they had anticipated did not occur; in fact, she was still thinking of her impetuous younger sister.

Lady Liu was even more surprised, but then a surge of joy filled her heart.

See, even this distinguished guest admits that he is a guest and has been a bother.

As expected, he's not someone of great importance. He's probably just here to avoid trouble, which is why he's so nervous and doesn't dare to put on airs.

With this thought in mind, Liu felt much more confident and immediately seized the opportunity to climb up the ladder.

"Brother, listen to this! Even the important person has said so. Stop using the important person as an excuse. I don't care, there must be an explanation for Ying'er's matter today!"