Chapter 171 Madam Xiao Loves Beautiful Women

Lu Zhaoruo stepped forward at the opportune moment, gave a deep curtsy according to etiquette, and said in a clear and gentle voice: "Lu family of Jizhou greets Madam."

Madam Xiao's gaze remained fixed on her, unable to look away for a moment.

Her eyes were like deep pools of black jade, her skin like fresh snow and fine porcelain, and there was not a single flaw to be found on her body. She was without any makeup or cosmetics, and naturally possessed a refined and elegant demeanor.

Such a beautiful color was something she had never seen even in her youth.

She wanted to reach out and touch that face.

At this moment, an elderly woman dressed in fine clothes with her hair perfectly styled walked over quietly and whispered a reminder: "Madam, please restrain yourself and do not lose your dignity."

Madam Xiao then came to her senses and gave an embarrassed smile.

This fondness for beautiful women is something I've had since I was a child.

My son has a very sharp eye.

Lu Zhaoruo lowered her eyes slightly, quietly glancing at her own clothes, wondering to herself what was wrong with her attire that had drawn such a stare from the mistress.

However, when she glanced up, she saw that Madam Xiao's eyes held no criticism, but rather an undisguised amazement and appreciation.

At this moment, Granny Zhang spoke again: "My lord, the old lady has been waiting in the ancestral hall for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao's smile faded slightly, and she continued, "Ming'er, hurry up and pay your respects to your grandmother, lest she complain that I'm holding you back and preventing you from fulfilling your filial duties first."

Xiao Ye nodded in agreement, but his gaze fell on Lu Zhaoruo.

Madam Xiao followed her son's gaze and clicked her tongue inwardly: When had she ever seen such a demeanor in her cold-hearted son? Even the princess's son, the County Prince, was not treated with the same respect by him.

She coughed lightly, turned her head closer to her son, and lowered her voice, saying, "General Xiao, please don't worry, your mother... would she possibly eat such an honored guest as you?"

Xiao Yeming's ears burned slightly, and he didn't say much. He simply nodded slightly to Lu Zhaoruo and turned to leave.

Madam Xiao watched her son walk away before smilingly instructing her personal maid, "Hua Yue, personally escort Madam Lu to Chengrui Courtyard to rest. All her needs should be provided according to the standards for honored guests."

Lu Zhaoruo curtsied, her demeanor calm and composed.

Madam Xiao then turned her gaze to Sun Jing, who was standing silently to the side, and said to the male servant Fu'an, "Fu'an, lead this strong man to the east wing of Zhufeng Garden and settle him in. Young Master Lu in the west wing has not yet returned. When he returns to the mansion, you must inform him of this matter and make sure that all his needs are met without any delay."

Fu'an immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands to Sun Jing, and said, "Brave warrior, please follow me."

Sun Jing did not set off immediately. Instead, he looked at Lu Zhaoruo and saw her nod slightly. Then he clasped his hands in a salute to Madam Xiao and said in a deep voice, "Thank you, Madam."

Then he left with Fu'an.

Madam Xiao witnessed this scene and felt even more admiration for the guard's loyalty and discipline, and she felt that Lu Zhaoruo was extraordinary.

Lu Zhaoruo, along with Dong Rou and Wan Wanning, followed Hua Yue away gracefully.

As Madam Xiao watched the group's retreating figures, she grew increasingly pleased with them, and couldn't help but sigh softly, "My son's taste... he's finally opened up. It's quite a rare thing that he's even personally bringing them back to the manor."

Granny Zhang whispered a reminder from the side: "Madam, it's best if we talk about this in private. Be careful, walls have ears, and if it gets back to the Old Madam, she'll start criticizing you again."

Madam Xiao glanced around, then leaned closer and lowered her voice: "Old Zhang, take a good look. What do you think of this person?"

Granny Zhang said solemnly, “This old servant thinks… well, her demeanor is excellent.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao's eyes lit up with pride: "Of course. How could my own son have poor taste?"

After saying that, she changed her mind and said, "This is the first time our new guest has come to visit. As her future aunt, I should express my gratitude."

Granny Zhang understood: "What does Madam mean?"

With a smile in her eyes, Madam Xiao instructed, "Go to my makeup box and fetch that white jade hairpin. Then open the storeroom and take out a box of newly acquired top-quality camphor incense and two cakes of Miyunlong tea, and send them to Madam Lu."

She paused slightly, thinking of Lu Zhaoruo's calm demeanor, and added, "Just say it's for her to use as a hair ornament, to calm her mind, and to enjoy tea. She's new here, so don't be shy. Just tell me if she needs anything."

Granny Zhang replied respectfully, "Yes, this old servant will take care of it right away."

Madam Xiao waved her hand, her smile deepening: "Go quickly."

Watching Granny Zhang walk away, Madam Xiao was delighted. She bent down to pick up the spear from the ground and casually twirled it in a sharp spear flourish.

Her figure remained as dashing as ever, and her moves still hinted at the shadow of her past battlefield exploits.

After using her marksmanship to its fullest extent, she stood still, her breath slightly short, a thin layer of melancholy settling over her eyes.

She gently stroked the cold gun barrel, gazed at the desolate blue bricks in the courtyard, and sighed softly, "Xiao Lang... if you were still here, you would be so happy to see that our child has finally come to his senses and brought home such a wonderful young lady."

Chengrui Academy.

Hua Yue led Lu Zhaoruo and her party into the courtyard, gently and carefully explaining all the arrangements for their daily life, with impeccable manners and a respectful attitude.

Lu Zhaoruo calmly swept her gaze across the courtyard. She saw that the courtyard was spacious and elegantly furnished, with every plant and tree showing the craftsmanship. She knew in her heart that this was the best guest courtyard in the mansion. She nodded slightly to Hua Yue: "Thank you for your trouble in arranging this, Miss."

Wan Wanning, standing to the side, could no longer contain herself. Her eyes darted around, taking in the flying eaves and brackets, the carved railings and painted beams, as well as the brocade curtains and exquisite palace lanterns hanging under the corridor. Her gaze was burning with envy and longing.

As soon as Hua Yue's figure turned the corner of the corridor, before she had gone far, she couldn't help but point to the intricate carvings on the nearby pillars and the stained glass inlaid between the window frames, and exclaimed softly, "This house is so exquisite! Look at the craftsmanship, the grandeur..."

"Wan Ning!"

Dong Rou's face darkened, and she immediately scolded in a low voice, "Watch your words! This is a guesthouse; how dare you make such a ruckus?"

Lu Zhaoruo also turned to look at her and gently scolded, "Wanning, as a guest in this esteemed place, you must always be careful with your words and actions and keep a sense of awe in your heart. No matter how good external things are, you must not lose your composure, lest you be looked down upon by others."

Wan Wanning lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes, a nameless fire rising in her heart.

What are you pretending to be so high and mighty for!

This house is so luxurious it's dazzling; who wouldn't be shocked if they saw it?

But you two are so serious and aloof, it makes me look like I'm easily offended!

Your mother's family ran a private school, and now she's a merchant herself, isn't she?

Dong Rou comes from an ordinary family, yet she acts like a noblewoman!

Even though they were clearly surprised, they pretended to be used to it...

Just then, Granny Zhang, carrying a gift box, stepped into the courtyard and heard these words clearly.

She paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Although this Lady Lu comes from a merchant family, her demeanor is calm and composed, which is quite rare.

Granny Zhang composed herself and stepped forward, bowing to Lu Zhaoruo and saying, "Greetings, Madam Lu. My mistress has specially instructed this old servant to bring you some small gifts for your use in hair ornaments, calming your mind, and enjoying tea. This is just a token of our appreciation, and we hope you will not refuse them."

Having said that, he presented the tray in his hand, on which was the white jade hairpin, a box of camphor incense, and two cakes of Miyun Long tea.

When Wan Wanning saw the lustrous jade hairpin, her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes lit up instantly, almost glued to the treasure.

Lu Zhaoruo stepped forward calmly, curtsied, and accepted the gift with both hands. Her voice was gentle yet firm: "Thank you for your kindness, Madam. I am deeply grateful for the gift delivered by the nanny. I am truly grateful."

Seeing that she acted generously and handled things properly, Granny Zhang felt even more favorably toward her. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she took her leave.