Looking at the handsome face in front of her, Hong Xiaoduo realized that her judgment of people was still not accurate enough.

She thought he was a very composed person, but she was still wrong about him.

Handsome men are pleasing to the eye, but his actions just now—was he deliberately trying to mislead Liu Xiaoniangzi? But somehow, he doesn't seem like that kind of person!

“If you want to go, then go. We won’t go. As for the bear feast and bear paws? If they want to eat them, I can hunt them myself.” Hong Xiaoduo responded without avoiding his gaze.

No matter how good the food at such a banquet is, she would not take her children to eat there, not because she was afraid that the children would lose their composure or behave improperly and affect the reputation of the young master in front of her.

I just didn't want to make the kids someone else's tools. In that kind of situation, the kids would definitely not feel comfortable eating. So why make them suffer? Wouldn't it be better to eat meat buns on the roadside?

Murong Jing was surprised that she refused; he thought she would take this opportunity to treat the children to a big meal.

It's not that she likes to take advantage of others, it's just that given her personality, she wouldn't think too much about anything else, she just wants the children to have a good meal.

Murong Jing raised an eyebrow, turned to look at the steward and Lady Liu: "I appreciate Magistrate Liu's kindness, and I would be grateful if you two could convey my thanks upon your return."

After saying that, he took a sip of tea.

How could this be? The steward and Lady Liu, who had been rejected, couldn't understand why Young Master Murong would sit at this roadside tea stall, drinking the cheapest leaf tea, but refused to attend a banquet at his own residence.

Moreover, it seems that the reason he refused was because of the young lady next to him. He asked her first, and only after hearing her say that she was not going did he refuse.

Could it be that this unassuming young lady comes from a family with a higher social standing than Young Master Murong?

They simply couldn't think of any other explanation.

"Young lady, are you worried that the seven young masters will feel awkward and uncomfortable at the banquet? It's alright. My father said when we arrived that this banquet is only for you, and there will be no one else here," Miss Liu said with a smile, showing her great consideration.

Unwilling to give up after failing to invite the person she wanted, and with nowhere to find out the identity of this troublesome young woman, she had no choice but to use her own brain to find a solution.

Upon hearing this, Murong Jing's expression remained unchanged, but his grip on the teacup tightened.

Looking at the person opposite, I wanted to hear how this person who never suffers a loss would handle the situation.

Of course, if she underperforms, it won't be too late for him to speak up and help her get back on track.

However, how dare she treat her like this in front of him? Does this daughter of Magistrate Liu not take him seriously?

But before Hong Xiaoniang could even speak, a smile appeared on her face. She thought to herself, "Well, I was just overthinking it!"

Then she laughed and said, "Miss Liu, you underestimate them. When they dine at the same table with officials of the second rank, they are not at all reserved or uncomfortable."

If Miss Liu wishes for Young Master Murong to attend the banquet, then she shouldn't bother with me.

Hmm? Upon hearing this, Murong Jing stared at her, wondering why she was bringing up this young master again.

Hong Xiaoduo raised the corners of her mouth and looked over with a provocative look. Big brother, you were the one who tried to drag me into this first, weren't you?

In Liu Xiaoniangzi's eyes, the two of them were flirting openly in front of her, which made her both ashamed and angry, but she couldn't retaliate.

The steward, watching from the side, was even more aware of the situation and was afraid that his young mistress might lose control of her emotions and do something inappropriate in front of this young master Murong, or say something unwise. That wouldn't do; the master had instructed him to keep an eye on Third Mistress before they came.

This young master Murong is not someone they can afford to offend!

The master understood Third Sister's thoughts; he felt that this Young Master Murong was not someone his daughter, a lowly ninth-rank official, could possibly be matched with. However, since she was willing to give it a try, the master didn't stop her.

If it works out, that would be a wonderful thing. If it doesn't, there's no loss. Even if a person like Young Master Murong doesn't like his daughter, he won't say anything outside and it won't affect his daughter's future marriage.

Of course, even if there was a chance, the master didn't expect Third Sister to become Young Master Murong's wife. Even if she could become a concubine, it would be a blessing from the Liu family's ancestors.

"Third Miss, since Young Master Murong and the others aren't going, they must have other plans. Let's hurry back and report to Master," the steward said hastily.

Hearing the steward's words, Liu Shimin, however unwilling, could only bid farewell to Murong Jing: "Then Shimin will take her leave first."

Murong Jing nodded expressionlessly, watching the other person get into the carriage and leave.

"Hey, Miss Hong, what's with that regretful look on your face?" Murong Jing tapped the table and asked the person opposite him.

Hong Xiaoduo sighed softly, "Such a beauty, he was so eager to throw himself into her arms, but he didn't succeed. He might not be able to get her back..."

"Oh, not necessarily what? Not necessarily how sad or upset?" Murong Jing asked with a smile.

Hong Xiaoduo chuckled: "Who knows how she'll lose her temper? Anyone working around her is going to be in trouble. All of this is thanks to you, Young Master Murong."

Murong Jing frowned slightly: "Why does this sound like you, Miss Hong, hoping that I will accept all comers?"

"No, no, I just like seeing happy endings. Liu Shimin might be attracted to your good looks, or it might be because of your status. And she is also a beauty, with a good figure and a gentle voice."

"Young Master Murong, if you can accept it, then accept it. It's a win-win situation. It'll be pleasing to the eye and heart to take it back, won't it? You can afford to raise it." Hong Xiaoduo looked at the seven children watching the acrobatics with joy not far away, even clapping their hands. Her mood naturally improved as well, and she couldn't help but tease them.

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