Chapter 82 Is it all about who your father is?
At the same time, Zhao Yueru returned to the courtyard with a preoccupied expression.
Seeing that she looked unwell, her husband, Su Zhong, went up to her and asked, "Didn't you go to see your sister? What's wrong? Why do you look so pale?"
Zhao Yueru sat on the stool, her brows furrowed.
"I went to see my sister. I hadn't seen her for many years, so I brought her a gift. But just as I was about to talk about Xiaoyu and Xinghe's marriage, my sister changed her mind."
"Changed?" Su Zhong's expression hardened, and his heart sank. "Come on, tell me slowly."
He poured a glass of water and handed it to his wife.
"My sister said that both children are still young and there is no need to rush into marriage. She also said that Xinghe has just established himself in the army and is at the time when he needs to work hard for his future. Talking about marriage now will easily disturb his mind."
They also said that they planned to stay in the capital for a while, explore the city, and get familiar with the surroundings. They added that they had a long road ahead, and the marriage... could be discussed later.
Zhao Yueru became increasingly uneasy as she spoke, and grabbed Su Zhong's hand: "Dad, listen to what you're saying... isn't something wrong?"
“In the past, they urged us to prepare for the wedding of our two children as soon as possible in their letters. Now that they have arrived, they are not in a hurry anymore. I feel uneasy about this.”
Su Zhong listened in silence, his rough, large hand covering his wife's.
After a long pause, he said, "Her mother, your feeling might be right. There might be a change in this matter."
Zhao Yueru's heart tightened.
Su Zhong added, "I heard from my colleagues today that there was another young lady who came to Beijing with your sister and brother-in-law. She is the daughter of the Shen family in Qinghe County. I heard that she and Xinghe have known each other since childhood."
Zhao Yueru dared not think any further, and her face instantly turned several shades paler.
"Her father, do you mean... the Lu family... wants to call off the engagement?"
...
That day, Lu Xinghe was going to the military camp for his duties, while Su Xiaoyu continued to 'sweep the streets' with Shen Yuejiao.
In modern times, Su Xiaoyu also had a best friend. They were inseparable since childhood, studying together through practice problems and sharing the same lipstick. She once thought they would be best friends for life.
Later, my best friend married someone from far away. At first, we kept in touch through WeChat, but as our lives diverged further and further, one of us was busy raising her child and integrating into her new family, while the other was struggling in the cutthroat world of work. We had less and less in common, and what started as once a week gradually became once a month, until finally, all we had left were likes on WeChat Moments.
After entering the workforce, adults' social circles are mostly based on mutual benefit. They may be all smiles on the surface, but behind the scenes they might be scheming to boost someone else's KPIs.
Open your heart to someone? That's too difficult.
Everyone is like an island, wearing a sophisticated social mask, wearily dealing with various interpersonal relationships. Those who can purely share joy with those around them and confide their troubles without any burden are almost nonexistent.
The appearance of Shen Yuejiao perfectly filled this void.
It's not about master and servant. It's simply about sharing happiness.
Unlike the stereotypical noble ladies of the capital, whose speech and actions were formulaic, Shen Yuejiao was passionate, straightforward, and with a heart as pure as a blank sheet of paper. Her affection was unconditional, fervent, and sincere.
Moreover, through her observations over the past few days, Su Xiaoyu discovered that Shen Yuejiao had feelings for Lu Xinghe.
She was genuinely happy and hoped that the two of them could be together.
That way, her parents wouldn't have to marry her off to her cousin.
At this moment, the two of them were tired from shopping, so they ate in a private room on the second floor of Wangjiang Tower.
The reason I chose the window seat was because of the beautiful view; it overlooked the river and was simply breathtaking. The only drawback was that the partition in the middle was only separated by a screen and some greenery, much like a modern lobby, which made it a bit noisy.
Shen Yuejiao was not one to suffer in silence. With a wave of her hand, she ordered, "Manager, bring me one of each of your signature dishes."
"Little Fish Sister, eat as much as you want! It's on me today, let's drink until we drop!"
Su Xiaoyu nodded repeatedly, her smile so wide her eyes disappeared.
In fact, she and Shen Yuejiao were born on the same day, month, and year, and at the same hour, so there was no difference in age.
But Shen Yuejiao liked to take advantage of her and insisted on being the older sister.
Su Xiaoyu felt obligated to let her do as she pleased, since she was being fed.
Just then, a commotion arose from the next booth, sounding like several young men and women gathered together. Apparently, they were celebrating someone's birthday, and the atmosphere was quite lively.
At this moment, a slightly arrogant male voice rang out: "Manager, bring me all your signature dishes, and two jars of ten-year-old pear blossom wine."
Su Xiaoyu recognized the voice.
Where did I hear that?
The shopkeeper readily agreed, but a moment later, a troubled voice came from behind him:
"Oh dear, esteemed guests, I'm so sorry... but the last dish, 'Golden Jade Abundance,' has already been ordered by the guests at the next table. We've run out of today's portion. Would you like to order something else?"
"What?" The man's voice rose noticeably, tinged with displeasure: "Do you know whose birthday it is today? It's Miss Du's brother! Miss Du is the niece of a Noble Consort in the palace! Hurry up and go tell the neighbors next door to give up their dishes; I'll pay double!"
That domineering tone, that arrogant and presumptuous attitude.
Suddenly, a person flashed through Su Xiaoyu's mind.
Isn't this the one who accompanied the second young master to the casino and lost money?
What's that Li's name? Li Mo?
And that "Niece of the Imperial Concubine" he mentioned, Miss Du... Could she be the Second Miss's mortal enemy, that Minister's daughter, Du Tingting?
Is it really that much of a coincidence?
Immediately afterwards, another familiar voice came, seemingly offering advice.
"Young Master Li, why don't we just forget about it? Let's not make things difficult for the shopkeeper."
Su Xiaoyu recognized the voice; it was Lin Wan'er.
"How can that be?" Li Mo wouldn't budge an inch. "We must save face for Brother Du today! Shopkeeper, what are you waiting for? Go now!"
Left with no other option, the shopkeeper reluctantly approached Su Xiaoyu and Shen Yuejiao's table and apologized:
"Ladies, I'm truly sorry... The distinguished guests in the next private room are the son of the Minister of War and the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. They... are willing to pay double the price for the 'Golden Jade Abundance' dish you two ordered. Would you... be so kind as to do us this favor?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Yuejiao angrily put down her teacup.
"Why should we? Don't you know about first come, first served? We clearly ordered the food first."
"Oh! Just because they're related, is it about who got the better father?"
Her uncle in the palace was the Grand Eunuch in charge of the Emperor's inner circle. He controlled the entire Eastern Depot, and everyone in the court feared him.
My mother said that even a high-ranking official would have to give my uncle some face.
What's wrong?
These young masters and ladies, can their power surpass that of her uncle?
Shen Yuejiao cleared her throat, preparing to invoke her uncle's name to set the tone.
Before he could even speak, the screen separating the two rooms was rudely pushed open with a 'whoosh'.
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