Chapter 223 The Grand Princess Sacrificed Greatly for the Dynasty
On the other side, Xiao Yeming had already walked up to Lu Zhaoruo.
Today he took off his military uniform and changed into an ivory-white ramie summer robe with dark cloud patterns, with a black sash embroidered with silver dragon patterns around his waist, which made his broad shoulders, narrow waist and tall figure stand out even more.
Perhaps because of the banquet, he did not wear a crown. His dark hair was simply tied up with a green jade bamboo-shaped hairpin, making him appear less cold and aloof than usual, and more refined and elegant.
However, this young general, who was usually calm and composed in front of thousands of troops, hesitated slightly when he walked up to Lu Zhaoruo.
His gaze fell on her, giving her a quick and restrained look.
Today, Lu Zhaoruo was wearing a moon-white silk jacket with a dark floral pattern, with a light blue gauze skirt underneath. The fabric was fashionable light and sheer gauze, which made her look like she was shrouded in mist when she walked, making her look refreshing and pleasant.
Her hair was simply styled, adorned only with a white jade hairpin and a few small jasmine flowers, and a green jade bracelet on her wrist. Her entire outfit was devoid of excessive ornamentation, yet it made her appear even more elegant and composed, like a cool breeze in this summer banquet.
Xiao Yeming felt a slight jolt in his heart, and his ears burned. The words he had prepared came out haltingly: "Madam Lu... you've come."
His voice was lower than usual, tinged with nervousness, "Was the journey... smooth?"
Lu Zhaoruo looked up at him and saw that his eyes were bright, but also revealed a little helplessness that was unique to young people and only showed in front of her. She couldn't help but smile.
She gave a slight curtsy, her voice calm and gentle: "Thank you for your concern, General Xiao. Everything is well. Congratulations, General."
Xiao Ye steadied himself and was about to say something more when he noticed that Lu Bohong was somewhat absent-minded, craning his neck and looking around among the guests, clearly searching for Zhan Fujun.
Xiao Yeming understood and said to Lu Bohong, "Brother Lu, there's no need to stand on ceremony. Please make yourself at home."
Lu Bohong felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and quickly clasped his hands in a salute: "Thank you, General!"
He then quickly headed towards the waterside pavilion where there were many women.
Not far away, Wang Miaoyin took in Xiao Yeming's gentle demeanor when facing Lu Zhaoruo, a demeanor completely different from his usual one.
Her eyes instantly welled up with tears; she felt utterly wronged.
But then, she thought of the dance she had carefully rehearsed for today, and a glimmer of hope rekindled in her heart.
Just you wait, Brother Ming!
When I perform my dance later, I'll make you look at me in a completely new light!
At this moment.
Xiao Ye saw a small leaf, blown down by the summer breeze, landing perfectly in Lu Zhaoruo's dark hair. The striking green added a touch of lively playfulness to her elegant image.
Xiao Yeming's heart skipped a beat, and almost instinctively, he raised his hand.
His movements were gentle, with a careful and cherished air, as his fingertips lightly brushed through her hair and plucked the leaf.
There is a leaf.
He explained in a low voice, much gentler than usual. His gaze briefly met hers before quickly looking away, a faint blush creeping onto his ears. The small leaf in his palm seemed to carry a scorching heat.
Lu Zhaoruo was slightly taken aback, and when she looked up, she met the tenderness and unease in his eyes that he hadn't had time to conceal.
actually.
She couldn't understand it either.
He clearly has feelings for me, but he's unwilling to marry me.
And he was not someone who cared about social status.
Of course, perhaps I don't fully understand him?
Sudden.
At the entrance of the garden, a clear and resonant announcement rang out: "The Lady of Yunxiu has arrived!"
The guests, who had been whispering among themselves because of the subtle atmosphere between Xiao Yeming and Lu Zhaoruo, fell silent instantly, and all eyes turned to the entrance.
Everyone in the capital knows how domineering and arrogant this only daughter of the Grand Princess and the current emperor's cousin is. More importantly, she has been in love with Xiao Yeming since childhood and has long regarded him as her own.
Lady Yunxiu was dressed in a pomegranate-red silk skirt embroidered with gold peonies, and a gold phoenix crown inlaid with kingfisher feathers and jewels. She was so noble that she looked down on everyone. With her chin slightly raised and her eyes straight ahead, she walked straight through the crowd with a brisk pace. Wherever she went, the guests made way for her.
She had a clear goal and went straight to Xiao Yeming.
After standing still, she first scrutinized Lu Zhaoruo from head to toe with a hostile gaze, then turned to Xiao Yeming, her tone undisguisedly commanding: "Xiao Yeming, I have something important to discuss with you privately."
She paused, then glanced at Lu Zhaoruo again, coldly shooing her away as if swatting away mosquitoes: "Unauthorized personnel, get out of the way!"
The phrase "irregulars" clearly conveys a sense of humiliation.
The atmosphere in the garden froze instantly, and everyone held their breath, watching how things would unfold.
Lu Zhaoruo felt the piercing gaze and the impolite expulsion, but her face showed no anger or panic.
Her expression remained calm, and she did not immediately follow his instructions to "retreat." Instead, she calmly turned to Xiao Yeming, gave a slight, elegant bow, and spoke in a clear, gentle voice: "Since General Xiao has such an honored guest, Zhaoruo will not disturb you any longer."
After saying that, she turned around gracefully and walked calmly toward the waterside pavilion.
His back was straight, showing no sign of dishevelment.
As soon as they reached the vicinity of the waterside pavilion, Princess Yongfu lifted her skirt and hurried over to greet them, affectionately taking her arm and pulling her to sit down by the railing overlooking the water.
She lowered her voice angrily and said, "Sister Zhaoruo, please don't take it to heart! Yunxiu is just spoiled by our mother. Who in the capital doesn't know what she's thinking? She's used to being arrogant and unruly because of her mother's achievements!"
As she spoke, she handed over a glass of chilled candied kumquats, picked one up and put it in her mouth first, before continuing to mutter, "My royal brother always gives her a wide berth, do you know why? Isn't it all because of my Grand Princess Aunt?"
Yongfu leaned closer, lowering his voice even further, with a lively air of sharing secrets: "Back when my elder brother was still the Crown Prince, he was in a difficult situation, and my aunt helped him a lot. He has always remembered this kindness. Also, when my aunt was young, my grandfather personally arranged for her to marry the prime minister at the time for the sake of the court."
“My aunt has sacrificed a lot for the country, so now my brother is being particularly lenient with her and her daughter.”
"Even the Empress Dowager and my sister-in-law would show them some deference."
She patted Lu Zhaoruo's hand, her eyes bright and sincere: "But don't worry, I'm here! No matter how arrogant she is, she won't dare to really do anything to me. Just treat her like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, don't let her ruin your good mood today! General Xiao clearly knows what's going on, look how sullen his face was just now!"
As Lu Zhaoruo listened to Princess Yongfu's heartfelt words of comfort, a warm feeling welled up in her eyes.
"Your Highness's golden words are etched in my heart."
Her voice was soft yet calm, “The Lady of Yunxiu is a bright pearl, and she has her own brilliance. I am but a tiny firefly, and it is already a stroke of luck that I have been able to receive some light. How dare I compete with the bright moon? To be able to attend this grand banquet today and witness the magnificence of the imperial family is already thanks to the great fortune of the General and His Highness.”
Her gaze was open and honest, showing no trace of inferiority or resentment: "Everything in this world has its place and its role. Although Zhaoruo comes from humble beginnings, she understands the principle of keeping to one's duty. How the princess fares is her destiny; how I fares is my own cultivation. As for General Xiao..."
She paused slightly, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the tall figure in the distance who was being entangled by Lady Yunxiu, and said softly, "General, with your dragon-like bearing and phoenix-like grace, you have your own world."
He paused, then said, "Your Highness, rest assured, this beautiful garden and the kind words of a close friend are already the best mood, and no one will spoil it."
Yongfu blinked his big eyes, full of affection: "Sister Lu, I love it when you talk!"
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