She was in a bad mood at first and didn't ask any questions. It wasn't until later that she noticed her father and mother seemed to often receive the shopkeepers in the side hall. She found it strange that these shopkeepers kept coming to the mansion, whether they had something to do or not.
Until that day, the kitchen simmered a new black chicken soup, which was both delicious and nourishing, and she thought of sending two bowls to her parents. However, she overheard several shopkeepers talking about her, their words full of dissatisfaction, as if they wanted to drag her to the river and drown her.
She stood there blankly outside the window, while her father inside the hall flew into a rage. He immediately ordered the steward to pay the group money, tear up the indentures, and then kick them out.
Shu Hua thought she would be very sad, but she wasn't. She was very calm, frighteningly calm, so calm that she could use this plan on her parents without any emotion.
—At least that's how it appears on the surface.
"Miss, it's almost time." The maid's voice pulled her back to reality. "It's time to head to the restaurant."
Shu Hua hummed in agreement, then took out some lip rouge and applied it to herself before chuckling softly and standing up.
The Dingtai Restaurant was bustling with noise, and pedestrians kept coming and going at the entrance, but no one was able to get inside.
There were quite a few people here today, but not many. Considering Shu Ji's original network, this was only about four or five tenths of the total.
Qin Xi and Lu Huai were also among those invited; at least, they were both relatively well-known figures in the capital. One was famous for his exceptional talent, while the other was despicable for his hedonistic lifestyle. Yet, they suddenly got married last year, and it was even by imperial decree, which was quite unexpected.
"Zihui," Qin Xi said, rushing forward to hold Shu Hua's hand as she arrived, "Are you alright?"
Shu Hua smiled easily, "I eat well and sleep early, so it's naturally good."
"That's good, that's good." Qin Xi said twice, and Shu Hua patted her hand to signal her not to worry.
Shu Hua turned around and walked to Mr. and Mrs. Shu's side, where Shu Zhan was also present. Mrs. Shu soothed her hair, and Shu Hua affectionately rubbed her hand against it, which elicited a sigh from Mrs. Shu.
Qin Xi's gaze followed Shu Hua closely, and he couldn't help but frown deeply.
She had a feeling that things weren't going well today.
Lu Huai understood what she was thinking, put his arm around her shoulder, and pressed her down into the chair without saying anything more.
"His Highness Prince Ye has arrived!"
"The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Nitric Acid has arrived!"
Upon hearing the voice, everyone bowed respectfully, saying, "This humble subject greets Your Highness."
They didn't need to pay their respects to Shangguan Jingci, or rather, they had no intention of doing so. Most people in the capital were arrogant and conceited; they had heard that the Kingdom of Jing had been suppressed and beaten for many years, and they looked down on it from the bottom of their hearts.
This gesture greatly honored Prince Ye, making him appear superior to Shangguan Jingci. Prince Ye smiled and gestured for them to rise.
Shangguan Jingci raised an eyebrow, said nothing, and simply sat down with Prince Ye.
At noon, Mr. Shu came out to give his opening remarks. He looked much more haggard lately, not because business was bad, but because people were gossiping about his daughter.
Most of the people present were seasoned veterans, with a few young people mixed in, none of whom were easily fooled.
Seeing that everyone had started eating, Shu Zhan was pushed over by Shu Hua and sat down next to Lu Huai.
"Why isn't Zihui coming over?" Qin Xi asked.
Shu Zhan's eyes were dull and lifeless. He shook his head, unwilling to say anything more.
Qin Xi and Lu Huai exchanged a glance and wisely refrained from asking any further questions.
"Greetings, Your Highness...Greetings," Shu Hua said, holding a wine cup in her hand, as she stood before Prince Ye and Shangguan Jingci.
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