Gu Qinlan gently pushed aside the pearl hairpin in her hair and smiled calmly: "There's no smoke without fire. Since they've come to our door, let's go and meet them. Let's go, don't keep them waiting."
In the front hall, the Zheng clan patriarch led several elders to their seats in the center. Maids moved nimbly back and forth, serving cups of fragrant tea one after another.
Chief Zheng took a sip of the tea that was brought to his lips, then his gaze fell on Jiang Ye with a hint of scrutiny: "Who are you? Your face is so unfamiliar?"
Jiang Ye bowed respectfully and replied, "Reporting to Clan Chief Zheng, I am Jiang Ye, the newly appointed steward of the Prince Duan's residence."
Upon hearing this, Chief Zheng frowned slightly. He slammed his teacup down on the table, his tone filled with displeasure: "So you're the new steward Gu Qinlan has found? As expected, those of humble origins are hardly fit for such a refined manner. A mere servant dares to act so arrogantly in front of us; you truly lack proper upbringing and are utterly unbecoming!"
Just as Jiang Ye was about to speak in his defense, Gu Qinlan's gentle voice drifted in from outside the hall: "If we, from humble families, are lacking in manners, we can be forgiven. But what should be the punishment for someone like Clan Chief Zheng, from a prestigious family, if he behaves improperly?"
Everyone looked toward the source of the sound and saw Gu Qinlan leading the group into the hall.
She wore a long, moonlit dress, simple yet elegant, her face beautiful and her demeanor noble. Though her expression did not show anger, everyone could sense her displeasure and determination in her calm and composed gaze.
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