Sure enough, Hu Tianyong had his house locked. He was extremely grateful to anyone who came to visit, but he would never see any guests.
Hu Tianyong knew that he absolutely could not be too extravagant now; only by keeping a low profile could he handle things properly.
Knowing that he was going to propose marriage to Hu Feifan today, he had someone prepare a generous gift.
Qin Kou'er wasn't in a hurry.
After everything was prepared, he led his people to a teahouse not far from the Hu family's house and sat down to quietly drink tea.
There were quite a few people who came to celebrate the Hu family's birthday today. However, because they didn't want to displease the usually low-key Prime Minister, everyone left their gifts at this teahouse, which is why it's so crowded.
If Qin Kou'er hadn't spent a lot of money to find a private room, she would have had to stand outside.
Lan Linxue knew that Hu Tianyong would put on such a show, so today he brought all the ceremonial guards of the Prince's Mansion and led a large group of people to the front of the Hu Mansion.
Hmph, this Hu Tianyong may not give face to others, but he would never dare to disrespect the prince!
Even though this prince was the person he hated the most, he didn't dare to refuse him to his face.
Sure enough, as soon as the prince's entourage arrived, the steward immediately opened the gate, and Hu Tianyong personally led people out to welcome Lan Linxue in.
Lan Linxue stepped out of the carriage, glanced around with dazzling elegance, and then, with a smile, was helped down. She then addressed Hu Tianyong with an air of nobility, saying, "Today is the Prime Minister's birthday, yet the guests are all waiting outside. I wonder what the meaning of this is?"
Hu Tianyong smiled faintly and looked at Lan Linxue, saying in a less than enthusiastic manner, "This old man has merely wasted some time, how could I possibly hold a banquet? Besides, the palace has just lost its empress, and the Hu family is indeed not happy!"
Upon hearing this, Lan Linxue's eyes lit up immediately, and she gave Hu Tianyong a sharp look: "Prime Minister, what you said is not right. All the ladies in the palace are doing well, how come I haven't heard of any of them dying? As for those abandoned concubines in the Cold Palace, I advise you, Prime Minister, since the Emperor has abandoned them, you should forget about them as soon as possible! Otherwise, wouldn't that mean you're always blaming the Emperor for being unfair? If you're so focused on making things difficult for the Emperor, I'm afraid he won't feel very comfortable either?"
Hu Tianyong was surprised that Lan Linxue's words were so sharp and reasonable. He couldn't help but raise his head and give her a cold look.
After just one glance, Hu Tianyong immediately lowered his head in shame and said, "Your Highness is right! This old minister was not thoughtful enough. I was just thinking that my woman had not been properly educated and had done such a disgraceful thing to the family. I was ashamed to see guests!"
Lan Linxue immediately smiled beautifully and went over to help Hu Tianyong up: "Prime Minister, you're overthinking it! Everyone standing here, inside and out, is your disciple and student, so there's no need for such shame. Even I am here today with the utmost sincerity to wish you a happy birthday! Someone, bring out my birthday gift!"
Immediately, people below carried over a large box.
Lan Linxue nodded, and the servants opened the box.
Everyone was curious about what gift Lan Linxue had given them today. When they opened it, they found a box full of pine nuts.
Some people couldn't help but start to mock.
Even if Lan Linxue and Hu Tianyong don't get along, there's really no need for her to bring something so low-class.
However, Hu Tianyong was very pleased when he saw the box of pine nuts, and said repeatedly, "I never expected that Your Highness would give me such a thing. I am so happy that I cannot express my joy!"
Lan Linxue immediately laughed heartily, then proudly glanced around and said loudly, "In the end, it is the Prime Minister who is truly brilliant. He saw through my intentions at a glance! Compared to the Prime Minister, the eyes of the others are practically gouged out and used as bubbles to step on."
Today is the Prime Minister's sixtieth birthday, and I present him with a box of pine nuts. This symbolizes that Your Majesty will live as long and healthy as the evergreen pine, enjoying lasting happiness and prosperity. Furthermore, these pine nuts carry two additional meanings to wish Your Majesty many children and grandchildren, and a long and blessed life!
Lan Linxue's words were so beautifully spoken that even Qin Kou'er, who was not far away, nodded repeatedly. She knew that this rascal was always incredibly clever. It wasn't that he couldn't say nice things normally, but rather that he deliberately chose words that would annoy people. Look at him now, the words he uttered were even more pleasing to the ear than a song.
Although Hu Tianyong had always been mortal enemies with Lan Linxue, he was overjoyed by Lan Linxue's words and thanked her repeatedly. He then ordered his servants to carefully carry the box of things inside.
With Lan Linxue's entry, others naturally followed suit and entered as well.
Today is Hu Tianyong's birthday, and the Hu family has made extra preparations well in advance. However, since Hu Tianyong has not given his approval, they are all inside making preparations.
Upon seeing the guests arrive, they all hurried out to greet them.
Hu Feifan and his father stood at the door, the eldest son and grandson greeting the guests with great solemnity.
Qin Kou'er, accompanied by her entourage carrying her gifts, approached Hu Feifan with a smile and bowed: "Brother Hu, it's been a long time! I wonder how you've been? Today is the Prime Minister's birthday, and I hope my visit is not presumptuous!"
Hu Feifan has always been reluctant to part with Qin Kou'er. Last night, after hearing his grandfather say that he was going to marry Qin Kou'er off to a child from the Xu family, he was depressed and lost in thought all night.
Even though he heard that the Emperor was going to marry Qin Kou'er to Lan Linxue, he never accepted it in his heart.
Seeing Qin Kou'er standing before him, he was filled with a mix of emotions, his gaze towards her complex and unreadable. If his father hadn't been standing beside him, he would have loved to go over and take Qin Kou'er's hand for a proper talk.
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