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Lu Qi was waiting for this sentence, and immediately said with a smile: "Thank you, my Lord."

The Fanyang Lu family actually knew what Lu Xuan's situation was like in the Nanyang Palace. No matter what, Lu Xuan was still the princess's biological father. As a father, Lu Xuan always had a say in the princess's marriage. Whether it would work or not, they had to give it a try.

Lu Xuan smiled reservedly, and looking at his cousin who was smiling amicably, he felt a sense of pride and complacency in his heart.

Back then, whether it was Lu Cong or Lu Qi, they were both legitimate sons that he could not reach. Now, shouldn't he still be respectful to him?
Therefore, no matter how much he had to swallow his anger, he had to stay in the Nanyang Palace. Without the palace, he was nothing. Only by staying here could he be the Lu Junma, and everyone had to bow and flatter him.

Madam Xue was supported and walked out. Chen Changshi personally presided over the princess' coming-of-age ceremony and announced loudly: "The auspicious time has arrived. Please take your seats and watch the ceremony."

Jiang Shaohua, wearing a skirt, walked out with a smile and bowed to her father Lu Xuan. This is a bow.

Afterwards, the main guest, Madam Xue, put a hairpin on the princess. The princess changed into a long gown with a curved hem and bowed again.

Afterwards, Old Madam Xue added a hairpin and a crown to the princess, and the princess changed into a formal dress with wide sleeves and a long skirt, and performed the third bow.

The coming-of-age ceremony was grand and solemn and lasted for an hour.

"The princess has finally come of age."

Eunuch Zhao, who was sitting in the VIP seat watching the ceremony, turned to Eunuch Ge beside him and said with a smile: "Look at the Nanyang Palace today. There are so many guests. It's so lively."

Eunuch Ge smiled knowingly and whispered, "It's a pity that the princess insisted on marrying a son-in-law. Otherwise, if Wang Sheren and Zheng Sheren came again today, it would be even more lively."

The two eunuchs, who were childless, spoke in a rather vulgar way about love affairs between men and women.

Eunuch Zhao was idle, so he began to comment on the young men in bright clothes: "The seventh son of the Xue family is said to be mediocre in his studies, and is only the nephew of Governor Xue. Even if the princess wants to marry him, he is not qualified."

"Cui Jiulang of the Qinghe Cui family is the best in terms of family background. But unfortunately, he is also a useless person. Come to think of it, a truly talented man would never be willing to marry into the family of the wife."

"The young man brought by the Lu family of Fanyang is the grandson of the head of the Lu family. His family background is not good enough. However, he has a handsome face. He might be favored by the princess..."

Eunuch Ge glanced at Eunuch Zhao and thought that the princess was not a silly girl who only looked at appearance.

Eunuch Zhao was so excited that he evaluated the dozen young men one by one, and finally concluded: "... they are all far inferior to the Earl of Changning."

Eunuch Ge laughed softly, "Of course. The ability and capability of Lord Changning is second to none in the whole court. Princess Nanyang has a plan and has been building momentum for Lord Changning. Lord Changning has his own title, and he has the Cui family of Boling behind him. How can these useless people be Lord Changning's opponents?"

While the two eunuchs were chatting, they looked at Changning Earl Cui Du who was not far away.

In terms of appearance, Cui Du is not as good as Qiao Sanlang, but he is also first-class. Today, he is wearing a count's dress, and his demeanor immediately jumps out in front of everyone, like a peacock spreading its tail, which is particularly eye-catching.

After the coming-of-age ceremony was completed, the distinguished guests moved in and took their seats.

Normally, a woman would not show up after completing her coming-of-age ceremony. However, there was no such rule in the Nanyang Palace. Jiang Shaohua changed out of her coming-of-age dress, put on a princess's dress, and sat at the top seat with a calm face.

Sitting at the table with her were Governor Xue and Madam Xue, and the two chief secretaries Chen and Feng. There was also Lu Junma, Lu Qi from the Fanyang Lu family, and Cui Ping from the Boling Cui family. As for the other family members or those sent by the governors of the north, their ranks were not high enough to sit at the same table with the princess.

"Please invite Lord Changning to this seat." Jiang Shaohua ordered with a smile.

The stableman standing nearby immediately agreed, and a moment later, Cui Du came over.

Cui Du is usually careless, but today, he was particularly smart and sharp-witted as he heard someone give him some pointers. He deliberately sat in the last seat and greeted everyone with the courtesy of a junior.

Feng Changshi glanced at Chen Changshi.

It seems that the booklet you spent several days making is of no use.

Chen Changshi stroked his beard and smiled, looking contented.

Why is it useless? The Duke of Changning was so anxious that he "recommended himself", and the princess deliberately gave the Duke of Changning face in front of others. If he hadn't added fuel to the fire, how could the current situation come about?

Feng Changshi couldn't help laughing when he saw his old friend's smug look. This old man is full of tricks.

Everyone watched what happened at the table. Seeing the Duke of Changning and the princess sitting at the same table, those who were interested in getting married felt sorry for them.

Old Madam Xue was unyielding and resolute. She laughed at the princess and said, "It's rare for me to come to the Nanyang Palace. I would like to stay for a few days."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "I can't invite a distinguished guest like the old lady normally, so just stay here with peace of mind."

Madam Xue smiled happily and said, "I am sorry to bother you."

Governor Xue glanced at his mother, feeling helpless.

……

Old Madam Xue was not the only one who shamelessly stayed. People from the Cui family of Qinghe and the Lu family of Fanyang also stayed.

The rest who felt that they had no hope of getting married left one after another. The last ones who stayed were Xue Qilang, Qiao Sanlang, and Cui Jiugongzi.

Madam Xue was the most blatant. She would bring her grandson Xue Qilang around in front of the princess every day. She would say, "My Qilang has been studious and motivated since he was young. He gets up early and goes to bed late every day, and studies very hard."

Xue Qillang's face flushed with praise.

Xue Liuniang couldn't listen any longer and coughed softly: "Seventh brother didn't pass the provincial examination this year. Next year, you must work hard and strive to pass the examination and become a scholar."

Don't brag anymore. How dare you say you are studious and hardworking when you don't even have the title of a scholar?

Xue Qilang's handsome face turned red and he felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.

Old Madam Xue didn't take it seriously and continued to praise her grandson for being filial, considerate, good-tempered and good-looking, with nothing wrong with him.

Jiang Shaohua was quite well-mannered, and did not refute, but listened with a smile, occasionally agreeing with a sentence or two.

"My lord," the horse herder came back and reported, "Magistrate Cui and Madam Cui are outside seeking an audience."

No matter how reluctant County Magistrate Cui and his wife were, they had to deal with their clansmen and gritted their teeth and brought Cui Jiulang to see the princess.

"My Lord, the Lu family and Lu Junma are here."

Chen Jinyu reported softly.

Now that they are here, we cannot chase them away.

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "Please come in."

So, Lu Xuan and Lu Qi brought Qiao Sanlang, who had a face as beautiful as jade, into the main hall.

Everyone loves to look at beautiful women. Jiang Shaohua was no exception and couldn't help but glance at Qiao Sanlang.

Lu Qi was very proud, thinking that the mother and daughter looked similar, both of them loved beauty. As long as Qiao Sanlang married into the palace, the relationship between the Fanyang Lu family and the Nanyang Palace would be closer in the future.

The atmosphere in the main hall was quite subtle.

Old Madam Xue was a little annoyed. Cui Jiulang had the best family background, and Qiao Sanlang was born with a good appearance. Compared with these two, her grandson had no advantage at all.

At this moment, Changning Earl Cui Du also arrived. (End of this chapter)