The abstinent and powerful minister is cold and aloof during the day, but he adores her in his dream

Chapter 18 was just for fun.
This also serves as a reminder to the Lou family not to have too high hopes, lest they be disappointed in the end.

Lou understood the implication in her words and was unconvinced. Her Xin'er was the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Duke's mansion, with outstanding looks. Why couldn't she be noticed by the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion?

But he said, "I was just... talking nonsense, just for fun."

Wei didn't say anything more, but she sneered inwardly.

It seems the Lou family has forgotten that not long ago, Lu Xin made a fool of herself at the flower-viewing banquet they hosted, and her reputation has certainly spread.

Now the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion has sent an invitation, specifically inviting three young ladies to go together. In her opinion, Lu Xin and Lu Lan are just invited incidentally, since they live in the same mansion, and it would be inappropriate to only invite Zhi Wan.

But Lady Lou clearly thought that the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion had taken a liking to her Lu Xin.

"Make yourselves ready, we'll go together tomorrow," said Madam Wei.

Upon hearing this, Lu Xin became restless.

When the manor held a flower-viewing banquet last time, the heir of the Marquis of Xuanping also came. When she saw him, she found that he was handsome and had an extraordinary demeanor, and she was quite fond of him.

Could it be that he has taken a fancy to her by suddenly inviting them to his home to admire the flowers?
If that's the case, she'll have to go back and prepare her clothes and jewelry so she can dress up for the occasion tomorrow.

"Sister-in-law, if there's nothing else, I'll take the two sisters back first. They're suddenly going to attend a flower viewing banquet, so we'll have to prepare quite a few outfits for them." Lou said, but remained seated.

Madam Wei naturally understood the implication in her words, and said calmly, "As their mother, you do need to make proper preparations for them. You should go back now."

Seeing that she didn't show any reaction, Lou was disappointed and somewhat resentful.

The eldest sister-in-law has no daughter, yet she is unwilling to part with even a piece or two of her fine jewelry for her niece.

As she left, she glanced at Zhiwan sitting next to Madam Wei, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Her Xin'er is a proper young lady of the Lu family, and her niece, Wei Shi. Isn't she better than an outsider?

However, Lady Wei preferred to give all the good things to the orphaned girl Zhiwan rather than take care of her niece.

I really don't know what the Wei family was thinking.

After the three left, Madam Wei took Zhiwan's hand and explained, "Originally, Lu Xin was not allowed to be released from confinement, but the Marquis of Xuanping's residence sent an invitation, specifically inviting the three of you to go together."

“I understand,” Zhiwan nodded in understanding.

Madam Wei sighed, patted her hand and said, "Wan'er, come with me."

Zhiwan, not understanding why, followed her into the inner room.

On the dressing table, a dazzling array of jewelry was displayed.

"Aunt, what's wrong...?"

Madam Wei smiled and said, "The flower-viewing banquet at the Marquis of Xuanping's residence tomorrow will surely be lively. Take a look at these pieces of jewelry. If you like any of them, feel free to choose them. Dress up nicely tomorrow and outshine all those young ladies."

Upon hearing this, Zhiwan paused for a moment, then politely declined, saying, "Aunt, I don't want so much jewelry. The ones you picked out for me at the Treasure Pavilion last time, I haven't even worn them many times yet."

"You silly girl, people are eager to get something out of me, but you refuse when it's offered to you." Madam Wei said, both amused and exasperated.

Zhiwan knew that she was referring to the Lou family.

She understood the meaning behind Lou's words.

Lou has always been shrewd and calculating.

“But I really can’t wear that many. Please keep these and give them to your cousin-in-law later,” Zhiwan said earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Madam Wei became somewhat dejected. "Given your cousin's character, who knows when he'll finally get married?"

"When fate brings you together, your sister-in-law will naturally come into the family," Zhiwan comforted her.

"You little rascal, you're quite good at comforting people." Madam Wei laughed, coaxed. "If you're not going to choose, then I will." With that, she picked out a few pieces of jewelry, put them in a box, and handed them to Zhiwan. "Thank you, Aunt."

Zhiwan couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to accept it, thinking she would find another opportunity to return it to her aunt later.

……

The next day.

Considering that she was going to someone else's territory and that many young ladies were also attending, Zhiwan did not want to stand out too much, so she chose a lotus-root colored dress to wear and only decorated her hair with velvet flowers. However, she could not lose face for the Duke of Dingguo's mansion and let others mistakenly think that her aunt was mistreating her, so she chose a necklace from the jewelry that Wei had given her yesterday.

At first glance, it doesn't seem particularly eye-catching, but upon closer inspection, one can see that the necklace she is wearing is quite valuable.

When Zhiwan arrived at the front yard, Lu Xin and Lu Lan were already waiting.

Lu Xin was already impatient, and seeing that she arrived late, she was very displeased. "You have such a high and mighty attitude, daring to make us wait for you!"

Since they were going out today, Zhiwan didn't want to argue with her, so she ignored her and said to Lu Lan, "Lan'er, let's get in the carriage."

Lu Lan was secretly observing her.

His eyes flickered when he saw the necklace she was wearing.

The necklace that Zhiwan wore was far more valuable than all the jewelry that Lu Xin, the legitimate daughter, wore from head to toe.

When she saw Zhiwan speaking to her, she immediately nodded and said, "Okay."

Once inside the carriage, Lu Xin finally noticed the necklace around Zhi Wan's neck, and her expression darkened further. She said sarcastically, "Your aunt really dotes on you."

Zhiwan glanced at her, then raised her hand to touch the necklace around her neck. "Yes, my aunt loves me very much."

Lu Xin's gaze followed her movements and fell on her neck. The jewels and gems on the necklace made her clench her teeth instantly.

Auntie really has a soft spot for that little slut, Zhiwan.

They actually gave such an expensive necklace to Zhiwan so casually.

On the contrary, they were so stingy with her, the legitimate daughter of the Lu family.

Lu Xin was both jealous and angry, her eyes reddening. Thinking of the flower-viewing banquet last time, she couldn't help but say viciously, "What do you have to be so proud of? No matter how good your aunt is to you, can she be good to you forever? Once you leave the Duke of Dingguo's mansion and lose your aunt's protection, you'll probably live worse than a beggar!"

"Third sister, don't say that about Zhiwan..." Lu Lan couldn't help but say.

"Who are you? What right do you have to speak to me?" Lu Xin glared at her fiercely, then said sarcastically, "Some people want to curry favor with others, but they don't even know who the other person is. What can an orphan girl give you? Be careful not to end up with nothing!"

Lu Lan's face flushed red. "I...I didn't..."

Lu Xin snorted coldly, turned her head away, and ignored her.

Zhiwan glanced at her, not taking her seriously. Seeing Lu Lan's helpless look, she reached out and patted her hand, saying softly, "Don't pay attention to what she says."

Lu Lan's expression softened, and she nodded, "Mm."

The villa of the Marquis of Xuanping is located in the suburbs of the capital.

After exiting the city gate, the carriage traveled for another quarter of an hour before arriving.

This villa of the Marquis of Xuanping's residence is filled with peach trees, and at this time of year, the peach blossoms are in full bloom.

Zhiwan and the others entered the separate courtyard, led by servants from the Xuanping Marquis's residence.

Everywhere you look, there is a riot of color, as if you have stepped into a sea of ​​flowers, making you unable to resist being captivated by it.

As Zhiwan looked up at the vast peach blossom grove, someone suddenly shouted excitedly, "The heir of Marquis Xuanping has arrived!"

(End of this chapter)