The Female Cannon Fodder With Boundless Merits-Chapter 97: Love and the Embroidered Ball (7)

The county magistrate usually had a good relationship with Su Zhao-shi and could not bear to see him resented by the Second Prince, so he was willing to explain on his behalf.

Facing the woman Wen Rou, who was also highly regarded by the Second Prince, the county magistrate lowered his posture and respectfully said, "The Su Family’s marriages are not like our normal nuptials. They take in sons-in-law, so it’s normal for visiting families to bring gifts instead of coming personally to congratulate."

Wen Rou wrinkled her nose and said, "They must still be dissatisfied. Why should a son-in-law brought in be seen as inferior? It’s so cold and quiet; what kind of celebration is this for me to see?"

The county magistrate maintained a silent serenity, not wishing to get involved. He wondered how the Su Family had offended such an important person with ties to the Second Prince, leading her to set this trap.

Xuanyuan Jian was not entirely incompetent. He was not like Wen Rou, who was a newcomer to Zhao Country. He understood that he could not abuse his power too brazenly.

The Su Family had already made compromises, and their process of taking in a son-in-law was conducted entirely according to normal procedures. It didn’t matter if the wedding banquet seemed quiet; even if they chose not to hold a banquet and simply brought the bride in a small sedan chair, nobody could say a word.

In Zhao Country, a son-in-law who joined a wife’s family was invariably seen as inferior, and the more rigid households could even insist on cutting off relationships with their kin.

Within the household, his status was lower than a daughter-in-law’s, as he had to obey not only his wife but also his father-in-law.

Therefore, in Zhao Country, the men who were willing to marry into a wife’s family were few and far between. Yet many people competed for Miss Su’s hand—not only because Miss Su was indeed very beautiful, but also because the Su Family was known to be kind. Old Master Su even had the reputation of a Great Kind Person. Moreover, it was an open secret that the son-in-law who married in would be treated no differently than in a normal marriage and would receive tangible benefits, which is why so many competed for the opportunity.

But since this had never been publicly declared, the way the Su Family handled things now was blameless.

Even if Xuanyuan Jian was quite fond of Wen Rou, he could not actually push the Su Family to the brink of disaster.

Although Su Zhao-shi was a mere businessman, his charitable connections were not to be taken lightly. If pushed too far, even a vegetarian rabbit could bite.

There were other adult princes in Zhao Country, and each one wished they had eyes like mirrors, always looking to catch others’ shortcomings.

Xuanyuan Jian was not afraid, but unnecessary trouble was best avoided if possible.

Xuanyuan Jian said, "Don’t be upset. If you want to see a lively event, next month the young master of the Xie Family in the Capital is getting married. Would you like to attend the celebration with me?"

Although Xuanyuan Jian’s words seemed to ask for Wen Rou’s opinion, seeing the unquestionable look in his eyes, she could only pout and mumble a few complaints before reluctantly nodding her head.

Su Li, dressed in bright red wedding attire, was helped by her maid Xiao Xi. Her hair was styled into an elaborate coiffure, with a glass bead placed at the brow.

In the mirror, the reflection was dazzling, lighting up the entire room.

"Miss... you look so beautiful...."

Although they saw her face every day, Xiao Xi and the others would still be mesmerized every time.

With just a bit of dressing up, Su Li’s beauty seemed to increase exponentially.

She gently touched the bead hanging from her hair, smiled lightly, and softly said, "Let’s go."

The Second Prince and his party must have already arrived; it would not do to keep them waiting.

Before heading to the front hall, Su Li took Xiao Xi and the others to Lanzhi Courtyard, a place hurriedly prepared beside her own Jinxin Courtyard.

Wen Rou asked, "How is he?"

Without mentioning names, Xiao Xi knew precisely who her mistress was asking about.

"Sir... Sir..." Xiao Xi glanced at her mistress and, seeing no change in her expression, carefully proceeded, "Sir has been temporarily arranged to stay in the side courtyard of Jinxin Courtyard."

Seeing that Su Li had no objection, Xiao Xi continued, "Sir is now ready and is just waiting for the wedding banquet to begin."

Su Li paused in her steps, "Have Uncle Zhong arrange for some tougher guards."

"Let those guards go directly to Lanzhi Courtyard after this... As for him, have the kitchen prepare some extra food to be sent over to him."

Su Li arranged everything methodically, and soon they reached the outside of Lanzhi Courtyard.

Separated by the courtyard wall and door, Su Li could hear the disgruntled shouts of Huang Zheng from within.

"What do you all count for, daring to boss me around? Hurry up and bring me your lady, your mistress!"

Having washed and changed into clean clothes, Huang Zheng also looked somewhat respectable.

His features were regular, but nothing outstanding—a typical face that would get lost in a crowd.

At this moment, he was dressed in fine silk, lounging arrogantly on an Arhat bed with legs crossed, giving the impression that the Su Family had suddenly acquired another spoiled young master.

Su Li stood outside quietly for a while, with no intention of going in.

"Alright, let’s go."

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In the hall, Su Zhao-shi maintained a smiling face while exchanging courteous greetings with the guests seated there.

From the moment Xuanyuan Jian and the others entered, Su Zhao-shi had noticed them.

"I must excuse myself," Su Zhao-shi quickly wrapped up his conversation with a distant relative and turned to walk toward the group.

Before he even reached them, Su Zhao-shi was the first to bow deeply.

Seeing Old Master Su’s action, the others in the parlor were shocked, speculating about the identity of the visitors who warranted such grand gestures from Old Master Su, with even the county magistrate present as companion.

Xuanyuan Jian couldn’t stop Su Zhao-shi’s movement in time and had to solemnly accept his deep bow.

His eyes narrowing, a sharp glint flashed beneath his long eyelashes.

This Su Zhao-shi was quite interesting.

Afterwards, Su Zhao-shi didn’t make any further surprising moves, simply leading the group to take their seats at the head of the table.

"Second Young Master, we meet again. I hope you’ve been well."

A middle-aged scholar with a long and beautiful beard had somehow materialized beside them.

Seeing this man, Xuanyuan Jian’s expression subtly changed, his previously casual demeanor turning serious.

"Mr. Wen, what are you doing here?" Xuanyuan Jian looked around. "Can it be that my eldest brother has also arrived?"

Mr. Wen stroked his well-kept beard repeatedly, shaking his head with a smile, "No, the eldest prince has not come."

Xuanyuan Jian: "Then, has Mr. Wen had previous relations with the Su Family?"

Mr. Wen: "My daughter and the young Lady of the Su Family are old friends. When I heard that her friend was recruiting a son-in-law, she sent me a message by pigeon post late at night, hoping I could come here on her behalf to see."

Xuanyuan Jian: "That is indeed quite a coincidence."

Though he said it was a coincidence, his face didn’t carry that meaning at all.

His gaze, sharp as a torch, fixed upon Mr. Wen: "How come I never heard Miss Wen mention such a friend before."

Unfazed, Mr. Wen maintained his smile, "We’ve been away from Chaoshan for a few years now, it’s only to be expected that the Second Young Master wouldn’t know of this."