The Female Cannon Fodder With Boundless Merits-Chapter 98: The Romance of the Embroidered Ball (8)

Su Li appeared in the front hall wearing a bright red embroidered dress, and aside from a few seated at the high table, everyone else, whether seated or standing, all offered Su Li their attention with a respectful gaze.

Su Li pressed her lips into a smile and gracefully bowed to the uncles and older family members gathered, "Thank you to all the relatives and friends present for attending the wedding banquet. I apologize for any inadequacies in hosting."

"Why is the bride handling the guests? This doesn’t seem to conform to tradition." Wen Rou’s abrupt voice stood out distinctly amid the chorus of congratulations.

Mr. Wen gave Wen Rou a probing look, "It seems Miss Wen is not very familiar with the customs and people of Zhao Country, you are...."

Before Mr. Wen could finish his probing statement, Xuan Yuan Jian interjected, "She has just been secluded in the boudoir for long and knows little about the outside world."

Such an explanation was far-fetched, but Mr. Wen merely smiled and did not dwell on the issue.

If one were to delve deeper, several aspects about the lady accompanying the Second Young Master seemed dubious, but it was not suitable to probe too far at this time.

The County Magistrate spoke up to ease the atmosphere, "You might not be aware, girl, that the Su Family is recruiting a son-in-law. Now that Miss Su is hosting the guests, it signifies that she will have a part in heading the Su Family in the future. This is also an opportunity to make a statement to everyone."

"In the future, Miss Su will also have a place in the Chaoshan City Chamber of Commerce. It remains to be seen whether she is up to the task."

The County Magistrate was privately worried. Given his relationship with the Su Family, he knew that Su Zhao-shi had never wanted his daughter to shoulder so much, wishing only for her happiness and safety. Thus, he had always raised his daughter towards the ideal of a virtuous wife.

Mr. Wen stroked his beard and said meaningfully, "This Miss Su might just be a heroine among women, certainly no less capable than a man."

Wen Rou was visibly displeased. She glanced sideways at the center of the hall where Su Li, who appeared delicate and tearful, hardly looked the part of a heroine.

How could these men be so blindsided, as if their eyes were veiled? Did they think that being beautiful justified any form of praise?

She had intended to merely enjoy the spectacle, but now Wen Rou was filled with indignation.

Wen Rou’s discontentment did not sit well with Su Zhao-shi and some of the Su Family members, but considering the company she kept, no one dared to speak up. Instead, everyone naturally distanced themselves from the few seated at the high table.

For a moment, an empty space formed around them.

On one side, there was a lively exchange of pleasantries, while the other side bore a gloomy atmosphere.

Xuan Yuan Jian didn’t care, and Mr. Wen and the County Magistrate, as if unaware of the tension, engaged in a conversation on the side. That left Wen Rou feeling awkward and uncomfortable with her bold demeanor.

She tugged at Xuan Yuan Jian’s sleeve, "Ah Jian, a wedding with only a bride and no groom doesn’t seem right." Her eyes rolled suggestively as she seemingly hatched a plan, "Why not... why not have them call the groom out to meet the guests too?"

Wen Rou was certain Xuan Yuan Jian would agree to her request.

Xuan Yuan Jian replied, "If you’re bored, why don’t I take you to Que Man Building for some roast duck? Weren’t you craving their food just yesterday?"

Such a minor request would usually be indulged by Xuan Yuan Jian to please Wen Rou, but with Mr. Wen present, Xuan Yuan Jian had to consider his actions carefully.

Mr. Wen was not just any strategist; calling him the right-hand man of his elder brother wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

He didn’t know if his elder brother had heard some rumors, which was why Mr. Wen had been personally dispatched here.

As for the tales Mr. Wen spun about his younger sister having old ties with Miss Su, Xuan Yuan Jian would scoff at such stories, listening without taking them seriously.

Wen Rou clearly hadn’t expected her request to be rejected. Her eyes widened, and a wave of aggrievement rushed toward her, instantly reddening her eyes, which deeply pained Xuanyuan Jian.

Yet in this situation, Xuanyuan Jian steeled his heart and did not agree, but added a condition: "Ying Province recently sent me a box of jewels; let me have Ah Gui deliver them to you, okay?"

From the moment Su Li entered the hall, she had been dividing her energy, keeping a close watch on the few people seated up front, capturing every little movement in her gaze.

During this period, Wen Rou, pampered and spoiled by Xuanyuan Jian, had lost her sense of propriety. She almost forgot that, regardless of everything, Xuanyuan Jian was a ruthless prince, not the former boyfriend she used to let herself lose her temper with without considering the occasion.

Wen Rou was quite displeased and wanted to make a scene.

Mr. Wen: "The Second Young Master’s new ’Jiaojiao’ seems to have quite a temper."

The phrase "new ’Jiaojiao’" struck a chord in Wen Rou’s heart.

What she cared about the most was, being a prince, he inevitably had multiple wives and countless admirers. However, Xuanyuan Jian’s persistent affection had moved her; otherwise, even though he was a prince, she wouldn’t bother with him.

With a fierce frown, Wen Rou retorted, "Who are you calling the new ’Jiaojiao’?"

In front of Mr. Wen, feeling his face was losing honor, Xuanyuan Jian no longer indulged Wen Rou.

"Enough, stop making a scene," Xuanyuan Jian said sternly, "Do you understand propriety?"

Xuanyuan Jian: "Mr. Wen, I apologize for what you’ve had to see."

Though Xuanyuan Jian’s words were pleasant, his face was dark.

Mr. Wen knew that this vengeful Second Prince thoroughly despised him.

Wen Rou thought Xuanyuan Jian was throwing a snide look her way, and in that moment, tears began to uncontrollably stream down her face. Yet she stood firmly, seething with indignation inside, yet she did not flee.

Observing silently, Su Li timely approached with a cup of rice wine, slowly walking towards the group, "Thank you all for attending the wedding. This cup, please allow me to drink first as a sign of respect."

Mr. Wen: "The time was short, Qinglian couldn’t make it to Chaoshan, but she urged me repeatedly to bring her heartfelt regards."

Su Li: "To have Uncle personally offer congratulations is an honor for both me and the Su Family... How is Qinglian now? It’s been years since we last met, I miss her dearly..."

County Magistrate: "It turns out Mr. Wen and Niece Su have an old connection..."

Su Li, chatting joyously with the two eminent gentlemen, said, "Speaking of which, my wedding has greatly benefited from the efforts of Mr. Xuan and Miss Wen. They’ve put in a great deal of effort; I, Su Li, will remember this kindness."

Su Li suddenly smiled warmly, lifting her cup towards Xuanyuan Jian and Wen Rou.

Xuanyuan Jian’s slender fingers tapped intermittently on the tabletop, his lips curling into a strange smile.

Miss Su’s insinuations, he understood fully, but he didn’t take them to heart at all.

Just a woman, however capable, what could she possibly do to him?

Just like a massive elephant in the face of a tiny ant, would it care?

Xuanyuan Jian: "It’s also our fate to have connected with Miss Su, promoting a fine marriage, which is quite joyous. Miss Su need not be too grateful."