Who among the gangsters wants to fall in love?

Chapter 396 Dim lights
Sizzle—bang!

After Zhao Wumian returned to Beijing, all the girls of Zeng Lengyue were cheering. Some of them took firecrackers and sat on the terrace, put their feet into the clear lake water, raised their hands to light the firecrackers, and threw them towards the lake.

The surface of the lake seemed to be struck by sudden thunder, which startled the fish that were blowing bubbles on the surface of the lake and made them quickly flick their tails and dive to the bottom of the lake.

Zhao Wumian walked down the hall. Before he found Xiao Yuanmu, he saw Luo Xiangzhu sitting on the first step of the stairs, with her knees together, her skirt covered with pure white silk stockings that exposed her ankles, and a small bag slung around her waist.

She looked at the other people in the hall, her expression a little reserved. Occasionally, she took out dried fruits from her small bag and put them between her lips to chew, but rather than eating, it was more like finding something to do for herself.

Hearing footsteps, she turned around, her cheeks puffed up and she smiled. She quickly stood up, patted the hem of her skirt, and raised her chin to look at Zhao Wumian.
Zhao Wumian walked closer, "Why are you sitting here?"

Luo Xiangzhu took a handful of melon seeds from her small bag for Zhao Wumian, and Zhao Wumian raised his hand to take them.

Then Luo Xiangzhu pointed at him.

Waiting for you.

"Then there's no need to wait here... didn't I ask Yuan Mu to look after you?"

Luo Xiangzhu smiled shyly and shook her head slightly.

I'm not that familiar with her, so it's kind of awkward to be with her.

As she spoke, Luo Xiangzhu held up her small bag with both hands and shook it gently, making a rustling sound.

But she gave me a lot of snacks.

Zhao Wumian looked at Luo Xiangzhu's rosy and happy face, and realized that he was surrounded by many girls, but Luo Xiangzhu was different, she only had him.

Zhao Wumian cracked melon seeds and smiled.

"But I can't just leave you here alone... Come on, follow me and teach Xiao Yuanmu a lesson. I'll help you get back at justice."

……

"Is your aunt's body pretty?"

Inside Xiao Yuanmu's room, with these plain words, Zhao Wumian's original aggressiveness softened in an instant, and his tone was slightly surprised, "You ordered it?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Xiangzhu's almond-shaped eyes widened as she stared back and forth at Zhao Wumian and Xiao Yuanmu...then she silently took out some dried fruit from her small bag, stuffed it between her lips, and chewed quietly.

Xiao Yuanmu sat in front of a small table, put a bunch of crimson begonias into a vase, looked at them carefully, and ignored Zhao Wumian.

She seldom wore red skirts, at least as far as Zhao Wumian could remember, she had never worn such a bright color. The hem of her skirt had beautiful pleats, and her fair face matched the deep red begonias perfectly.

Zhao Wumian couldn't help but look at it a few more times.

"Beautiful?" After arranging the flowers, Xiao Yuanmu looked at the begonias for a few seconds, then noticed Zhao Wumian's gaze. She raised her hand to lift the hem of her skirt, revealing her smooth and white calves underneath.

Zhao Wumian exclaimed at the newly-arranged crabapple flowers, "They are so beautiful. They have a bit of your master's charm."

"I didn't plant this flower... When did I ever plant a flower?"

"Then why are you fiddling with it?"

"When I am happy, naturally no matter how boring something is, it will seem interesting at this moment."

"Because I'm back?"

"kindness."

The two stood in front of the vase and chatted casually.

After they finished talking about flowers, Zhao Wumian came back to his senses, his expression became serious, "You asked my aunt to take off her bath towel on purpose to test me?"

Luo Xiangzhu, who was originally a little bored, became more cheerful after hearing this. She looked at Xiao Yuanmu and then at Zhao Wumian with her beautiful eyes.

"I only asked her to test whether you had sexual desire for her... but I didn't tell her to take off her bath towel? She actually took off her bath towel!?"

Xiao Yuanmu's tone became a little colder. He sat down in front of the small desk and glanced at Zhao Wumian.

It was obviously Xiao Yuanmu who asked Xiao Lengyue to test Zhao Wumian, but now that the test was really done, she began to feel unhappy.

The windows were wide open, and the autumn wind blew into the house, carrying the smoke from the firecrackers set off by the girl downstairs.

"…Taking off the bath towel was just an accident. Auntie definitely didn't think of taking off the bath towel at first." Zhao Wumian explained.

Luo Xiangzhu looked at the two of them without making any sound. She just continued to take out dried fruits from her small bag silently and stuffed them into her soft pink lips to chew.

Xiao Yuanmu didn't listen to Zhao Wumian's explanation at all, and pressed on step by step.
"How is it? Are you lustful? I want to press my master down on the couch, rub and kiss her, then lift her legs up, call her auntie, and..."

"Wait." Zhao Wumian raised his hand to stop him, then pulled over Luo Xiangzhu, whose pretty face was blushing as she listened, and said, "I'm here to help the little mute."

Luo Xiangzhu blinked her eyes and stopped watching the show. She lowered her pretty face and looked shy.

Xiao Yuanmu rolled his eyes and sat leisurely in front of the small desk, "Don't give me that... Whether my master's body is good-looking or not, you haven't answered me yet."

Zhao Wumian raised his hand and made an arc in the air.

"Everyone is happy..."

Click————

The vase that had just been planted with the begonia was crushed by Xiao Yuanmu in an instant, "Are you really remembering it?"

How pitiful, crabapple flower.

Zhao Wumian finally understood that this topic was wrong no matter how it was discussed.

"I'll bring Chaoyan and the Queen Mother over for dinner tonight..."

Before he finished speaking, Xiao Yuanmu began to grit his teeth, stepped on the small table with his embroidered shoes, and pounced over, wrestling with Zhao Wumian.

"How dare you mention those two women to me? Luo Chaoyan is Luo Chaoyan, and you even want to call the Queen Mother over... I knew that you and that woman were having an affair!"

Zhao Wumian didn't try to coax her, and said:

"You said you were in a good mood and gave advice to your aunt, but now you change your face in the blink of an eye. You are almost thirty years old. Why are you still as emotionally unstable as a little girl?"

"Who's almost thirty!?"

The childhood sweethearts who had reunited after a long separation waited a lot for Zhao Wumian to regain his memory, but as soon as they met, they started fighting after just a few words.

Luo Xiangzhu hid in the corner, holding up her small bag with both hands to cover her face, shivering.

The two did not separate until Xiao Lengyue came back dressed neatly and in a good mood.

"How old are you? Are you still fighting as soon as you see each other like when you were little?"

Xiao Lengyue, with her hair tied up and wearing a simple dress, stood in front of the door. There was no trace of blush on her face, only a helpless smile and a gentle voice.

Xiao Yuanmu's hair was disheveled, his clothes were wrinkled, and the furniture in the room was in a mess, as if it had just been ruined by Zhao Wumian.

Zhao Wumian was not much better.

The two looked at each other and snorted coldly at the same time.

Xiao Lengyue didn't know that she was involved in the fight between the two. She thought that Xiao Yuanmu definitely didn't want Luo Chaoyan to come over for dinner.

However, this look reminded her of their childhood, so she couldn't help but smile and started to teach Xiao Yuanmu a lesson.

"If Wumian wants to let those two people from the imperial court have a simple meal, then just let them have it. You are the Palace Master of Taixuan Palace after all, how can you not even have this little grace?"

Xiao Yuanmu snorted coldly again, and glanced sideways at Luo Xiangzhu who was looking at him curiously. Then he remembered that there were other girls watching him, and he couldn't offend Zhao Wumian's reputation in public, so he nodded.

"Come if you want, so as to prevent Luo Chaoyan from thinking that I'm afraid of her, and..." Xiao Yuanmu's almond-shaped eyes turned and narrowed slightly, looking at Zhao Wumian.

"You'd better take some time to explain to me what happened between you and the Queen Mother... Why didn't you refute me just now? Why not just say that you and the Queen Mother are innocent?"

"I never lie to you. I'll tell you whatever you ask."

As he spoke, Zhao Wumian raised his hand and made an arc in the air, meaning that he even described Aunt Leng Yue's figure honestly, so isn't that being honest with you?

Understanding what he meant, Xiao Yuanmu became furious. He turned his head away, walked to the window and looked at the sky.

"I'm hungry because of you... Let's have lunch."

Luo Xiangzhu showed an expression that it was true... She knew that the Queen Mother also liked her brother Wumian.

After having a peaceful meal, Zhao Wumian took Luo Xiangzhu to get acquainted with Zeng Lengyue's girls one by one, and then took her to the palace.

Luo Chaoyan and the Queen Mother had just finished lunch in Kunning Palace and were sitting together on lounge chairs in the courtyard of Kunning Palace, basking in the sun, looking very comfortable.

Zi Yi also had a rare moment of leisure. She sat on the swing built under the locust tree in the yard. Her embroidered shoes tapped the ground lightly, making the swing creak. She was flipping through a book in her hands, her pretty face serious.

This is a medical book searched out from Jiuli. Zhu Jiutian can be regarded as the best master of Gu in the world, but medicine and Gu are inseparable, otherwise Wudamu would not have let Zhu Jiutian help him heal his wounds.

Zi Yi's medical skills are considered the best in the world, but they are obviously far behind Zhu Jiutian's. These medical books were written by Zhu Jiutian himself and are of great benefit to her.

The Queen Mother was wearing a phoenix skirt, leaning on a recliner. Her plump breasts did not sag at all even when she was lying down. When she saw Zhao Wumian, she lazily fanned herself with a round fan.

"I thought the Marquis was bewitched by Zeng Lengyue's woman and would not come back."

Luo Xiangzhu stood behind Zhao Wumian and stared at the empress dowager quietly. She didn't think so before, but now she felt that the empress dowager's attitude towards Zhao Wumian was too intimate. She didn't have the slightest sense of alienation as the mother of the country towards her subjects.

Zhao Wumian smiled and invited them to have dinner at Zeng Lengyue.

Luo Chaoyan was reading the memorials in the sun. She took off her complicated dragon robe and put on a plain long skirt. Hearing this, she sat up and looked at Zhao Wumian in confusion.

"You want us to have a simple meal with Xiao Yuanmu? Are you stupid or is Xiao Yuanmu stupid?"

The Queen Mother also restrained her lazy expression, sat up straighter, and looked surprised and doubtful.

"Okay." Zi Yi seemed quite indifferent and responded casually, his eyes still looking at the medical book.

She and Xiao Yuanmu had no interactions and they had never confronted each other. To her, Xiao Yuanmu was just Zhao Wumian's lover and had no other identity. At most, he was just a little unhappy with his disciple.

Even now, Ziyi is still trying to find a way to help Xiao Yuanmu solve his physical problems, but she has not found a solution yet.

That's why Zhao Wumian didn't mention her to Xiao Yuanmu just now. He believed that Xiao Yuanmu didn't care whether Zi Yi came to dinner or not, and might even welcome her.

Luo Chaoyan glanced at Zi Yi, then frowned slightly and asked, "Do you really want to create an opportunity for us to get along with Xiao Yuanmu?"

"You can't just stay frozen forever."

Zhao Wumian walked into the yard and asked the female official Zhongli to bring two more lounge chairs. He lay down side by side with them in the yard, basking in the sun comfortably, and continued:

"Your Majesty is kind and generous, and Your Majesty is the mother of a country. I don't think you will have any small temper with Yuan Mu? It's okay if we just have a meal together and don't talk to her at the table."

Luo Chaoyan's brows were still tightly furrowed. She had never thought that one day she would be able to have a simple meal with Xiao Yuanmu in harmony.

You should know that the last time they went to Zeng Lengyue, the two women picked on each other, mocked each other, and almost killed each other.

The Queen Mother lay down again, picked a grape from the small table beside her and put it between her lips, then asked lazily:

"Xiao Yuanmu also asked the Marquis to stay at Zeng Lengyue tonight. You are in trouble, right?"

"I really want you to reconcile." Zhao Wumian said honestly.

After hearing this, Luo Chaoyan came back to her senses and asked, "Have you already talked to Xiao Yuanmu? Does she know we are coming?"

"kindness."

Luo Chaoyan sighed softly and stood up slowly, "I can't let you lose face in front of Xiao Yuanmu..."

After that, she straightened her dress, glanced at Zhao Wumian, and said:
"If we go, it can be regarded as a signal to Xiao Yuanmu... Dali is not unable to accommodate Taixuan Palace. As long as she gives up the rebellion against Li Fuchen, it is not impossible for them to live in harmony in the future."

Zhao Wumian closed his eyes. The atmosphere in Kunning Palace was very relaxing and comfortable, which made him feel a little tired. His tone was not much different from that of the Empress Dowager, and he said lazily:
"Yes, I will convey it."

Luo Chaoyan nodded, then realized what was going on and asked, "I also asked the palace to buy a lot of fresh ingredients, and I plan to make some home-cooked dishes myself later..."

"Take it to Zeng Lengyue when it's done, and let Yuanmu see the emperor's craftsmanship." Zhao Wumian said with a smile.

"Yuan Mu is just a woman from the martial arts world. She is also the Palace Master of Taixuan Palace. She rarely cooks herself. Her cooking skills are definitely not as good as His Majesty's."

Luo Chaoyan was a little happy in her heart because of the compliment, but she still kept a straight face and corrected him:
"Xiao Yuanmu."

"..."

Zhao Wumian closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.

Luo Chaoyan smiled helplessly, then pulled up the Queen Mother, "Mother, show us your skills, too. I like your deer tail stuffed fish... Where's Master?"

"No, I'm going. I need to study medical books. I'll teach you after I've mastered the skills." Zi Yi was still swinging on the swing, his eyes never leaving the medical books.

Luo Chaoyan looked at Luo Xiangzhu again, "Sister, are you going too?"

Luo Xiangzhu was taking off his coat and bending down to cover Zhao Wumian with it. Hearing this, he thought for a few seconds and followed.

As the daughter of a vassal king, she has lived a life of luxury since childhood, but her cooking skills are average and definitely not as good as Luo Chaoyan's.

If you do this and learn a few more skills, you will be able to become Zhao Wumian’s good wife in the future.

"Wait until the dishes are ready, then change your clothes and dress up. Don't show your fear."

"According to my understanding, Xiao Yuanmu doesn't care about appearance, let alone compare with it..."

"It's not her business."

Zhao Wumian listened to the clear voices of the women as they walked away. In the warm sunlight, covered with Luo Xiangzhu's coat, his nose was filled with Luo Xiangzhu's faint fragrance.

The courtyard was silent for a moment, and the palace maids standing around did not dare to make any noise. The only sound was the faint sound of the woman in purple rocking the swing, occasionally mixed with the sound of her turning pages.

Zhao Wumian felt comfortable and soon fell asleep. When he woke up, the sky was already rosy with wisps of flowing clouds.

I heard the sound of even breathing beside me. I glanced sideways and saw Zi Yi covered with a thin blanket, leaning on another recliner, also taking a nap.

The hair on her forehead mischievously stuck to her red lips.

Zhao Wumian rubbed his eyes. He could hear the soft voices of several women in Kunning Palace. They were still trying on clothes. It was obvious that the food had already been prepared.

Zhao Wumian looked at Zi Yi, raised his hand and gently hooked the hair between her lips, his fingers touched her pink lips, soft and moist.

The palace maids standing around lowered their eyebrows and pretended not to see anything.

He gently pushed Zi Yi's shoulder again and yawned, "Wake up."

"Hmm?" Zi Yi made a dazed sound and closed his eyes. He opened his eyes with a slight struggle, looking dazed and obviously not awake yet.

Zhao Wumian smiled, "It's rare to see you being so lazy... You're actually sleeping in with me."

Zi Yi also raised her sleeves to cover her pretty face, yawned, and then rubbed her slightly stiff face, like a kitten washing its face.

"I'm not an iron man..."

As they were talking, the palace door opened and Zhao Wumian looked sideways.

Luo Chaoyan's jet-black hair was tied up and hung in front of her shoulders, making her skin look even whiter. She wore a dark green long skirt with a jade pendant and sachet hanging from her waist. She was dressed simply and elegantly. Her bust was not plump, but her figure was exquisite, full of the spirit and vitality of a young girl.

The Empress Dowager was not dressed up, not gorgeous, but elegant and graceful. She wore a light-colored dress with her hair tied up like a cold moon. Although the dress was simple, her figure was so proud and full of the unique charm of a mature and beautiful woman.

Luo Xiangzhu didn't even change her clothes. Her almond-shaped eyes were serious as she recalled the little details of when Luo Chaoyan and the Queen Mother were cooking.

Zhao Wumian looked at them a few more times, and Ziyi stretched lazily, stood up from the recliner, gently rubbed her sore shoulders with her small hands, and glanced at the sky.

"Let's go."

Leaving the palace and arriving at the Ancient Banyan Lake in front of Zeng Lengyue, it was already dark. Zeng Lengyue had hung lanterns, and the lights were on brightly. She stood in the center of the lake, like a single fragrance that overshadowed the entire capital. The clear lake surface reflected the lights of the pavilions.

Several people were on a boat, creating waves on the water. Luo Chaoyan held the food box in both hands and placed it at her sides. Her every move was like that of an aristocratic lady from a powerful family, elegant and noble.

When she got closer, Luo Chaoyan raised her eyes slightly and saw a little girl in a red dress on the second-floor terrace, leaning on the railing with her hand and looking down. Her pretty face was childish but extremely delicate.

The two women looked at each other from a distance, then snorted coldly at the same time and turned their pretty faces away.

When the ship docked in front of Zeng Lengyue, several pretty faces could be vaguely seen in the hall, peeking in and looking around curiously. They were all young girls who were curious about the Emperor and the Queen Mother of Dali.

Logically speaking, as disciples of Taixuan Palace, they must have been prepared. They just waited for Xiao Yuanmu to smash the cup as a signal, and then rushed forward with weapons in hand, turning this dinner into a Hongmen Banquet.

However, on the one hand, the young master was protecting them, and secondly, Xiao Yuanmu also showed his magnanimity. If he really wanted to have a simple meal with Luo Chaoyan, they naturally would not act on their own and could only watch out of curiosity.

The last time Luo Chaoyan came, they already felt that... although they had different positions, this Queen Dali was really beautiful.

And that woman with an exaggerated figure, must she be the empress dowager of the current dynasty, right?
This temperament is worthy of being the mother of a country...

"What are you looking at? Why don't you go and get ready to welcome the guests?"

Xiao Lengyue stood in the hall, lectured them coldly, then turned her gaze over with a gentle expression and a gentle temperament.

Zhao Wumian stepped into the hall, led a few girls to Xiao Lengyue, and raised his hand to introduce them.

"This is the aunt I mentioned to His Majesty... call me aunt."

Luo Chaoyan blinked her beautiful eyes. Facing Zhao Wumian's elder, even though they had different positions, she didn't want to be abrupt and break etiquette to avoid leaving a bad impression. She bowed her head politely, blushing, and called her aunt in a low voice.

Although she is the Empress of Dali, she looks like a little girl who is shy when seeing her lover and elders.

There was an imperceptible trace of surprise in Xiao Lengyue's eyes. How could the dignified Queen of Dali be so obedient in front of Zhao Wumian?
No wonder Zhao Wumian was unwilling to break off all ties with Luo Chaoyan.

These two really like each other...

Yes, they had supported each other all the way from Jin, sharing life and death with each other. Later, when Luo Chaoyan ascended the throne to become emperor, he was unwilling to kill Zhao Wumian even though he knew that he was a traitor. This was evident from the fact that he had supported Zhao Wumian all the way from Jin.

Thinking of this, Xiao Lengyue smiled faintly.

"You are a guest. You don't need to care about our status. You don't need to treat me as the master of Taixuan Palace, and I don't treat you as the emperor. Is that right?"

Luo Chaoyan raised her eyes, glanced at Xiao Lengyue, and nodded slightly.

She had heard Zhao Wumian mention Xiao Lengyue's past.

Xiao Lengyue's family of four fell apart and was separated from their wives and children because of Luo Chaoyan's grandfather, the former Emperor Taizu Gao.

Now Xiao Lengyue actually let go of the past grudges just because of Zhao Wumian.

It seems that this aunt really treats Zhao Wumian well from the bottom of her heart.

While pondering, Zhao Wumian introduced the Queen Mother and Zi Yi one by one. The Queen Mother and Zi Yi did not have as many thoughts as Luo Chaoyan. They simply greeted each other and got along well with each other.

When we walked into the hall, we saw more than a dozen round tables already set up in the pavilion. The food was steaming hot and looked delicious. In terms of the quality of the dishes, it was probably not much worse than the Manchu Han Banquet.

Luo Chaoyan wanted to compete with Xiao Yuanmu, but Xiao Yuanmu naturally would not let the Emperor of Dali feel that their Taixuan Palace was so shabby.

Sitting at the main table, Luo Chaoyan put down the food box, took out a plate of deer tail stuffed fish, and explained to Xiao Lengyue with a smile:

"This is my mother's specialty. You must try it later."

The Empress Dowager and Xiao Lengyue looked at each other and nodded slightly. As "elders", both women had extraordinary bearing and graceful manners.

Zhao Wumian pressed Xiao Lengyue's shoulders and asked her to sit in the main seat. He smiled and said, "This is a family dinner. Your status doesn't matter. Come and sit down."

Zhao Wumian was talking to the Empress Dowager.

According to status, the Queen Mother has the highest position and should sit in the main seat. However, after Zhao Wumian said this, it seemed as if he was leading a group of young wives to see his aunt.

This was naturally Zhao Wumian's little thought, so that the girls could be more like a family.

Luo Chaoyan knew exactly what Zhao Wumian meant, but no matter what she thought in her heart, she would definitely give Zhao Wumian enough face in public and would never cause trouble. She smiled slightly and didn't care. She stroked the corner of her skirt gently and continued to serve dishes from the food box.

Zhao Wumian originally thought that the Queen Mother would be unhappy, but in fact the Queen Mother was a little nervous in her heart.

Everyone thought that as Luo Chaoyan's mother, she was of the same generation as Xiao Lengyue, but only she knew... that she was also Zhao Wumian's wife.

When meeting Xiao Lengyue, it is reasonable to call her "Auntie" respectfully.

Therefore, the Queen Mother naturally would not care about this issue of seating. She casually sat down beside Luo Chaoyan, with a smile on her pretty face and an elegant temperament, but she was actually a little nervous in her heart.

As for the remaining purple clothes, Luo Xiangzhu would definitely not care about these trivial matters and helped Luo Chaoyan to serve the dishes.

Seeing that Xiao Lengyue was settled in properly and made sure that nothing would happen, Zhao Wumian turned and went upstairs.

Xiao Yuanmu was about to go downstairs when he saw Zhao Wumian approaching. He was surprised.

"Come to look for me? What a fuss! Do you think I will still give the little emperor a cold shoulder? Now that I'm here, how could I..."

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Wumian quickly went upstairs, took Xiao Yuanmu's hand, and went into a room with her.

Seeing this, the girls downstairs thought that Zhao Wumian wanted to warn Xiao Yuanmu and ask her to be nice, so they didn't pay any attention.

Even Xiao Yuanmu thought so. She felt unhappy and started to get angry, thinking to herself that Zhao Wumian really thought of her as a fool?
Unexpectedly, Zhao Wumian stuffed a pack of oil paper into her little hand and felt the round thing from the outside.

When you open it, you will see round and plump candied haws inside.

Xiao Yuanmu was slightly stunned, and then he heard Zhao Wumian say:

"I was wrong this morning. I said you were thirty years old and caused you to be scolded by your aunt... Look, I bought you a candied haws specially. Don't feel wronged and think that I bullied you for Chaoyan."

Xiao Yuanmu blinked, looking surprised, lowered his eyes to look at the candied haws in his hand, then raised his eyes to look at Zhao Wumian.

She didn't know what she was feeling at the moment, but she couldn't help but smile and scolded:

"What kind of little girl do you think I am? You think you can coax me with a few candied haws?"

"Candied haws are not okay?"

"No."

"How about a kiss?"

"..."

Xiao Yuanmu was silent.

Zhao Wumian then kissed Xiao Yuanmu's soft cheek, and Xiao Yuanmu raised his hand and punched him in the abdomen.

"We've known each other for so many years...you're not ashamed."

"It's not like you've been married for so many years, why are you embarrassed?"

The two hid in the hut, whispering and talking privately.

"Let's go, don't keep them waiting."

Hou Zhao Wumian didn't want to lose the courtesy of the host, so he pushed the door and was about to leave after a few words, but was stopped by Xiao Yuanmu.

"What?"

Zhao Wumian looked at him puzzled.

Xiao Yuanmu looked down at Luo Chaoyan in the hall through the window paper, then stood on tiptoes and kissed Zhao Wumian with his pink lips.
"I'm going to kiss Luo Chaoyan's man where she doesn't know and make her mad to death."

Although Xiao Yuanmu was small, she was 29 years old after all. But at this moment she really looked like a little girl, giggling.

……

After the two of them went downstairs and sat down at the table, Xiao Yuanmu did not argue with Luo Chaoyan.

The two women were actually the same kind of people. No matter how unhappy they were with each other in private, now that they were having dinner together under the matchmaking of Zhao Wumian, they had to be polite and harmonious.

It was all for Zhao Wumian's face, not wanting others to laugh at him.

The candlelight on the table was dim, casting the shadows of several people around the round table.

After they were seated, the other girls of Zeng Lengyue started to eat, but no one dared to pick up their chopsticks, and the atmosphere in the hall was silent for a while.

"Don't be shy, eat quickly, the emperor has prepared a lot of food..." Zhao Wumian carried a few dishes and placed them on other tables for Zeng Lengyue's girls to eat.

"Try it now. This is the food made by the emperor himself. Ordinary people can't even eat it. You are all blessed tonight by me, the young master. Remember to remember my kindness in the future, okay?"

As he said this, Zhao Wumian winked at them, telling them that everyone was having fun, so they should not let the atmosphere become awkward.

Zeng Lengyue's girls understood and started talking and laughing, and soon the atmosphere in the hall became lively.

At the round table, Luo Xiangzhu didn't have so many messy thoughts. Seeing Zhao Wumian going to serve the dishes, she picked up the wine pot and walked around the round table to fill the empty wine glasses.

It was like Zhao Wumian's wife, greeting guests from all directions.

In fact, it was true. Although all the people at the table were Zhao Wumian’s confidantes, the only one in plain sight was Luo Xiangzhu, the wife of the Marquis.

Xiao Lengyue is her aunt, Xiao Yuanmu looks too much like a little girl, Luo Chaoyan is too thin-skinned and doesn't dare to take a further step with Zhao Wumian before the marriage. The Queen Mother and Ziyi don't dare to call themselves the Marquis's wives because of their status.

Gululu————

Along with the sound of pouring wine, Xiao Lengyue took the initiative to open the conversation and asked softly:
"My little princess, you and Wumian must have suffered a lot in Hetuo, right?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Xiangzhu shook his head repeatedly.

It’s not bitter at all. I’m very happy to be with him.

Except for Zhao Wumian, no one present could tell much from this simple shaking of the head.

Xiao Yuanmu smiled and said, "Why suffer? If you suffer a little, you can become the wife of a marquis. I'm afraid everyone here wants to go to Hetuo to suffer a little."

Luo Chaoyan picked up the wine glass, took a sip and smiled slightly.

"I don't have to suffer, and I won't be the wife of a marquis."

What else could she be if not the Marquis's wife? She should let Zhao Wumian be her queen.

Zhao Wumian came back and sat down, picked up the wine glass and drank it down in one gulp. The tense atmosphere seemed to ease.

"That's great... Auntie brought back Tinglan wine as well?"

"Thirty years old." Xiao Lengyue said proudly.

"You guys try it too, this is the wine from my hometown."

"Does the Marquis' hometown make wine?"

"Yeah, it's very Jianghu-like, right? I was born into this world."

"It's almost like I was born a peach blossom spirit..."

There were occasional sounds of conversation and laughter at the dinner table.

Qingyan also wanted to sit at the round table, but unfortunately there was no seat for her at the moment, so she could only retract her envious gaze, then moved the fireworks to the terrace and raised her hand to light them.

Phew—bang!

Brilliant fireworks bloom in the night sky.

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(End of this chapter)