Golden Branch

Wang Heng was cute and adorable, and Yang Rui's smile became even more intense.

He said softly, "Since you are my sister, since we are meeting for the first time, I should give you a small gift."

As soon as Yang Rui finished speaking, a servant following behind him hurriedly presented a small box.

"It's not worth anything, just take it and play with it!"

Yang Rui raised his hand to take it and handed it to Wang Heng.

Wang Heng blinked her big eyes. She didn't quite understand the complicated relationships between adults, but she could feel that this "big brother" in front of her was kind to her.

Although Wang Heng felt the kindness, she was still not in a hurry to accept it. She looked up at Lou Yu.

Among all the people present, the person she was closest to and trusted the most was Lou Yu.

Lou Yu is smarter than her and should know how to deal with it.

Lou Yu was paying attention to Yang Rui's "gift" -

Could it be that the Prince of Qi knew that Wang Heng would be at the Lou family banquet before he came?

So, a gift was prepared for Wang Heng in advance?

Or maybe he wasn't sure, but was used to being "prepared for the worst".

It’s a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality. It’s really thoughtful and appropriate.

A gleam flashed in Lou Yu's eyes.

While busy thinking in secret, Lou Yu did not ignore Wang Heng.

He received Wang Heng's pleading gaze, thought for a moment, and nodded slightly.

It's just a small gift, so I just accepted it.

If the gift is too valuable, he will find a way to help the fat girl return it.

The dignified Prince of Qi would not have traveled thousands of miles to Hedong just to drink a birthday wine from Lou Yu.

He has something to ask for!

Lou Yu also hopes to expand his network and develop his influence.

It is not dependent on Duke Anguo, but belongs exclusively to him, Lou Yu!

"Thank you, brother!"

Seeing Lou Yu's eyes, Wang Heng smiled brightly, raised her two chubby little hands high, and took the small box.

"Speaking of which, I am also Mr. Lou's brother!"

After greeting Wang Heng, Yang Rui turned his attention to Lou Yu.

Lou Yu was slightly stunned.

Are the Lou family and the Yang family relatives by marriage?

Or, is there some complicated relationship between them?

The former, definitely not.

Lou Yu had memorized his family's genealogy, and found that the Yang family was not among the Lou family's legitimate relatives.

If it's the latter, then it's possible.

After all, the Yang family and the Lou family are both the eight noble families in the northern border. Even if there is no direct marriage, they are relatives of relatives.

But this relationship is complicated.

Lou Yu doesn't have the patience to sort it out yet.

and many more!

Is it because you have no patience?

Or is it because of lack of ability?

Lou Yu once again realized his shortcomings.

Today he met the Prince of Qi who made him feel "uncomfortable". In front of him, Lou Yu actually felt an inexplicable inferiority.

The Prince of Qi knew Lou Yu very well. He was even very familiar with his cheap relatives who were temporarily staying at his house and his friends who he often played with.

But he only knew some public information about Yang Rui: his background, parents, identity... and that was it!

Knowing yourself and the enemy is the only way to survive a hundred battles.

He lost the game before he even started competing with Yang Rui!

Lou Yu tried his best to control his expression. Even though his heart was already in turmoil, he still appeared to be as calm as possible on the surface.

However, he is still young and lacks skills.

At least he is not on the same level as an old fox like Yang Rui.

Yang Rui clearly saw the glint in Lou Yu's eyes.

Yang Rui came to Lou Yu to seek "cooperation", not to attack him or make him guess... This is an act of making enemies.

Yang Rui would not do such a dishonorable thing just to convince the other party.

His principle is that even if he wants to plot something, it should be an open conspiracy, not a shameful conspiracy that cannot be made public.

"My husband is a disciple of Mr. Jing'an."

Yang Rui gave the answer directly.

Lou Yu was stimulated and his brain was in a highly active state.

Almost at the same time as I heard the words "Mr. Jing'an", I thought of his identity - Lou Hu!

His adoptive grandfather was named Jing'an, and was known as Mr. Jing'an!

Is Yang Rui the disciple of his adoptive grandfather?

As the adopted grandson of his adoptive grandfather, Lou Yu inherited all his inheritance even though he had never met him.

In addition to land, population, wealth, etc., there are also collections of books, letters and those intangible personal connections.

The ancients attached great importance to the inheritance from teachers. Lou Yu read Lou Hu's books, learned his thoughts and academics, and became his disciple.

Yang Rui too!

So, Yang Rui and Lou Yu are brothers from the same school?

Therefore, Yang Rui is Lou Yu's "brother".

Although this relationship is a bit complicated, it is more legitimate than the "brother-sister" relationship between Yang Rui and Wang Heng.

Because fellow students are recognized by the etiquette and laws of the Dayu Dynasty, they are even respected among the officials!

"Brother!"

Lou Yu quickly bowed and greeted again.

"Junior brother, no need to be polite!"

Yang Rui reached out and held Lou Yu's arm, looking at him with love and tolerance.

The eldest brother is like a father.

Moreover, Yang Rui is twelve years older than Lou Yu, almost a generation apart.

"Sir, I was very pleased to hear that Duke Anguo adopted my junior brother to Duke Jing'an, so that the old man could have incense and sacrifices to him."

"Mr. had wanted to come and visit in person, but he was too busy with official duties to spare the time."

"It just so happened that I was coming to Yizhou. When the master learned about it, he prepared a gift in advance. It was the notes and books he had copied when he was studying with Master Jing'an... After forty years, he was finally able to pass these on to Master Jing'an's descendants!"

When talking about her husband, Yang Rui felt more and more emotional.

He is sincere and every word he says can touch people's hearts.

Lou Yu was touched again.

It’s not what Yang Rui said, but his “truth”.

No pretense, just natural.

Even though Lou Yu didn't know about Yang Rui's daily interactions with his husband, he could feel from Yang Rui's tone and expression when he mentioned his husband that the relationship between the master and apprentice was very good!

Lou Yu silently took note of it.

"Thank you, Senior Brother! Thank you, Uncle! Although I feel ashamed to accept this, I dare not refuse the kindness of my elders, so I accept it!"

Unconsciously, Lou Yu had begun to imitate Yang Rui's words and deeds, becoming exceptionally humble and respectful.

Yang Rui had been observing Lou Yu the entire time, so he naturally wouldn't miss any of his subtle changes.

What a smart one!

Children can be taught!

……

After establishing relationships and exchanging gifts, the next step is a family dinner.

Because of the presence of a distinguished guest like Yang Rui, the banquet was exceptionally quiet.

Lou Yu didn't continue to bother Zheng Chi, so Zheng Chi secretly felt lucky and continued to eat with Zheng Shisan in small bites.

Wang Heng continued to show off her good appetite, and even the knowledgeable Yang Rui couldn't help but pay a little attention.

Oh wow, this little Ajiu is really different from the young ladies from aristocratic families.

This is probably how I got so much fat on my body.

Mrs. Lou wanted to let her grandchildren show off their talents at the banquet.

However, although Yang Rui is as gentle as jade, he also has the aura of a superior.

He didn't need to do anything; even a warm smile would make Zheng Erlang, Zheng Qillang and other young masters of the Zheng family dare not act rashly.

Lou Yu: ...It turns out that you don’t need to rely on force to intimidate someone.

Hysteria, madness and insanity seem to be no match for this kind of calmness and indifference that looks down on all living beings.

Lou Yu suddenly realized that he still had a lot to learn.

……

An hour later, Lou Yu's birthday party ended.

When Wang Heng saw that Yang Rui did not leave, she knew that this "big brother" was not just here to celebrate her birthday.

She did not stay at the Lou family, but said goodbye politely.

"Well, Ajiu, you go back first." Lou Yu also knew that Yang Rui would talk to him about serious matters next.

He couldn't take care of the fat girl, so he might as well let her go back.

Lou Yu was about to send the person out as usual, but Wang Heng reminded him, "Brother, you don't have to send me out. We have guests here!"

They are so familiar with each other that there is no need to send things back and forth.

Rather than sending her out, it would be more appropriate to discuss matters with the distinguished guest.

"……it is good!"

Lou Yu woke up with a start, curled his lips, and reached out to stroke Wang Heng's hair: "The fat girl has grown up and now knows how to remind my brother!"

As for Wang Mian, who was beside Wang Heng, she was habitually ignored by Lou Yu.

Wang Mian: ...I shouldn’t be in the car, I should be under the car.

But it doesn’t matter, I’m used to it.

Wang Heng, along with Wang Mian and a group of maids and servants, left the Lou family fort in a grand manner.

Mrs. Lou considered herself an elder and left tactlessly.

She desperately winked at Zheng Erlang and Zheng Qilang, "The prince has finally come here, and your cousin is still young. As his elder brothers, you should help him entertain this distinguished guest!"

If he could get the recommendation of the Prince of Qi, it would be easy for his grandsons to get places in the Imperial College.

This is definitely the most rare opportunity for Erlang and Qillang.

Zheng Erlang & Zheng Qillang: ...No matter how young my cousin is, he is still the head of the Lou family's eldest branch.

The two young men, although not very old, have already understood the truth.

The Prince of Qi came to the Lou family in person, not to chat with the Lou cousins, but for Lou Yu.

Lou Yu is the host, and these cousins ​​who are staying here as guests should recognize their own identities and not be too clever.

If things go wrong, it will not only be embarrassing, but it will also displease the important people and offend Lou Yu.

The eldest mother always felt that Lou Yu was young, and always contacted Lou Jin without going through Lou Yu.

The eldest mother might think that Lou Jin is her own nephew and would naturally take care of her as an elder.

But, my grandmother forgot that estrangement does not separate relatives.

No matter how close Lou Jin is to his grandmother, they are still just nephew and aunt.

Lou Jin is Lou Yu's biological father.

Even if the child is adopted out, the bloodline cannot be severed.

If the eldest mother angered Lou Yu in order to curry favor with the King of Qi, and Lou Yu did not get angry, Lou Jin would know about it and would definitely hold it against the Zheng family.

The Zheng family still needs help from the Lou family given their current situation.

If even Lou Jin is offended, the Zheng family will never have the possibility of revival!

The two young men pretended not to see Madam Lou's gaze, their faces flushed, and before Madam Lou could speak, they said goodbye to Yang Rui and Lou Yu.

Mrs. Lou almost bit her teeth: What a useless thing!

Such a good opportunity, but he was willing to let it go!

Unfortunately, her grandchildren had already spoken, and it would be unbecoming for her to force them to stay.

In order to save her remaining face, Mrs. Lou had to suppress the urge to vomit blood and left the table angrily.

Lou Yu's expression remained normal, but a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes.

Mrs. Lou thought she was being patient enough, but she didn't know that all her ridiculous calculations were clearly written in his eyes.

Even a child like myself could see it, let alone Yang Rui, the prince of Qi.

Lou Yu thought of Yang Rui and turned his eyes away subconsciously.

Then, he discovered that facing Mrs. Lou who "made a fool of herself without knowing it", Yang Rui still smiled warmly.

There was no mockery of the "clown" on his face or in his eyes.

It seemed that in his opinion, Mrs. Lou's behavior was normal.

Oh no, it’s not that Madam Lou’s words and deeds are not funny, but her actions are not worth Yang Rui’s ridicule.

It seems gentle, but in fact it is indifferent, but it makes people not feel despised or ignored.

Is this another kind of "gentle as jade"?

……

Wang Heng took Wang Mian and left Lou's Fort.

Soon, the carriage arrived at Wangjiazhuangzi.

"A Mian, would you like to come to the manor and sit for a while?"

Wang Heng asked casually. It wasn't an invitation, but it wasn't a courtesy either.

The two have known each other for two or three years and have already become best friends.

When speaking, I am more spontaneous.

"No! I still have some things to sort out at home!"

Wang Mian looked at the sky through the car window curtain and then lifted the car door curtain.

"Okay, see you at the academy tomorrow!"

"goodbye!"

The two little sisters said goodbye, and Wang Mian jumped off the carriage.

Wang Heng wouldn't be polite to Wang Mian, but she wouldn't let her friend walk back alone either.

He ordered Bai Zhi to prepare a carriage for Wang Mian, and only after Wang Mian got on the carriage did he enter the farm.

"Nine Lady! You're back early today!"

Zheng Yi heard the noise and came out to greet them.

"Brother, you have a distinguished guest."

Wang Heng still trusted Zheng Yi.

She explained softly as she walked inside.

"Dignified guest?"

Zheng Yi's eyes flashed.

In Hedong, who else can be called "noble" in front of Lord Lou?

Could it be Yizhou... or even the capital?

As a woman who once had a successful career in the imperial palace, Zheng Yi's sensitivity to state affairs was much stronger than that of Lou Yu, Wang Heng and other children.

"Nine Lady, could it be that the Prince of Qi has arrived?"

Zheng Yi lowered his head slightly, leaned close to Wang Heng's ear, and asked in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

The sentence structure is a question, but the tone is firm.

Wang Heng lowered her eyelids slightly, her face still innocent and naive. "Huh? Aunt Zheng, how did you know?"

It really is!

"Nine Lady said that Mr. Lou has an honored guest!"

"In Yizhou, in this land of Qi, only the Prince of Qi's Palace can be called 'noble'!"

Zheng Yi explained half-truthfully.

Wang Heng tilted her head, thought for a moment, and then nodded, "Mother Zheng is right. My brother's distinguished guest is indeed the Prince of Qi."

"The prince said that he is still my 'big brother'. Oh, and the prince also gave me a gift!"

"Auntie, the eldest brother is so gentle to me, just like a kind and generous brother."

Wang Heng was like a child who had just had a great time outside, chattering away to share her joy with her family.

Zheng Yi, however, grasped the key point in Wang Heng's words:

The prince is kind to Jiu Niang. It seems that Concubine Jiang is becoming more and more respected in Prince Qi's mansion.

Or maybe Lou Yu (Lou Jin behind him) is very important to the prince.

Even Jiuniang, the daughter of a concubine with a somewhat awkward status, was valued by the prince.

Zheng Yi had never met Yang Rui, so she could only guess based on the news she had received and her understanding of the royal family.

A gentleman is like jade?

Or good at disguise?