The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

In this situation, Liu Xuan naturally had to cater to the two princes, intentionally or unintentionally revealing his desire to please them.

Bai Yi and Dong Lin Wang smiled faintly, neither saying much. They were quite calm. Although they were surprised, they were also at ease. This was something they expected. How could Liu Xuan dare to sit at the main table himself and let the two princes sit in such a "remote" corner?

She smiled helplessly. She hadn't expected that her deliberately chosen secluded spot, where she was waiting to witness this good show at the Liu residence, would become the main table after these two men made such a fuss.

Well then, this way we can better appreciate the family's wonderful expressions later, which is not a bad thing, is it?

Just then, Qinglan, dressed in a green robe, entered the banquet hall. Her gaze swept around before finally settling on a certain direction. Her face remained as gentle and refined as ever. She walked straight over and saw that among the people gathered there, only the third and fourth brothers and two women were sitting. The corners of her mouth lifted imperceptibly, but she said nothing and simply chose a seat at the table.

Bai Yi and the King of Donglin raised their eyebrows simultaneously, both understanding that their eldest brother was telling them that he would no longer remain hidden.

The three exchanged glances but said nothing. The host, Liu Xuan, was not surprised to see Doctor Qinglan sit down. Doctor Qinglan often treated patients for the Liu family, and his seat was originally arranged at the main table. It was normal for him to sit here. Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, he said loudly, "Please take your seats, everyone. Zhan'er, give the order to start the banquet!"

"Let the banquet begin!" An Mi's eyes flickered as she looked towards the entrance of the banquet hall. It was already this late; the people who had brought congratulatory gifts should have arrived by now!

Just then, a figure appeared at the door. It was the person she was waiting for. She smiled and glanced at the people who had just taken their seats: Liu Xuan, Madam Liu, and Liu Zhan. As the host, she was naturally seated at the main table, which was the same table as them.

The bride, An Xinhe, who had been invited out, had changed her clothes and was sitting next to Liu Zhan. At this table, besides these people, there were also several of Liu Xuan's business friends and people from the An family. Apart from An Yuefeng at this table, Yu Fangfei and her daughter An Xinlian were arranged at a table next to them.

Anmi looked at the arrangement of the table with satisfaction, her smile widening, as if... everyone had gathered!

"Xu'er, sit here and take care of the guests for your mother." Madam Liu winked at Liu Xu, glancing at the seat next to Bai Yi, still plotting to push Liu Xu towards the Prince of Bohai.

Normally, willow catkins are not allowed to be served at the main table, but for the sake of the Liu family today, she had no choice but to make an exception.

Liu Xu was stunned for a moment, then glanced at the King of Bohai. She had been watching the scene from the side, but in her heart she envied the woman in white and veiled. That woman was really lucky. The King of Bohai would drink tea from her cup in front of so many people. Their relationship must be more than just ordinary!

Was she the one the King of Bohai loved?

The more she speculated, the more envious and even jealous Liu Xu felt. If she could also gain the favor of the King of Bohai, how wonderful that would be. Even just being by his side and being able to see him often would be enough for her.

"What are you still standing there for?" Seeing Liu Xu lost in thought, Madam Liu secretly tugged at her sleeve and urged her in a low voice.

Liu Xu snapped out of her daze and quickly sat down next to the King of Bohai, her face flushed.

However, he didn't notice her daughter's spoiled behavior. He still held the teacup he had just taken from An Mi, taking small sips while thinking about something, though he seemed a little disappointed.

How did An Mi manage to break free of my hand so easily?

He hadn't known that this woman's hands were so small, so soft, and so warm, just as comfortable as Liu'er's little hands. But... what kind of hard work had that woman done at the An residence? How could she have developed such thick calluses! Thinking of this, he couldn't help but frown.

Just as Bai Yi felt a sudden displeasure, Liu Xuan was already urging everyone to drink, and Madam Liu was all smiles, "Master..."

Suddenly, Madam Liu stood up, holding her wine glass. All eyes were on her. Madam Liu paused, then continued, "Today is the master's birthday, and I..."

As Madam Liu finished speaking, she suddenly stopped, as if she had seen something. The smile on her face froze, and the hand holding the wine glass gradually tightened. Everyone noticed her abnormality and followed her gaze. Where their eyes fell, there was a man. The man was handsome and refined, and he was already an adult. He was carrying a box in his hand, and it was unknown what was inside.

When Liu Xuan saw the person who had arrived, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he hadn't expected this person to come. There was a hint of displeasure in his experienced eyes.

The man carried the box and walked towards the main table. With each step, An Mi could see that Madam Liu's face grew more and more unpleasant. Despite her best efforts to suppress it, her hand holding the wine glass still trembled slightly, and some wine was spilled.

Seeing his mother's intense reaction, Liu Zhan became wary of the newcomer. His mother was always calm and composed; who was this person who could make her lose control of her emotions like this?

Under everyone's gaze, the man finally walked up to Liu Xuan. Liu Xuan's face was extremely gloomy. How could he not know who this person was? With so many people present, what was he doing here?

"Master, today is your birthday. My mother said that you have always been very kind to your subordinates, so she specially asked me to prepare some gifts to celebrate your birthday." The man said, opening the box in his hand as he spoke.

The word "Master" eased Liu Xuan's furrowed brows and calmed his anger. Didn't he know him well? He was always a man who knew what was important. It seemed that his worries were unnecessary.

“Master, it’s nothing special. It’s just some pastries I brought the other day. You said they were delicious, so my mother made some more herself. They’re your favorite flavors. If you don’t mind, please try some. It wouldn’t be in vain that my mother stayed up all night preparing them.” The man took a plate of pastries out of the box and placed it in front of Liu Xuan, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Liu Xuan looked at the pastry and his heart trembled. It was his favorite, but the method of making it was extremely complicated. He couldn't help but recall the image of her carefully making the pastry for him. A soft spot in his heart seemed to be touched, and his eyes softened. He reached out and took a piece of pastry.

This action intensified Madam Liu's anger. That man called him "Master"? Humph, he's clearly the son born to that woman outside. What are they doing? Filial piety?

Is the master's gaze so tender because he is thinking of that woman?