Cold-faced Empress

Lang Junsong was stunned by her beauty. After staring at her for a moment, he lowered his head.

Fu Siying said, "It's good that you've come to this realization; all my efforts in trying to persuade you haven't been in vain. Here's what we'll do: in seven days, I'll take you to a good place where you'll surely find someone who appreciates you as much as I do. If not, then we can talk about your secluded studies!"

She was referring to the banquet seven days later.

Lang Junsong readily agreed: "Okay!"

After parting ways with Lang Junsong, Fu Siying felt completely relieved. Having gotten to know Lang Junsong beforehand and gained his favor, would Lang Junsong still be able to be won over by He Changyi in the future?

Her question will likely be answered soon. Because He Changyi will be present at the banquet at Nanshan Villa in seven days!

With Lang Junsong around, how can He Changyi still stand out?

Hehe, she can't wait.

On the way back home, I happened to run into my mother, who was also returning home.

"What did you go out of the manor to do?" Madam Li asked.

"Of course, we're going to the clothing store to look at new clothes. Anyway, Second Aunt will send us money tomorrow!" Fu Siying laughed, then changed the subject, asking, "Where has Mother settled Aunt and Cousin?"

Li said, "It's at the Fuhao Inn on Zhongru Street. Mother thought she should see it through to the end, so she paid for a month's room for them. They can buy a house later."

Fu Siying nodded: "Mm."

If it's an inn, it's even easier to find one.

Fuhao Inn.

……

The next day, a servant from the main household delivered a large box of silver with an unfriendly expression.

"The total is 1,500 taels. My second mistress asks Madam Fu to count it carefully so that there is no discrepancy and that it will upset Miss Fu."

With a "snap," the box opened, revealing a dazzling array of silver ingots, each one enough to lift one's spirits.

Li looked at Fu Siying with a sidelong glance.

Fu Siying immediately stepped forward with a bright smile: "The money was given to me by my second aunt, how could I dare to miscalculate the amount? I'm not sad, I'm very happy."

Her slender, delicate hand gently stroked the edge of the box, making her hand appear incredibly wealthy.

"Please tell my second aunt that I thank her for the money she gave me to buy new clothes."

She smiled gently at the servants of the main family, who, captivated by her beauty, softened their expression as well: "I will convey the message to Miss."

Little did he know that these words would surely enrage Madam Fu. One thousand five hundred taels of silver—and all he got in return was a paltry sum of kindness to buy new clothes!

After the family members left, Madam Li had her servants carry the silver chests while scolding Fu Siying, "You received so much silver, yet you wouldn't even give a reward to the family's servants."

Fu Siying scoffed: "I'm like a Pixiu, only taking in and never giving out."

"You!"

"Hey, Mother, what did you just say? That I got so much silver?" Fu Siying grinned mischievously and took his arm. "All this silver is mine!"

Madam Li tapped her forehead, amused. "Yes, it's all yours! I won't covet the money you extorted. This money is for your dowry!"

Fu Siying's eyes lit up at the unexpectedly generous surprise.

If the dowry is too much of a waste of money, she has to make the most of it.

……

The weather was fine and sunny, and a few days were enough for Fu Siying to arrange everything. The Fu family's convoy picked up Lang Junsong, who had been waiting at the invitation, at the city gate.

Upon learning that it was the Prime Minister's family, Lang Junsong hurriedly and solemnly bowed to Prime Minister Fu in the carriage.

Prime Minister Fu already knew that Lang Junsong was a student appreciated by Fu Siying, and his attitude was very kind: "My daughter is willing to invite you to a banquet to give you an opportunity to seek a way out of your troubles. You must not let her down and remember to be careful with your words and actions at the banquet."