Chapter 28 : Meeting a Noble, Tensions Rise

At the gates of the Xue family, another unfamiliar face appeared.

The doorman couldn’t help but mutter, “Why is our household so lively lately?” as he went forward to greet the visitor.

The person introduced himself: “The chief steward of the Zhao Duke’s residence, here to deliver an invitation to Miss Xue.”

What Duke?

The doorman perked up and listened more carefully.

The Duke of Zhao!

That Duke of Zhao!

The doorman was shocked and hurried inside to report.

Why would the Duke of Zhao, so far removed from their family, suddenly send an invitation?

The doorman couldn’t figure it out.

Madam Xue couldn’t either.

“Could it be because of the silk shop matter?” Madam Xue hesitated, then quickly dismissed the idea, “No, that would be a small issue for the Duke’s residence. Why would they go to such lengths? If they’re sending an invitation on behalf of the Duke’s residence, it must have been authorized by the Duke himself.”

“Even if it were because of the silk shop, why would it be directed to Miss Xue?”

Madam Xue was puzzled.

When Xue Qingyin arrived, she happened to catch the worried look on her mother’s face.

At that moment, one of the maids whispered, “Madam, perhaps you should think carefully—does this invitation refer to the eldest daughter or the second daughter?”

Madam Xue’s expression froze.

Xue Qingyin quickly asked what was going on.

The maid quickly repeated the explanation.

“Oh, it’s certainly for me,” Xue Qingyin said, casually taking a cup of tea from her maid and sipping it with a calm demeanor.

“How could it be for you?” Madam Xue frowned, “Qingyin, don’t make wild assumptions.”

“It’s definitely for me!” Xue Qingyin was clear in her mind. It must be about something at the Princess’s residence.

This was unavoidable, so she might as well go clear her name early.

“What about the people from the Duke of Zhao’s residence?” Xue Qingyin asked again.

“They’re waiting outside…” the servant answered.

Madam Xue frowned and muttered, “What kind of fools are they outside? Didn’t they know to bring the guests into a side room to wait?”

The servant stammered, “I…I forgot…”

Xue Chengdong was the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. The Ministry of Revenue was the Emperor’s treasury, and holding such an important position, he had little interaction with colleagues or noble families.

Madam Xue and Xue Qingyin weren’t particularly welcomed among the noble ladies either.

So, they rarely had “noble guests,” and it was understandable that the servants were a little careless.

Xue Qingyin stopped her mother from getting angry, put down her teacup, and stood up. “Bring me my cloak. Let’s not keep them waiting. I’ll head to the Duke of Zhao’s residence now.”

Madam Xue wanted to speak but hesitated. “If this matter isn’t clarified, I’m afraid you’ll be bullied…”

“How could I be bullied?” Xue Qingyin puffed out her chest, “My older brother arranged for several servants to accompany me, and each one has learned some martial arts. Now, I’m the one who can bully others.”

Madam Xue showed a helpless expression.

She was still a young girl, so she didn’t understand that, under strong power, a few servants with martial arts skills weren’t much.

But looking at the siblings’ bond, Madam Xue felt a little reassured.

She didn’t say anything more and personally escorted Xue Qingyin to the door.

The steward from the Duke of Zhao’s residence stood outside with a cold expression, clearly not someone easy to deal with.

“Is this Miss Xue?” he asked.

Madam Xue’s temper flared. “You don’t even recognize Miss Xue? And you dare come to our family to deliver an invitation?”

Xue Qingyin nodded, gently patting her mother’s hand to soothe her, and answered calmly, “Yes, it’s me.”

Seeing that Xue Qingyin was composed and unflustered, the steward relaxed his face and invited her into the carriage.

“We’re only inviting Miss Xue to tea, and we will return her afterward.”

Madam Xue replied coldly, “I fear the gossip.”

At the Duke of Zhao’s residence, there were no female members of the family. Sending only Miss Xue would lead to unpleasant rumors.

“Rest assured, Madam,” the steward replied. “The Duke has arranged the tea gathering at the Lotus Garden.”

Madam Xue sighed in relief. “That’s good.”

What was the Lotus Garden?

It was a place where noble young ladies from the capital would visit, but not just anyone could enter. Only daughters of royalty or those invited by noble families could enter.

If Xue Qingyin went there, others would envy her, not criticize her.

“Let’s go,” Xue Qingyin urged.

The steward’s lips twitched.

This Miss Xue truly wasn’t afraid of anything?

Once the carriage started, the steward looked at the number of Xue family servants following them.

One, two, three, four… five?

His lips twitched again.

Now, he understood why she wasn’t afraid.

The Lotus Garden was filled with lotus flowers.

As soon as Xue Qingyin disembarked from the carriage, the scent of flowers filled the air.

She looked around, and the place seemed unusually quiet, almost no one in sight.

Had the Duke of Zhao’s residence booked the entire garden?

Was the Duke of Zhao’s influence so vast?

If Princess Wan took advantage of this… Would the Duke of Zhao’s residence think she was scheming to marry into the family for its wealth?

That outcome wouldn’t be good.

Xue Qingyin frowned deeply.

She was then led by the steward through the garden, hardly able to focus on the scenery.

Eventually, they arrived at a secluded area, surrounded by lotus flowers and multiple screens.

Behind the screens, people were seated, but their faces were hidden.

Xue Qingyin felt something was off, but it was too late to back out now.

The steward bowed toward the highest seat. “Noble one, Miss Xue has arrived.”

Calling the person “Noble one” but not the “Duke” indicated that the person seated at the highest place wasn’t the Duke of Zhao.

But who could sit in that position and be called “Noble one” in the Duke of Zhao’s house?

Xue Qingyin quickly thought of an absurd possibility—was it the Emperor?

But this wasn’t a major issue. Why would the Emperor be involved?

Unless… The Duke of Zhao had brought Princess Wan down, and Princess Jinque was somehow involved too.

Xue Qingyin had never thought her mind would race this fast!

But it was no use…

Her heart sank. She knew that anything she said today would be very important…

And it was easy to offend the noble ones, to dig herself into a pit that would lead to death.

Damn He Songning!

This was all his fault!

Xue Qingyin bit her lip, trying to push aside her chaotic thoughts. She bent at the waist, imitating the steward’s movements, and bowed to the noble one. “Greetings, Noble one.”

The person in the highest seat spoke in a deep, powerful voice: “Bring the young master over.”

“Yes,” someone responded.

“Why did Miss Xue bring so many people with her?” A soft female voice interjected.

It was Princess Wan!

Was this another trap for her?

Sure enough…

Princess Wan spoke indifferently: “Are you afraid to meet the Duke?”

This was accusing her of guilt!

Xue Qingyin looked up, her face showing the innocence of a young girl. “I’m pampered at home. Whenever I go out, I must bring a few people along.”

The person in the highest seat spoke: “I’ve heard of this. It’s said that Lord Xue spoils his daughter quite a bit.”

Xue Qingyin blinked, feeling no shame, instead showing a justified attitude.

“You don’t know…” A new voice joined in—it was Princess Jinque.

Princess Jinque said: “This Xue family girl has been weak since childhood. If she doesn’t have a few people with her, her old illness might act up on the road, and it could be too late for treatment.”

Princess Wan coldly said: “No wonder. It’s because her parents spoiled her that she’s become so bold.”

Xue Qingyin frowned.

Oh, so now you’re not even pretending and are directly aiming your guns at me?

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Zhao Xufeng was brought in.

The little eunuch who brought him was clearly just beaten.

“Bad person! Bad person!” Zhao Xufeng gritted his teeth.

But when he turned toward Xue Qingyin, his eyes immediately lit up, and he walked toward her confidently.

Princess Wan almost laughed.

At that moment, there was a loud noise.

Something fell to the ground with a crisp sound.

“Afeng!” The old Duke shouted.

The scene turned chaotic.

And to everyone’s surprise…

Zhao Xufeng stopped in front of Xue Qingyin, shouting loudly, “Mom!”

Xue Qingyin: …

Right in front of the Duke of Zhao!

How do I even explain this?

The air froze for a moment.

Everyone turned around in shock, staring at the Duke of Zhao.

Xue Qingyin’s face turned pale.

Oh no, I’ve offended the Duke!