"Strange, where did those exceptionally handsome young men I saw earlier hide? Especially that one with the cold demeanor, he's perfect in every way!"
Despite only seeing them at a glance, the beautiful woman clearly remembered Ling Han and the others, and was particularly smitten with Ling Han.
Ignoring the grim-faced Yan family father and son, the beauty, clearly a connoisseur of good looks, wobbled to her feet and began searching.
After a moment.
Failing to find them, the beautiful woman's gaze fell upon Xu Changling, who was seated at the head of the table. She grabbed a wine cup from the table and walked over with a smile, "Lord Xu, can we discuss something?"
The moment the beautiful woman's hand was about to land on his shoulder, Xu Changling shivered and sprang up from his seat, hiding behind Yan Xiuping.
His speed was so great, it could only be described as fleeing for his life.
Seeing everyone looking at him, Xu Changling coughed into his hand, too embarrassed to admit that over twenty years ago, he had the dubious honor of witnessing firsthand how this very woman had dislocated King Wucheng's shoulder with a single slap.
As a scholar, even if he were twenty years younger, his physique couldn't compare to King Wucheng, who led armies into battle.
His daughter was not yet married, and he still had many unfinished tasks. Therefore, even if it meant losing face, he couldn't just perish under the palm of the 'Female Tyrant'...
"Hey, Lord Xu, why are you running? I don't eat people. I just want to discuss something with you! Something very important!"
Yan Tinghao, his intelligence now back in control, had a flash of inspiration. Guessing what his mother wanted to discuss with Lord Xu, he quickly signaled his father.
If Yan Tinghao could understand, how could Yan Xiuping not guess what his wife intended to say to Xu Changling?
He sighed, "My dear, children and grandchildren have their own fortunes. If you interfere too much, you'll only alienate Hao'er."
"You're utterly unreliable. If I don't take care of it, are you going to let our Hao'er be a bachelor his whole life?"
"Hmph, being alone is quite nice. No worries, no ties, one person eats, the whole family is fed."
The beautiful woman, hearing Yan Tinghao's mumbled words, was instantly enraged. She glared at him fiercely, "What did you say?!"
Yan Tinghao, with extreme survival instinct, shook his head so fast it was a blur, quickly changing his tune, "N-nothing. Your son means you've worked hard, and your son will listen to everything you say!"
"Hmph, that's more like it!"
Feeling her dominance secured, the beautiful woman raised her chin. Drunk, she completely forgot about Xu Changling. She downed the wine cup in her hand and slammed it heavily onto the table, "No, I'm going to the capital to settle accounts with that turtle Shangguan Hong!"
It was unclear how the beautiful woman managed to keep her wine cup intact, but the table bore a large pit from the impact.
Ignoring everyone's astonished gazes, the beautiful woman continued, "That Shangguan Hong is always a scoundrel! Back then, his father and my father arranged a childhood marriage for our children. But he, shamelessly, called it casual words between the elders. Since his parents passed away early, no one mentioned it, and it was gradually forgotten? Forgotten my foot! In my opinion, he clearly wants to find a higher connection!"
"Pfft—"
As soon as the beautiful woman finished speaking, Hua Jinrong sprayed out the wine he was halfway through drinking.
Murong Bai, sitting beside him, moved aside in disgust, and said with what seemed like schadenfreude, "If I recall correctly, Prime Minister Shangguan's daughter married the current Crown Prince, becoming the rightful Crown Princess."
"Clatter—"
This time, it was Yan Tinghao who lost his balance and fell directly off his chair.
However, he seemed not to feel any pain, looking at Lin Moyuan beside him with a face full of terror.
And when the words 'Crown Princess' were mentioned, a distinct look of aversion flashed in Lin Moyuan's eyes.
Lin Qingge, while eating, observed the extremely strange expressions of Hua Jinrong and the others. There must be something she didn't know, but even that simpleton Yan Tinghao was aware of... a secret?
Glancing sideways at Leng Ningyue, she leaned in and whispered into her ear, "Madam, why are you holding two chopsticks separately? Are you trying to eat something? If you can't reach it, this official will help you pick it up."
"Daddy, Mo'er wants to eat the meat over there!"
Lin Zimo, seizing the opportunity, boldly stated his request, only to receive a chopstick full of greens in return.
...
Feeling that the affection was limited but not entirely absent, Lin Zimo wisely fell silent and focused on eating the meat in front of him.
Meanwhile.
Under the influence of alcohol, the beautiful woman's hazy mind finally cleared. She stared at Lin Moyuan opposite her, hands on her hips, her voice filled with anger.
"You—"
However, before she could speak, her husband pulled her down. "My dear, didn't you say earlier you wanted to find those exceptionally handsome young men?"
With Yan Xiuping's words, the beautiful woman's attention was immediately diverted elsewhere. And under Yan Xiuping's persuasion, the two walked out of the side hall.
Before leaving, Yan Xiuping leaned down and whispered a few words into Xu Changling's ear. Xu Changling nodded after listening, indicating he understood.
Yan Tinghao, watching his father so easily subdue his mother, couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up of admiration. This kind of self-sabotage was probably something ordinary people couldn't do, but he was certain his parents would disappear for a while again...
With the Yan Xiuping couple gone, the meal could finally proceed.
Returning to his seat, Xu Changling picked up his wine cup and resumed his usual stern expression, "Jingxing, while I'm back in the capital, I'll trouble you and your wife to take good care of Siyun."
"Please rest assured, my teacher. This student will treat Miss Xu as her own sister and care for her dearly." As she said this, Lin Qingge put on a show of feigned sadness.
Knowing he had touched upon a sensitive topic, Xu Changling said no more. Lin Qingge, finally enjoying some peace, happily ate while serving Leng Ningyue, deliberately picking the meat dishes closest to her.
Lin Zimo, unable to match her speed in either hand movements or swallowing: ...
Opposite them.
Yan Tinghao, ready to feast, curiously found that just as he was about to pick up some meat, someone else had already gotten there. He looked at Zhou Zeli beside him with confusion, feeling that he hadn't offended him in any way.
"Cousin Yan, there are so many delicious things, why must you snatch the food others have chosen?" Yongning finished, pushing the plate towards Zhou Zeli and chiding him, "Really, eating so ravenously at dinner, be careful of indigestion and a stomach ache!"
???
Yan Tinghao, his teeth aching again, felt that for the next meal, he absolutely had to move to Ling Han's table! At least he could eat there!!!