NFBE Chapter 467 A good show
Chapter 467 A good show
Under the admiring gazes of the crowd, Liu Zhilan smiled subtly, stood up, and nodded slightly to the crowd.
Her demeanor was both humble and subtly smug, making her appear neither overly arrogant nor easily overlooked.
Amidst the praise, Princess Jin smiled and said, "I had heard that Miss Liu was quick-witted before, and seeing her today, she is indeed amazing."
A faint smile appeared on Liu Zhilan's face, her expression revealing a hint of reserve.
She bowed slightly and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I was just expressing my feelings on a whim. Compared to all of you sisters, Zhilan is far from being worthy of your praise."
"Not at all, Miss Liu, you're too kind."
"Yes, Miss Liu is so talented, she is worthy of the most outstanding scholar in our Shengjing City."
Someone said this, and there was a moment of silence, followed by even more enthusiastic agreement.
"The most outstanding talent?"
"If we're talking about the most outstanding talent in our Shengjing City right now, it has to be the new emperor's favorite—Second Minister Yun."
Upon hearing the words "Second Vice Minister Yun," Princess Jin suddenly looked up and glanced at where Yu Wan was.
However, the place was already empty, and Yu Wan was nowhere to be seen.
Princess Jin was slightly taken aback, a hint of doubt and nervousness flashing in her eyes.
Why did Yu Wan leave?
She instinctively clenched her fists, but after a moment, she suddenly remembered the note the maid had secretly handed her, and her tense nerves slowly relaxed.
The name "Second Vice Minister Yun" was mentioned repeatedly, and Princess Jin felt somewhat fortunate to hear it.
Fortunately, Yu Wan mentioned leaving, otherwise she would probably have been unhappy to hear these women repeatedly mention Yun Shang.
However, she didn't see that under a wintersweet tree in the corner, Yu Wan was resting her chin on her hand, watching the commotion with great interest.
Seeing this, Xizhu couldn't help but purse her lips and muttered softly, "Master, look at these women. Most of them are still unmarried. And look at their rosy cheeks and shy, affectionate expressions. Anyone with eyes can tell that they all have their hearts set on the young master."
Yu Wan waved her hand slightly.
"Yun Shang is good-looking. Everyone loves beauty. Let them appreciate it. It won't hurt them. It's no big deal."
Xizhu looked at Yu Wan in surprise.
Seeing that his master showed no sign of trouble, he was greatly surprised.
She sighed inwardly.
Her daughter was indeed different from ordinary women. Despite so many women having their eyes on her husband, she remained calm, composed, and unfazed.
Over here, Liu Zhilan listened to everyone's words, and a blush rose to her cheeks, like a peach blossom just beginning to bloom on a spring branch, delicate and charming.
She looked shy and embarrassed. "Sisters, please stop teasing me. What merit do I have to deserve the attention of the Vice Minister?"
As she spoke, she lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly like butterfly wings, and she gently bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth, seemingly shy, but a secret joy welled up in her heart.
Others may not know, but she knows it clearly in her heart.
Her mother told her that the Yun family would soon send someone to their home to propose marriage.
Ever since her mother started looking for a husband for her, Liu Zhilan had vowed never to become a concubine. But when she happened to see Yun Shang in his crimson official robes that day, she was instantly captivated.
She had never met a man who could move her heart so much.
She was initially skeptical when she learned that Yun Shang had already married.
But her mother earnestly advised her: "Most men are fond of beautiful women and new things. With the Liu family's social standing, it's not easy for us to find you a marriage with a son from a wealthy and powerful family."
"But if we were to become the concubine of Vice Minister Yun, given our family's circumstances, it wouldn't be too difficult."
My mother also said, "I'd rather be a concubine in a high-class family than a wife in a poor family."
Yun Cifu is young and has already risen to the position of Cifu. He is also one of the new emperor's most trusted confidants. His future career is bound to be limitless. To become his concubine would be an unparalleled honor for both her and the entire Liu family.
Liu Zhilan was eventually persuaded and acquiesced to her mother's arrangement.
At this moment, hearing everyone say that she and Yun Shang were a good match, the last bit of hesitation in her heart was instantly overwhelmed by vanity and anticipation.
She was only thinking that once she entered the Yun family, with her beauty and talent, she would have no trouble winning Yun Shang's heart.
There are plenty of men in Shengjing who dote on their concubines and neglect their wives. I've heard that although Yu Wan comes from the Duke of Anguo's mansion, she has been living away from home for many years since childhood and has not received any proper upbringing. Her words and actions must be vulgar and uncouth. How can she be compared to me?
She must be the woman who understands Yun Shang the most.
In that brief moment, Liu Zhilan thought of many things.
The crowd, unaware of her inner thoughts, only saw her shy demeanor. Someone teased, "Miss Liu, there's no need to be so modest. I've heard that the Second Grand Secretary intends to propose marriage to the Liu family!"
These words caused an uproar, and everyone cast envious glances their way.
Liu Zhilan's cheeks grew increasingly hot.
She lowered her head and noticed that everyone's gazes towards her were filled with envy and jealousy, but not contempt or disdain, which put her at ease.
My mother was right after all.
"Better to be a concubine of a high-ranking official than a wife of a poor one." For an outstanding man like Vice Minister Yun, even being his concubine would be the envy and jealousy of others.
She glanced at the woman who spoke and recognized her as someone from her mother's side of the family. She knew then that her mother must have told her to say those words.
Liu Zhilan guessed what her mother wanted to do.
The mother was trying to use everyone's opinions to confirm the matter.
In this way, even if the Yun family later regrets their decision, it will be impossible.
Now that everyone knows the Yun family is about to propose marriage to the Liu family, his reputation is now closely linked to Yun Shang's. If Yun Shang is a responsible man, he will have to take responsibility for himself.
Thinking this to herself, Liu Zhilan still wore that shy smile and said softly, "Sister, please don't tease me anymore. This is still far from certain..."
Even so, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, and the joy in her eyes and brows was completely undisguised.
Everyone saw through it but didn't say anything, and instead offered a few words of congratulations.
Princess Jin frowned slightly as she watched this scene.
Although she knew that with Yun Shang's current status and position, it was impossible for him to marry only one wife, Princess Jin still felt somewhat indignant on Yu Wanming's behalf.
Yun Shang has only recently gained power, yet he is already in a hurry to take a concubine. This shows that he has no regard for Yu Wan and no respect for her whatsoever.
Princess Jin sighed inwardly.
Fortunately, Yu Wan wasn't there at the moment, otherwise she would have been heartbroken to hear these words.
Princess Jin had no idea that Yu Wan, whom she thought would be heartbroken, was actually enjoying the gossip immensely.
It's quite amusing how these people talk back and forth, with one face on the surface but another in their hearts.
Especially Liu Zhilan.
She looks like a kind and gentle little white flower, but judging from her restless eyes, she's definitely a black-hearted lotus inside.