The news of Marquis Shunning scolding Yu Che quickly reached Liu Yanran’s ears.
She was so furious that she felt like she couldn’t draw a breath, her face swollen purple with anger.
She knew clearly that things could not continue like this.
She was getting older by the year, and eventually, she would have to marry; she could not stay in the Shunning Marquis Manor forever.
Whenever she thought of returning to the Liu family’s troublesome household—
Liu Yanran’s father was certainly not as illustrious as Marquis Shunning. He was only a minor official in the Imperial Court.
When Liu Yanran had been at home, her monthly allowance did not even compare to that of the Yu Family Residence’s head maid.
The clothes she wore now, the jewelry on her head, were all gifts from the Yu family.
Even Cai Die, her maid, had been a gift from Madam Yu when she entered the residence.
To give up the wealth and prestige of the Yu family was simply impossible.
If she returned to the Liu family in the future, any husbands her father or stepmother might find for her would never match the status of the two Yu brothers.
Thinking of this, Liu Yanran felt a fire of anxiety in her heart.
Cai Die quietly tried to comfort her, telling her not to be angry.
How could she not be angry?
Liu Yanran knew that Marquis Shunning did not want her to be with Yu Che, most likely because of her background, looking down on her as a girl without a prestigious family lineage.
“My uncle values status and rank. He despises poor relatives like me,” Liu Yanran said, wringing her handkerchief. “I’m afraid my aunt will listen to him too, and won’t allow me to stay in the Residence of the Marquis of Shunning.”
Cai Die’s eyes darted about. “If you and Second Young Master have already… well, consummated the relationship, would Marchioness and Lord Marquis still object? After all, you are Marchioness’s own niece. If Second Young Master doesn’t take responsibility, where would the Manor’s face go?”
Liu Yanran’s heart beat faster.
Cai Die was right.
Right now, she was overshadowed by Yu Luo.
To surpass Yu Luo, she needed actual status and identity.
What was Biao Xiaojie’s position?
Only becoming Second Young Master’s Noble Madam would give her a proper status; no one would dare belittle her.
Cai Die smiled. “That day when Doctor Zhao was invited, he mentioned a medicine he had. It is colorless and tasteless. If put in water and made someone drink it, it can—”
Cai Die lowered her voice and whispered a few words into Liu Yanran’s ear.
Liu Yanran’s eyes lit up. She pulled out her purse. “Tomorrow, you go to Doctor Zhao and get some. Make sure to buy plenty.”
The eldest Miss Yu had always been high and mighty. Liu Yanran had long disliked her.
Liu Yanran wanted to become Second Young Master’s Noble Madam and wished to see the Eldest Miss Yu trapped in filth, reduced to a lowly and servile woman.
“Ah-choo!”
Yu Luo sneezed, feeling something strange.
Who was speaking ill of her behind her back?
Ziming adjusted Yu Luo’s clothing. “It must be that the Eldest Miss’s illness hasn’t fully recovered. Sigh, you must take care of yourself these days.”
Yu Luo smiled faintly. “I understand. Don’t worry too much about me. I’m fine now.”
Ziming asked, “Tomorrow, Miss Su is hosting all the young ladies to enjoy the flowers. Will you go?”
“Of course I will.”
Yu Luo had been staying inside the Yu Family Residence these days. She had yet to go out and see the excitement.
She had little impression of the outside world.
Ziming prepared the clothes Yu Luo would wear the next day.
Yu Luo glanced at them but didn’t pay much attention, and went to bed.
The next morning, Ziming brought Yu Luo the clothes to change into. As he helped her dress, he remarked, “It seems Eldest Miss has grown a bit taller.”
Yu Luo smiled. “Really?”
Being complimented on her height made Yu Luo feel pleased.
But she suddenly remembered that, no matter how tall she got, she would still be a little short in front of Li Xiao.
There was no helping it. The man was just too tall—about 1.88 meters—far beyond what a small girl like her could match.
Bitong took an ivory comb and began brushing Yu Luo’s long black hair.
Her thick, dark hair was more beautiful than satin, cool and silky to the touch, surpassing even the finest silk.
Bitong combed half of the hair up while letting the other half fall to her waist.
“Miss, which jewelry will you wear today?”
Yu Luo thought carefully. Since she was meeting a group of young ladies, she couldn’t dress too plainly.
She represented the Yu family in public.
But dressing too extravagantly was also improper. The Yu family was an old and distinguished household, well-known even to the Emperor; they could not dress like newly rich people, covered in gold and jewels.
Yu Luo chose a pearl flower and two pearl-inlaid hairpins.
These pieces were expensive but understated, their luster subtle yet flowing, signaling rare quality without appearing overly flashy.
Bitong smiled. “Eldest Miss has excellent taste. You’ve never worn these before. Now that you do, they truly make you look radiant and charming.”
In the past, Eldest Miss Yu liked extravagant dressing, with either jewels or gold on her head, radiantly flashy. Yet some privately said her taste was tacky.
Bitong then took out bracelets for Yu Luo to choose from.
Yu Luo selected a strand of red coral beads to wear on her wrist.
When Miss Su invited Yu Luo, she naturally invited Liu Yanran as well.
Liu Yanran would never miss such an opportunity to show off. She waited by the carriage early.
Beside Liu Yanran, Yu Yuan was speaking to her, reminding her to be cautious outside.
Yu Luo had a guard escorting her out. She thought she wouldn’t encounter Li Xiao today. Yet, standing by the carriage was Li Xiao.
He had deliberately disguised his appearance to look plain, but his presence could not be concealed.
Yu Yuan was extremely handsome. Yet Li Xiao, standing not far from him, was taller, his shoulders and back straight as bamboo, dressed in dark fitted attire, even more eye-catching than Yu Yuan.
Seeing Yu Luo, Li Xiao’s thin lips curved slightly.
Because Liu Yanran blocked the view, in Yu Luo’s eyes, Li Xiao appeared to be smiling in Liu Yanran’s direction.
Yu Luo thought: No wonder, years later, the powerful man would take Liu Yanran—already married to Yu Che—into his harem. He must have taken a liking to her even now.
Li Xiao was the most formidable presence in the entire story. A decisive and domineering figure, feared by all. She certainly dared not criticize his harem choices.
She could only mutter quietly in her mind.
But honestly, Liu Yanran was quite attractive—slender and delicate, the type that men liked.
It was normal for Li Xiao to have normal desires. Finding Liu Yanran appealing was not surprising.
Yu Luo slowly walked forward, suddenly becoming an obstruction. “Shall we leave the residence now?”