Chapter 125: Chapter 124: Feminine Grace

After the laughter next door, it quieted down for half an hour, then gradually there was movement again. Wu Xueqin and her group originally came out to have fun, and now, having encountered people from the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, how could they not be curious?

Though nothing was shown on their faces and they continued talking, all of them tilted their ears to listen to the noises coming from next door.

This time, a man’s voice came through, steady and full-bodied.

Wu Xueqin’s hand holding the teacup slightly tightened upon hearing this voice; although she had only heard it once before, she had always remembered it.

It was Dingyuan Marquis.

Sitting on the other side, Feng Yufu and Wu Chuhao secretly rejoiced; they naturally weren’t paying attention to this.

Thus, they didn’t notice that Wu Xueqin had become more silent than before. However, she quickly perked up, seemingly thinking of something joyful, her eyes also carrying a smile.

“There are people back next door, should we go and pay our respects?” Wu Xueqin’s face was full of hesitation, “We just met Sister Lin, which means we know they’re all here, will it be impolite if we don’t go over?”

Who doesn’t want to associate with the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion?

Though Feng Yufu is the Imperial Tutor’s daughter, her father is currently the Crown Prince’s Tutor. It’s obvious the Eldest Prince will inherit the throne, yet the mansion remains cold and deserted, with hardly any visitors.

If they can associate with trusted individuals, it naturally is a good thing.

However, Feng Yufu always holds herself above others, even when she has this thought in mind, she can’t bring herself to say anything, considering she is still bound by the etiquette of women in deep chambers.

Wu Xueqin is different; being a concubine’s daughter and a well-known talented woman in the Capital, her way of interacting with others is as free-spirited as a man’s. At this moment, her opening would not make anyone feel abrupt or suspicious.

Besides, she is seeking Feng Yufu’s opinion at this moment.

The two always being together, Feng Yufu knows Wu Xueqin has knowledge of these etiquettes, so she wouldn’t overthink it.

Wu Xueqin once again hit the nail on the head, Feng Yufu always feels satisfied being with Wu Xueqin, but she still showed hesitation on the surface, “Since we already met them, it wouldn’t be right not to go over. Why don’t we go and pay our respects as a formality?”

Wu Xueqin was waiting for Feng Yufu’s words.

Already predicting Feng Yufu would agree, she internally criticized how pretentious young ladies from noble families could be, clearly wanting to go but still maintaining appearances.

Having lived two lifetimes, Wu Xueqin’s eyes couldn’t be deceived by these ancient chambered girls; after all, she is considered an elder.

Wu Chuhao didn’t mind. Seeing the two had made their decision, he stood up and followed them.

Inside the elegant room, when Gu Yifeng arrived, the kitchen below had already laid out the dishes that were ordered. A large table for eight was filled with various dishes.

The style of dishes was different from those in the mansion.

Gu Yifeng pointed at the dishes, introducing them to Lin Youning one by one, explaining their origin and why they were special. With each dish Lin Youning tasted, Gu Yifeng would introduce another.

Making her feel the dishes were exceptionally delicious.

But after only tasting three dishes, Li Si’s voice was heard from outside, “Master, the Eldest Young Master and young ladies of Wu Mansion, and the young lady from Imperial Tutor Feng’s Mansion have come to pay their respects.”

Lin Youning didn’t particularly like or dislike these people; having lived two lifetimes, she felt these were children, not of the same generation, even though they were the same age, the differences were vast, and there were no conflicts of interest.

With her elder brother here, it’s only natural they would come to pay their respects.

Gu Yifeng’s expression remained unchanged, he put down his chopsticks, “Let them in.”

As soon as he spoke, the door to the elegant room was pushed open, led by Wu Chuhao, followed by Feng Yufu and Wu Xueqin.

This elegant room was large; besides the dining table, there was a soft couch separated by a screen in the middle.

During the meal, Gu Yifeng had sent Li Si and Shanmoi away, leaving only two people in the elegant room. Gu Yifeng sat properly on the chair without moving, accepting the three people’s greetings.

Only then did he speak, “Since we’ve met, let’s dine together.”

After all, they’re juniors, having come to pay their respects.

Though Gu Yifeng’s nature is cold, he understands dealing with people and situations, usually others are eager to win his favor, watching his expression.

Towards these juniors, Gu Yifeng is rather amicable.

Wu Chuhao expressed his gratitude; hearing this outside, Li Si brought Shanmoi in. Not long after, the shop assistant also arranged a square table on the side of the soft couch, separated by the screen from the original table. After the busy setup, everyone sat down to eat.

Wu Xueqin’s voice was the most clear and crisp, “Marquis has been guarding the border for years, are the border’s sons and daughters carefree with fewer formalities between men and women?”

“The folk customs there are a bit more open.” Gu Yifeng’s voice was as calm as his casual posture in the chair wearing the white Python Robe, exuding a subtle pressure with every movement.

On the other side of the screen, Wu Xueqin showed a joyful expression upon hearing this, ready to speak, when Gu Yifeng further remarked, “Many of the border customs have been passed down from the barbarians and are far removed from the Capital, hence not suitable for the Capital. The difference between noble families and ordinary families is precisely this; the demeanor of a great noble family is accumulated over generations and cannot be learned in a day.”

Gu Yifeng’s pace of speech was meticulous, each word memorable, and his meaning was clear—he didn’t approve of such border customs.

Such dignified presence and tone were inherently exuded by someone from a great noble family.

Lin Youning suppressed a smile, pretending not to understand while focusing on eating.

Wu Xueqin’s excitement was apparent; she clearly enjoyed such customs, but Gu Yifeng’s remark undermined her completely.

A chambered girl actually yearning for barbarian customs—where’s the demeanor of a great noble family? How is she different from the common folk?

Wu Xueqin’s face turned pale.

Worriedly watching beside her, Feng Yufu softly took over the conversation, “Though many Capital girls yearn for border life, it turns out to originate from the barbarians. Hearing Marquis’s words today, it’s insightful.”

The remark lifted Wu Xueqin from the situation.

She’s not inherently lacking the demeanor of a noble family, but merely the Capital girls admiring such customs, unaware of its origin.

Consider it an indirect explanation.

Wu Xueqin gratefully glanced at Feng Yufu, yet she felt utterly drained, lacking her previous enthusiasm.

Because of this incident, the meal was eaten in exceptional gloom. Afterward, Wu Chuhao hurriedly took his leave, and the three finally departed.

Lin Youning looked at her brother with amusement, “Brother didn’t enjoy the meal, did he?”

Actually, she wanted to mention how their aunt was choosing a concubine for him again; the second young lady from the Wu Mansion had a reputation for talent, but being a concubine’s daughter, if he liked her, it wouldn’t be impossible for her to enter the mansion.

But as an unmarried girl, how could she talk about such topics?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep