?


    Since the Emperor had already spoken, all the officials and Family Heads conveyed their agreement through silent tears, vowing to maintain harmonious rtions with the conniving young couple.


    Beneath their superficially ironic smiles, the officials and patrician family members concealed torrents of genuine emotion. This inner conflict was the most authentic reflection of their sentiments.


    "I''ve heard that Eldest Young Lady Mu has received an invitation from the Imperial Academy!" A voice infused with a genial tone resonated through the air.


    All eyes turned towards the source of the voice, finding the speaker to be Gu Daochang, the patriarch of the Gu n, who had always shared a congenial rapport with the Mu n.


    "My son, Gu Yixuan, has also been graced with an invitation letter. What if he apanies Eldest Young Lady Mu on their journey?" Family Head Gu proposed, his demeanor suffused with a gracious smile.


    The mention of the invitation letter brought a palpable sense of honor to Mu Rouxuan, prompting a faint smile to grace her lips as she regarded Family Head Gu.


    Subsequently, her gaze shifted toward a man with equine features and slightly narrowed eyes, positioned behind Family Head Gu. With an amiable smile, she directed her words to him, "I would be delighted to have Young Sir Yixuan as mypanion."


    Laughter erupted from Family Head Dou. "Our Dou n boasts four youngsters partaking in the examination. How about we all travel together? It will surely enhance the festive atmosphere."


    Mu Jingfeng''s previously beaming countenance contorted in an instant.


    While their Mu n was sending only Mu Rouxuan to the Imperial Academy, the Dou n boasted a delegation of four!


    The pain in her heart at thisparison was beyond measure.


    "In that case, Yongqian, you should join them," the patriarch of the Shi n added his input.


    Shi Yongqian promptly shook her head, her words clear and decisive. "I intend to apany Miss Qin."


    The Qin Family had marshaled even greater numbers than the Dou n.


    Considering the circumstances, Qin Wen would undoubtedly depart alongside Second Young Sir Qin and their contingent. It followed naturally that she would find herself in the same faction as Second Young Sir Qin.


    Shi Yongqian harbored a calcted scheme, a n that became evident as she raised her gaze, bestowing an ingratiating smile upon Miss Qin, seated opposite her.


    Qin Wen abstained frommentary.


    Her indifference was unmistakable. Shi Yongqian''s intentions were as transparent as day to everyone in the capital – an ardent affection for her Second Brother.


    As discussions revolved around the younger generation''s impending journey to the Imperial Academy for the examination, ironicughter permeated the air. The past unpleasantness had seemingly been set aside in favor of the forting event.


    Amid the mirthful and harmonious atmosphere, an incongruous voice intruded like a discordant note. The speaker quipped, "Has the Crown Prince Consort returned to the Mu n empty-handed? Did the Imperial Academy neglect to extend an invitation to the illustrious Crown Prince Consort?"


    Collective attention immediately shifted to Second Young Lady Zhongli Zhiwei of the Zhongli Estate.


    /Will this never cease!/


    Just as a momentary respite was attained, Miss Zhongli seemed poised to ignite the mes of confrontation against the Crown Prince Consort once more.


    A wave of exasperation washed over His Excellency. Present circumstances strongly suggested that the Crown Prince Consort wasn''t one to tolerate disadvantage. Could she not content herself with an inch if offered an inch? Must she perpetually provoke without cause!


    In response to Miss Zhongli''s presence, Little Fatty set down his chopsticks with an indignant snort. "What''s so extraordinary about the Imperial Academy? Our Qiaoqiao has no need to enroll there!"


    "Absolutely, is there anything our Qiaoqiao isn''t acquainted with? Enrolling in the academy would be superfluous!" Qi Xuanxuan, unreservedly candid, ced her chopsticks aside and leveled a direct gaze at Miss Zhongli. "Who might you be? Are you seeking trouble?"


    "Well, allow me to introduce Zhongli Zhiwei, the second daughter of Great General Zhongli," was offered as an exnation.


    At a tangent, Madam Consort, caught in a situation necessitating her intervention, couldn''t restrain herself from stepping in. She began to mediate, saying, "Miss Zhongli possesses a candid disposition. She artictes her thoughts as they arise. I implore you to pardon any unintended offense caused to the Crown Prince Consort."


    "Let''s focus on our meal. There''s no need for excessivemotion."