The cousin is beautiful but ruthless.

Chapter 134 Offering an Olive Branch

Xiao Ran's face visibly darkened. Ever since Lu Lingyue became pregnant, Zhou Yurong had said similar things several times.

It was as if any problem arose with Lu Lingyue's unborn child that it was Lu Lingyue's doing.

This was Zhou Yurong's first child, so she valued it very much.

Xiao Ran held the handkerchief tightly. Lu Lingyue was really lucky. She got pregnant not long after arriving. She and Zhou Yurong had been together for so many years without any sign of pregnancy, and doctors couldn't find anything wrong with her.

She sat down to the side, keeping a distance from Lu Lingyue and Zhou Yurong.

Lu Lingyue glanced at Xiao Ran and then took Zhou Yurong's arm.

"I want to see those horses."

"I'll take you."

When the two arrived at the horse farm, Shen Hanyu didn't rush to play polo. Instead, she sat down with Wei Ming and ate some fruit.

Where is Yuxiu?

Shen Hanyu has been here for so long, but she hasn't seen Ji Yuxiu appear.

Wei Ming pointed to a spot, and Shen Hanyu looked over.

Behind Ji Yuxiu was a man, whom Shen Hanyu recognized as Qin Ju, the son of Minister Qin, who was also the person Ji Yuxiu had rescued at the hunting grounds.

Ji Yuxiu rode her horse, and Qin Ju stumbled and climbed on, grabbing the reins to catch up.

“These two.” Shen Hanyu couldn’t help but chuckle.

Ji Yuxiu rarely encountered anyone who could give her such a headache, and Qin Ju was the first one.

Even when Ji Yuxiu argued with those old-fashioned officials in the court over the sake of girls' education, she didn't act like this.

Wei Ming laughed along, "That young master of the Qin family is a good person. I don't think Yuxiu completely dislikes him, otherwise she would have knocked him out and sent him back to the Qin family long ago. It's just that Minister Qin is getting more and more annoyed with Yuxiu."

New grudges and old hatreds, this feeling is not pleasant.

As the two were talking, people from the Marquis of Anping's residence also arrived.

Xu Ying wasn't particularly surprised to see Shen Hanyu.

Everyone knows that Shen Hanyu and Wei Ming have a good relationship. Even after leaving the Marquis's mansion, Wei Ming is still willing to invite her over.

Yang Yueying specifically chose a day off, so Liang Siyu came over this time as well.

When Liang Siyu appeared, Qi Jiaying was naturally there as well.

Liang Siyu looked at Liang Fangrong behind her and said, "Aunt, my cousin is over there. Why don't you go and see her and say a few words?"

He noticed that Liang Fangrong had been listless and unhappy lately, so he asked her to come and see him.

Liang Fangrong thought for a moment, then shook her head: "Forget it."

Shen Hanyu doesn't want to see her. She's already made her point clear, so there's no need to go and annoy her.

Liang Siyu respected Liang Fangrong's idea and did not insist. She first led her family to sit down over there.

Liang Ruoxue came for Li Jun. Liang Chengli and Lin Lihua weren't particularly interested, but since they were both counting on this one daughter, they naturally wanted to see her doing well.

"Go ahead and have a good talk with the Third Prince."

Lin Lihua waved, and Liang Ruoxue left with a cheerful stride.

Xu Ying took Liang Ruoyan to meet a few people she was on good terms with. As they were talking, Han Yueru arrived with Pei Xingzhi.

With Pei Du gone, the mother and son were doing quite well in Chang'an. Pei Xingzhi was also included in the Pei family genealogy. Although the meaning of the imperial decree for marriage was unclear, the time Pei Du was away was also an opportunity for Pei Xingzhi.

The title of heir to the Duke's mansion may not necessarily fall to Pei Du.

Upon seeing Han Yueru, Xu Ying exchanged a few polite words.

After Han Yueru and the others left, she asked, "I wonder if Madam has considered which family to marry Miss Liang to?"

A hint of disgust flashed in Liang Ruoyan's eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

Xu Ying's expression remained unchanged. She took a sip of tea and said in a light tone, "Yan'er is still young. I was thinking of staying by my side for another year. Her brother is about to get married into the Qi family. I will be unable to attend to both of us. Besides, marriage should be based on the girl's own wishes. If Madam Han had a daughter, she would understand my feelings."

Han Yueru smiled and said, "Of course."

Pei Xingzhi sat behind Han Yueru and sized up Liang Ruoyan. He had heard a little about Liang Ruoyan's affairs. She was obsessed with the Third Prince, but somehow her second sister beat her to it, making a big joke of herself.

He covered the sneer at the corner of his mouth with one fist. What a fool! She can't even hold onto a man's heart. What a talented woman who was famous throughout Chang'an. Now she has become a laughing stock throughout Chang'an.

Xu Ying and Pei Xingzhi both realized Han Yueru's purpose, but Liang Ruoyan was currently annoyed by Han Yueru's questioning and mocking her about marriage, and did not understand the hidden meaning.

Xu Ying hesitated for a moment. If it had been a few months ago, she would never have considered Pei Xingzhi.

But today is different from the past.

Pei Du had severed ties with the Duke's mansion, and the imperial decree of marriage left her unsure of the Emperor's intentions, which was why she hesitated.

If given a choice, the Duke's mansion would naturally be an excellent place to go.

Han Yueru poured a cup of tea for Xu Ying.

“My son Xingzhi has a good character; even the Duke praises him. His elder brother is unruly and has caused a lot of trouble. It’s not that I’m being harsh, but I’m afraid the Duke has long disliked that child. In the end, the Duke is still in charge of this mansion.”

The last sentence makes the implication quite clear: the Duke of the County is still in charge of the Duke's mansion. This means that Pei Du wants to be the heir, but if Pei Mingjian doesn't allow it, things could change.

Pei Mingjian's current favorite is Han Yueru's son.

Xu Ying smiled slightly: "I understand what Mrs. Han means."

Han Yueru pushed the tea towards her.

"What does Madam Xu think?"

Watching the tea leaves swirl in the cup, Xu Ying grasped Liang Ruoyan's hand, and Liang Ruoyan was taken aback.

Even if this person was just an illegitimate child, the presence of the Marquis of Anping's mansion and the Duke of the county's mansion was enough for her to take a gamble.

Han Yueru is an ambitious woman, and she would never stand by and watch her son be overshadowed by Pei Duqiang. In this respect, they are quite similar.

Xu Ying reached out and drank the cup of tea.

She looked down on the family backgrounds of everyone else, but Han Yueru had already become the only first wife of the Duke's mansion, so let's gamble on that.

Han Yueru smiled. "Xingzhi, take Miss Liang to the polo field. I have important matters to discuss with Madam Xu."

Pei Xingzhi stood up and looked at Liang Ruoyan.

Liang Ruoyan finally realized something was wrong, but she couldn't make a scene, so she could only leave with Pei Xingzhi first.

Jin Chui saw what was happening over there, his eyes darkened slightly, and he whispered to Shen Hanyu.

Shen Hanyu played with the object in her hand. Had Xu Ying chosen to marry Han Yueru?

Pei Xingzhi is indeed a good option that Xu Ying can find right now.

But what does Liang Ruoyan herself think?

Liang Ruoyan, who was taken away by Pei Xingzhi, lowered her head and remained silent. Her marriage was settled in just a few words.

Pei Xingzhi turned around and said, "You're not at a loss if you marry me."

Liang Ruoyan curled her lips. A bastard child. Who in Chang'an didn't know Pei Xingzhi's identity? If it were before, she would never have allowed someone of such status to speak so arrogantly in front of her.

"You should understand what my mother and your mother said. No matter which family's son it is, they won't easily accept you now. What do you think?" Pei Xingzhi asked her.