Feng Jingxuan, called out by his sister, had no choice but to step forward. "My sister is rude, please do not take offense, madam."
Feng Yingying, surprised that her second brother wasn't defending her, felt even more wronged. "Second Brother!"
Feng Jingxuan offered an awkward smile. With so many people present, it was best to de-escalate the situation.
Yu Mingyue smiled. "You are too kind, sir. I will not take it to heart." Her tone paused, then she continued, "Since you know she is rude, she should be taught a lesson before going out. Otherwise, she might not be so lucky next time."
Yu Mingyue's words were sharp and teasing. If she were older than Feng Yingying, people might have found her lacking in magnanimity.
But she was young, and Feng Yingying had been rude first. Everyone would only see Yu Liuniang as sharp-tongued and not to be trifled with.
"You speak wisely, madam," Feng Jingxuan said, cupping his fists in apology again.
Feng Yingying was on the verge of tears, but with so many people watching, she could only endure.
Fortunately, the crowd soon dispersed.
"Lady Yu Liuniang is already so outstanding before her coming-of-age ceremony. She will undoubtedly be a stunning beauty when she grows up," one of the young gentlemen said, fanning himself.
"The Cui clan of Qinghe has always produced beauties. Her mother was from the Cui clan of Qinghe."
"She was jilted by the royal family. What if I proposed?"
...
The talk grew more brazen. A cough was heard from behind them. They turned quickly to see Xie Jia Yan, dressed in a green robe, standing not far away.
"Scholar Xie," the gentlemen quickly cupped their fists.
These men were all students of the Imperial Academy. Xie Jia Yan's father was a Vice Director of the Imperial Academy, and he himself was a Hanlin Academy scholar. Though they were of similar age, they had to show respect.
"Gossiping behind someone's back is not the act of a gentleman," Xie Jia Yan said, his tone light but his expression stern.
"Yes!" The gentlemen quickly cupped their fists and apologized.
However, Xie Jia Yan paid them no mind and left.
Yu Mingyue felt much better after confronting Feng Yingying. She decided that she didn't need to hide at banquets anymore. If anyone dared to provoke her, she would simply fall out with them.
While one should be kind, one should not confuse kindness with weakness and allow oneself to be bullied.
"Liuniang,"
Yu Mingyue recognized the voice. She looked up and indeed saw Xie Jia Yan.
"Brother Jia Yan," Yu Mingyue's smile bloomed like a spring day.
"Why are you sitting here alone?" The pavilion was somewhat secluded.
"Yuxi was just here and left for a moment. She'll be back shortly." Yu Mingyue poured Xie Jia Yan a cup of tea. "Brother Jia Yan, you're in luck. Youyou just sent over some Liu'an Gua Pian."
"Oh?" Xie Jia Yan smiled and took a sip. "Indeed, it is good tea."
"Uncle Gu loves tea, so they never lack good tea at their home."
Xie Jia Yan saw her smiling and chatting merrily, clearly in good spirits. It seemed she wasn't hiding here crying alone.
"You know them well."
"Besides my own family, I am most familiar with the Gu residence in the capital," Yu Mingyue said proudly.
Xie Jia Yan's smile faltered for a moment. "Is that so?"
"Yes, Brother always brought me along when he visited the Gu residence. Sometimes Brother Tingyun would also pick me up from home. I know how many courtyards and pavilions the Gu residence has..." Yu Mingyue's voice revealed a touch of excitement as she recalled her brother's words.
Back then, her brother would take her everywhere. She wondered how long this war would last and when her brother would return to the capital.
Xie Jia Yan narrowed his eyes, his expression gradually darkening.
Yu Mingyue, oblivious to Xie Jia Yan's expression, continued to recount childhood anecdotes.
Or rather, past events, as she was still a child.
"Liuniang seems to like Brother Tingyun... sister?" Xie Jia Yan asked casually, without looking up, his tone light.