Chapter 142: The Arena - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 142: The Arena
Hearing the word 'marriage,' Bai Sihan's eyes lit up again. Although this Young Master Su was a bit older, looked rather ordinary, had a somewhat impatient personality, and his family background wasn't particularly prominent, he seemed much easier to control.
Bai Sihan had accompanied her mother to social events these days, but no family had taken the initiative to propose a marriage to her. It seemed they still looked down on her origins.
If she couldn't pass the hurdle of the family matron, she naturally wouldn't meet any eligible sons from those families.
This had made both her and her mother extremely anxious.
Once the Lantern Festival was over, her father would return to his post in Qiongzhou, and her mother’s excuse of needing to recuperate would no longer hold up due to all their recent social activities.
That's why she had shamelessly tagged along with Bai Siruo, despite sensing her elder sister’s strong dislike for her.
The wealth and glory of the Eastern Capital were right in front of her. Having enjoyed these luxuries for some time, how could she let them go?
If she could 'win over' Young Master Su tonight, she and her mother would have an excuse to stay in the Eastern Capital.
Taking the initiative was the key.
She tidied herself up and approached again, sweetly saying to Su Cheng, "Brother Su, I'm a bit thirsty. Could we go to Changchun Tower for some tea before continuing to the lantern festival with my sister?"
After she spoke, Su Cheng was stunned, looking at Bai Siruo with raised eyebrows as if to say, 'She's your sister, aren't you going to do something?'
Bai Siruo shrugged, her expression indicating she was helpless, which only made Su Cheng more frustrated.
As he pondered an excuse to brush off Bai Sihan's pestering, they unexpectedly encountered the Wei family's young lady and members of the Wen and Liang families who had also come out.
Under the lantern light, Wen Mengsheng's jade-like demeanor became even more apparent, leaving Bai Sihan in a daze.
Since the last Wei family banquet, she hadn't had a chance to speak with this Young Master Wen again. Compared to Su Cheng, he was her ideal husband.
Good family background, handsome appearance, kind and ambitious—most importantly, he didn’t look down on her origins like the others did.
If such a fine man were to be snatched away by someone else, what would she do?
Looking at the sisters present who weren't yet engaged, she felt secretly indignant.
Naturally, Wei Lanxuan walked alongside Liang Gongzi, both holding beautifully crafted lovebird lanterns. Their harmonious presence made everyone exclaim how perfectly matched they were.
Also in their group were Liang Luo and the two Wen family cousins. Wherever they went, they attracted attention with their handsome and beautiful appearance.
When the two groups met eyes, there was an awkward silence, broken by Wen Mengsheng who stepped forward and greeted Feng Jinyao's group with a smile.
Among the present, apart from Xiao Mu Qian, Bai Siruo, and Wei Lanxuan, he had the best family background and was known as a graceful gentleman. Naturally, he stepped up to speak.
"What a coincidence! Are you all here for the lantern festival too? Wen greets the ladies."
Wen Mengsheng
Unfortunately, his warm greeting was met with cold indifference.
Feng Jinyao looked at his hypocritical smile and scoffed inwardly. No matter how well she concealed her expression, her eyes still reflected ridicule and disdain.
Ever since Feng Jinlin had met him at the Bai residence, he hadn't had a good impression of him either and naturally remained silent with a cold expression.
Wen Mengsheng found it very strange. Since he first met the Feng family, they had inexplicably disliked and even shown hostility towards him. He couldn't understand what had happened—was there a misunderstanding?
Xiao Mu Qian and Su Cheng didn't bear any ill will towards him and cupped their hands in greeting. Su Cheng spoke first, "Indeed, the grand occasion of the Jin Dynasty should not be missed. Not coming out to enjoy it would be a waste."
Wen Mengsheng smiled happily and turned his gaze to Feng Jinyao. As he stepped forward, Feng Jinlin blocked his way. Wen Mengsheng still remembered being beaten last time and felt displeased. He looked at Feng Jinlin and asked, "Second Young Master, this is very strange. I merely wanted to greet you, so why such hostility? Did I inadvertently offend you? If so, I apologize."
"Hah, I always look down on people. Haven't you heard, Young Master Wen? If you know you might offend someone, why bother greet them?" Feng Jinlin retorted, refusing to back down.
Bai Siruo and Xu Mingyue exchanged glances, both Found the situation odd. What was wrong with this Second Young Master Feng? Although he often argued, he was never so harsh. Something must have happened that they didn't know about.
Being friends with the Feng family, they naturally sided with them. Wen Mengsheng clearly felt their hostility, his face turned pale with anger, but he couldn't lose his temper in public.
Liang Luo, with her impatient nature, couldn't let the others gain the upper hand since she held grudges against several of the ladies present. She walked up, lifting her skirt, and began speaking with disdain.
"Oh, didn't they say the Feng family had closed their doors due to an infectious disease? How come you're out and about? Are you trying to spread it to us?"
She even covered her nose with a handkerchief as she spoke, looking at the Feng siblings as if they were plague carriers.
Bai Siruo, not on good terms with Liang Luo, couldn't let this slide.
"The Liang family truly produces talents. Bold enough to steal a royal marriage proposal, but now acting all weak and scared of infection? If you're so afraid, why did you come out? The Feng family has received praise directly from His Majesty. But your Liang family, about to have a grand celebration—do you think His Majesty will bestow any rewards? After all, Miss Wei is the niece of the Noble Consort."
Bai Siruo's sharp tongue aimed directly at the Liang family, hitting their sore spot. Liang Gongzi, feeling guilty about his past mistakes, usually felt apologetic around Xu Mingyue. But now, with Bai Siruo dragging the Wei family into the fray, Wei Lanxuan's face turned pale. Naturally, he had to defend her.
"Miss Bai, watch your words. The engagement between Lan'er and me was arranged by our parents with all due propriety. How can you slander others like this? Is this the Bai family's way of upbringing?"
As he spoke, his gaze at Bai Siruo became sharp.
Hearing his defense, Wei Lanxuan finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling she hadn't chosen the wrong person. She looked at Bai Siruo unkindly.
Bai Siruo, not one to fear hostility, raised her head high and stared back defiantly, her contemptuous attitude angering both Wei Lanxuan and Liang Gongzi.
"You are from the Liang family?" Xiao Mu Qian suddenly asked, drawing the attention of Wei Lanxuan and Liang Gongzi to his presence.
Liang Gongzi frowned, trying to gauge his identity. Wen Mengsheng reminded them, "This is the second grandson of the Prince Kang Mansion, and Miss Bai's betrothed."
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