It wasn't difficult to understand. It was simply that the elders in his family disliked Zhenzhen's status. A concubine's daughter, who had lived in the countryside for several years, was considered a stain. The elders must have felt that such a Qi Zhenzhen was not worthy of being the matriarch of the Lu family, which was why the Marquis's mansion readily accepted when an opportunity arose. He was not someone who buried himself in books and ignored the outside world. He had already learned everything about Qi Zhenzhen, and also about the thoughts of Qi Mingzhu, the legitimate daughter.
They had conspired together, reaching an agreement in a flash, excluding him, the person directly involved, and even calling it for his own good.
Heh, now that Zhenzhen was so outstanding, those people must have heard about it too, right? He wondered what they were thinking. Unfortunately, even if they regretted it, it was too late. The young girl he had always cared for was already engaged, and her fiancé was a scion of a noble family whose status and position far surpassed his. Although his reputation was tarnished, Lu Chen didn't quite believe it. Rumors always changed as they spread.
Perhaps he simply didn't associate with women in the beginning, or perhaps someone deliberately spread these rumors. Zhenzhen was such an intelligent person; if her fiancé was truly a scoundrel, she would surely find a way to refuse the marriage.
The more Lu Chen thought about it, the more agitated he became. He stood up decisively and went to the courtyard for a stroll, hoping the cold wind would help him put those thoughts aside.
Li Nuan wanted to make plum blossom perfume, and coincidentally, the Marquis's mansion had several plum trees that were blooming. Qi Zhenzhen was dragged out to pick plum blossoms.
"If you make the plum blossom perfume, you have to share some with me. Otherwise, my labor would be in vain," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Li Nuan gave her a playful glare, "As if I wouldn't share the perfume I make with you even if you didn't contribute any labor. I pulled you out because you were about to lose your composure with so many people flattering you in the room."
Qi Zhenzhen giggled and swayed Li Nuan's hand, "Sister Nuan is indeed thoughtful."
The red plum blossoms defied the snow, and the beauty was like frost. One moving, one still, they complemented each other, painting a picture that entered Lu Chen's eyes. The once delicate and adorable young girl had grown into a graceful young lady. If his family hadn't canceled the engagement, could he be standing under this red plum tree with her now?
Lu Chen, who had come out to calm his mind, found his thoughts even more muddled.
"Young Master Lu." A maid passing by recognized Lu Chen and quickly bowed.
Lu Chen was standing not far from the red plum tree, but he was somewhat hidden due to the foliage. As soon as the maid spoke, Qi Zhenzhen's group heard it. Following the sound, Lu Chen could no longer hide and had to step out from his cover, cupping his hands in a distant salute to Qi Zhenzhen and the others.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, returning the gesture. They had already picked quite a few plum blossoms. If more were needed, they could send a maid to pick them. There was no need to stay any longer. After all, Lu Chen was an unrelated male. Without an elder accompanying them, getting too close might lead to unpleasant gossip.
Lu Chen hesitated, wondering if he should step forward, when he saw Qi Zhenzhen and her group leaving.
Lu Chen's eyes dimmed. What right did he have to step forward? Lu Chen gave a self-mocking smile. From the moment he complied with his family's arrangements, he had no standing to provoke her. Maintaining distance was the best he could do for her.
"I thought Young Master Lu seemed like he had something to say?" Li Nuan whispered after they left the garden.
"What could he possibly have to say to us? Sister, perhaps you were mistaken?" Qi Zhenzhen replied calmly.
She had seen Lu Chen's hesitation to speak, but what did that have to do with her?
If the engagement had continued, a few words would have been harmless. But now, didn't he know his own status and position?
As the future husband of the Marquis's legitimate daughter, the person she would call brother-in-law in the future, speaking privately with his sister-in-law would only invite gossip.
Regardless of Lu Chen's intentions, his actions were inappropriate. As for the engagement, whether Lu Chen had any unspoken difficulties was not something Qi Zhenzhen considered.
Initially, her mother thought it was a good match, and she had harbored some hopes, but later...
Qi Zhenzhen had always been a rational person. They needed to avoid suspicion, so she wouldn't foolishly reminisce with Lu Chen. Besides, did they even have any past to reminisce about?