Aunt Xiao, seeing the tense atmosphere, her eyes darted around as she tried to smooth things over. "Second Sister, Third Brother and his family have finally come to Tianchu City. Let's not just stand here. Why don't we invite Third Brother's family to Jianghelou for a casual meal!"
Aunt Er and Aunt Xiao exchanged glances.
She quickly understood her younger sister's intentions.
Jianghelou was the most famous and high-end restaurant in Tianchu City, a place that even the heads of minor families were not qualified to enter.
Inviting Third Brother's family to dine at Jianghelou would serve two purposes: firstly, to showcase their status and position within the Lan clan, intimidating them and gaining the upper hand.
Secondly, it would be a way to put the son-in-law in his place.
To let him know the vast gap between himself and a prestigious family like theirs in the Lan clan!
He was simply not worthy of Lan Xueyi.
To make him recognize his own limitations and retreat.
Aunt Er silently gave her younger sister a thumbs-up in her heart.
Lan Tianxiong also felt that his words had been a bit too emotional. Since his fourth sister had suggested inviting them for a meal, it was a good opportunity to mend their relationship.
So, he agreed.
Aunt Er said, "Then it's settled! We'll meet at Jianghelou tonight. Your whole family must come!"
"Especially you, the son-in-law, you must come. I estimate you haven't seen much of the world since you were little, so we can take you to broaden your horizons!"
Her words carried an undisguised arrogance and smugness.
Then, she pretended to be troubled, saying, "Alas, it's not easy to book a table at Jianghelou. Even for us, we have to pull strings and call in favors to get one. It's good that our Lan clan still has some standing and status in Tianchu City."
"Little sister, let's go and sort out the seating first. Third Brother's family hasn't been in Tianchu City for years, they won't have any connections! This will have to rely on us, and we'll have to use some favors again."
"—Third Brother, don't take my words to heart. It's not that I look down on you, I'm just stating the facts. You'll know how high-class that place is when you get there!"
After speaking, Aunt Er, like a victorious rooster, proudly left with Aunt Xiao and the others.
"How can these two aunts be like this! I can't stand it."
Lan Junjie said indignantly.
"What does a child know? Say less!"
Li Huimei chided.
Lan Xueyi affectionately squeezed Ling Fan's hand.
Ling Fan's expression remained calm.
As far as he was concerned, he didn't acknowledge these two so-called relatives at all.
Therefore, he naturally wouldn't pay them any mind. No matter how unreasonable they were, out of respect for Lan Tianxiong's family, as long as they didn't go too far, he wouldn't care.
Lan Tianxiong thought about it, but his heart felt like it was stuffed with a stone, making him uncomfortable. He slammed the table, rattling the teacups.
Then, he sighed in defeat.
No matter how detestable they were,
They were still his sisters.
This was what made him most helpless.
"Xiao Fan, I've made you see something embarrassing."
Lan Tianxiong said with a bitter smile.
Ling Fan shook his head faintly, "What's there to see? I didn't pay them any attention at all. However, if they go too far, while Father-in-law can forgive them, I won't indulge them."
Lan Tianxiong wiped his sweat, "I know! Xiao Fan, don't worry, I'll warn them."
...
In a quiet corner of the separate courtyard.
Ling Fan stood with his hands behind his back.
A young man in Tianchu Army armor, with a surging and powerful aura, knelt on one knee before Ling Fan.
He was Ah Liang, the deputy general of the Tianchu Army sent by Chu Tiange to contact Ling Fan.
"What are Mr. Ling's orders?"
"Do you know Jianghelou?"
"Your subordinate knows."
"Tonight, book the most exclusive private room at Jianghelou for me."
"In your name?"
Ling Fan thought for a moment and said, "In the names of my parents-in-law, Lan Tianxiong and Li Huimei."
"Yes, sir!"
As soon as the deputy general left,
Lan Xueyi happened to pass by and asked curiously, "Xiao Fan, who were you talking to just now?"
Ling Fan smiled faintly, "It's nothing. You'll know tonight."
"Hmph, still playing mysterious with me!"
Lan Xueyi pouted, instantly filling the room with her radiant beauty.
Ling Fan, without further ado, wrapped an arm around Lan Xueyi's slender waist, pulled her soft body into his embrace, and then kissed her.
Lan Xueyi's beautiful eyes widened, her hands weakly pushing against Ling Fan.
After a few muffled sounds, her whole body went limp, melting like water, allowing him to do as he pleased.
...
If only there was more time.
Otherwise, they would have engaged in more intimate exchanges.
How could the dignified Emperor Qingyun not have a battle of three hundred rounds on their first wedding night?
This brief moment used for such matters was ultimately a bit too hasty.
Moreover...
Knock, knock, knock.
The door was knocked again.
Lan Junjie's head peeked through the crack of the door.
Ling Fan really wanted to kick this guy a hundred thousand miles away.
Always choosing such opportune moments!
What is it?
Ling Fan asked impatiently.
"Hehe, I seem to have come at the wrong time again... Brother-in-law, Sister, that is, Dad is urging you to set off for Jianghelou!"
"Let's go."
Ling Fan's face was stern and displeased.
Lan Xueyi's face was flushed, and she gave Ling Fan a charming glance, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle.
...
The Chu River flowed majestically through the center of Tianchu City, dividing it into two.
Jianghelou was located on the banks of the Chu River.
From there, one could gaze north at the vast Chu River as it flowed into Yunmeng Lake.
The scenery was magnificent and breathtaking.
It was the most renowned restaurant in Tianchu City.
Bar none.
When Ling Fan and Lan Tianxiong's family arrived at Jianghelou.
Lan Xueyi's Aunt Er and Aunt Xiao had not yet arrived.
They waited for a stick of incense before the two aunts finally arrived, fashionably late.
Besides themselves, they also brought their children.
Aunt Er was married to a collateral member of the Sun family in Tianchu City. She had two sons. The elder son was a seventh-rank deputy lieutenant in the Governor's Mansion.
Due to military duties, he was not present.
Her younger son, Sun Jian, had come.
He was around Ling Fan's age, about eighteen or nineteen.
Aunt Xiao, on the other hand, had brought both her daughters, Nong Xiuyu and Nong Keyu.
The moment Sun Jian, Nong Xiuyu, and the others saw Xueyi,
They were stunned by their peerlessly beautiful cousin.
Sun Jian clicked his tongue in amazement.
Then, looking at Ling Fan, his eyes were filled with contempt.
He thought to himself, how could his beautiful cousin marry such a toad?
His appearance was unremarkable, and his build was not particularly tall.
That was not all.
There was no powerful cultivation fluctuation emanating from him.
And he heard that their Ling family had long since perished.
It was simply against heaven's will that such a person with no status, no background, and no strength could marry Lan Xueyi.
As for Nong Xiuyu and Nong Keyu, their eyes revealed jealousy, and they snorted.
They felt a perverse sense of satisfaction.
No matter how beautiful you are, marrying such a man means your life will be like this.
How could you compare to them marrying rich husbands and being glorious!
"Oh dear, Third Brother, I'm so sorry, we're a little late. You shouldn't have waited long, right!"
Aunt Er deliberately raised her hand to fan herself, revealing the expensive jewelry on her hands and neck.
She explained, "Jianghelou is not like other places. One must dress up grandly, or people will look down on you. That's why we took a little longer."
As she spoke, she glanced dismissively at Li Huimei, who wore few ornaments.
To this sister-in-law, their entire family still harbored great animosity.
If it weren't for Li Huimei back then, Lan Tianxiong wouldn't have been expelled from the Lan clan.
As for Ling Fan, she looked down on him even more.
Especially Ling Fan's plain, almost shabby gray cloth robe, which was extremely unsightly.
It seemed to lower her status.
And disgraced their Lan clan.
Li Huimei's eyes darted away, appearing very flustered and uneasy.
Ling Fan, however, remained indifferent and paid no attention to Aunt Er's sharp gaze.
Aunt Er let out a displeased cold snort.
Aunt Xiao saw this and said, "Second Sister, Third Brother, shall we go in then!"
She didn't even glance at Li Huimei.
She simply treated Li Huimei, standing beside Lan Tianxiong, as if she were air.
In front of the arrogant Lan sisters, Li Huimei appeared even more embarrassed.
...
Everyone walked towards Jianghelou.
Sun Jian and the sisters Nong Xiuyu and Nong Keyu walked at the forefront.
The excitement on their faces was evident.
This kind of place was not somewhere they could frequent.
A trip to Jianghelou would be enough for them to brag about for half a year!
Looking at the magnificent Jianghelou, which was within reach.
Sun Jian couldn't help but exclaim excitedly, "Mom, you're amazing! You actually managed to book a table at Jianghelou. This is my first time here, I must experience this legendary first restaurant of Tianchu Province!!"
After speaking, he swept a proud glance at Lan Junjie and Ling Fan.
The sisters Nong Xiuyu and Nong Keyu were also excited.
Nong Xiuyu flattered, "Aunt Er has extensive connections. We're all benefiting today. I must toast you properly later!"
Nong Keyu added, "Sister, I heard that the top young masters in Tianchu City often gather at Jianghelou. If we can get to know some top young lords, it would be a huge gain!"
Aunt Xiao encouraged them, "You two must work hard today and try to catch the attention of a scion from a top wealthy family. Then, your mother can enjoy your blessings for the rest of her life!"
As they spoke.
Everyone had arrived at the entrance of Jianghelou.
A waiter immediately came forward.
"Do you have a reservation? This is Jianghelou, and we only receive the most distinguished guests of Tianchu City."
Sun Jian's face was flushed with pride, feeling more glorious than ever in his life. He eagerly said, "Yes! Of course! My mother booked with your Jianghelou long ago."
Everyone's gaze turned to Aunt Er.
Aunt Er proudly said, "I am Lan Meili of the Lan clan. I asked someone to make a reservation with your Jianghelou's Manager Jin. We have the seventh water-viewing private seat in the east district on the first floor. Please take us there."