Most of the censors in the Censorate were disciples of Elder Xu. When the engagement was broken, they were the first to condemn the Wei and Liang families.
Now that they had leverage, Uncle Liang would likely be stripped bare. Not only would his future be ruined, but it might even affect his and Liang Pan's tumultuous marriage. How could it possibly proceed?
With a hardened heart, she said to Liang Luo, "Apologize!"
Liang Luo was also scared. Xu Mingyue and Elder Xu were cut from the same cloth, preferring to break than to bend. They didn't care if their family held office, but the Liang family did. If her father were impeached and lost his position, then she would have even less chance with the Ninth Prince.
Thinking of this, Liang Luo gritted her teeth. Before she could speak, Xu Mingyue had already left in a huff.
Apologize?
No need.
She wanted Liang Luo to pay for her actions!
This would stop her from constantly finding trouble and disturbing everyone's peace.
Watching Xu Mingyue walk further away, Liang Luo truly panicked. The arrogance from before was gone. She grabbed Wei Lanxuan's hand and said, "Sister-in-law, what should we do?"
The red mark on her cheek still throbbed with pain, but she couldn't afford to care now.
Wei Lanxuan had initially thought Liang Luo was merely a bully by association, but she turned out to be useless. She didn't know her own limits and charged forward like an idiot.
With such a sister-in-law, she wondered how many messes she would have to clean up in the future.
Ahead, Xu Mingyue and her group walked quickly towards Changchun Tower. They happened to run into Yin Canwen, who's eyes lit up upon seeing Feng Jinyao and the others. He immediately stepped forward to greet them.
However, he noticed their grim expressions and was about to ask when he saw Wei Lanxuan pulling Liang Luo, followed by Liang Pan and the two Wen brothers.
They too appeared to be in a hurry, their faces etched with worry. The young lady Liang seemed to have a mark on her face.
Wei Lanxuan, standing aside, stepped forward and apologized again on behalf of Liang Luo.
"Miss Xu, my sister Liang was merely impulsive. Why must you escalate this matter? It won't benefit the Xu family."
Xu Mingyue didn't say much, her gaze coolly fixed on Wei Lanxuan. For the first time, she felt a pang of pity for her.
Such a proud person in the past, now humbling herself for Liang Luo. It was fortunate she wasn't the one marrying into that family, otherwise, she would be the one begging for Liang Luo today.
Thinking this, she felt a touch of regret for Wei Lanxuan.
"Oh? What a coincidence. Why is everyone standing here and not going in for a drink?"
Hearing the voice, everyone turned to see the Eldest Princess Changlin, who was out in disguise.
She was accompanied by over a dozen skilled guards. No one knew how she ended up here. By rights, shouldn't she be in Baiyue Pavilion celebrating with the royal family?
Feng Jinyao's legs felt weak the moment she saw the Eldest Princess Changlin. When she glanced at her second brother, his eyes indeed flickered, and her heart sank, fearing a repeat of her past life.
While the Eldest Princess Changlin was not paying attention, she tugged at Feng Jinlin's sleeve. Feng Er, who had been warned multiple times, was now feeling guilty. Facing the Eldest Princess Changlin, he was truly intimidated.
The moment her eyes fell upon him, he felt his heart grow cold.
Fortunately, his attire today was not as dazzling as before, but his exquisite beauty was impossible to hide.
Xiao Muqian had a poor impression of the Eldest Princess Changlin before. Seeing her gaze meaningfully at Feng Jinlin, he felt displeased. Was she going to ruin all the fine young men in Dongdu City?
He stepped forward and stood in front of Feng Jinlin, blocking the Eldest Princess Changlin's intense gaze. He bowed and said, "Greetings, Aunt Changlin."
The Eldest Princess Changlin was displeased at being interrupted, especially by Xiao Muqian. Though they were meeting for the first time, animosity had already taken root. Seeing him seemingly protecting the man behind him, her interest waned significantly.
She had plenty of handsome male consorts in her mansion. This one was merely a novelty.
His submissive demeanor was not as captivating as the one in her Qin Fang Courtyard, and she immediately lost interest.
"Mm, no need for such formalities outside. Are you all heading to Changchun Tower?"
Xiao Muqian shook his head. He had intended to stay a while longer, but now that he disliked the person standing before him, he had no desire to linger. He said, "The Feng family's cousin and his wife are here. We are here to pick them up, and it's about time to send the young ladies home."
Among the young ladies from the Feng, Xu, and Bai families, she had only met Bai Siruo and had a decent impression of her. Unfortunately, she had chosen the wrong company.
She smiled slightly, "In that case, I won't delay you. What about you, Miss Wei? Do you have time to accompany me for a chat?"
This was the Eldest Princess Changlin, a favorite of the Emperor, a figure they could rarely reach. Yet, she was speaking to them so amiably. Liang Luo immediately felt she had found a patron. She quickly bowed and said to the Eldest Princess Changlin.
"Your Highness, how can you say that? With you here, Changchun Tower is even more radiant than usual. It is my honor to accompany you."
"And you are?" The Eldest Princess Changlin, not having met Liang Luo before, asked curiously.
"This humble subject is Liang Luo. My father is the Minister of the Grand Court of Revision. This is my elder brother, who will be marrying Sister-in-law Wei in a few days."
Liang Luo spoke quickly, introducing herself and her brother.
Wen Xinglu had never met the Eldest Princess Changlin before but had heard rumors about her.
However, looking at her now, she didn't possess the seductive aura of the rumors. Instead, she exuded nobility and warmth, making people want to approach her.
Coupled with her status, she might be able to connect with the person she wished to meet. Naturally, he was very enthusiastic and stepped forward to introduce himself.
"This commoner greets the Eldest Princess."
"And who is this?"
"I am Wen Xinglu. My uncle is Wen Jingsong, the Minister of Personnel. The one beside me is his legitimate son."
He was quite proactive. Wen Mengsheng, feeling overshadowed, was displeased but did not show it. He maintained his gentle and refined demeanor. "Greetings, Eldest Prince. I am Wen Mengsheng."
"Mengsheng? That's a good name. So you are cousins? You do look somewhat alike."
The Eldest Princess Changlin and her entourage chatted by the entrance of Changchun Tower. Feng Jinxu helped Wen Shi descend the stairs and happened to witness this scene.
Not wanting to get involved further, Feng Jinyao whispered to her second brother, "Hide yourself. The more low-key the better. Let's go back quickly."
"Mm."