Two more carriages stopped, and a man and a woman alighted from each.
The man was dressed in resplendent robes, his countenance radiant. The woman, clad in white, seemed ethereal, her amorous peach blossom eyes capable of ensnaring souls, causing gasps of admiration from those around.
"Isn't that the Pavilion Master of Qin Xue, and the Head of the Shangguan family?" someone immediately recognized them. Qin Xue was quite renowned in the imperial capital, while Shangguan Jin was known for his striking looks, elegant demeanor, and substantial family background.
"Esteemed guests, please come in." The steward stepped forward to greet them.
The pair walked forward side-by-side, nodded to Xiao Man, and were led inside by the steward. Chu Jingyu's gaze followed their retreating figures, lingering for a long time.
"Brother Chu, are you back with us?"
Chu Jingyu smiled sheepishly, "The General's Mansion has also invited the Pavilion Master of Bai Hua and the new prominent figure of the imperial capital, the Shangguan family head."
" Pavilion Master Qin Xue and I are acquaintances, and the Shangguan family head is quite charming. Brother Chu, you know I've always liked good-looking people," Xiao Man said with a beaming smile, as if truly infatuated with beauty.
"Were the Cen family head also invited?"
"We don't get along," Xiao Man stated frankly. Although Cen Yu was behaving himself now, she still remembered the times he had tried to harm her.
"However, he has arrived," Chu Jingyu nudged her. Xiao Man followed his gaze and saw Wen Mohan and Cen Yu alighting from a carriage.
"Man'er."
"Mohan." Xiao Man took a couple of steps forward. "I was wondering if you would come today."
"You sent me an invitation, how could I not come?" Wen Mohan said softly. "Though spring has arrived, the weather is still cold. Why are you only holding a hand warmer? Go and get the hand warmer from my carriage."
A servant immediately retrieved the hand warmer from the carriage and handed it to Wen Mohan, who then passed it to Xiao Man. "Standing in this wind, look at you, your hands are freezing. Quickly, hold it and warm them up."
"Thank you."
"Why be so polite with me?" Wen Mohan feigned annoyance. "If you continue like this, I'll get angry."
Xiao Man's eyes curved into a smile. "Let's go inside quickly, it's cold out here."
"If you know it's cold, why aren't you dressed warmer?" Wen Mohan, like a nagging old mother, fetched a cloak from the carriage. The cloak, a moon-white with crimson fox fur trim, was about to be draped over Xiao Man.
Just then, another carriage stopped at the General's Mansion entrance. A person alighted, radiant as the moon, unstained by dust. Xiao Man's fingers clenched into fists, but her smile was exceptionally bright. She bypassed everyone and, in full public view, flung herself into the National Preceptor's arms.
"Be careful you don't fall," Feng Tianlan reached out to catch Xiao Man, his eyes filled with helplessness. He still wore a white veil, concealing his magnificent features.
The surrounding crowd gasped. The National Preceptor was like celestial clouds, unstained by the world, yet Xiao Man had thrown herself into his embrace! Su Dan Novel Network
The young ladies and married women alike gnashed their teeth. Xiao Man, you've truly outdone yourself. You already have Mister Wen by your side, why must you defile the noble and pure National Preceptor!
"Master, you've finally arrived. Your disciple has been waiting with bated breath," Xiao Man said coquettishly. "Let's go in quickly, it's cold outside. Don't let Master catch a chill."
Feng Tianlan sighed helplessly. "You're already a grown woman, why are you still so boisterous?"
"In front of Master, I will always be a little girl who needs Master's protection," Xiao Man pouted, tugging at Feng Tianlan's robes.
"Alright, let's go inside." Feng Tianlan, a mix of helplessness and doting affection, allowed Xiao Man to pull him. He felt that since his return, Xiao Man, who used to be so reserved before him, had become increasingly casual. Though he wasn't sure if this change was for the better, his heart felt a sense of joy.
Xiao Luo appeared at the opportune moment and led the National Preceptor, Wen Mohan, and their party inside. Xiao Man, however, remained outside to receive the female guests. Only after the group had disappeared from sight did the smile fade from Xiao Man's face.
"Miss Xiao." A voice called from behind.
Xiao Man turned around. "Miss Pei."
Pei Qianyun curtsied in return. "Happy New Year."
Seeing that there were not many guests, Xiao Man decided to escort Pei Qianyun inside. Pei Qianyun was rather reserved, yet gentle.
They walked side-by-side, encountering no one on the way. Pei Qianyun inquired softly, "Does Miss Xiao favor Mister Wen?"
Xiao Man looked at Pei Qianyun in confusion, not understanding the question. Pei Qianyun met her gaze. "If Miss Xiao favors Mister Wen, then please be devoted and treat Mister Wen well, rather than wavering, causing others unnecessary distress."
Wavering? Was she referring to her? When had she ever wavered? Xiao Man was puzzled, then a realization dawned. Could it be that Pei Qianyun liked Wen Mohan?
"Does Miss Pei like Mohan?"
Pei Qianyun's expression changed. "I do not!"
But to Xiao Man, her explanation sounded like an attempt to cover up. "Miss Pei, Mohan is a very fine man. I'm rooting for you."
A mouthful of blood rose in Pei Qianyun's throat. If not for her upbringing that instilled in her a gentle and virtuous demeanor, she would have grabbed Xiao Man by the collar and shaken her, telling her that she did not like Wen Mohan!
"Does Miss Xiao not favor Mister Wen?"
Xiao Man thought carefully. "Of course I do. I only befriend those I like."
Pei Qianyun felt a headache coming on. "The liking I'm referring to is whether you are willing to marry Mister Wen, to spend a lifetime together."
Xiao Man pondered it. It seemed marrying Wen Mohan wouldn't be impossible.
After all, Wen Mohan was a civil official. While the heir to the head of the civil officials marrying the beloved daughter of the head of the military might arouse suspicion from His Majesty, based on the current situation, it seemed better than marrying a prince. Marrying a prince would be a direct declaration of factionalism.
"Miss Pei is joking," Xiao Man said with a broad smile. "Mohan and I are friends."
"Then... does Miss Xiao favor His Highness the Prince of Qin?" Pei Qianyun asked nervously. She was quite aware of the rumors circulating outside. The Prince of Qin was known for his cold demeanor and impassive expressions, yet he had aided Xiao Man on multiple occasions, causing her a sense of unease.
Favor the Prince of Qin... Xiao Man suddenly recalled the kiss on New Year's Eve and felt a flush creep up her neck. However, her tone remained unchanged. "Miss Pei, please spare me. Why must I favor them?"
"After all, His Highness the Prince of Qin and Mister Wen are the cream of the crop among the unmarried gentlemen in the imperial capital, ideal husbands that women dream of." Pei Qianyun unknowingly let out a sigh of relief. It seemed Xiao Man did not favor the Prince of Qin, which was good.
As the two entered the garden, they heard the sound of arguing. Xiao Man wondered who was quarreling at this hour. She saw Xiao Ling chasing a girl, while Madam Chu and Chu Qingge desperately tried to intervene. Others merely stood by to watch the show.