Chapter 451: I Liked It at First Sight

Chapter 451: I Took a Liking to It Immediately

It must be said that the Duke of Xinguo's mansion went all out to celebrate Yu Mingzhu's birthday, with even a large open area outside the mansion covered in red carpet.

The ladies and young misses who stepped down from their carriages were all amazed.

Xingxing and her brother Yu Yonghuai went their separate ways—one to the backyard, the other to the front yard.

"Sister Cen's stepmother and stepsister have just been sentenced to exile, so it's really not appropriate for her to go out and socialize. Otherwise, with her accompanying you, I would feel much more at ease," Yu Yonghuai sighed.

Xingxing, however, remained calm: "Big brother, don't fret over me. Don't you always say I'm a clever little sprite? I'll be fine."

Yu Yonghuai was amused by Xingxing and reached out to pat her little head: "Alright, be careful. If anyone gives you trouble, just send someone to the front yard to let me know."

Xingxing agreed.

Yu Yonghuai couldn't help but lower his voice to remind her: "...I remember your Meimu Opera Troupe is performing at the Duke of Xinguo's mansion today. If anything happens, go find them. Just don't let yourself be mistreated."

Xingxing couldn't help but laugh: "...Got it. Big brother, why are you so anxious about me today?"

Yu Yonghuai sighed again.

What else could it be? Back in Nantuo Village, they had already clashed with the Lin Yang Marquis's household, especially with Bai Huanqin, the second daughter of the second household.

That's why Yu Yonghuai and Grandfather Liu directly reported to the emperor upon arriving in the capital, accusing the Lin Yang Marquis. His Majesty rebuked the Lin Yang Marquis, and the Lin Yang Marquis's household dared not act rashly. Otherwise, who knows how much more trouble there would have been.

But now, as everyone knows, the arrogant and domineering Bai Huanqin, the second daughter of the Lin Yang Marquis's second household, has always been close with Yu Mingzhu, the most cherished daughter of the Duke of Xinguo. Bai Huanqin is sure to attend Yu Mingzhu's birthday banquet.

That's why Yu Yonghuai is so worried.

But the capital is as vast as it is intimate. Xingxing can't possibly steer clear of everything just because of Bai Huanqin.

Yu Yonghuai also doesn't want his sister to suffer because of Bai Huanqin.

But as they approached the entrance, Yu Yonghuai couldn't help but worry.

Xingxing actually knew what Yu Yonghuai was worried about. She patted his shoulder like a little adult: "Big brother, relax! You're in the emperor's good graces. It's not as if people have nothing better to do than to pick on me for no reason. That would just cause trouble for their own families."

Xingxing clenched her little fist to encourage Yu Yonghuai: "Big brother, just chill!"

Yu Yonghuai couldn't help but shake his head with a smile: "Alright, I know you think I'm being naggy. Hurry inside. I'll watch you go in, then I'll head to the front yard."

Xingxing waved her arm, her cheeks pink and soft, and waved goodbye to Yu Yonghuai before turning to leave.

Xingxing was dressed in a gold-embroidered, butterfly-patterned, fur-trimmed gown today. The fluffy collar made the little girl resemble a delicate porcelain doll, and her beautiful features, bathed in sunlight, made Yu Yonghuai's heart soften.

He watched as Xingxing, escorted by her maid, passed through the side gate, led by a maid from the Duke's mansion toward the inner gate. Only when Xingxing's figure disappeared into the long corridor did he finally look away and head to the front yard.

No sooner had Xingxing entered the inner gate than a lively girl approached to greet her: "Little sister, whose family do you belong to? You look so unfamiliar. Such a cute little sister, how come I've never seen you before?"

The girl had a kind face, and the pearl in her hair was as bright as her smiling eyes. Her smile was full of warmth.

Xingxing introduced herself.

The girl suddenly understood: "Oh, you're from the General of the Western Garrison's household. Then, that impressive young general just now is your brother? Ah, I remember your brother—he was arranged to marry by His Majesty... What a pity."

Her words carried a hint of regret.

But the girl quickly brushed off the regret and cheerfully introduced herself: "I'm Lou Ruhui, the daughter of the Marquis of Mingguang. Just call me Ruhui."

She warmly linked arms with Xingxing, "Little sister, you're so sweet and adorable. I liked you the moment I saw you. Want to walk together?"

Xingxing, who could never resist warm and cheerful people, gave Lou Ruhui a sweet smile: "Of course, Sister Ruhui."

Seeing Xingxing smile, Lou Ruhui spotted the little dimples on her cheeks, paused for a moment, clutched her chest, and playfully pretended to faint: "...So cute, so cute! Why don't I have such a cute little sister!"

Xingxing felt a little embarrassed by Lou Ruhui’s playful behavior and just smiled with her lips pressed together.

Lou Ruhui let out an "Ahhh!" and gave Xingxing a tight hug.

Xingxing: "..."

This sister is a little odd.

Lou Ruhui was extremely enthusiastic towards Xingxing, and along the way, she didn’t need the guiding maid to introduce anything. She described the scenery along the way like she was showing off treasures, and under Lou Ruhui's eloquent descriptions, Xingxing was completely captivated.

Occasionally, they would encounter a few unfamiliar young ladies strolling together, and seeing Lou Ruhui leading another beautiful young girl around, the young ladies covered their mouths and laughed: "Ruhui's at it again, winning over another young girl."

"That's just her nature, every time she sees a young lady she likes at a banquet, she wants to stick to them even during meals and bathroom breaks."

"Hmph, that's how she got me!"

"Ah, who hasn't been?"

The young ladies playfully raised their dainty fists to tease Lou Ruhui.

Lou Ruhui repeatedly clasped her hands in apology: "Oh, my dear sisters, my dear little sisters, please don’t spill my secrets. My heart is true to everyone."

The young ladies unanimously flicked their handkerchiefs towards Lou Ruhui's face: "Tsk~"

"Speaking of which, this little sister looks new here, which family is she from?"

Lou Ruhui quickly introduced Xingxing to these young ladies. Although Xingxing was young, she was not shy and greeted everyone with a sweet and charming smile.

Everyone liked Xingxing very much, one patted her little hand, another pinched her cheek, and finally, Lou Ruhui rescued Xingxing from the hands of the young ladies: "Alright, alright, I'll take Xingxing to the small pavilion to make an appearance, wish Mingzhu a happy birthday, and then we'll come back to play with you."

"Go on, you charmer~"

They waved their handkerchiefs, laughing and teasing as they "chased" Lou Ruhui and Xingxing away.

After turning the corner, Lou Ruhui, still sweating from the playful banter, smiled at Xingxing: "Little sister Xingxing, don't mind them, they are all playful and love to laugh."

Xingxing shook her little head, the ruby hairpin on her bun swaying gently with her movement, shining even more brightly under the sunlight: "The sisters are all very beautiful and lovely, and they are very kind to me, how could I mind?"

Lou Ruhui couldn't help but step forward to hug Xingxing again, rubbing her little face: "Oh, little sister Xingxing, you’re just too adorable!"