Chapter 489: I Wonder What Rank the Township Lady’s Parents Hold in the Yu Family?

Chapter 489: I wonder where Township Lady's parents rank among the Yu family siblings?

Song Shouqing happily took it, turning it over in his palm: "...It's quite different from those sold in the market."

Ju Geer grumbled, "Of course it's different. Xingxing made it herself."

He held out his hand to Xingxing, scowling: "I want some too."

Xingxing gave Ju Geer another piece.

Wei Zihang looked on with eager eyes.

Since she had already given some to Song Shouqing and Ju Geer, Xingxing couldn't leave Wei Zihang out. She gave him one too.

Wei Zihang almost jumped out of his skin with joy.

Having shared with these three, she couldn't ignore the others.

Xingxing held the candied kumquat and asked Wei Shuangyan, "Would you like to try?"

Wei Shuangyan gave a tight-lipped smile and politely declined, "No, thank you. I'm not much for sweets."

Wei Zihang, cheeks bulging as he chewed the candy, blurted out, "Come on, Second Sister. You eat plenty of desserts usually!"

Wei Shuangyan's smile froze, and an awkward silence fell.

Completely oblivious to his sister's embarrassment, Wei Zihang kept raving, "I’m telling you, Xingxing’s candied kumquat is the best I’ve ever had! So sweet and tangy—absolutely delicious! The best ever!"

Wei Shuangyan was boiling with humiliation.

This idiot couldn't even let food shut him up!

Unfazed, Xingxing then offered the candy to Wei Zihang’s three younger half-siblings.

The three shot nervous glances at Wei Zihang.

Chewing the candy, Wei Zihang glared, "What are you looking at me for? If you want some, take it. Xingxing’s being kind."

The three brightened and eagerly accepted, thanking Xingxing sweetly, "Thank you, Sister Xingxing!"

Xingxing grinned and dug into her pouch again.

When it came to Yu Chongen’s turn, he looked on haughtily, waiting for his share.

But...Xingxing dug around and around, but came up empty.

She spread her hands apologetically at Yu Chongen, "Sorry, there’s none left."

Yu Chongen’s smug expression nearly shattered.

What?!

Gone?!

Right when it's my turn?!

To Xingxing, it just happened to run out while passing them around—no sweat.

Besides, Yu Chongen obviously didn’t like her, did he?

He probably wouldn’t be interested in her candy anyway.

Xingxing sat back down in her seat without a care.

Yu Chongen’s face almost fell!

Seriously? Everyone got some except him?!

But at this moment, Xingxing didn’t even notice Yu Chongen’s expression.

Song Shouqing and Wei Zihang were both crowded around Xingxing, praising her for her skill—her kumquat candy was unbelievably good, completely different from the ones sold outside, amazing beyond words!

Xingxing was thrilled by the praise, her little face flushed pink, her sweet smile contagious.

Ju Geer snorted, brimming with pride. "Of course! Let me tell you, my sister is incredible! This kumquat candy was made by mixing medicinal herbs—she added over ten nourishing ingredients, perfect for soothing sore throats and strengthening lungs in winter! And it tastes great too!"

The more Ju Geer talked, the more Yu Chongen scowled.

Wei Shuangyan glanced at Yu Chongen and whispered, "Second Brother Yu, what a coincidence—our household also has kumquat candy. Should I have someone bring you some?"

Yu Chongen, as if she’d read his mind, snapped, flicking his sleeve, "Who said I wanted to eat that?! What’s so great about it anyway?!"

Xingxing, Song Shouqing, Wei Zihang, and Ju Geer all turned to look.

Wei Shuangyan, publicly rebuffed by Yu Chongen, was mortified. Her eyes reddened, and she bit her lower lip before stiffly saying, "I have something to attend to," then turned and walked away.

Yu Chongen stood there for a moment, cursed under his breath, and eventually chased after her.

Xingxing thought the two of them were being weird.

Later, Ju Geer found a moment when no one was around and leaned in to tell Xingxing, explaining Wei Shuangyan’s situation.

As it turned out, Wei Shuangyan had once been in marriage discussions with Yu Chongen. When both families were considering further engagement, a Taoist priest performed a divination for Wei Shuangyan and declared she had the Lone Phoenix curse—meaning she would not only bring misfortune to her husband but also his entire family.

The Duke of Xinguo’s household was terrified.

Fortunately, they later hired a spiritual master, who had a pagoda built for Wei Shuangyan deep in the mountains. It was to be continuously worshipped for five years, until Wei Shuangyan turned twenty, at which point her cursed fate would be broken, and she would thereafter enjoy good fortune, wealth, and a long life.

Thus, the engagement between Wei Shuangyan and Yu Chongen was temporarily put on hold.

Though nothing was formally arranged, everyone assumed Yu Chongen hadn’t pursued any other marriage prospects because he was waiting for Wei Shuangyan to turn twenty.

This was pretty much an open secret among families acquainted with the capital’s elite.

Xingxing nodded repeatedly, making a mental note—just in case she encountered anything related in the future, she’d be prepared.

At lunchtime, the two of them returned together.

The Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery smiled warmly and said that since it was a family banquet, there was no need to stand on ceremony—everyone should feel at ease.

The younger ones took their seats around the round table. Even Song Shouqing, due to his connection with Xingxing and Ju Geer, joined them.

"Master Song, please feel free to dine here," the Princess Consort said kindly. "I’ve already sent word to the front courtyard."

Song Shouqing bowed politely. "My apologies for the inconvenience, Princess Consort."

Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery smiled even more warmly: "Young Master Song certainly lives up to his family's reputation—the Song family of Suyang—such impeccable manners. Look at this little rascal of mine, he's such a handful."

Wei Zihang, suddenly singled out: "Huh?!"

Normally I wouldn't mind, but now with Xingxing here too!

This was too much!

Wei Zihang immediately protested loudly: "That's not true!"

Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery chuckled lightly, ignoring Wei Zihang, and shifted the topic to Xingxing: "Township Lady, I've heard you have many brothers at home. Are there many as mischievous as our Ah Hang?"

Xingxing glanced at Ju Geer and suppressed a smile, her expression said it all.

Princess Consort of Jiping Commandery understood and burst out laughing as well.

After the laughter, however, the Princess Consort seemed to casually inquire: "Speaking of which, I heard from our Ah Hang that Ju Geer is from the third household of the Yu family, while the General of the Western Garrison, famous for his bravery, is from the first household. I wonder, Township Lady, which branch of the Yu family do your parents belong to?"

The atmosphere at the table grew slightly tense.

Ju Geer frowned slightly, about to say something, but Xingxing answered frankly: "I truly don't know. I was picked up and raised by Grandma, and I follow Ju Geer and the others in age order."

The table went so quiet you could hear a pin drop.