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墨書 Inktalez
At this moment, the most pleased was Liu Xuxin. Watching the longing in the eyes of other women directed at Night Star, her sense of pride swelled. This man would be her husband in the future! No one could take him away; they could only envy her!
Thinking of this, her smile became even more difficult to conceal. She wasn't foolish and naturally knew that such emotions needed to be hidden, so she slightly lowered her gaze to avoid detection.
After sitting down, Night Star respectfully clasped his hands together towards Old Madam. "Mother, let us begin. Please do not let my presence disturb everyone’s enjoyment."
However, Old Madam merely glanced at him sideways without saying a word. Instead, she picked up her chopsticks and placed some lotus slices onto Liu Xuxin's plate.
"Come, come, eat more. Since it's your first visit, Aunt doesn't know what you like to eat, so she had the chef prepare a variety of dishes. I hope they suit your taste."
Liu Xuxin felt flattered by such treatment and hurriedly replied, "What are you saying, Aunt? As long as it’s made by your orders, I have nothing I dislike!"
Old Madam was delighted by these words, her eyes instantly crinkling into a smile. With a hint of satisfaction, she said, "They say daughters are like a mother’s little warm quilt; today I truly understand! It’s just a pity that Old General passed away early; otherwise, we would surely have another daughter!"
Her words carried a tinge of regret that made anyone who heard them sigh. If one could not be the lady of the general's residence, being an adopted daughter would also be quite nice!
But Madam Liu understood Jiang Yu's implication and chuckled lightly as she said, "In my opinion, Miss Liu is quite compatible with Night General; they are of similar age. Why not bring them together? Old Madam, having a daughter-in-law is just like having another daughter!"
Upon hearing this, Old Madam did not respond but turned her gaze towards the two with a hint of inquiry in her eyes.
Liu Xuxin felt as if Old Madam's gaze was burning into her. After Madam Liu's teasing, a blush rose on her fair cheeks. She lowered her head even further and dared not make eye contact with anyone.
In the capital city, it was no secret that Old Madam had saved Madam Liu's life; their relationship was something outsiders could hardly perceive.
But they all understood in their hearts that since Madam Liu could say such words, it could only mean that this was also what Old Madam had in mind; it was impossible for her to fabricate it out of thin air.
"Madam Liu, you jest. Xiner is my cousin; how could I have inappropriate thoughts about my own cousin?" Night Star said, shaking the wine glass in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed.
In that moment of awkwardness, who would have thought he would openly reject her in front of so many people?
Madam Liu's expression instantly darkened, but she still awkwardly smiled and said, "I was just speaking casually. The general naturally need not take it to heart. Besides, there are many instances of cousins marrying; it's just a matter of strengthening family ties. If you two can truly make it work, that would be even better."
No matter how one listened to this explanation, it sounded forced. Night Star's face remained as cold as ice; since sitting down, his indifferent expression had never faded.
"A cousin is a cousin; how can it be casually confused? Xiner is my cousin now and will always be my cousin!" His resolute words carried not only indifference but also a hint of determination as he looked at Madam Liu.
Under such a gaze from him, Madam Liu instantly panicked and quickly turned to Jiang Yu for help with her eyes. She had merely followed Old Madam's words and never expected to provoke such an incident.
Not only Madam Liu, but Liu Xuxin's expression was even more unsightly. To say such things in front of so many people was akin to slapping her face! How would she face others in the general's residence in the future?
While harboring resentment for his words, she outwardly displayed a sense of grievance and compromise. Slowly raising her gaze, her eyes were already filled with tears. The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow, making her look pitiful.
"Cousin, I... I understand. You don't need to speak so harshly to Madam Liu; after all, she is a guest of the general's residence."
Upon hearing this, everyone felt that Miss Liu was exceptionally understanding. Even when treated with disdain, she could still say such appropriate words; no wonder she could win Old Madam's favor!
However, Night Star's cold expression showed no signs of softening. His brows furrowed even tighter, and the disdain in his eyes was evident. He then turned away and stopped looking at her.
Suddenly, a white figure flashed through his mind; the woman's radiant smile like sunlight—who else could it be but Mo Xier?
At this moment, he unconsciously compared the woman in front of him with Mo Xier, believing that Mo Xier was a thousand times better! Just the latter's more straightforward personality was already a significant improvement.
Liu Xuxin's expression darkened, while the young ladies sitting below were overjoyed, their smiles barely contained. They thought they had no chance, but it turned out to be just Liu's one-sided wishful thinking!
For a moment, Liu Xuxin became the laughingstock in everyone's eyes!
Old Madam's expression immediately turned serious; her eyes no longer held the warmth from before, only a gloomy demeanor remained.
"Enough! She is your cousin; why must you embarrass her in front of so many people?" Old Madam said in a deep voice, turning the prayer beads in her hand while holding the hand of the woman beside her for comfort.
Unexpectedly, Night Star remained unfazed by Old Madam's words. He slowly turned his gaze to meet hers and softly replied, "I am merely stating facts; why should you be angry, Mother?"
His blunt response showed no compromise towards her. The next moment, Old Madam's expression grew even darker, filled with anger!
"What do you mean by that? Are you blaming me for meddling? Let me tell you today! Xiner is the daughter-in-law I have chosen! I will not acknowledge anyone else! You might as well give up on that idea!"
Old Madam's words were stern, her eyes wide open, making her seem somewhat intimidating.
Upon hearing this, Liu Xuxin's displeasure quickly dissipated. Her expression visibly improved, and there was now a hint of confidence in her gaze towards others.
"Aunt, please don't blame my cousin; he has a point. I am just a cousin," she said, suppressing her emotions. Her face displayed a pitiful and wronged look that made her even more endearing.
Old Madam seemed to be provoked by her words and lightly patted her hand, comforting her by saying, "You don't need to worry; Aunt will stand up for you. I refuse to believe who truly has the final say in this General's residence!"
Turning her gaze back to Night Star, she continued in a serious tone, "I spent so much time raising you; is this how you repay my kindness?"
"Mother, how can these two matters be confused?" he retorted defiantly, showing no trace of the obedience he had displayed that day.
"How can they not be confused?" Old Madam slammed her hand on the table, producing a loud sound that stunned everyone present. Their gazes toward her were filled with awe.
Old Madam glared and continued, "Traditionally, marriage is determined by the parents' orders and the matchmaker's words! I have never heard of anyone being able to make their own decisions in this matter!"
"Aunt, please don't be angry; anger is bad for your health!" She slightly raised her gaze to the man and continued, "Cousin doesn't like me; it's my fault, and it has nothing to do with him."
Liu Xuxin immediately stood up and moved behind Old Madam, gently patting her back to ease her inner frustration.
The man lowered his head in silence, no longer speaking.
"Old Madam is right, Night General. Isn't Old Madam doing this for your own good? As a son, how can you not appreciate it?" At this point, Madam Liu's face showed concern.
Even after being sternly warned by Night Star, she still expressed her thoughts, her words filled with care. The reason she spoke this way was that Old Madam had saved her life and because of Liu Qiankun's relationship with Night Star.
"Thank you for your kindness, Madam Liu, but there are many ways to show filial piety; it is not limited to just this one!" He did not back down at all; as soon as Madam Liu finished speaking, his rebuttal came out.
"Impudent!" Old Madam grew even angrier and slammed the table again, causing the cups on it to tremble. Anyone could see the fury in her eyes, as if she might overturn the table at any moment.
Hearing this, Night Star immediately stood up and knelt beside Old Madam, softly saying, "Doesn't Mother understand my filial piety towards her? Why must you make things difficult for me in this matter?"
These words nearly caused Old Madam to lose face in front of everyone; who would want to witness a mother-son argument at a banquet?
At that moment, Jiang Yu felt utterly humiliated! He suddenly stood up and shouted loudly, "Filial piety? I have never felt your filial piety towards me! Here is a chance for you to demonstrate your filial piety right now, yet what do you do? You still go against my wishes! When have you ever been filial to me?"
For a moment, the atmosphere of the banquet sank to the bottom. The man wore a grim expression, suppressing his anger, and instructed the servant behind him, "Today, the General's residence is truly not suitable for receiving guests. Please send everyone out."
The message was clear; no one could misunderstand. In the next moment, the guests who had been seated at the table began to rise one after another, reluctantly leaving.
"I apologize for any shortcomings in today's hospitality!" Even though his mood was far from good, Jiang Yu maintained his courtesy without fail as he watched the crowd depart.
With the servant's guidance, the courtyard that had been filled with people was empty in no time, leaving only Jiang Yu, Night Star, Liu Xuxin, and Madam Liu.
After observing the two for a long while, Liu Xuxin finally spoke softly, "Aunt, please don’t be angry. It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t come, you and Cousin wouldn’t have had such an unpleasant quarrel."
Her voice was on the verge of tears, evoking sympathy even from those around her. However, Old Madam and the man seemed to hear nothing; their expressions remained unchanged.
"This is a family matter; how can an outsider like you interfere?" Night Star today was not as indifferent as before but carried an added sense of distance.
Her cold demeanor made Liu Xuxin glance once and then look away; who could withstand such an icy presence?
"You should be quiet! Is this something you can say? To me, Xiner is family!" Old Madam retorted sharply, scolding him fiercely!
The protection implied in her words was unmistakable as she turned and pulled Liu Xuxin behind her. With a stern voice, she added, "I know you're still thinking about that Demoness! I've told you more than once that it's impossible! Unless I die!"
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