Ling Jingyan raised an eyebrow, smiling somewhat proudly: "The peonies of Luoyang are famous throughout the world. I've lived in the capital for many years and have attended numerous flower appreciation banquets. I've seen my fair share of renowned peonies and even learned some techniques from the imperial gardeners on how to cultivate them. I've managed to grow a few rare varieties myself. Since you, my younger sister, are also skilled in this area, I'll definitely be seeking your guidance in the future."

  His mouth said please advise, but his face was showing a somewhat superior expression.

  Ling Jingxian initially wanted to refuse, but after some thought, she decided to follow her uncle's family to the capital, as she would inevitably have to interact with Ling Jingyan in the future.

  "Since Yan Tang sister has such a elegant interest, I won't decline and can only accompany her with a thick face." Ling Jingxu smiled slightly: "Please don't hesitate to instruct me, Yan Tang sister."

  The tone is humble and the intention of being friendly is implicit but not explicit. It sounds very pleasant to listen to.

  Ling Jing's mood improved a lot, and she didn't find Ling Jingyu that annoying anymore: "Alright, I'll go see you tomorrow."

  "Yan Tang sister has come back from afar, she's a noble guest, it doesn't make sense to let you run around. I'll go find you tomorrow instead!" Ling Jingyu said with a smile.

  Ling Jingyan nodded with a smile.

  Ling Jingxian, who witnessed this scene: “......”

  She deliberately provoked, hoping that Ling Jingxu would give Ling Jingyan a hard time, venting her frustration and making a scene. How did it end up like this?

  ......

  After a long and tiring journey, everyone was exhausted. After dinner, they all went back to their rooms to rest.

  The Lings originally lived in the Yonghe Hall, but after Lu An arrived, it was no longer suitable to live in the Yonghe Hall. He had the servants move all the luggage to the guest room. Fortunately, the house was clean and tidy, and the bedding was brand new, ready for occupation at any time.

  Lu An sat on a chair, with Lu Hong and Lu Qian standing shoulder to shoulder in front of him.

  Lu An's face was serious, and he asked, "Ah Heng, Ah Qian, are you two getting used to living at the Ling family's place these days?"

  Lu Hong replied with reverence, "To answer Father's question, the Ling family has been very kind and warm to me. They have taken good care of my daily needs, and I don't feel out of place living here."

  Lu An hummed in response and looked at Lu Qian again.

  Facing the young and weak child, Lu An's expression softened a bit: "A Qian, you've grown up so big, but it's your first time back to your grandparents' house. Are they treating you well?"

  Lu Qian hung his head and replied: "My grandmother is very kind, my uncle and aunt are very considerate of me, and several of my cousins also treat me with great kindness."

  "Don't just play around and neglect your studies."

  "I review my books every day and have not relaxed yet. Please rest assured, Father."

  The answer is mediocre and there's nothing to pick on.

  Lu An furrowed his brow.

  Lu Hong is the eldest son, and he has always been strict with Lu Hong. Lu Hong is also inevitably cautious in front of him. However, Lu Qian is a lively and arrogant child who knows how to please people and show off. In front of his father, he has never been so well-behaved... This serious conversation between them can't help but make their relationship seem somewhat distant...

  Lu Hong saw Lu An's expression was somewhat unpleasant and also secretly wondered, subconsciously glancing at Lu Qian.

  Lu Qian still hung his head, unable to see how he looked. But it was vastly different from his usual behavior.

  Lu An waited for a moment, seeing that Lu Qian was still in a half-dead state, and felt somewhat annoyed. He suddenly sank his face, and his voice revealed a few points of displeasure: "Forget it, I'm also tired today. You two brothers go back to the house to rest first. Whatever there is to say, we'll talk about it tomorrow."

  Lu Hong and Lu Qian, two brothers, received their orders and retreated together.

  Out of the main hall, Lu Heng asked in a low voice, "Second brother, what's wrong with you today? Father spoke to you, why didn't you respond?"

  Lu Qian had long since used his spoiled and cunning skills to coax his father into a good mood.

  The sky had long since darkened, and the wind lanterns hanging under the corridor were shining with a dim, uncertain light.

  Lu's delicate face also seemed to have merged into the dimness, his expression vague and indifferent: "Father asked questions, didn't I answer every one of them?"

  Lu Hong was speechless with a dumb mouth, his handsome eyebrows slightly furrowed, and under the dim light, he looked even more handsome.

  Lu Qian looked at his tall, slender and handsome brother, feeling like something was stuck in his heart, making him increasingly suffocated. He threw out a sentence: "I'm sleepy, I'll go back to sleep first."

  He turned around and left.

  Lu Hong: “......”

  Lu Qian, since he recovered from his illness on the boat that day, has been acting strangely. Occasionally, he would sulk and get into a huff with him for no reason, and this time, he inexplicably got angry with his father again.

  It's probably because I'm getting older and don't want to be treated like a child anymore, so my temper has also grown.

  Lu Hong thought for a moment, smiled and shook his head, also went back to the house to rest without mentioning it.

  ......

  When Ling entered, he saw Lu An's gloomy face and his heart skipped a beat. Thinking that Lu An was still unhappy about what Old Lady Ling had said earlier, he forced a smile and spoke in a low and humble tone: "Mother didn't mean to offend you with her words today. Please don't take it to heart."

  Ling didn't mention it, but as soon as he brought up the situation earlier, Lu An's suppressed anger surged to his head, and he looked at Ling with sarcasm: "If you hadn't been chattering in front of your mother-in-law, how would she have known that you were mistreated in the Lu family?"

  Ling's eyes flashed with a hint of panic, and his tone softened: "The old master has always been very good to me, I am in charge of the inner house, and every day I wear fine clothes and eat well, what grievances do I have? Mother said so, just out of pity for her daughter, there is no other meaning. Please don't worry, sir."

  Don't hit a smiling face with an outstretched hand.

  Ling's excessive fawning and forced laughter were met with a light hum of disdain from Lu An, who also fell silent.

  Ling's family suppressed the grievances in her heart and softly spoke of Lu Hong: "...... I led Ahong and Aqian to live in the mansion for several days, and they both adapted well to the Ling family. Especially Ahong, who got along very harmoniously with the cousins and sisters of the Ling family."

  When mentioning the two words "sisters", she paused for a moment intentionally or unintentionally.

  Lu An and others were so sharp that they immediately heard her implicit meaning, looked up and said: "Your meaning is that Ah Hong has taken a fancy to the granddaughter of the Ling family?"

  A beautiful and lovely girl's face flashed through his mind.

  "Is it Ling Jingyu?" Lu Anming asked with a tone of certainty.

  Even he, who had been accustomed to the beauty of flowers and the charm of women, was struck with admiration at first sight; how much more would a young man, just awakening to the emotions of love, be captivated by her charms.

  "The old master is indeed wise and discerning, what I said was precisely about Sister Rong."

  Ling saw that Lu An was interested in this topic, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He hurriedly smiled and took over the conversation: "As for whether Ah Hui is suitable for Sister Ju or not, it's hard to say. However, Ah Hui has been taking good care of her everywhere. Today, he even followed Sister Ju to the garden on his own initiative. Speaking of which, Ah Hui is also sixteen this year. It's time to consider his lifelong matters."

  Lu An's expression remained unchanged, neither affirming nor denying.

  However, Ling was very familiar with his temperament. If he didn't agree, he would have already lost his temper. At this time, he still had the patience to listen to her continue speaking, obviously, he also had second thoughts.

  Lu Hong was the eldest son of his first wife, intelligent and talented beyond others. At a young age, he had already obtained the title of Xiucai. His future prospects were boundless. Lu An seemed to favor his youngest son Lu Qian, but in his heart, he valued his eldest son the most.

  The Ling family has been trying to get close to Lu Hong for many years, but the effect is not obvious. Lu Hong is still quite affectionate towards Lu Qian, but he is neither cold nor warm towards his stepmother. If this marriage can be successful and Lu Hong marries his own niece, he will naturally be more affectionate towards her in the future.

  Ling Jingxu became a daughter-in-law and would also be of one mind with this mother-in-law who was also her aunt.

  The more Ling thought about it, the better the idea seemed, and she continued: "I haven't mentioned this to Ah He, I've just been thinking about it quietly. This time on Mother's birthday, Father will also be staying at the Ling family for a few days, so take good care of Sister Yu. If you think this marriage is feasible, I'll mention it to Mother again."

  Lu Anruo hesitated for a moment, then said slowly: "Ahong is the eldest son of our Lu family and will definitely take over as the head of the household in the future. His wife will also be the matriarch of our Lu family, so we must choose a virtuous and gentle wife. Xiaojie's appearance is indeed good, but her temperament is unclear. There's no need to rush into engagement for now. You secretly observe Xiaojie these days."

  He paused for a moment and then said: "If there is an opportunity, I will personally take a look at her character and learning."

  In other words, it means that he has initially agreed to this marriage.

  Ling's spirit was lifted, and he hurriedly smiled and agreed.

  ......

  Ling carefully attended to Lu An's grooming and put him to bed.

  Lu An was exhausted from running around all day and should have rested early, but for some reason he felt particularly energetic today. He teased Ling Shi twice before calming down.

  Ling's whole body was soft and weak, extremely satisfied leaning against Lu An's side.

  Such intimacy has not been experienced for a long time.

  Since the arrival of Liu Niang, who had a slender waist and was particularly charming, she became Lu An's new favorite. For this year, Lu An spent more than half of his days in Liu Niang's room. He rarely came to the main house, and when he did, it was only to see his son, but he didn't stay overnight in her room.

  She, this fallen-out-of-favor legitimate wife, although still in charge of the inner house, has much less prestige than before.

  She had a belly full of bitter water in her heart, but only revealed two or three points in front of Old Lady Ling.

  Unexpectedly, this time back to her hometown, she encountered such an opportunity. She must seize this good chance and do her best to promote this marriage.

  A woman's talent and virtue are nothing; having a face that can overthrow a city is what matters most.

  Isn't Lu Hong's soul already bewildered by Ling Jingxuan?

  Ling's fanciful thoughts didn't know that her husband, lying beside her with his eyes closed, was also thinking of the same person.

  ......