The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Miss 2 is not humble at all

Gu Ruoning led Song Ruqi towards the Water Pavilion, carefully observing her expression, while pondering whether to explain on behalf of her mother.

”Speaking of which, my elder brother did indeed invite several scholars today for a small poetry gathering. I completely forgot about it, didn’t expect Cousin Cheng to come too, what a coincidence,” Gu Ruoning said with feigned lightness.

Song Ruqi asked, ”Is this cousin of yours still unmarried?”

Gu Ruoning’s heart skipped a beat, and she shook her head with a smile, ”Not yet. My aunt thinks he’d propose marriage once he’s gained a good reputation. I heard he’s taking the upcoming provincial exam this year.”

”So that means he’s already a Scholar?”

”Exactly.”

”How old is he, yet he’s not even a Scholar?” Song Ruqi spoke with a slightly disdainful tone.

Gu Ruoning: ”...”

Upon hearing this, the trace of unease in her heart dissipated. After all, what status does Song Ruqi have now? Why would she set her sights on a mere Scholar? Besides, the other party isn’t from a major aristocratic family; her father is only a Fifth Rank official.

As for Song Ruqi herself, her father is the Prime Minister, and her third uncle is a Fifth Rank official too, but their family boasts two Scholars. Most importantly, her father is esteemed by the Emperor, and her grandmother is regarded by the Empress Dowager as her own sister.

With these connections, Song Ruqi indeed has some reason for her pride. Perhaps her aims are on those of a Prince Consort or Princess.

”Not everyone is as capable as Uncle, becoming Prime Minister at such a young age,” Gu Ruoning complimented with a smile.

Song Ruqi, even more pleased, replied, ”My father indeed has the talent.”

Song Ruwei: ”...”

Second sister really doesn’t understand humility at all!

Gu Ruoning, knowing her cousin’s strong-willed and competitive nature, didn’t mind.

As they conversed and walked, they quickly arrived at the Water Pavilion where Gu Ruoning was hosting the small banquet. Under the Hexagonal Pavilion hanging with clear wind chimes, several opulently dressed young ladies engaged in lively conversation.

The pavilion was adorned with light moon-white drapes, loosely tied with a colorful ribbon, its ends gently swaying with the breeze. Surrounding them were a blooming array of vibrant flowers, filling the air with their scent.

The Water Pavilion was built beside the Lotus Lake of Duke Zhongyong Mansion. At this time, the lotus in the lake was growing abundantly. It was already nearly May, and some lotus branches had budded, awaiting their bloom.

On the shore, a couple of small boats were docked, with boatwomen waiting inside. Around the pavilion, maidservants and stewards attended to these refined noble ladies in their respective roles.

As Song Ruqi approached, she saw two familiar faces and couldn’t help but reveal a genuine smile.

”Ah Yan.”

An Yan approached the pavilion’s railing, looking down at her and smiled, ”I’ve been waiting for you for quite some time. Why are you so late? Come up quickly.”

Song Ruwei curiously observed the girl dressed in a spring lake-green dress, with a gentle smile, her hair adorned with a green hairpin. It was hard to imagine her domineering and bold cousin had befriended someone with such a gentle personality.

”I first went to pay respects to my grandmother and aunt,” Song Ruqi explained.

An Yan, teasing, ”I guessed as much, not blaming you. Oh, this young lady looks unfamiliar.”

Song Ruqi quickly pulled Song Ruwei over for introductions, ”This is my cousin from my third uncle’s side. She just returned from Shanxi, and I’m taking her out to enjoy. Wei’er, this is Sister An Yan, and this here is Sister Lu Yuqing.”

As the hostess, Gu Ruoning also called a few others over and introduced them one by one, including two young ladies around Song Ruwei’s age.

Song Ruwei greeted each of them in turn.

”Already causing a scene so soon? Without waiting for us,” a bold voice sounded from outside the pavilion.