Chapter Thirty-One: The Welcome Banquet

"Furthermore, you speak of gratitude?" Xiao Muyuan sneered. "Forgive me, but I cannot for the life of me think of what Miss Luo could possibly offer to repay me."

"If it is merely a matter of empty, heartfelt words, you may spare them."

Luo Yunqiao was stunned for a moment, not expecting Xiao Muyuan to be so blunt. However, recalling his characteristic style of handling affairs, she found it less surprising. She knew she had to demonstrate her value to him if she were to earn the right to communicate on equal footing.

Luo Yunqiao poured herself a cup of tea and mimicked his earlier gesture, taking a small sip. It was slightly astringent, yet fragrant and mellow. As she set the cup down, a determined curve touched her lips. "Whether I can be of help to you, my Lord, you should know better than anyone."

Xiao Muyuan watched her with calm composure, waiting for her to continue.

Luo Yunqiao spoke: "Although I do not know why, it is clear that you have a keen interest in the Marquis of Jing'an’s estate."

"You need not deny it. I assume you have a certain understanding of the situation within the estate. If you intend to bring down the Marquis, then the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I can become your most loyal assistant."

"If there is something specific within the estate you desire, then I can be of even greater use. Though I may hold no real power as the eldest daughter, my status remains. Rather than sending outsiders to infiltrate the estate under the cover of night, surely I, as the eldest daughter, am better positioned to access what you seek, am I not?"

Luo Yunqiao tilted her head, maintaining a touch of girlish charm, though her eyes held the cold glint of calculation.

For a long time, Xiao Muyuan remained silent, merely observing her with a scrutinizing gaze. Though she showed no outward sign, Luo Yunqiao felt uneasy inside. She had never had deep contact with him before and did not understand his modus operandi. If he were cautious to the extreme, her actions today would undoubtedly be forcing him to silence her permanently. But if he were a gambler like herself, this visit would surely yield a rich harvest.

"Interesting. It seems there are clever people in the Marquis of Jing'an’s estate after all. It is a wonder that a fool like Luo Chao could produce a daughter so gifted and perceptive."

Xiao Muyuan broke the silence. Luo Yunqiao did not preen at the praise, but simply continued.

"If you are willing, my Lord, we may cooperate. I shall be your eyes within the estate."

"I do have one condition, however."

Just as Xiao Muyuan was about to speak, his expression shifted as he looked toward the doorway. A clamor erupted outside, and moments later, several people burst into the room.

"Father! It is here! I saw with my own eyes that Luo Yunqiao came here to meet a lover in secret. This time, you must break her legs, otherwise, there is no telling what scandal might spread."

It was the voice of Luo Zefeng.

Luo Yunqiao felt a flash of annoyance—not for any other reason, but because she feared that Luo Zefeng’s intrusion would make Xiao Muyuan view her as a useless person who could not even manage her own family affairs, thus ruining her chance at cooperation.

Luo Yunzhen had somehow managed to tag along, even though she was supposedly still under house arrest. As expected, she threw herself into her role as the "innocent, virtuous maiden," diligently "defending" her sister.

"I am sure Sister did not do this intentionally. Perhaps it is just an old sweetheart from her time in the countryside. In any case, Father, Little Brother, please do not be impulsive and frighten her."

Before Luo Chao could speak, Luo Zefeng said indignantly, "Zhen'er, you are too kind; even now, you are still speaking up for her."

"Since she has entered the Marquis's estate, she is the eldest daughter. How can she bring such sordid, transient affairs into the house? Not to mention engaging in illicit meetings!"

"Today, she must be dealt with according to family law!"

"And as for that man, how dare he try to seduce the daughter of the Marquis? He should be beaten to death and fed to the dogs."

Thus, with Luo Zefeng playing the villain and Luo Yunzhen playing the saint, they firmly pinned the charge of infidelity on Luo Yunqiao. Yet, when the three of them stepped past the screen and saw the man Luo Yunqiao was supposedly meeting, they froze in their tracks.

"Lord Luo, were you just discussing how to deal with me?"

Xiao Muyuan scanned the room, his gaze settling on Luo Chao with overwhelming authority. Luo Chao had never imagined that Luo Yunqiao could have entangled herself with a figure as formidable as Xiao Muyuan.

"A misunderstanding," Luo Chao said with a strained smile. "There is a misunderstanding here."

Luo Yunzhen recovered from her initial shock, suppressed the jealousy roiling within her, and returned to her persona of a concerned sister. "Sister, since you were meeting His Lordship, why hide it so? You have caused us such worry..."

She then bowed gracefully to Xiao Muyuan. "My sister lived among the commoners and was only recently found. If there is any breach in etiquette, I hope your Lordship will be generous."

Xiao Muyuan looked at Luo Yunzhen. "This must be the second daughter of the Marquis?"

Luo Yunzhen’s ears turned red, and she nodded shyly. "Yes, your Lordship..."

Xiao Muyuan cut her off, his tone laced with disdain. "Whether the eldest daughter lacks etiquette due to her time spent living among the commoners, I do not yet know. But you, having been raised in the Marquis's estate from childhood, have grown up to be this ignorant of decorum?"

"Is it your place to speak here?"

Xiao Muyuan then looked at Luo Chao, articulating each word clearly: "The Marquis does not seem to know how to teach his daughters."

Luo Yunzhen did not expect such a scathing remark. The smile on her face cracked, leaving only embarrassment, and tears welled in her eyes as she assumed the look of someone profoundly wronged. Had it been any other man, his heart might have softened, but unfortunately, she was facing the "Cold-Faced Yama." Even if she were to cry until she fainted, Xiao Muyuan would likely not spare her a second glance.

Luo Zefeng could not bear to hear Luo Yunzhen spoken to in such a manner, but he knew he could not afford to offend the man’s status, so he could only glare at Xiao Muyuan with resentment.

The atmosphere grew awkward due to Xiao Muyuan’s words. Luo Chao, a Marquis, had never been slighted in such a manner, yet the other man’s status was so exalted that he truly could not afford to retaliate.

Finally, Luo Yunqiao stepped in to smooth things over. She chuckled softly. "Father, you have misunderstood. The Lord and I are entirely innocent. I came to see him today to deliver an invitation."

"An invitation? What invitation?" Luo Zefeng stared, bewildered. Was the estate planning a banquet? Why hadn't he heard of it?

Luo Yunqiao smiled and said, "A welcome banquet, naturally. Younger sister Yunzhen is right; having lived away from home for so long, I am unfamiliar with the proper etiquette and do not recognize the many dignitaries and royals. It is only natural that we should host a welcome banquet."