Although forced by the situation, everyone had to attend the banquet, there were always one or two tactless individuals. Unwilling in their hearts, they had to utter a few veiled insults, which was irritating.

But as the host, knowing was one thing, but since the other party hadn't named names, one couldn't fly into a rage or shout reprimands. Doing so would be beneath them, and onlookers might even grow to resent the host's actions.

Even when Qin Shi Huang's might extended across the four seas, there was no shortage of slander and curses among the common folk. The spirit of the Hundred Schools of Thought from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods still lingered. This was not yet an era of highly centralized imperial power, to say nothing of the fact that Liu Yuan wasn't even an emperor. If he were to pursue such baseless rumors, there probably wouldn't be many people left in all of Yingchuan Commandery.

Madam Zhang wanted to retort but was stopped by the quick-eyed and quick-handed Liu Zhen.

Speaking out at a time like this would be inappropriate, no matter what was said. Even trading barbs would only make the hosts seem ungracious. And throwing the person out would be going too far.

Liu Zhen thought for a moment, called over Gui Xiang, and whispered a few words in her ear. Gui Xiang nodded and quickly withdrew.

At this moment, Madam Bo had already lowered her head slightly, staring blankly at the bronze zun vessel on her dining mat, as if a flower had suddenly bloomed upon it.

Looking at the others, most were smiling and listening, while few opened their mouths to agree. No one was a fool. While it was fine to watch the hosts become a laughingstock, there was no need for them to get involved and offend people themselves.

As for Mother Zhang and Madam Zhang's two younger sisters, they wore blank expressions, clearly out of the loop. They hadn't understood the meaningful joke at all. Seeing everyone else laugh, they joined in, and not quietly either, which both angered and exasperated Madam Zhang.

Seeing that Madam Zhang didn't react, the other woman grew somewhat smug and was about to continue speaking when a cry of alarm sounded beside her ear. She had just enough time to look up before an arrow shot through the air. With a dull thud, it embedded itself squarely in the dining mat before her. Due to the immense force, the fletching on the arrow's tail still quivered after it sank into the wood.

This sudden and dangerous encounter left the woman completely stunned. The others couldn't help but break into a cold sweat for her. If she hadn't looked up at that moment, the arrow would have likely struck her topknot, or even her head!

The entire hall instantly fell silent. For a moment, no one could make a sound.

Liu Nan sauntered out from behind the hall. "Aiya," he exclaimed with a smile, "I was having a game of touhu with a few young gentlemen elsewhere and unexpectedly tossed an arrow over here. I was just looking everywhere for it. So it landed here! My apologies!"

Bullshit! Anyone playing touhu would just be tossing arrows into the pot. Who would have an arrow fly across half the courtyard and nearly hit someone in the head! Are you shooting the pot or pitching into it?! Besides, most arrows for touhu don't even have arrowheads. Stop spouting such blatant lies!

If the woman had been clear-headed enough, she certainly would have retorted as such. But the poor woman was already frightened out of her wits, her expression dazed. Let alone cursing someone out, even her reactions had become sluggish. Hearing Liu Nan's grinning apology, she didn't even make a peep.

Since the person involved said nothing, of course no one else would stand up for her. It's unknown who first said, "The young gentleman's arm strength is astonishing," but everyone quickly turned to praising Liu Nan, though in their hearts they understood this was the Liu family's show of force.

The dazed woman was quickly helped away, leaving the banquet early.

The banquet was able to proceed smoothly. The small incident was like a passing cloud, quickly forgotten. Regardless of what everyone thought in their hearts, at least no one dared to speak nonsense or treat Madam Zhang as if she were invisible again.

Liu Zhen had known for a while that Ji Ci had arrived. Seeing Liu Nan give her a meaningful look before he left, she found an excuse to slip out. She went around to a secluded spot behind the courtyard and, as expected, saw two young men standing under a tree. The one holding the bow and arrow was, of course, her elder brother, Liu Nan.

"You're finally here! Ah Ci has been waiting for you for a long time! I see Father has given his permission too, so why are you two still being so secretive?" The half-grown boy was in the midst of puberty. Liu Nan himself had yet to experience the feeling of "a fair maiden, a gentleman's good match," yet he had already learned to tease others.

Liu Zhen shot her thoughtless brother a look and said, "Shouldn't Elder Brother be helping Father entertain the guests?"

Liu Nan grinned. "Ah Ci rarely gets to visit, and you weren't free, so of course I had to entertain him properly. We're going to be family in the future, after all. How could I be so negligent?"

An ordinary girl would have likely blushed with shame long ago, but Liu Zhen was neither annoyed nor shy. She slowly drawled, "Elder Brother, I heard Father intends to ask for the hand of Teacher Song's youngest daughter for you. Today, Mother Song came with her daughter, and I was fortunate enough to see her. Would you like me to go to my future sister-in-law and put in a good word or two for you?"

Liu Nan's face did indeed turn beet red. He shot her a fierce glare. "What sister-in-law? Father said this matter isn't settled yet!"

Afraid of being teased by Liu Zhen any further, he didn't linger. He tossed out a "I'm going to check on Father" and left, but from any angle, his retreating figure looked like he was fleeing in disarray.

Once Liu Nan left, only Liu Zhen and Ji Ci remained.

Liu Zhen, on the contrary, started to feel a little shy. She and Ji Ci were by no means strangers, but this was their first time alone since "confirming their romantic relationship." It was clear that it wasn't just her; even Ji Ci seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"Ah Zhen, do you still have the jade thumb ring I gave you last time?"

Liu Zhen smiled, opened the scented pouch tucked at her skirt's edge, and took out the jade thumb ring. "What, is Young Master Ji regretting it? Do you want it back?"

Ji Ci hurriedly said, "I was just asking casually..." Seeing Liu Zhen's smile, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. "You're such a tease! You teased Ah Nan, and now you're teasing me!"

Liu Zhen blinked. "I only tease the people I like. Otherwise, I wouldn't even spare them a glance!"

Ji Ci said deliberately, "In that case, you had your elder brother go and tease that woman. You must be very fond of her, then?"

Liu Zhen's eyes crinkled into a smile. "A gentleman cherishes virtue. Treat him with virtue, and he will repay it with virtue. A petty person fears power. Treat him with virtue, and he will repay it with resentment. Therefore, the Master said, 'Repay grievance with directness, and repay virtue with virtue!' Don't you agree, Young Master Ji?"

Ah Zhen is so beautiful, Ji Ci thought, barely hearing what she had said.

The young lady was dressed today in clothes of a fresh, tender color, and with such a bright and beautiful face, she stood in the sunlight, almost more dazzling than anything else. Ji Ci found he simply could not tear his gaze away from her.

"There is a beauty, with clear and graceful eyes..." Unconsciously, he spoke his heart's voice aloud.

No matter how thick-skinned Liu Zhen was, she couldn't help but blush at such a compliment. Moreover, the second half of the verse, which Ji Ci had not recited, described a tryst between a man and a woman in the wild. Even knowing that Ji Ci had no such intention, it was hard not to let one's imagination wander.

Ji Ci seemed to realize it as well. He quickly gave a light cough to cover it up, "I was just moved by the moment..."

Liu Zhen hadn't even reacted, but he himself had already turned crimson, not knowing where to put his hands and feet, looking very awkward and bashful.

The customs of ancient times were truly open and bold. Alas, they were currently thirteen and nine years old. Never mind having no such intention, even if they did, the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. Well, at thirteen, perhaps not entirely weak... Wait, what was she thinking? This was completely off-topic!

Liu Zhen quickly reined in her thoughts, which were running wild like a divine beast, and casually brought up a new topic: "I knew that Mother sent an invitation for the Ji Family to be guests, but I didn't seem to see your elders at the banquet today?"

Ji Ci nodded. "My mother is unwell, so my father had me come alone."

How clever Liu Zhen was; a moment's thought was all she needed to understand the reason. Suppressing her displeasure, she smiled and said, "Weren't your grandfather and father frequent honored guests at the Governor's manor in the past? Why have they stopped coming now that there's a new Governor?"

Ji Ci sighed, a guilty look on his face. "Ah Zhen, I'm sorry..."

He admitted fault without hesitation, which in turn made Liu Zhen feel a little embarrassed. "What does this have to do with you?"

Even without his explanation, Liu Zhen knew. The Ji Family was surely still unwilling to commit to boarding Liu Yuan's ship. In any case, their children were still young, and the marriage was not an urgent matter. They still had time to wait and see.

This attitude naturally displeased Liu Zhen. In the eyes of the Ji family, perhaps Liu Yuan was a commodity to be appraised. But they were no Lu Buwei, and Liu Yuan was not a destitute Ying Yiren. What right did they have to estimate another's worth?

The apology on Ji Ci's face seemed about to overflow. He had long harbored secret feelings for Liu Zhen, and their union had the tacit approval of both sets of parents. Barring any surprises, they were naturally destined to become husband and wife. He absolutely did not approve of his grandfather's and father's wavering attitude, but Ji Ci's age and seniority were what they were; he currently lacked the ability to change the situation.

Unable to make demands of others, Ji Ci could only make demands of himself.

His feelings for Liu Zhen were beyond doubt. The two had known each other since childhood. Ever since Ji Ci had become aware of matters between men and women, there had been no other girl in his eyes or his heart. If Liu Zhen weren't still too young, he would have long since reported to his father and grandfather to arrange their marriage. Moreover, Ji Ci believed that once the Ji and Liu families were joined, no matter how much the Ji Family wanted to waver, they would be tied firmly to Liu Yuan. Ji Ci would be more than happy to see that happen.

"Ah Zhen." He grasped Liu Zhen's hand, enclosing the jade thumb ring she held within his grip as well.

"I will never fail you." The young man's expression was sincere, with no trace of falsehood.

"And I will not fail you either." Liu Zhen smiled sweetly. "I have a good idea. Care to hear it?"

"I'm all ears." Ji Ci chuckled. Seeing her expression, she was definitely about to come up with some mischievous plan.

Liu Zhen said: "In the past, there was Gan Luo who became a minister at twelve. You're thirteen now, more or less. Though there is no prime minister position available, my father is currently desperate for talent. If you are interested, why not come and help him? What do you think?"

Hearing this, Ji Ci actually thought about it very seriously, then nodded. "Excellent. If the Governor agrees, I am naturally willing!"

Hearing him agree so readily, Liu Zhen couldn't help but be pleased. She thought, once Ji Ci enters the Governor's manor, he'll be less influenced by his father and grandfather. By then, the Ji Family's reach won't be long enough, and it won't be easy for them to change Ji Ci's mind.

The two of them sat under the tree, basking in the sun and speaking in low voices, as if they had returned to the old days.

But such wonderful moments of reunion are always fleeting. At least until the two were formally married, various objective and subjective reasons dictated that they would not have much time to be as carefree as they were now.

About an hour or so later, the banquet began to wind down. Guests started to rise and take their leave one after another. Ji Ci had to return to Xiang Town, which was not a short journey, so he naturally had to depart as well.

Liu Zhen saw him all the way to the gate and watched his ox-cart gradually recede into the distance. She suddenly recalled the day the Liu family left Changshe for Yangdi. The ox-cart had traveled a long way, and when she looked back, she could still faintly see the figure of Ji Ci standing there. Now, with their roles reversed, Liu Zhen felt as though she could understand Ji Ci's reluctant feelings from that day.

Having finally gotten her satisfaction at the banquet, Madam Zhang felt utterly refreshed. Although afterward, Madam Han's assessment of Liu Zhen, who came up with the idea, was that she was too aggressive and always taking the lead, this time Madam Zhang did not defer to Madam Han's opinion. Instead, she said to her: "We kept giving way and treated them with courtesy, yet those people really thought we were easy to bully? Hmph! The Governor also said that Ah Nan and Ah Zhen did very well. They vented our anger and also prevented others from looking down on our Liu family!"

Since Madam Zhang had brought up Liu Yuan's words, and not wanting to bite the hand that fed her, Madam Han couldn't say anything more. She hadn't been with the Liu family for long. Although Madam Zhang trusted her, she didn't follow her advice on every single matter. There was naturally no need for Madam Han to cross her hosts.

The banquet was not without its gains. At the very least, Madam Zhang had now familiarized herself with all the female relatives of the aristocratic families in Yangdi, as well as the families of her husband's subordinates. She now had a basic understanding of who was close to the Liu family and who was secretly waiting to watch them become a joke.

Because Liu Yuan was close with Song Xie, Madam Zhang also treated Song Xie's wife, Madam Lin, as a teacher's wife. Through Madam Lin's introductions, she met several other ladies. They all had relatively good temperaments and didn't look down on the Liu family. Madam Zhang had finally found a new pastime, frequently inviting the ladies from these households to the manor as guests. Among them was one family whose husband was the Master of Records for Yingchuan Commandery. He had a son the same age as Liu Wan, who was said to be clever and cute. This gave Madam Zhang an idea: she wondered if she should arrange her children's marriages first.

Liu Zhen overheard this when Madam Zhang was chatting with Mother Zhang. She cast a sympathetic glance at the still somewhat bewildered Liu Wan, thinking to herself that at least her own marriage was based on mutual affection. Liu Wan was only eight years old and was about to be betrothed.

Mother Zhang was not particular about things and didn't understand these matters. Listening to her daughter speak, she just agreed with everything.

Madam Zhang's youngest sister, Madam Zhao Zhang, was the type to stir up trouble for the sake of it. She enjoyed watching the excitement and vigorously encouraged Madam Zhang to go and propose the marriage right away. Her brother-in-law was the Governor now; how could the other party possibly be unwilling?

Their words made Madam Zhang very happy, and she was about to send someone to the other family's house to inquire about their intentions. But before she could act on her impulse, Madam Zhang Ah Shu, who had been part of the background until now, spoke up—and her first words were explosive.

Madam Zhang Ah Shu said, "Elder Sister, if you are discussing a marriage for Ah Wan, could you also find a match for your younger sister?"

At this time, the customs between men and women were still very liberal. Although the marriage process had begun to follow "the parents' command and the matchmaker's words," it was still perfectly acceptable for a woman to speak frankly about her own marriage, unlike the coy and tongue-tied women of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Therefore, Madam Zhang was not surprised by her third sister's request. She was indeed quite good to this sister, so she said, "Ah Shu, during the banquet yesterday, I already had someone make inquiries for you. I'm afraid there won't be any news for a while. Just wait patiently. With your elder sister here, I will surely grant your wish."

Hearing this, Madam Zhang Ah Shu finally became a little shy. She lowered her head and said, "I have already set my sights on someone. His character and appearance are both superior. I ask Elder Sister to help me fulfill this wish."

What?

She'd only just arrived at the Governor's manor a few days ago, and she'd already found a prospect? Wasn't that a bit too fast?

Everyone stared at her with their mouths agape.