"Your brother is in the room, and mother will have someone call him over later. You go to the courtyard first and don’t neglect the guests,"
"..." It was already well into the morning, and her brother had yet to leave his room; it was clear he did not want to come out, and her mother was still harboring illusions. Chu Huan pursed her lips and reluctantly left the room.
Watching her daughter, who had been indulged to such an extent, Lady Chu glared at Lord Chu and said, "Our daughter is spoiled by you. Look at her now; where does she bear any resemblance to a lady from a great family?"
Lord Chu had heard this remark countless times and replied with a smile, "Yes, the lady is right; it’s all my spoiling."
Inwardly, though, he thought his daughter was raised just fine—spirited and lively, far better than those lifeless women out there.
Every time Lord Chu gave the same response, leaving Lady Chu speechless. She turned to the maid beside her and instructed, "Go to the other courtyard and call Eldest Young Master here."
Chu Lian’s residing in the other courtyard
Chu Lian had been up early today; he simply did not want to leave his quarters. He was well aware of the meaning behind the Flower Appreciation Society his mother had organized.
Sitting at the desk, he gazed at the calligraphy and painting Xiaoxiao had given him, which he had copied countless times.
He smiled wryly. Yang Ming should be almost recovered by now, right? Those two must have tied the knot by now.
He had just put away the painting when he heard a knock on the door.
"Young master, the old master and madam are asking you to come to the front hall."
"..." His mother couldn’t wait any longer and had sent someone to hurry him. It seemed he could not avoid this Flower Appreciation Society prepared for him, "I understand; you may go down first."
Regardless, he would handle his mother’s request first. After dressing neatly, he left his quarters and headed toward the front hall.
But to get to the front hall, he had to pass through the main courtyard, and though he did not wish to encounter those chirping ladies, he had to see them.
In the main courtyard, what was supposed to be a simple Flower Appreciation Society—enjoying the flowers and sipping tea—had turned into a contest of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting due to the ladies’ extreme efforts to showcase themselves.
The arrival of Chu Lian stirred everyone present; the music, chess, calligraphy, and painting all came to a halt.
The rich young ladies, not often going out, were even less accustomed to seeing such a handsome man. They blushed one by one, each wondering who he was.
"Brother, you’ve finally come."
Seeing Chu Lian arrive felt like seeing a savior to Chu Huan, as she really couldn’t deal with this group of women any longer. Their pretentious, stern looks were too contrived and utterly unentertaining—she did not like them one bit.
This call of "brother" confirmed Chu Lian’s identity to the women present. It turned out this man was their mission for the day. Although they had been reluctant to be chosen by others, upon seeing the Eldest Young Master himself, they secretly resolved to pull out all the stops to stand out and be chosen by him.
Chu Lian, feeling everyone’s gaze, wore an expression of utter indifference on his face, yet couldn’t help feeling disdain inwardly—these people weren’t even as good as that impudent woman.
Chu Huan was shocked by her brother’s demeanor; he was actually dazed! Could this mean that among them was someone who caught his eye? This was a once-in-a-century first. She would have to keep a close eye for her brother’s sake.
"Brother, brother," she called twice before Chu Lian came back to his senses.
"Father and mother are calling for me. You go and play."
After saying that, Chu Lian headed straight for the front hall, not looking at anyone present.