Tianliangyuan

Chapter 341 Digging a hole

Cui Qin found out that Xie Chan had gone out today, so she immediately changed her clothes and came out as well.

Fortunately, Xu Zhaozhao planned to take her two younger sisters out for a good time today, so in addition to buying jewelry and rouge, she also took them to the largest restaurant in the capital for a meal.

The largest restaurant and the best restaurant in the capital are not the same thing.

The best restaurants are in Pingkangfang, where beautiful women perform enchanting dances and sing enchanting tunes that will melt your heart.

The largest restaurants in the capital were proper places to eat.

Not everyone prefers the kind of restaurants in Pingkangfang.

Especially for officials and scions of prominent families, who cherish their reputation, they naturally value their image.

Xu Zhaozhao brought two girls to this largest restaurant, which also has partnerships with Xiangpiaopiao and Baiguoyuan.

When the innkeeper learned that the Princess of Anle had arrived, he immediately took her personally to a quiet and elegant courtyard and ordered people to serve her the best wine and food.

Although the innkeeper said the restaurant was treating, both he and Xu Zhaozhao knew that Xu Zhaozhao would definitely pay for the meal.

Xu Zhaozhao is not short of money. Anything that can be solved with money is not a problem, so there is no need for her to owe favors.

The shopkeeper was just talking nicely; he was hoping the county magistrate would give them face for hosting the dinner, but clearly, the magistrate wasn't willing.

Xu Zhaozhao's thinking was simple: she had eaten and drunk your food and drink for free today, but who knows if she would have a favor to ask of you tomorrow?

Xu Zhaozhao's way of thinking is actually a typical example of the mindset of someone in a position of power.

If the property was acquired by one of one's own subordinates, then it's fine.

If not, then naturally you need to be more careful.

Before the dishes were even served, Cui Qin arrived with her maid.

Xu Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow. She didn't really have much affection for such an innocent and somewhat selfish girl. After all, she was the one who stole Xie Chan's fiancé.

Even if Song Sanlang wasn't a great person, Xie Chan could look down on him and take the initiative to break off the engagement, but she couldn't accept anyone interfering and causing Xie Chan to become a girl who was abandoned.

In short, such a reputation is not good.

No girl would want to be the one whose engagement is broken off.

After Cui Qin finished her greetings, she looked at Xie Chan in a soft and weak voice: "Sixth Miss Xie, what happened before was my fault and Song Sanlang's fault. But now that we have agreed to be married, Sixth Miss Xie should look forward. You come from a Duke's mansion and are very beautiful. Why do you insist on marrying a brute?"

Does this mean she looks down on Zheng Tuo?

Xu Zhaozhao didn't speak, but instead glanced at Xie Chan, wanting to hear what she would say.

Cui Qin and she may have been acquaintances in the past, but now, even if they are not enemies, they should at least be like strangers!

So, where did Cui Qin get the audacity to come up to her and point fingers?

Xie Chan did not fly into a rage, but her eyes gleamed with a cold light.

"So, Miss Cui, you specifically chose the time when we were preparing to have dinner to come over. Is it to formally apologize to me, or to show off to me? Or do you think that because you are beautiful and kind-hearted, and because you have the backing of the Cui family, you can interfere in my marriage?"

His words set three traps for Cui Qin!

It's a fact that you stole someone else's fiancé, so are you here now to apologize?

If you don't apologize, it means you, Cui Qin, are ill-mannered and afraid to admit your mistakes; but if you apologize, it will confirm that you stole someone else's fiancé, and once it gets out, the Cui family girls will inevitably suffer damage to their reputation.

And there was also a question: "Are you here to protest?"

The second pitfall is the more subtle line: "We were just about to have our meal when you deliberately chose this time to come. Were you intentionally having someone follow Xie Chan?"

If that's the case, what is your purpose, Cui Qin?

Xie Chan has already re-arranged her marriage, so why should Cui Qin keep fixating on Xie Chan?

Could it be that he's planning to make a move on Xie Chan's new fiancée?

The third pitfall is to directly point out why Cui Qin, as a member of the Cui family, is interfering in the marriage of a Xie family woman.

Are you just bored and have nothing better to do, or are you simply fixated on Xie Chan?

If word gets out, Cui Qin will definitely be the one whose reputation is damaged.

Cui Qin was at least a legitimate daughter, while Xie Chan was only a concubine's daughter.

No matter how you look at it, it's clear that Cui Qin is deliberately targeting them.

Perhaps Cui Qin was a beat too slow to react, or perhaps she was just too naive, because she actually bowed to Xie Chan.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault. Although Song Sanlang and I are in love, I have hurt Miss Xie in the end. I apologize to you. But I didn't mean to criticize your marriage. I was doing it for your own good. You are a daughter of a noble family. How can you stoop so low as to marry a martial artist?"

These words offended all the military generals of the court!

To propose marriage to a military man is tantamount to willingly submitting to defeat.

Xu Zhaozhao couldn't help but burst out laughing.

There's no need to dig a pit for Cui Qin; she can bury herself completely.

She could imagine that if these words got out, the Cui family head would be so angry he'd vomit blood.

Although it was quiet here, it wasn't entirely deserted.

This elegant courtyard has three rooms for entertaining distinguished guests. Xu Zhaozhao and her companions are occupying one of the rooms in the middle, while the other two rooms are occupied by other distinguished guests.

However, Cui Qin arrived in a hurry and was preoccupied with Xie Chan's marriage, so she didn't pay much attention to what was happening outside.

The people in the houses on both sides deliberately lowered their voices because they knew that Princess Anle was having a meal in the middle.

Now, we're in for a good show!

"My marriage is none of Miss Cui's concern. You should go back and keep an eye on your Song Sanlang, so you won't have to keep an eye on other suitors."

That's a very direct way of putting it.

Cui Qin's face turned deathly pale, as if she couldn't withstand such a blow, and her delicate body even began to sway.

Xu Zhaozhao narrowed her eyes: "Help your young lady up and get out of here!"

Xu Zhaozhao was, after all, a county princess and the wife of the heir apparent; when she became authoritative, even Cui Qin was afraid.

The master and servant slunk away like stray dogs.

After having a simple meal with her two younger sisters, Xu Zhaozhao prepared to return home.

Before leaving, Xu Zhaozhao called Zisu over, gave her a few instructions, and then led them away.

As soon as she left, the houses on both sides became lively. Soon, Zisu led the people and wine to two separate private rooms.

"Our master has instructed that we apologize for disturbing your enjoyment earlier, and we are presenting you with a jar of 'Top Scholar's Wine' as an apology. Miss Cui's words and actions today were indeed a bit excessive, but the county princess believes that this was not intentional on the part of the Cui family, but rather Miss Cui's wishful thinking. Please do not spread this, so as not to further damage Miss Cui's reputation."