The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 307

They all knew very well that whether it was Lu Bingyi or Zhou Chu, they could only dream about it; there was basically no hope.

But Lu Wei is different. As the second young master of the Lu family, Lu Wei is only seventeen years old now, but he is already a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examination). It seems that he has a good chance of becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination) in the next autumn examination.

Such a talented young man, with such a good family background, and yet he hasn't achieved fame and success like Lu Bing and Zhou Chu. He's already been the object of many people's attention, but who knew that Yang Ran, who appeared out of nowhere, would snatch him away.

However, although these noble ladies disliked Yang Ran, they dared not cause trouble in the Lu family. After all, if Lu Bing or Zhou Chu found out that they were making things difficult for Yang Ran and the future daughter-in-law of the Lu family, not only would they be implicated, but their fathers would also be affected.

It's not that these noble ladies aren't bold enough; some of them are incredibly daring. But those who are sent by their families to the Lu residence to participate in the poetry gathering are all quite intelligent. Before they come, their families even give them special instructions, telling them not to cause trouble.

It was simply because Zhou Chu, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, wielded immense power.

"Princess, this way please."

Upon hearing the servant's words, everyone perked up. They hadn't expected the Lu family to invite even the princess's daughters. Currently, the only princesses remaining in the capital were Princess Deqing and Princess Renhe.

Emperor Xiaozong Zhu Youcheng had only one daughter, who died at a very young age.

Emperor Wuzong Zhu Houzhao had no children.

Princess Deqing was one of only two princesses remaining in the Ming Dynasty. The other was Princess Renhe, Princess Deqing's older sister, who was four years older than Princess Deqing.

However, Princess Renhe had five sons and a daughter in her early years, but she died young.

Therefore, the only one who could be called a county princess was Lin Yao, the daughter of Princess Deqing.

Lin Yao's arrival put all the noble ladies to their senses. They had all heard that this county princess had a terrible temper and was not someone to be trifled with. In previous years, she had beaten up many spoiled young men, but she had quieted down a lot in the last two years. However, they still dared not be negligent.

Qin Wan was even more uneasy. This was her first time attending a poetry gathering of this caliber. In the past, she rarely saw anyone, let alone a county princess, or even these noble ladies in front of her.

Lin Yao quickly appeared before everyone, her face radiating a carefree and unrestrained air, unlike the other noble ladies who were reserved and mindful of their manners.

This made Qin Wan very envious, thinking how wonderful it would be if she could be like the county princess.

Yang Ran and the other woman became somewhat nervous when they saw Lin Yao bow her head and ask the servants of the Lu family a couple of questions before heading straight for them.

"You must be Yang Ran."

Lin Yao approached the two of them, looked at Yang Ran, and smiled.

"I've met the county lord."

Yang Ran and Qin Wan hurriedly bowed.

"No need for formalities. Today is a poetry gathering, so we don't need to stand on ceremony."

Lin Yao didn't care.

“You’ll be a member of the Lu family in the future, so we’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet. Mrs. Lu and my mother have a very good relationship, and she often comes to our house to chat with my mother.”

Lin Yao's words left Yang Ran and Qin Wan somewhat dazed. Was this still the legendary county princess with a bad temper? Lin Yao's attitude towards them made them feel flattered.

Seeing how reserved the two were, Lin Yao sat down in a chair.

"You guys should sit down too."

Lin Yao knew very well that if she didn't sit, neither of them would dare to sit.

Yang Ran and Qin Wan breathed a sigh of relief and sat down somewhat nervously.

Afterwards, Lin Yao, Yang Ran, and Qin Wan chatted for a long time, and soon the two of them completely relaxed. They felt that others must have some misunderstanding about this county princess. This county princess is so wonderful.

"It's the eldest son of the Lu family and Lord Zhou; they came together."

Someone said something, and Lin Yao, who had been chatting idly, suddenly perked up and looked outside.