If you wanted to talk about Wu Rong and Da Liang's relationship, three days and three nights wouldn't be enough to finish discussing.

Da Liang's citizens' primary impression of Wu Rong people was that they were bloody and cruel. They massacred and wreaked havoc. Wu Rong used to frequently invaded Da Liang's territory. Da Liang's people who lived in the borders had been subjected to their torment and their lives had been extremely bitter and full of fear. This was why Da Liang's people didn't have any favorable impressions of Wu Rong people.

Since many years ago, as soon as people saw Wu Rong people on the street, they would attack first before talking or asking for reason. Currently, the relationship between the two countries had slightly improved and that type of situation had decreased. However, Da Liang's citizen bias against Wu Rong was deep-rooted and hadn't changed.

Starting from ten years ago, there had been several battles between Wu Rong and Da Liang. Wu Rong ended up retreating little by little and gradually curbed their arrogance. One of Wu Rong's heaviest casualties was when fifteen-year-old Zhao Jie led an army into battle for the very first time. Zhao Jie excelled at military matters and effectively deployed his troops. His unfathomable tactics were cunning and unpredictable. No one could guess what he would do next. Wu Rong's army was completely defeated without any chances to retaliate. They had to retreat about two hundred miles, apologize and pay reparations to Da Liang, and also express that they would no longer try to invade and occupy Da Liang.

After that battle, Wu Rong's emperor had a deep impression of Zhao Jie and had the utmost fear towards this youth, who was outstanding, despite only being fifteen year old. He couldn't help shivering at the mere mention of Zhao Jie's name. After several years had passed, Zhao Jie's military glory still remained. Who knows how that old emperor would react after seeing Zhao Jie.

Sitting in Fourth Madam's room, Wei Luo drank da hong pao (a type of oolong tea) while listening to Qin-shi talking about this matter. Wei Luo couldn't feel slightly proud.

It was natural that she would feel proud that Zhao Jie was so powerful.

However, she felt it would be embarrassing to show this. She was afraid that Fourth Madam would laugh at her, so she kept her head lowered and pretended to drink tea to cover up her smiling mouth.

Qin-shi naturally didn't miss seeing her thoughts. After pouring Wei Luo another cup of tea, just as she was about tease Wei Luo, she suddenly thought of something else. Her gaze became concerned. "Ah Luo, it's not that fourth aunt doesn't want to see you happy. But, there are some things I'm still worried about..."

Wei Luo picked up a piece of candied white melon from a white and blue porcelain plate with a lotus flower pattern, put the candy into her mouth, blinked, and said, "Fourth aunt, just directly say what you want to say."

Wei Luo clearly remembered everything that Qin-shi had done for her during the past several years. She didn't have a mother and fourth aunt had done everything for her that a mother would do. She genuinely cared for her. Regardless of what Qin-shi said, Wei Luo wouldn't have any complaint.

Qin-shi's eyebrows were twisted together. After considering for a long time, she said, "You heard what I just said. Prince Jing's complicated thoughts are deep and difficult to fathom. And, even the brutal people from Wu Rong are afraid of him. Fourth aunt is worried that after you marry him..."

After saying half of the sentence, she didn't continue, but Wei Luo understood her meaning.

Qin-shi words were tactful. She probably wanted to say that Zhao Jie was ruthless, tyrannical, and vicious. She was worried that Zhao Jie would bully Wei Luo after she was married to him. If their relationship wasn't good and something happened, then Wei Luo would be the one that would suffer. After all, Zhao Jie was a man, nine years older than her, and practiced martial arts in the barracks since he was young. If he wanted to treat her badly, it really would be too easy.

But really, would he be willing to hurt her?

Wei Luo thought of how she had rested her head on his leg as he warmed her stomach in the carriage. She had clearly felt his response, but he had endured and resisted merely because of her words. And, when they had met Song Hui, Wei Luo had clearly felt the change in Zhao Jie's mood. But, he had kept his anger under control and didn't embarrass her. Even though he had shown restraint to the point that his face had turned livid, he had only said, "Don't keep thinking about Song Hui" after bring her back home. He was this considerate and fond of her. At the moment, Wei Luo couldn't find another man like him.

Unfortunately, she couldn't say these words to Qin-shi. Wei Luo thought for a moment, smiled, and said, "Fourth aunt, don't worry. I heard from Liuli that even though Zhao Jie looks cold and scary, his heart is very good. Also, he doesn't bully women..."

Princess Tianji was Zhao Jie's younger sister. Of course, she would say positive words about Zhao Jie. Qin-shi wasn't the slightest bit comforted. She wanted to say more, but nothing she said would have any use. The imperial edict had already been received. This marriage would definitely happen. She thought about the future and decided to teach Wei Luo methods on how to manage and defend against her husband if needed. This way she at least wouldn't be at a loss of what to do after she married Zhao Jie.

--------

The day before the palace banquet, there was trouble in second branch's Bamboo Courtyard again.

Only Wei Bao Shan could cause Second Madam and Second Master to argue. At present, Second Madam had listened to everyone's advice and didn't lower herself to his level. She was waiting until Wei Bao Shan reached marriage age, then she would send her away by casually arranging a marriage for her. This matter would then pass. Although a crack had appeared in their martial relationship, they would still have to spend the rest of their lives together.

Then, why were they arguing this time?

~

Just as Wei Luo and Qin-shi arrived at Bamboo Courtyard's main room's entrance, they heard Second Madam saying, "What type of occasion is a palace banquet? Only the capital's respectable women and girls go the palace banquets. How could a girl born from an outside mistress attend? Are you trying to disgrace House Wei?"

Qin-shi frowned. She evidently also felt that Second Master's action was very inappropriate.

Right after Second Madam finished speaking, Second Master Wei Cheng said, "This is why I wanted to talk with father to quickly give Wei Bao Shan a proper title and add her to our family's genealogy..."

Second Madam almost fainted from anger.

Wei Dong had just married. Second Madam hadn't even recovered from feeling sad and Wei Cheng proposed this type of request. For a split second, Song-shi even thought about divorce!

Even Wei Luo felt that Second Master was too muddled. Was there any meaning in his action? Wei Bao Shan was only a daughter born from an outside mistress. Even if she was included in House Wei's genealogy, her status wasn't honorable. The proper young masters and ladies in Duke Ying's residence all felt disdain towards her.

Wei Luo thought for a moment. Second Master wanted to let Wei Bao Shan attend the palace banquet, so that she could show her face in public and have a chance at a good marriage partner. For him to be so muddled-headed, it seemed like this daughter had bewitched him.

Even if she appeared in a public gathering, nothing would change. She was a daughter born by an outside mistress that shouldn't see the light of day. The aristocratic families that accumulated wealth over a long period of time and knew the truth about her status wouldn't be interested her. Even if they were interested in her, it wouldn't be as a legal wife. At most, she would only be a concubine. It would better if she obediently married into an ordinary family. This way, she would have a say in her husband's family.

Wei Luo and Qin-shi walked into the main room and saw Wei Bao Shan, who was standing on the side.

Wei Bao Shan was wearing a white silk jacket and a violet silk skirt. Her simple and unobtrusive style of dress made the fragility of her character seem even more apparent. It was easy to find her pitiful. Her head was lowered and her eyes were red. Sensing that someone had come into the room, she only looked up for a moment before lowering her head again.

Second Madam was tired from arguing. She had sat down on rosewood chair to rest.

Qin-shi walked forward to comfort Song-shi. "Dong-er has only recently left. Second brother-in-law and second sister-in-law, why are you fighting? What can't be calmly discussed? Is there a need to have such an unsightly argument?"

At the mention of Wei Dong, Song-shi's eyes became red. In the end, Wei Dong was her biological daughter. Her wedding had only been a few days ago and she missed her tremendously. "Do you think I want to argue? If he didn't bring up this type of request, why would I..." Then, she covered up her eyes and didn't continue talking.

Wei Cheng was also feeling angry. He didn't respond to her words.

Without any warning, Wei Bao Shan walked in front of Song-shi and kneeled down. She tearfully said, "Madam, if you're angry, then direct your anger at me...Father only said those words for my sake. If mother didn't die of illness and I had a place to stay, father wouldn't have brought me to Duke Ying's residence and offended your eyes..."

Song-shi was born in an aristocratic family and had good upbringing. She could achieve the prestige of a legal wife. Hearing Wei Bao Shan's words, she rubbed her eyes, coldly stared at her, and said, "Who are you calling mother?"

Wei Bao Shan had gotten used to calling her biological mother, "mother". After coming to Duke Ying's residence, she still hadn't changed how she addressed her biological mother. Who didn't know that this was taboo? Under the strict rules of aristocratic families, only the legal wife could be addressed as "mother".

Wei Bao Shan stagnated for a moment. She quickly changed her words, "She's....Lin-shi."

Lin was Second Master's outside mistress's last name.

It goes without saying that Second Madam rarely saw Bao Shan and wouldn't show any mercy when she did talk to her. "Your knowledge of rules is this lacking. If you attend a palace banquet, wouldn't people laugh at House Wei?"

Unexpectedly, Song-shi's words were very reasonable and left no room for other people to refute.

Wei Bao Shan shrunk her shoulders. She didn't say a word after this lecture.

After Wei Cheng calmed down, he thought that Song-shi's words were reasonable. Wei Bao Shan's upbringing and etiquette truly wasn't equal to other young ladies. If he wanted her to marry into a good family, she needed strengthen her knowledge in this area. His gaze fell on Wei Luo and he suddenly had an idea. "Ah Luo's knowledge of etiquette is the best. I often hear father and mother praising her. Ah Luo, how about you teach Bao Shan?"

Wei Luo had originally been standing at the side watching the excitement. She hadn't expected that conversation would suddenly turn to her. She froze for a moment, then she refused, "I have to go to Mister Xue's and Madam Han's for classes. I don't have free time..."

Even Qin-shi didn't agree, "Ah Luo is busy preparing for her wedding. Second brother-in-law, don't inconvenience her."

Wei Cheng was unwilling to give up. He continued trying to persuade her. In the end, seeing that Qin-shi was resolute, he had no choice other than giving up this idea.

Qin-shi naturally wouldn't let Wei Luo be mixed up in this muddy water. A glance showed that Wei Bao Shan had many intentions. She didn't want Wei Luo to have much contact with this person.

After they came out of Bamboo Courtyard, even a woman like Qin-shi, who had a good temperament and upbringing, couldn't help frowning and saying, "Second brother-in-law is becoming more and more muddle-headed.

Walking next Qin-shi, Wei Luo didn't say words of disagreement.

--------

In the blink of an eye, it was already September 8th. The banquet arranged by Emperor Chong Zhen to entertain Wu Rong's emperor was today.

The palace banquet was held at Rong Hua Hall, which was next to the western pond. There were a hundred and eight tables inside the hall. The occasion was very grand. It could be seen that Emperor Chong Zhen was paying absolute attention to the diplomatic relations. After all, this negotiation was related to the common people at the borders and even the stability of Da Liang for the coming decades.

Wei Luo followed her family into the palace. She was wearing a short pink top with scattered flowers and a simple, light green gauzy long skirt. Her style of dress wasn't too outstanding. It was because it was clear in everyone's mind that diplomatic relationships between two countries could only happen by becoming allies through marriage.

Standing out would only result in being punished. Whoever wanted to go to Wu Rong could stand out.

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Da Hong Pao is a kind of oolong tea produced in the Wuyi mountains in Fujian. In 2002, this tea got world famous when 20 grams of this tea was auctioned for 28.000 USD, which was 30 times the price of gold!

(T/N: Below are pictures that illustrate the style for short top and long skirt.)