Chapter 4: Infatuation

She stood straight, her gaze gentle and indifferent, yet firm, like a winter plum blossom braving the frost and snow, blooming alone in the cold. There was a sense of rigidity and pride in her phoenix eyes.

Cheng Youtian felt quite stifled. He raised an eyebrow slightly, a cold smile curling the corners of his lips, his tone as chilly as the weather. "That is excellent!"

Lou Zhentian felt even more ashamed. The First Madam’s lips curled into a triumphant smile, while Lou Yanran lowered her eyes, twisting her handkerchief slightly. Yun Buhui narrowed her eyes. Cheng Youtian stood up and, with graceful poise, bowed to Lou Zhentian. "Master Lou, Third Miss Lou is both talented and beautiful, with a face that could topple kingdoms. I fell for her at first sight and wish to take her as my wife. I hope you will grant your blessing."

His tone was as it always was—like the snow of midwinter, devoid of any warmth. Even when proposing marriage, he remained cold, arrogant, and unyielding in his posture.

The Lou family did not seem surprised by the secret affair between Cheng Youtian and Lou Yanran. Yun Buhui pursed her lips; so that was how it was.

Cheng Youtian and Lou Yanran, love at first sight, was it?

Lou Zhentian was in a difficult position. Cheng Youtian’s actions were highly inappropriate. Even if he had fallen for Lou Yanran at first sight, it was not the right time to propose immediately after breaking off his engagement with Buhui. How could he not understand that? This not only embarrassed Buhui but also put him in a difficult spot.

Yun Buhui sat down and sipped her tea unhurriedly. The top-grade Junshan Silver Needle leaves floated charmingly in the white porcelain cup, rising and falling, verdant and beautiful. Her mood improved, as if the woman who had just suffered the humiliation of a broken engagement was not her at all.

The First Madam’s face was filled with joy, her exquisitely made-up face beaming with smiles as she said, almost ingratiatingly, "Young Master Youtian and our Yanran are a perfect match, a match made in heaven, a pair of lovebirds. Master, don't you agree?"

Lou Zhentian was weak-willed and indecisive, yet he had married three formidable wives, each more shrewd and assertive than the last. Although Lou Zhentian was the head of the household, the real power lay in the hands of his three wives.

Lou Yanran was the daughter of the First Madam. Since childhood, she had been highly talented and beautiful, deeply favored by both the First Madam and Lou Zhentian.

Although the Lou family was the wealthiest in Fengcheng and had the protection of high-ranking officials in the capital, the Cheng family was, after all, a prestigious and noble clan. Even though Cheng Youtian was born of a concubine, his reputation preceded him; he was skilled in both literature and martial arts. Who could say how many years the sickly Heir of Prince Xuan had left to live? If the Heir were to die, the title of Prince Xuan would clearly fall to Cheng Youtian.

If Lou Yanran could marry Cheng Youtian, she would surely become the Princess of Xuan one day, enjoying endless glory and wealth.