Nangong Muyan thought that in a city as large as the Capital City, it would take at least two or three days for the Prime Minister's Mansion's people to find someone with just a portrait. However, unexpectedly, Zhou Yi and his parents were invited to the mansion that very afternoon.
Luo Siyi stood to the side, instructing Xiaoru: "Pick out a more vibrant outfit for her, and style her hair up higher to make her look more spirited."
"Yes," Xiaoru responded.
Nangong Muyan sat woodenly, allowing Aunt Ying to apply her makeup and style her hair, while listening to Luo Siyi's detailed instructions: "When Zhou Yi's parents arrive, speak sweetly and smile demurely. Remember to address them as Uncle and Aunt."
"I understand," Nangong Muyan replied listlessly.
"Once they're seated, go pour the tea. Use a gentle voice and say 'Uncle and Aunt, you must be tired from your journey, please have some tea.' Then stand quietly behind your father and me, and don't speak out of turn."
"I understand."
"And don't stare at Zhou Yi with those lustful eyes of yours. Don't scare him away."
"...I understand."
Just as Luo Siyi was about to say more, Jin Hui came running in hurriedly, calling from the doorway: "Madam, Second Young Miss, they're here! They've entered the mansion!"
"Quickly, quickly!"
Luo Siyi urged Xiaoru and Aunt Ying, joining in herself. The three of them bustled about in a flurry, and finally, after half a cup of tea's time, they led Nangong Muyan out the door toward the reception hall.
But they were already late. Zhou Yi's family was already seated inside, with Nangong Ya wearing a stiff smile while entertaining the guests.
Hong Yuanping and Zhou Zhili were truly anxious and restless at this moment.
They had been at their restaurant going over account books with their son, discussing next month's purchasing plans, when several guards claiming to be from the Prime Minister's Mansion arrived. They respectfully stated that the Prime Minister had matters to discuss and requested all three of them to visit the mansion.
How could they refuse?
The couple exchanged worried glances, their eyes filled with nothing but concern and confusion, completely unaware of how their honest business dealings could have caught the Prime Minister's attention.
Their overlooked son Zhou Yi, however, had remained silent since hearing the word "Prime Minister," and now sat in the reception hall with his head slightly bowed, his expression complex and indecipherable.
After inviting the Zhou family to be seated, Nangong Ya discreetly observed his potential second son-in-law.
Well, he looked better in person than in the portrait, quite handsome indeed, but not enough to make Nangong Muyan lose her head at first sight and want to... want to... Ah!
Nangong Ya sighed inwardly and slapped the armrest of his chair. The sharp "pak" made Hong Yuanping and Zhou Zhili jump.
The couple immediately stood up, trembling, and Zhou Zhili bowed to Nangong Ya, asking, "May this humble citizen know why Your Excellency has summoned us?"
Nangong Ya knew the vast social gap between their families - one scholarly, one merchant - and understood that Zhou Yi's parents must be terrified. He quickly put on what he considered his most genial and friendly smile, saying to them, "Master Zhou, Madam Zhou, please sit, please sit. Don't stand on ceremony, make yourselves at home..."
The couple felt strange but sat down as told, though they kept their backs ramrod straight, clearly ill at ease.
Nangong Ya beckoned to Jin Hui, calling him over to whisper an order: "Go hurry them along!"
Jin Hui nodded, but just as he stepped out the door, he saw the group arriving. He quickly stopped and stood outside with Xiaoru, Aunt Ying, and the others, leaving the reception hall to the family members.
Zhou Yi was lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to the sounds around him, until a familiar female voice reached his ears: "Uncle and Aunt, please have some tea!" He suddenly snapped back to reality, turning to see that hateful woman standing there with a bright smile, serving tea to his parents.
"Nangong Muyan, what are you up to now? What are you plotting?"
Zhou Yi stood up emotionally, glaring at Nangong Muyan as he questioned her.
His parents were stunned, having no idea how their son had become acquainted with the Prime Minister's daughter, and apparently had some conflict with her.
Nangong Ya and Luo Siyi were also taken aback before exchanging a glance, understanding each other's thoughts.
They had previously suspected that Nangong Muyan might have claimed she forced Zhou Yi to protect him, but seeing his defensive hostility now, it seemed that must have been the truth.
Four pairs of eyes fell on the two of them. Nangong Muyan maintained her smile and put her hand on Zhou Yi's shoulder: "Let's sit down and talk about this."
Zhou Yi brushed her hand away and stepped back, keeping his distance.
"Young Master Zhou, please sit, please sit. We mean no harm," Luo Siyi gently persuaded.
"Son, sit down, sit down. This is the Prime Minister's Mansion!" Hong Yuanping added.
Zhou Yi sat down reluctantly, turning his face away, unwilling to look at Nangong Muyan anymore.
Nangong Muyan saw his obvious disgust but smiled indifferently and returned to stand beside Luo Siyi.
Seeing the situation temporarily stabilized, Nangong Ya took a deep breath and slowly began: "Master Zhou, Madam Zhou, I apologize for suddenly requesting your presence today, but there is an important matter to discuss..."
Pointing at Nangong Muyan, he chose his words as carefully as if he were speaking to the emperor: "This is my second daughter, Nangong Muyan, who will turn eighteen in a month. She has studied the four arts since childhood and is reasonably well-educated. Her appearance is proper, and her character... her character is virtuous and gentle, refined and intelligent, beautiful both inside and out..."
Nangong Muyan listened to her father's false advertising, not knowing what to say.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yi's parents held their teacups with bewildered expressions, wondering what the Prime Minister was getting at.
After praising Nangong Muyan like a merchant overselling their wares, Nangong Ya finally said: "Therefore, we invited you here today to discuss the marriage between your son and my daughter."
With a "crack," Hong Yuanping's teacup fell and split in two. Zhou Zhili fared no better, spilling most of his tea on his leg. Both were so shocked they couldn't close their mouths, doubting their own ears.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi flew into a rage, jumping up and pointing at Nangong Muyan, about to curse: "You still want to marry me? You damn—mmph!"
Nangong Muyan rushed over quickly and covered his mouth just in time.
Looking at his furious glare, Nangong Muyan chuckled, keeping his mouth firmly covered, and turned to the four confused people with a smile: "You all continue your chat, we'll have our own conversation."
She then dragged Zhou Yi out by his collar.
"What are you doing! You bastard! Let go of me! Let go..."
"Don't make a fuss, let's just talk properly..."
As their voices faded away, Hong Yuanping and Zhou Zhili sensed something was wrong and tried to follow, but Nangong Ya stopped them: "Master Zhou, Madam Zhou, please remain seated. I guarantee your son will be fine!"
Their concern for their son outweighed their fear of authority, and Zhou Zhili looked directly at Nangong Ya, voicing his confusion: "Your Excellency, what exactly is going on? How did my son become involved with your daughter?"
"Uh..." The eloquent Prime Minister, known for his wit and wisdom, was at a loss for words. How could he explain with dignity that his daughter had lusted after a commoner, forcibly seduced him, and was now pregnant, leading to this hasty marriage proposal?
While Nangong Ya was still organizing his thoughts, Luo Siyi chose to be direct: "To be honest, our daughter is carrying Zhou Yi's child."
This statement caused a huge stir. Zhou Zhili and his wife's jaws dropped again, seemingly wide enough to fit an egg.
"This... this... this..." Hong Yuanping stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.
"It's absolutely true," Nangong Ya said, feeling his face burn with embarrassment. "We wouldn't joke about our daughter's virtue."
Luo Siyi continued: "It's been a month now, and we need to arrange the marriage quickly. Otherwise, the pregnancy will start to show. We hope Master Zhou and Madam Zhou can understand."