vstars Chapter 384 (114 words added)
Chapter 384 (114 words added)
Xue Ruanruan alighted from the carriage and stood gracefully, raising her eyes to survey the magnificent mansion before her. This was the residence of the powerful Prime Minister, and she couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive as she was invited to the banquet.
As soon as she stepped into the mansion, a maidservant came to greet her, her eyes smiling but unable to hide the scrutiny in them. "Miss Xue, this way please." Xue Ruanruan smiled gently and followed behind the maidservant with light steps.
Along the way, pavilions and towers, with their carved beams and painted rafters, exuded luxury. But before even reaching the banquet hall, she bumped into someone at a corner of the corridor. The person, dressed in splendid attire and with an arrogant face, was none other than the second young lady of the Prime Minister's residence. The second young lady's almond-shaped eyes widened, and she angrily shouted, "Where did this wild girl come from, so blind!" Xue Ruanruan was startled and quickly curtsied, apologizing, "Second young lady, please forgive me, it was Ruanruan's carelessness." The second young lady snorted coldly, about to lash out again, but was stopped by the head maid who rushed up behind her, "Miss, the banquet is important." The second young lady then turned and left. Xue Ruanruan breathed a sigh of relief, secretly praying that the rest of the banquet would go smoothly.
Murong Xun stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on Xue Ruanruan, a barely perceptible hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He was the protagonist of this banquet, a distinguished guest of the Prime Minister's residence. Xue Ruanruan noticed his gaze, looked up, and their eyes met. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly lowered her head, her heart inexplicably racing.
By this time, the banquet hall was already packed with guests. Led by her maid, Xue Ruanruan took her seat, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her dress. The banquet began, with singing and dancing filling the air, and fine wines and delicacies being served continuously. But Xue Ruanruan had no heart to enjoy it; she felt several unfriendly gazes lingering on her.
Suddenly, the second young lady stood up, slamming her wine cup down. Her gaze swept contemptuously over Xue Ruanruan. "Oh, this Miss Xue who appeared out of nowhere," she said, "she looks delicate, but she's quite reckless. I wonder if she has any manners." As she finished speaking, some of the surrounding guests began to whisper, their eyes turning to Xue Ruanruan. Xue Ruanruan's face paled. Just as she was about to rise and explain, Murong Xun spoke first, his voice clear and bright, "Second young lady, it's just a small accident. There's no need to be so aggressive." The second young lady's expression changed, but she didn't dare offend Murong Xun. She snorted coldly and sat back down. But the banquet didn't end there. A moment later, someone knocked over a wine pot, spilling wine on Xue Ruanruan. Xue Ruanruan cried out in alarm, utterly disheveled. Just then, Murong Xun strode over, took off his outer robe, and draped it over Xue Ruanruan. "Don't be afraid," he said, his voice deep and powerful. Xue Ruanruan felt a warmth in her heart and looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. Meanwhile, the Second Miss, standing to the side, gritted her teeth in anger, secretly plotting her next scheme to torment Xue Ruanruan. Holding a wine cup, she approached Xue Ruanruan and said sarcastically, "Miss Xue, today's banquet is in such a mess because of you; I wonder if it's a blessing or a curse." Xue Ruanruan suppressed her displeasure, rose, and curtsied, saying, "Second Miss is too kind. Ruanruan truly meant no harm; I hope Second Miss will forgive me." The Second Miss's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Forgive me? I think you deliberately came to disrupt this banquet." The surrounding guests began whispering again, and Xue Ruanruan felt extremely embarrassed, her eyes slightly reddening. Murong Xun frowned, about to speak up in defense, when he saw Xue Ruanruan take a deep breath, raise her head, and say firmly, "Second Miss, if you feel that Ruanruan has offended you, you can certainly say so. Just don't make baseless accusations at this banquet and spoil everyone's enjoyment." The Second Miss was stunned, not expecting Xue Ruanruan to contradict her. Just then, the Prime Minister slowly spoke, "Alright, it's all a small matter. Don't spoil today's refined atmosphere." The Second Miss dared not cause any more trouble, glaring resentfully at Xue Ruanruan. Xue Ruanruan then felt slightly relieved and sat back down in her seat under Murong Xun's encouraging gaze. Although the banquet continued to be fraught with tension, Xue Ruanruan was no longer so flustered. She secretly resolved to protect herself in this complex mansion. (And then, a few more toasts to you.) "Having said that, he forced the wine down her throat. Xue Ruanruan was unable to resist and was about to embarrass herself when Murong Xun suddenly stood up, took a few steps forward, and stood in front of Xue Ruanruan, saying with a faint smile, "Second Miss, as long as everyone is happy today, there's no need to make things difficult for a young lady like this." Seeing that it was Murong Xun, the Second Miss, though displeased, dared not retaliate and retreated sullenly. Xue Ruanruan looked up at Murong Xun, her eyes filled with gratitude.