The maid served tea and snacks. The teacups were fine porcelain, the tea clear, its fragrance faint and elegant.
The snacks were exquisite little pastries, shaped into all kinds of flowers, birds, fish, and insects, vivid and lifelike.
Xiao Yun lifted his teacup, took a sip, then set it down.
Zhu Zhuqing did not drink tea, nor did she eat any snacks. She simply sat there, back straight, hands resting on her knees.
Five minutes later, the door to the Living Room was pushed open, and a middle-aged man walked in.
He was burly, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, wearing a deep purple brocade robe embroidered with a golden spirit cat pattern.
His features were firm, and between his brows was an aura of authority that commanded respect even without anger. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.
Steward Lin immediately bowed. "Your Grace."
The instant Zhu Zhuqing saw him, her body trembled slightly, and her fingers clenched the corner of her clothes.
Xiao Yun reached out and held her hand. His palm was warm, giving her a little courage.
Zhu Zhuqing's fingers slowly loosened, and her breathing steadied somewhat.
Xiao Yun stood up. Zhu Zhuqing stood as well, her head lowered, not daring to look at him.
Zhu Zhuyun also rose to her feet.
Xiao Yun looked at Zhu Debiao, his gaze calm, and cupped his hands slightly. "Spirit Cat Duke, I've long heard of you."
Zhu Debiao was also sizing up Xiao Yun.
A young man in his early twenties, handsome, tall and slender, wearing a cyan robe with a black belt at his waist. He looked like a scholar traveling for study. But his eyes were different—calm, composed, without awe, flattery, or nervousness.
Zhu Debiao had sat in the position of Zhu Family head for decades and had