Outside the gates of the Xie Manor, the afternoon sky was overcast. When they had just stepped out, there had seemed to be signs of drifting snow.
Carriages stood in neat rows along the street, with several young masters and ladies gathered beside each one.
At that moment!
The dark clouds were pierced apart, spilling a swath of sunlight over the red walls and blue tiles of the Xie Manor, as well as the space above the carriages.
Ladies, young ladies, and young masters clad in snow-white fox fur, brocade robes, and fine garments stood about. Some held hand warmers, while others cradled golden-furred civets with amber eyes in their arms. Behind them all clustered respectful, humble servants.
Everyone had already been discreetly watching the few people conversing here.
The moment Li Yutong spoke, the gazes of those around them converged upon the group.
"Xie Guan, that bastard son of the Xie Clan!" Expressions varied among the crowd.
There were also those who felt indignant, most of them bastard sons themselves. They looked down most on Xie Guan, whose status among bastard sons was the lowliest. Why should he possess a reputation that they themselves lacked?
Most people from the Xie Manor were watching the show. They had long heard of this Xie bastard son who had risen to prominence over the past few months.
Yet their impression of him was mostly "vague."
As for Xie Guan marrying into the Li Clan, the matter had spread as early as last year. He had originally been meant to marry into the Zhao Clan, but for some reason it had become taboo and ultimately come to nothing.
Then it had been changed to the Li Clan!
The whispers in the crowd quieted somewhat.
"Xie Guan is marrying into the Li Clan?"
Anger