By the time the three of them reached the study, an argument had already broken out inside.
Jian Zhang's personal attendants stood guard outside the study and stopped them. "The Heir Apparent said no one was allowed in."
Teng pointed at Jian Ruonan and told the two attendants, "Official Jian needs to discuss matters with Father in the study. Move aside!"
Chen Pozi had already set Jian Ruonan down.
With her hands clasped behind her back, she walked up to the attendants and declared sternly, despite her young face, "If you delay this official's business, you'll be sorry!"
She had eaten plenty of meat lately, leaving her cheeks plump and her baby fat even more pronounced.
She lacked official gravitas, but had cuteness to spare.
The two attendants exchanged a glance, thought it over, and let the three of them through.
This was Official Jian, who had received two Imperial Edicts. They couldn't afford to offend her.
Once inside, the three of them circled around to the back of the study and promptly pressed themselves against the window.
Teng and Jian Xilu expertly left the middle spot for Jian Ruonan.
Inside the study, Jian Zhang jabbed a finger forcefully at the air in front of Jian Huayuan, spittle flying. "You disgrace! You've read so many books, yet you could do something like this? A woman who elopes becomes a concubine, despised by her parents and countrymen alike. Did all your learning end up in a dog's belly?!"
"Father, Shuirong is pregnant. I cannot abandon her!" Jian Huayuan shielded Luo Shuirong while trying to persuade his father. "Shuirong is a daughter of a respectable family. Your son's momentary lapse is to blame. Father, this is all my fault!"
Min sat to one side, her face livid, twisting her handkerchief so tightly