Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 223: The Origins of the Five Great Families and the Seven Hidden Clans (1)

Dugu Chen looked at the person on the ground as soft as a puddle of water, the sinister pupils reflected nothing but undisguised loathing and killing intent towards her. It was one thing for her to be a little arrogant in the mansion, but he never expected her to dare to show disrespect at Peony Garden. She really was begging for death.

"Feng Qing, cripple her martial arts, gouge out her eyes, cut off her tongue, sever her meridians, and send her to Anliu for research. Don’t waste a living specimen," he said before leaving the study, his embroidered robes swishing behind him.

Feng Qing picked up Chrysanthemum from the ground and flew towards the secret room, entrusted with the master’s task.

After leaving the study, Dugu Chen said to Xuan Yue, "Go and have someone thoroughly clean the study." Thinking of a woman lying on the ground made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Xuan Yue looked up and seeing the master’s face ashen, lowered her head and said in a low voice, "Yes, master." She turned to arrange for someone to clean the study.

The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt. In a foul mood, he called for Huang Yi, "Have the bath prepared."

"Yes, master," Huang Yi watched as the master returned to the bathhouse, and only then turned to head for the kitchen. In the afternoon, the quiet door of Xuanyuan Mansion was knocked open. After inquiring, he learned that the visitors were Family Head Zongzheng Zehang and his younger sister Zongzheng Tinglan from the Zongzheng family.

Upon hearing that it was Zongzheng Zehang and his sister, Jueqing instructed the servants to find his cousin, while he headed to the front hall.

Entering the guest hall, he saw the Zongzheng family amusing Tinglan.

"Brother Zehang, you’ve been waiting long," Jueqing stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Brother Jueqing, I apologize for the abrupt visit, and I hope for your understanding," Zongzheng Zehang returned the gesture.

"Hahaha, not at all. I’ve been hoping Brother Zehang would visit more often," Jueqing said with slightly raised brows, inviting the other to sit down.

"Castle Lord Brother, where is Sister Feng? I came especially to see Sister Feng today!" Tinglan twisted in her chair, peeking outside impatiently and interrupting the conversation between her brother and the Castle Lord of Jueqing.

Jueqing paused, then smiled and said, "I’ve already sent someone to call her. She should be on her way here."

"Oh," Tinglan said, still turning her head towards the door, disappointment in her tone.

Zongzheng Zehang indulged his sister, saying, "Wait a little longer, she’ll be here soon."

Refusing to be consoled, Tinglan pouted, "Hmph, you said she would come in the morning, but now it’s already now and she still isn’t here. I won’t believe you."

Just as Feng Xuxu reached the hall, she heard Tinglan’s last sentence, and with a light smile, she said, "Oh, Sister Tinglan, who has upset you with that pout?"

Tinglan looked up and upon seeing Sister Feng, she immediately jumped out of the chair and clung to Feng Xuxu’s arm, exclaiming, "Sister, I missed you so much."

Feng Xuxu chuckled and said to Tinglan, "Didn’t we just see each other yesterday, and you already miss me today?"

Tinglan nodded vigorously upon hearing this, "Yes, yes, I miss you a lot."

Feng Xuxu smiled with pursed lips, then turned to assess Zongzheng Zehang, taking in his features—a young man in his prime, eyebrows deliberately groomed, a high nose bridge, lips pale as cherry blossoms, and an arrogant look in his eyes. Feng Xuxu smiled and said, "I’ve seen the Family Head Zongzheng."

Zehang also withdrew his gaze and seeing Feng Xuxu bowing to him, he hurriedly stood up to avoid it, saying, "Holy Maiden Feng, this cannot be—you must not. Even if we don’t consider that you’re to be the princess, just on account of my sister, I wouldn’t dare to receive your courtesy."

Hearing this, Feng Xuxu’s brows raised in a smile, "Family Head Zongzheng is too polite. Even if I have not yet married the Enchanted King, on account of Sister Tinglan, I should be calling you ’brother.’"

Zongzheng Zehang laughed heartily upon hearing this and said, "I would be remiss if I refused." His eyes softened unconsciously, no longer wary as when he first arrived.