Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 225: The Origins of the Five Great Families and the Seven Hidden Clans (3)

Tinglan looked up gratefully at Feng Xuxu upon hearing her words, then turned with a face full of hope to her brother, wishing to hear the answer she desired from him.

"The Holy Maiden, my little sister has always been frail in health, not suited for staying outside for long. If she hadn’t insisted with her life on the line this time, we wouldn’t have allowed her to come," Zongzheng Zehang said with an awkward smile.

"So that’s how it is. Then I won’t keep Tinglan here any longer. My mansion still has some top-quality medicinal herbs. Of course, I know the Family Head of the Zongzheng does not lack these, but this is a token of my feelings toward Tinglan. Please do not disdain it, Family Head."

"Then I truly couldn’t ask for more, and for this, I thank the Holy Maiden." Zongzheng Zehang gave a fist salute and bowed deeply.

Feng Xuxu stepped aside, smiling lightly at Zongzheng Zehang, "I dare not accept such a gesture from Brother Zehang!"

"Eh? Hahaha, my little sister is fortunate to have a friend like you." He was startled at first, then smiled with relief.

"I am the fortunate one to have such a sister to cherish."

"Hahaha, let’s dispense with the formalities. Brother Zehang, when you have the time, bring your sister to visit the mansion more often," Jueqing said, watching the back-and-forth with a smile and stepping forward to speak.

"Certainly, Brother Jueqing," Zongzheng Zehang paused, then added, "Brother Jueqing, Holy Maiden, I shall take my leave." He addressed Jueqing and the Holy Maiden before pulling his sister by the hand and walking out of the courtyard. Tinglan reluctantly followed her brother, looking back every three steps as they left Xuanyuan Mansion.

Feng Xuxu watched the two depart, feeling pity for Tinglan’s circumstance. Born into a major family, one might live a life without worries but also lose some freedom, becoming an adjunct to the clan.

"Sister, they’ve gone far now. Let’s go have something to eat," Jueqing said, seeing the reluctance in his cousin’s eyes, also feeling somewhat helpless.

"Let’s go, cousin." She turned her head for one last look at the people who had vanished into the courtyard before heading to the dining room filled with unanswered questions.

After dinner, Feng Xuxu returned to the Peony Garden, her mind full of thoughts.

Sitting in the chair in the study, she reflected on the matter Lenglei told her that day.

"Lenglei." She called out to Mei Lenglei, who was waiting outside the door.

Mei Lenglei entered the study upon hearing her, standing in front of the desk and said, "Miss."

"Mhm, the rare poison you mentioned to me today, what exactly is it? How did you come to know of it?" Feng Xuxu stood and began pacing back and forth in the study.

"Miss, this poison, I had only heard about its characteristics from the Charm King. It is a poison that has become exceedingly rare in the world, almost extinct. I did not expect to encounter it within the Zongzheng family." Mei Lenglei regretted not asking a few more questions at the time, as he now found himself unable to help Miss. "Characteristics?" She suddenly turned around, her eyes sweeping toward Mei Lenglei.

"You might as well ask me than her." Just as Mei Lenglei was about to speak, Dugu Chen had already entered the study.

"The Charm King." Mei Lenglei paid respects to the Charm King and consciously excused himself.

The study was then left with just the two of them facing each other.

"The Charm King graces us with his presence. How come there was no announcement so that I could properly greet you?" Feng Xuxu gazed at Dugu Chen and pouted as she spoke.

"Little Xuxu, what’s wrong? Are you angry with me?" Dugu Chen’s long, almond-shaped eyes were filled with amusement as he toyed with Feng Xuxu’s black hair and whispered in her ear.

"Who dares to be angry with the Charm King? I certainly wouldn’t dare." She brushed away the hand playing with her hair, turned to pour a cup of water, and was about to drink when someone else beat her to it, earning Feng Xuxu a roll of her eyes.

"Still, little Xuxu’s water tastes the best." Setting down the cup, he poured another for the young woman beside him and passed it over.