The next day, Lu Xiaolian's rooms
Lu Xiaolian is seen seated on a seat by the window reading a poetry book when Bie Liu walked in.
She had been called out by a guest room maid servant, sent over by steward Liu to inform her that the Fifth Prince had arrived.
"Your highness, His highness the Fifth Prince has arrived" Bie Liu said head bowed slightly.
"oh and the crown Prince" She said setting down the book and stretching out her hands to Yao Yao who helped her up.
"He has already been informed" Bie Liu replied stepping aside to give way for Lu Xiaolian and Yao Yao.
Lu Xiaolian was already dressed in a light blue wide sleeved gown. All that remained was the styling of her waist length wavy hair which was presently braided into a mundane thing braid at her back.
"Please help Get him settled, I will be there soon" Li Xiaolian said softly as she walked past Bie Liu.
"Yes your highness" Bie Liu replied and with a half bow she walked out of the room.
Minutes later Lu Xiaolian was all set and was led out of her privates room. Bie Liu returned back to the room after relaying her mistress instructions to the steward.
By then Yao Yao was almost done styled the crown princess hair. She pulled up Lu Xiaolian's hair in an intricate bun at her back, held by white jade hair pins.
When she was done styling Lu Xiaolian's hair, Bie Liu helped her touch up her make up. After a thorough inspection of her appearance, Lu Xiaolian gave a slight not of Pleasure.
Which was received with bright smiles from Bie Liu and Yao Yao. Their mistress looked youthful and beautiful.
Lu Xiaolian was helped up from the dresser by Yao Yao and Bie Liu then escorted over to the guests room.
Minutes later they arrived at the dinning room. Zhongshan Huang and Zhongshan Cheng were already seated and we're conversing between themselves.
"sorry for the delay" she said as she walked over to the two adjoining tables at the center of the room. Zhongshan Huang was already seated right at the center of the room. She walk up and sat next to him.
"It's alright, since your now here we can now resume the meal" Zhongshan Huang said waving the servants over with a bowl of washing hands water.
After they had all washed up the servants withdrew from the room save for euch of their personal servants.
"It's been a while since you last visited Brother Cheng" she asked after the servants left.
"Yes it has" Zhongshan Cheng responded.
"That's right Xiaolian. Ah Cheng have been making himself scarce for sometime. It took a formally invitation to get him to come over" Zhongshan Huang said jokingly.
"Really?! she said in mock shock.
"Yep, His right there, you can ask him yourself" Zhongshan Huang replied head bent to the side facing Zhongshan Cheng with an amused expression.
"not just yet sister-in-law. I I can explain" Ah Cheng replied hurriedly.
"Oh really. this I have to hear" he teased
"uh mm it's like this sister-in-law. I have been so busy with so many cases that I hardly ever have anytime to socialize" Zhongshan Cheng responded.
"wow Ah Cheng is really hard working" He replied chuckling
"I was_ I mean I am_ hardworking that is" he replied quickly.
"Yes, you are very convincing. isn't he Xiaolan" he said still facing Zhongshan Cheng with an enigmatic smile on his face.
"Xiaolian what's wrong? please Don't Tell me you actually believe this" He said staring back at her in disbelief.
"Can I not answer that" Lu Xiaolian replied.
"really"
"Yes"
Zhongshan Huang and Zhongshan Cheng both said at the same time.
"what" Zhongshan Huang said holding his brother's gaze.
"The food is getting cold let's eat" She said changing the topic.
"Your right lets start eating" Zhongshan Huang replied picking up his chopsticks.
"Here have some more vegetables" he said picking up a some vegetables and putting on on her plates.
"Thanks" She said picking up the piece vegetable with her chopsticks and putting in in her mouth.
As expected the food was divine. Since her pregnancy Lu Xiaolian has experienced a new delight in eating certain meal.
Minutes later when they were done, a group of servants lead by Steward Liu walked into the room. Some of the servants helped in clear the table. While a few served them some plain tea used to rinse ones mouth.
"A Cheng now that we are done with dinner. We can finally get down to business. Xiaolan's little sister is now of marriageable age. The general approached us to lend a hand in choosing suitable partner for her
I 'm not very familiar with the younger generation so invited you to ask if you could lend us hand in making a decision"
"Lu Yue is getting married! he blurted out suddenly giving them a pause.
"huh your highness. I had no idea you were familiar with Little Yue" Lu Xiaolian said surprised at his outburst.
Her sister much like herself wasn't so outgoing so the fact that his was familiar with her was a surprise.
"Uh I my mother and Madam Lu has been close since they were younger so I have heard a little about her" Zhongshan Cheng replied.
"are you now" the crown Prince replied with a grin that said I know your secret but am not telling.
Growing up in the imperial family was very tough especially since he was the crown Prince. He had to deal with the pretense and tricks within the imperial family.
Out of all his siblings, he was very close to this younger brother of his so her knew him well enough.
Zhongshan Cheng was usually very aloof only focused on his duties and never to females. From his reaction Zhongshan Huang could already tell how he really felt.
It was a pity that the general wouldn't wish to have both of his daughters marry into the imperial family. It could be disastrous if that happens especially since the Lu family held majority of the military power.
"Yes, I've also met your younger sister a few times. I was a student under your father for a few year"
"oh yes that's right how could I forget" She replied.
"I would be happy to lend you my insights on the younger generation. Thanks to my position, I am a little fammiler with them"
"Alright I will have to trouble you to do that" she replied smiling.
Zhongshan Huang was completely silent through our the conversation watching as his brother lied through his teeth.
The thought of watching Zhongshan Cheng recommended a future husband for someone he clearly had feeling for was very amusing.
These was going to be a fun few weeks.