In the spacious and elegantly decorated hall, an orchestra was playing a cheerful congratulatory tune. A group of people gathered around an exquisitely decorated five-tiered cake, and the center of attention, Fu Annie, was preparing to cut the cake.
Warlord Fu and Madam Fu, along with several distinguished and slightly older guests, sat not far away, smiling as they watched, but not participating.
Zheng Ying, standing obediently beside Madam Fu, no longer had the look of grievance and poignant she had earlier. She carried herself with grace, facing the gaze of everyone confidently, which even garnered some favorable impressions from those who had previously held a grudge against her.
Some people even thought it was understandable; after all, the Zheng family's eldest daughter was one of the most outstanding in terms of birth, appearance, intelligence, and demeanor in Yong City. It was indeed a pity for such a lady to marry a cripple.
"Warlord, is that the Third Young Lady of the Leng family? Why isn't the First Young Master here?" Standing next to Warlord Fu was his most trusted subordinate, Yao Guan, the commander of the second legion. He wasn't just a loyal officer; he was also a lifelong companion who had grown up with Warlord Fu and had been classmates since childhood. They had been friends for a lifetime, making it easier for them to converse.
If it weren't for the fact that Yao Guan only had three sons, with the eldest granddaughter being just four years old, likely, the position of the First Young Madam Fu wouldn't have fallen to the Zheng family in the first place.
Warlord Fu didn't seem to mind his question and replied with a hearty laugh, "Indeed, that's the Third Daughter of the Leng family. My eldest one is here too, but I'm not sure where he is now."
Yao Guan nodded, "Old Madam has a keen eye."
Warlord Fu was also quite satisfied and said, "I think this girl is stronger than our family's. Being able to handle anything is more important than anything."
For families like theirs, it was fine if nothing happened, but once something went wrong, it would become a major issue. If a man faced difficulties, he had to rely on a woman to support him. That's why Warlord Fu couldn't appreciate those pampered and overly emotional young girls who would cry at the drop of a hat.
Even Zheng Ying was initially engaged because she was known to excel in her studies and various aspects, as well as her excellent social skills. However, after observing her over the past few days, Warlord Fu found the girls from the Leng family more appealing.
Zheng Ying had been red-eyed and seemingly wronged all day long. Regardless this was genuine or a strategic ploy, Warlord Fu couldn't appreciate her.
People who had suffered a genuine calamity had managed to carry on without excessive crying, so why should she be crying so much?
If it was her true nature, she was too weak. If it was a ploy, it was beneath her dignity.
Of course, what Warlord Fu found most dissatisfying was that the Zheng family made it clear that they were looking down on his son.
They claimed it was an accident, but everyone knew what was going on.
Warlord Fu could feel guilty about his son's inadequacy and felt sorry for the girl, but he was probably not willing to see others despise his son.
Glancing at Fu Yucheng, who was looking at Zheng Ying with concern, Warlord Fu became annoyed. He thought, "This won't do! What's the point of studying with this kind of behavior? He needs to go into the military for a couple of years after getting married to toughen up!"
Cheers erupted as Fu Annie, under everyone's blessings, took the first cut on the towering cake. With a cake nearly half the height of a person, it was evident that she couldn't finish cutting it herself. The remaining task was entrusted to the cake specialist specially hired by the Fu family.
Everyone applauded and wished the Sixth Young Lady a happy birthday. Fu Annie leaned against Leng Sa and smiled brightly.
Warlord Fu frowned and asked Madam Fu in a low voice, "Where's the Fifth Brother?"
Madam Fu responded calmly, "You're asking me, Warlord?"
Warlord Fu was momentarily speechless. He knew that Madam Fu typically didn't pay much attention to the children born to these concubines. Bringing those concubines to such an occasion would also be inappropriate. He had to call in a trusted aide to find Fu Yangcheng.
Leng Sa noticed that although Fu Annie was smiling, her eyes kept scanning the surroundings. She whispered to her, "Has Fu Yangcheng disappeared again?"
Fu Annie looked somewhat downcast and replied, "He showed up briefly and then disappeared again."
Leng Sa reassured her, "Don't worry. Since he's here, he won't be in any danger. Leave a slice of cake for him; after all, it's both of your birthdays."
Fu Annie nodded. "Yes, I know."
"Warlord," Xu Shaoming discreetly approached Warlord Fu and whispered a few words in his ear. Warlord Fu raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at him, asking, "Are you sure? Is that what the eldest said?"
Xu Shaoming nodded earnestly. "I confirmed it with the First Young Master."
Warlord Fu frowned slightly as he thought about this matter. He couldn't help but complain, "This kid knows how to cause trouble for me!"
"Warlord, what's going on?" Madam Fu cast a glance at Xu Shaoming and asked in a hushed tone.
Warlord Fu waved his hand without speaking, seemingly contemplating something.
As his gaze swept over Fu Yucheng and Zheng Ying standing beside him, his brows furrowed even tighter. Both of them couldn't help but exchange glances and look towards Xu Shaoming, eager to know what message Fu Fengcheng had conveyed through him.
After a while, Warlord Fu seemed to have made up his mind. He nodded and said, "Alright, tell him that I've agreed. Wait, have the girl from the Leng family come over."
"Yes."
Upon hearing Xu Shaoming's unexpected message, Leng Sa was surprised but still walked over to where Warlord Fu and the others were.
"Warlord, Madam." After taking a glance at the people around, she only recognized Fu Yucheng and Zheng Ying. Everyone else was unfamiliar.
Others also understood that Warlord Fu probably had something to discuss with Leng Sa. Yao Guan stood up first, smiling as he said, "Warlord, you and Miss Leng have matters to discuss. We'll go ahead and congratulate Sixth Young Lady Fu. We haven't had a chance to do so yet."
Warlord Fu smiled and said, "She's just a little girl; there's no need for you all to offer congratulations. It's just a chance for everyone to gather. Mingyue, this is Yao Guan, you can call him Uncle Yao from now on. He watched Fengcheng and the others grow up."
Leng Sa nodded. "Hello, Uncle Yao. I've long heard of General Yao's great name. It's an honor to meet you today."
Yao Guan smiled and said, "Miss Leng, you're being too kind. First Young Master is so lucky."
"As a junior, you can just call me Mingyue, Uncle Yao," she responded. Yao Guan was a well-known figure, and addressing him as an uncle felt appropriate.
Warlord Fu introduced a few other people, and without exception, they were all important figures of the Six Southern Provinces. After that, everyone stood up and left. Warlord Fu pointed at the sofa opposite him and gestured for her to sit down.
Turning her head, Leng Sa noticed that not far away, her parents were looking at her with concern. She gave them a reassuring smile, signaling that they didn't need to worry.
Warlord Fu also saw it and hesitated for a moment. "Should we invite Mr. Leng and Madam over?"
Leng Sa said, "Is there something important you'd like to discuss, Warlord?"
Warlord Fu said, "Mingyue will be turning 18 in two months, right?"
Leng Sa nodded.
Warlord Fu continued, "What I mean is that when the time comes, you, Fengcheng, and Fourth Brother will get married together. What do you think?"
Leng Sa was a little surprised. "This is… Young Master's idea?"
Warlord Fu didn't answer. "Mingyue, do you have any objections?"
Before Leng Sa could reply, Fu Yucheng and Zheng Ying could no longer sit still.
"Father…" Fu Yucheng wanted to interrupt.
Warlord Fu glanced at him. "Either don't get married or shut up."
Fu Yucheng was indignant. "Why wait? Another two months, and even Ahying…"
Warlord Fu sneered. "Brave enough to do it, but not to admit it? Getting married now, will that prevent rumors and gossip?"
Zheng Ying's face turned pale, and all the color drained from her.
"I…"
Madam Fu reached out and stopped her son, saying calmly, "It's not a big deal. Both of you, go and sign the marriage contract in the next two days. We can postpone the wedding a bit."
"Mother…"
"Be quiet," Madam Fu said without patience. "Listen to your father. Ahying, what do you say?"
Zheng Ying lowered her head and whispered, "I'll listen to Warlord and Madam Fu."
Madam Fu's expression softened and she nodded. "Ahying is still the sensible one."
Warlord Fu looked at Leng Sa. "Girl, what do you think?"
Leng Sa said, "General, please let me discuss this with my parents first."
Warlord Fu nodded. "Of course. Go ahead."