Chapter 656: Chapter 655: You Think I’m Easy to Fool
When Luo Fu cast her gaze upon that person whom she considered of low status, she couldn’t help but become somewhat distracted.
She saw a woman with a slightly chilly demeanor, standing tall and walking gracefully, entering the hall with composure and calmness.
She showed no signs of inferiority due to the status of those in the hall, nor did she appear the least bit intimidated by their presence.
The servant, although aware that Xia Wenjin held a red invitation, was uncertain of her actual identity.
Earlier, when some young ladies tried to make things difficult, this woman remained indifferent, as if dismissing them as insignificant clowns unworthy of attention.
However, they knew very well, that though they might not know all the young ladies of the Capital City, they’ve at least heard of them, but this woman was truly unfamiliar to them.
They vaguely sensed that this woman might not be simple, and it was best not to offend her, but they were not sure. After all, the famous noble young ladies of the Capital were mostly already present here.
Therefore, the servant was unsure where to arrange for Xia Wenjin to sit.
If he placed her among those proud noble young ladies, what if her status was not as high as theirs and they were displeased?
And if he arranged for her to sit in a less honorable place, what if he inadvertently offended a potentially significant figure who exuded elegance with every move?
After hesitating for a moment, he glanced at the relatively quiet northwest corner and said, "Miss Xia, why not take a seat here for a while?"
Xia Wenjin nodded and without saying much, went directly to that side to sit down.
The servant breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, although her innate presence commanded respect, her indifferent demeanor demanded awe, yet she was actually gentle and easy to talk to. Even when speaking with him, she showed no arrogance or the aloofness typical of noble young ladies.
Soon after, Luo Fu also arrived. Though she hadn’t spoken earlier, the servant still led her to another side.
Xia Wenjin, being a fresh face with such striking appearance, quickly drew attention, and soon someone came over to engage in conversation.
Xia Wenjin did not take the initiative to approach them because she understood that these noble young ladies held their identities in high regard. Many had witnessed the scene at the entrance to the hall earlier, and these people surely harbored doubts about Xia Wenjin’s identity.
Among those in the hall, Xia Wenjin knew almost everyone; she had a good grasp of their personalities. As long as someone came over to talk, within three exchanges, Xia Wenjin could capture their interest, making them feel delighted and soon engaging in lively conversations with her.
In no time, the previously unoccupied northwest corner gathered several people, chatting enthusiastically. However, their voices were not loud, and others could only see them from a distance, filled with smiles and engrossed discussions.
This made the observers on the side inevitably curious, wanting to see what was so captivating about the conversation, making everyone so elated and engaged.
As a result, the northwest corner became the liveliest area.
Luo Fu was puzzled. Regardless of other observations, just from the woman’s carriage, she did not appear to be someone of significant status. Could it be a deliberate low profile?
Yet, the notable noble ladies of the Capital City were but a few, and she truly hadn’t seen her earlier.
Moreover, in the past half year, no Generals even of the Third Rank had been transferred to the Capital. If she were a General’s daughter, her status would not be particularly high either.
Especially considering that this woman could kick Geng Shuang so far with a single blow, evidently a rough and impetuous woman, yet it was strange that she could converse with so many without incident or conflict?
On the contrary, several noble young ladies even looked at her with shining eyes.
The entire hall seemed to revolve around her.
Luo Fu cast a glance, noticing that except for Wei Shanshan and Zhao Keyan and a few others, most had moved to the northwest corner, clearly centering around that woman.
Luo Fu approached Zhao Keyan with a smile, saying, "Sister Yan, it’s been more than a month since we last met at the poetry and essay gathering!"
Seeing her approach with a smile to offer goodwill, Zhao Keyan, sweeping her gaze over her, calmly and gently responded, "It has indeed been more than a month."
It was just a casual response, with no particular emphasis, yet Luo Fu was delighted.
Grand Tutor Zhao was deeply trusted by the Emperor, and his standing at court was significant; therefore, Zhao Keyan’s status among young ladies was also elevated.
She and the Minister of Rites’ daughter Duan Yan were jointly known as the talented duo Shuang Yan, but in the past two years, she had steadily surpassed Duan Yan.
This was also why Duan Yan had gone to the northwest corner while Zhao Keyan remained dignified and calmly seated.
No matter how affable she appeared on the surface, her inherent pride was unmasked.
Luo Fu did not ponder these matters. As Zhao Keyan’s perfunctory words fell, she said, "Sister Yan, do you know that woman in the moon white dress?"
Zhao Keyan glanced at her, "Why would I know?"
Luo Fu said, "I don’t know either. We ran into her while coming over, and she hit the son from General Geng’s family!"
Zhao Keyan was stunned, "What did you say? She hit Geng Shuang?" Geng Shuang was from the Military General Family; her brother couldn’t even beat him.
Luo Fu said, "Yes, Xu Man and I saw it with our own eyes!"
Zhao Keyan couldn’t help but look over there. Earlier, when this woman walked in, she appeared indifferent and detached, but now, amidst those noble young ladies, she seemed transformed—her smile radiant, her brows carrying a starry light, drawing all gazes to her.
Such beauty, such porcelain-like delicate skin, brows like fresh willow; her gaze lively and captivating.
Exquisitely beautiful, so alluring that one couldn’t take their eyes off her, her small mouth occasionally speaking, a smile appearing now and then, like the moon rising over the mountain, clear and luminous.
Zhao Keyan’s eyes deepened; this woman, she was truly beautiful.
She glanced back at Luo Fu, "Who is she?"
With her status, she knew every young lady of some standing in the Capital City. Let alone someone so remarkably beautiful, yet she had never seen this woman.
Luo Fu shook her head, adding embellishments to what had happened earlier. She exaggerated that when they arrived, she rode just an ordinary, simple blue-cloth carriage, and when Geng Shuang merely asked her identity, she angrily kicked him to the ground, arrogant and uncouth, completely lacking refinement!
Her story-telling manner even drew Wei Shanshan over.
Luo Fu redoubled her efforts, though keeping her voice low, she spoke rapidly.
After finishing, she felt quite proud. In front of Miss Zhao, that upstart was nothing; with Miss Zhao on her side, what was there to fear?
Zhao Keyan gave her a cool look and said dryly, "Luo Fu, do you think I’m easily fooled?"
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