Chapter 1542: Chapter 1522: Can You Beat Me?

He Wenyu never expected that her rise to fame would result from that party she was forced to attend, because someone there took a liking to her, which has now made her famous throughout Southern Li.

If heaven gave her another chance, she would choose to stay home knitting a sweater that day, and once finished, she’d make Luo Qianqian wear it, to let her feel the warmth in the scorching heat.

If she could attach a time limit, she’d wish Luo Qianqian would wear it for a billion years!!!

So frustrating, yet I have to keep smiling. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Sister Shiliu, I’m sorry, I didn’t know that after I pleaded with you, it would turn out like this..." Huangfu Ning sat across from He Wenyu, with Forget Worries Tea House’s signature dishes on the table, yet she couldn’t take a single bite, filled with guilt.

She never imagined that what started as opposition to an arranged marriage would be twisted by storytellers into something like this: fighting against royal authority for true love. And vividly so, especially spreading the name of Miss Shiliu from Nine Heavens Pavilion.

And Du Lanming, from a man who was denied what he sought, had been transformed into a gallant man who bore all pressure to protect an unblessed love, standing firm against family, sect, and royal pressure, a truly admirable man.

Someone deserving of applause.

When He Wenyu heard this, her heart and expression were unperturbed; she even felt like laughing.

Are they joking? When did the Du Family prevent the relationship? Making it seem so difficult?

It’s true the Nine Heavens Pavilion had objections, but wasn’t it because she refused first? Are these people shills? Feeling moved, can’t they use their brains?

Why must she marry into the Du Residence? And more importantly, it’s talked about like a long-standing relationship; they’ve only known each other a few days, barely meeting enough times to count on one hand!

"It’s not your fault, go ahead and eat, I made this myself. Shiqi said it’s too sweet, so she asked me to bring it all for you." He Wenyu took a deep breath, indifferent to other people’s gaze, because no matter how they gossiped, she would never marry into the Du Residence.

Let people say whatever they want...truth will prevail.

Sipping tea and comforting herself, He Wenyu felt her mental strength was quite commendable.

"I heard that Miss Shiliu is already with child, yet the Sect prevents her from choosing her own love, even inviting the Southern Li Emperor to arrange a marriage for Young Master Du, leaving him heartbroken."

However, it was clear some people didn’t want He Wenyu to remain calm, continuing to gossip loudly.

The shopkeeper intended to intervene, but was waved off by He Wenyu. What a joke, as if she’d be pregnant just because others said so? Should she lay down with her belly thrust out to assert it?

She finally understood the saying, ’It’s easy to start a rumor, hard to stop one.’ Honestly, she didn’t even want to refute them anymore.

"Shiliu, why don’t you just hit them if it bothers you?" Luo Qianqian, who learned of the situation from Mo’s message, rushed over. Seeing He Wenyu sitting calmly, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She waved lightly, and dozens of daggers floated around her, glaring coldly at the spectators. She smiled slightly: "If I overhear anything unpleasant, these daggers won’t miss." She then sent a dagger swiftly towards the face of the person gossiping about He Wenyu’s pregnancy, blade straight to the cheek: "Shiliu’s temper may be good, but not mine. I’m Luo Shiqi, the youngest in my family, and someone is always there to cover for me. Feel free to try me!"

"As for Du Lanming, can he even beat me? Shiliu’s love interest is a peerless hero adorned in Golden Armor; what’s a mere Du Lanming? Isn’t that right, you who’s hiding under the hat?" Luo Qianqian flicked a dagger towards a young man in white with a conical hat sitting in the corner.

"I’d say, Shiliu wouldn’t even consider me, why would she be interested in that Du... Du what’s his name?" Invited and eager, Wang Mazi cherishing his moment as last time their performance was criticized harshly by Luo Qianqian, he wanted to show his worth.

"Du Lanming." Luo Qianqian looked at Wang Mazi with satisfaction: "Brother Wang, you’re talented, but unfortunately still lacking compared to Shiliu’s tastes, don’t take offense."

Wang Mazi calmly sat down, waved, and laughed: "Though female cultivators are few, I surely wouldn’t tarnish another’s reputation, rest assured, Shiqi."

"That’s a relief." Bai Jian naturally strolled into the Forget Worries Tea House, eyes lighting up at the table’s spread, yet still smiling subtly: "I was going to look for you all, planning to bring some snacks as a gesture, but found you already aware of the current rumors."

"How thoughtful, Brother Bai." Luo Qianqian sat on the bench with He Wenyu, vacating a space: "Let’s all gather and try the new treats."

Only then did everyone notice their table’s offerings boasted far more variety.

They eagerly anticipated tasting them.

Bai Jian chuckled: "From what I know, hasn’t it only been a few days since Miss Shiliu met Young Master Du the Second at Old Madam Du’s birthday banquet? And now it’s life and death, and national enmity, with a child in the mix? Didn’t Shiliu dismiss me for eating messily?"

He Wenyu: "...Heh." Who the heck are you? Do I know you?

Alright, even with no hint needed, it’s clear you’re a friend of Luo Qianqian’s.

Why are her friends of such quality... Is this the standard for Luo Qianqian’s friends???

Thinking herself as Luo Qianqian’s earliest friend, made her straighten her back with pride.

"Where do some people get such confidence? Sect’s exceptional disciples were turned down, yet someone still thinks they’re better? Most importantly, they spread imagined tales so vividly. Sick people need medicine, and shouldn’t stop taking it!" Luo Qianqian picked up a dagger from the air to slice a piece of treat, shook her head gently after tasting it: "Really too sweet."

"Who, let me see, can they beat me?" Luo Shufan naturally descended from upstairs with Luo Xihan. Initially, they planned to combat rumors with rumors. However, it seemed Luo Qianqian’s straightforward approach worked better.

"Brother, don’t be so violent." Luo Qianqian nibbled her lip with a natural smile, stepping forward to pull Luo Shufan, all the daggers surrounding her skillfully avoided him: "They aren’t even cultivators, don’t bully them, let Xiao Tian play if needed..." Luo Qianqian displayed her wrist: "Let Xiao Bai take a bite."

I am a dragon! Not a snake! Not a venomous snake!!!