I raised stunning young ladies, but they all wanted to possess me.

Fu Wanqing's parents exchanged a glance, and her mother, Lin Wanqing, spoke first.

"Mom, I think the elders are right. We really should consider Shi Wei's situation."

"It's rare for Master Gu to come to the Fu family, so why not take this opportunity to have Shi Wei come back from the border and stay for a few days?"

"If the two of them spend more time together, they might just fall in love, and we won't have to worry about it."

Fu Jing'an nodded in agreement, his tone tinged with urgency.

"Yes, Mom, it's not right for Wanqing to stick by Master Gu's side all the time."

"She's so immature and doesn't know how to speak properly. What if she offends Master Gu?"

"We should get Shi Wei back as soon as possible. Wan Qing shouldn't get involved; she's not qualified."

Lin Wanqing added another sentence, her voice not loud but every word was sharp.

"Wanqing grew up in a mountain village and had never seen the world. She was not tactful in her speech and actions."

"Her presence by Master Gu's side will only bring shame to the Fu family and make them a laughingstock."

"Shi Wei is different. She grew up in the Fu family and has seen a lot."

"Standing next to Master Gu, that would truly be a perfect match, a union of equals."

The elders nodded in agreement, and some even applauded.

"Well said, Shi Wei and Master Gu are a perfect match, Wan Qing is far inferior."

"It's not that we're biased, it's just that the facts speak for themselves: Shi Wei is the Marquis of Wu'an, and Wan Qing is...?"

"She doesn't even have a decent job, all she does is laugh all day long. Can laughter put food on the table?"

"Moreover, Shi Wei is also very beautiful. With her mixed-race appearance, you can't find another one like her in the entire Great Xia."

"Master Gu would definitely like this type; who doesn't like good-looking people?"

Upon hearing these words, Lin Wanqing not only did not defend her daughter, but also sighed.

"Wanqing is indeed not as good as Shiwei, and there's nothing we parents can do about it."

"Shi Wei is too outstanding. Anyone standing next to her will be overshadowed. It's just fate."

The father, Fu Jing'an, also sighed, his tone carrying a sense of inevitable helplessness.

"Yes, Wanqing is not as good as Shiwei, that's a fact, and we can't lie about it with our eyes open."

"So, regarding Master Gu's matter, let Shi Wei come back. Wan Qing shouldn't get involved."

"I'll call Shi Wei right now and tell her to take leave and come back as soon as possible."

He took out his phone to dial a number, his movements hurried, as if afraid Gu Yan would run away.

The elders became more and more excited as they spoke, their voices growing louder and louder, turning the entire main hall into a bustling marketplace.

Some suggested that Fu Shiwei take the initiative and ask Gu Yan out more often to create opportunities.

Some people suggested that it would be better to talk to Gu Yan directly, lay out the terms, and see what kind of betrothal gifts he wanted.

Some people even suggested that they should act first and inform Gu Yan later, so that he would have no way to refuse.

Some even suggested that Fu Shiwei should dress up nicely, since Gu Yan is, after all, a young man.

The various sounds mingled together, buzzing and humming, giving people headaches and making the roof seem about to be blown off.

Fu Yunshu remained silent, sitting in the main seat, slowly turning the teacup between her fingers.

The water in the teacup had long since gone cold, but she hadn't drunk a drop; she just kept turning it around, like she was sharpening a knife.

Her gaze swept across the faces of each clan elder, like a dull knife slowly cutting flesh.

Finally, she put down her teacup, the bottom of the porcelain cup hitting the table with a crisp sound.

The sound wasn't loud, but the entire main hall fell silent instantly, and everyone shut their mouths.

Fu Yunshu stood up slowly, but with an imposing aura that made people afraid to look directly at her.

Her hands were on the table, her body leaned slightly forward, and her gaze swept across the room like two knives.

That's enough.

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word pierced everyone's ears like a nail.

"I invited Master Gu to the Fu family for the sake of the empire, for the sake of Great Xia."

"The Kuroshio Current Secret Realm in the South China Sea is about to appear, and I need Master Gu's help."

"I can also have Wanqing's health checked while I'm at it. This is my personal matter and has nothing to do with you."

She paused, her gaze falling on Fu Jing'an and Lin Wanqing, as cold as ice.

"As for Shi Wei's matter, we'll talk about it later. No one is allowed to mention it now."

"Shi Wei has her duties at the border and cannot return casually; this is a military order."

"Master Gu is a guest of the Empire, not a bargaining chip for you."

"Anyone who dares to talk nonsense again, don't blame me for being impolite. I, Fu Yunshu, mean what I say."

The clan elders nodded in agreement, not daring to say another word, and each of them lowered their heads and pretended to be quails.

Some people picked up their teacups and pretended to drink water, while others stared at the ground as if looking for ants.

The entire main hall was so quiet that you could hear the ticking of the clock on the wall, one tick at a time.

Lin Wanqing couldn't help but speak again, her voice tinged with dissatisfaction.

"Mom, you're overthinking it. Wanqing is a carefree girl, she's not sick at all."

"She's always been like that, always smiling, never taking anything to heart."

"You don't need to worry about that. Shi Wei's life event is the most important thing."

Fu Jing'an chimed in, his tone tinged with impatience.

"Yes, Mom. Master Gu has finally joined the Fu family. Why don't we call Shi Wei now?"

"Tell her to come back quickly, so the two of them can spend more time together and develop their relationship. Maybe then they'll get together."

"It's not right to always let that girl Wanqing stay by Master Gu's side."

"She's not good at talking, and she doesn't know how to handle things. What if she messes things up?"

"Besides, with her personality, so outspoken and carefree, Master Gu definitely wouldn't like that type."

Lin Wanqing added another sentence, her tone carrying a hint of disdain.

"Shi Wei is different. She is dignified, poised, and capable. She is a perfect match for Master Gu."

"Mom, think about it. If Shi Wei and Master Gu get together, it will be a huge help to the Fu family."

"With the marriage alliance between the Imperial Jade and the Marquis of Wu'an, the entire Great Xia will look upon our Fu family with greater respect."

She got more and more excited as she spoke, completely unaware that Fu Yunshu's expression had darkened.

The elders began to whisper among themselves again, some nodding and some shaking their heads, but none of them dared to speak loudly.

An elder of the clan stood up to support Lin Wanqing, speaking in a very low voice.

"I think that makes sense. Shi Wei and Master Gu are indeed a better match."

"Although Wanqing is also of the Fu family bloodline, she grew up outside since she was a child."

"Her upbringing, knowledge, and eloquence are still inferior to Shi Wei's."

Another elder chimed in, his voice not loud but grating, like being pricked with needles.

"Besides, Wanqing is always smiling and never takes anything seriously."

"Master Gu is the jewel of the empire, and what he needs is a partner who can hold his own in such a grand setting."

"Shi Wei is different. Wherever she stands, she exudes an aura and commands attention."

Hearing that someone was supporting her, Lin Wanqing straightened her back a bit.

"Mom, you see, the elders in the clan all think the same way, it's not just me who thinks this way."

"Wanqing is really not suitable for Master Gu, so please don't force the relationship."

"Let Shi Wei come back. While Master Gu is still at the Fu family, let's get things done quickly."