Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with winning over Daiyu's favorability

Chapter 221 Reconciliation

"Your Highness's hair remains as beautiful as autumn waters, and your eyes still hold the luster of spring mountains. Your every movement is like orchids reflecting jade, and your laughter shines like the bright moon. As the ancients said, 'Time does not disturb, and youthful beauty remains,' and today I truly believe it!"

Deng Zechen sensed that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, and since he no longer had to face this dilemma, he immediately began to flatter him.

Sun Junyue laughed and said, "Look at him, no wonder he's the top scholar who passed the imperial examination six times in a row. He's got a whole repertoire of compliments. I wonder how many naive girls he's fooled. You all need to keep your eyes open and not be fooled by his sweet talk."

Qin Keqing seemed to have thought of something, and nodded seriously, seemingly in complete agreement.

Bai Shuang'er, however, was completely unmoved by this. "Of course I know that these scholars are the most eloquent. Not to mention naive young girls, even men and older people like them can fall for their tricks."

Deng Zechen knew that Bai Shuang'er's words were barbed and she might still be holding a grudge. Considering that she was Qin Keqing's older sister, and that it was better to avoid trouble, he took the initiative to speak up: "Miss Bai, you are mistaken. A liar can lie even if he is uneducated, and an educated person is not necessarily a liar. Most of the time, I speak the truth, especially in front of His Highness. When the three of you walk outside, people will think you are three sisters."

No matter what kind of woman she is, she has some anxiety about her age to some extent. Most of them don't mind being complimented on their looks or youth, even the eldest princess Sun Junyue is no exception.

Hearing Deng Zechen's words, Sun Junyue was naturally pleased. Perhaps because she was happy, or perhaps to ease the tension between Deng Zechen and Bai Shuang'er, she advised, "What happened back then was a misunderstanding. To be honest, Shuang'er was more at fault. It's normal for someone with an unknown background to be wary of someone who suddenly appeared under their bed."

Besides, you deliberately shifted the blame and used them, and they genuinely helped you at the time. Let's call this even and not bring it up again.

Hearing Sun Junyue trying to reconcile them, Deng Zechen, out of respect for Sun Junyue, immediately chimed in, "I apologize to Miss Bai for my past offenses."

Qin Keqing was unaware of what was going on, since none of the three had told her, and she assumed that the others had already told her.

However, through this conversation, Qin Keqing vaguely guessed something. She realized that her older sister, whom she was meeting for the first time, seemed to have been wronged by Deng Zechen. There might have been some grudge between them, but Deng Zechen was in the right. Qin Keqing also advised, "Sister, Mr. Deng is a reasonable person. There must have been a misunderstanding. Please don't blame him."

Although Bai Shuang'er was somewhat reluctant to listen to Sun Junyue's advice, she knew that what she said made sense. Even if she had been in that situation, she wouldn't have been so lenient.

Furthermore, since Deng Zechen had apologized, she had originally planned to accept the situation gracefully. However, upon hearing Qin Keqing's persuasion, she suddenly felt that her newly adopted younger sister was being somewhat biased, and she felt a little resentful but couldn't express it.

"I'm not that petty. I've long forgotten what happened back then. I just can't stand your glib tongue. Let's just not mention it again."

"Miss Bai has a magnanimous heart; she is truly admirable!"

Deng Zechen spoke sincerely, and with his serious expression, anyone would think it was a genuine compliment. However, Bai Shuang'er, who had witnessed Deng Zechen's wicked nature, didn't see it that way; she saw it as a provocation!

But considering that none of the people present were supporting her, and that going her own way might negatively impact her image in their eyes, Bai Shuang'er forced a stiff smile and said gently, "Young Master Deng is truly admirable. Not only is he incredibly learned, but he is also so witty. He is truly admirable."

Upon hearing this, the other three people present froze for a moment. How fake!

Finally, Sun Junyue stepped forward and asked, "What time is it now?"

"It's probably noon."

Qin Keqing thought that it was already 9 AM when they left, and considering the time they spent talking and meeting here, it was almost noon, so she looked up at the sun outside the window and replied.

Sun Junyue covered her mouth with her long sleeve, yawned softly, and said in a slightly sleepy voice, "No wonder I don't feel well. It's already this late. You can go and have some fun. You can go back whenever you want, or you can walk around the manor if you want. If you want anything, you can go find Zhiwei or Tinglan."

"Understood, thank you very much, Aunt. Please get some rest, we'll come to see you again next time."

Qin Keqing helped Sun Junyue into the inner room, leaving Bai Shuang'er and Deng Zechen looking at each other outside. Deng Zechen seemed fine, but Bai Shuang'er still didn't like him.

She herself found it strange. Even after escaping danger, she hadn't had such thoughts. Why did she dislike this man even more now that they had met?

This is really inexplicable.

Qin Keqing came out quickly. She was also a little confused about the somewhat awkward atmosphere between the two, so she tentatively asked, "Has Sister eaten?"

It would have been better if she hadn't mentioned it, because the thought of meeting her biological sister, whom she had never met before, made Bai Shuang'er feel a little hungry. She hadn't been eating or sleeping well for the past few days.

She hadn't eaten much all day, and now that it was almost mealtime, she naturally felt hungry and uncomfortable.

Not yet.

"Great! Shall we have dinner together?"

Deng Zechen understood Qin Keqing's intention. "If Miss Bai would be so kind as to join us, how about we go to a restaurant together?"

"Why go to a restaurant? The chefs there can't compare to those in this mansion. Let's just eat here. Don't make things so complicated."

Qin Keqing quietly tugged at Deng Zechen's sleeve, and Deng Zechen replied, "Then I shall respectfully accept your offer."

"Hmph! You got off easy. Come with me."

After saying that, Bai Shuang'er left the room first, but her voice no longer sounded as stiff and sarcastic as before.

Only then did Deng Zechen realize that the past was truly over.

Seeing that the two were no longer at odds, Qin Keqing relaxed and whispered to Deng Zechen, "Zhiwei and Tinglan are both my aunt's personal maids. You've met them before. They are twin sisters, just like us."

They grew up with their aunt since they were little. Zhiwei is the older sister, and she is the one who manages most of the affairs in the mansion. It was Zhiwei who picked us up today.

Tinglan is the younger sister, and she usually helps her aunt with odd jobs in the shop. Tinglan is very capable; she knows a lot of things. She taught me my method for reading accounts.