Chapter 9: Chapter The moment Su Yueqing stepped into the dining hall, the atmosphere inside quietly changed once again.
The warm lantern light hanging above reflected softly against the pale blue robes she had changed into after returning to her courtyard earlier. The heavy bridal robes and grand phoenix crown were already gone, replaced by lighter silk clothing embroidered with delicate silver patterns along the sleeves.
Her long black hair was loosely pinned behind her with a jade hairpin, making her look less like a ceremonial bride and more like the future Young Madam of the Xi family.
And now that the bridal veil no longer covered her face—
Everyone could finally see her clearly.
Unfortunately for them...
She was far more beautiful than they had expected.
Even Xi Qianqian, who had spent the entire afternoon preparing herself mentally to dislike Su Yueqing properly, froze for a moment after finally seeing her face.
The hall quietly fell silent again.
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing herself remained completely calm.
She walked forward with slow graceful steps, her expression cold and indifferent, like someone who truly did not care whether the people around her welcomed her or not.
Then suddenly—
A soft gentle voice sounded from behind her.
"Young Madam, please mind the step."
The voice was pleasant and soothing.
Almost instantly, Xi Wenxhe’s expression softened slightly.
It only lasted a second.
Very small.
Very subtle.
But this time, everyone noticed it clearly.
Old Madam Zhao Rui slowly narrowed her eyes.
Xi Ronghua immediately looked between Xi Wenxhe and the servant girl standing behind Su Yueqing before turning toward Gu Zhen with a meaningful expression.
Gu Zhen instantly looked away and pretended he had seen absolutely nothing.
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing slowly turned her head.
Standing behind her was a young woman dressed in the dark purple servant uniform belonging to the Duchess’s residence. Her black hair was neatly tied back, revealing delicate features, soft eyes, and long lashes that made her look especially harmless and gentle.
Two younger maids stood quietly behind her.
The moment Su Yueqing saw her properly, realization flashed through her mind immediately.
[Oh.]
[So this is Li Mei.]
The entire hall instantly became tense again.
Xi Yunhao straightened slightly.
Xi Lanyin slowly lowered her teacup.
Even Xi Jianyu’s cold gaze shifted toward Li Mei for the first time that night.
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing calmly continued observing her.
[The famous Li Mei.]
[Future white moonlight of the Xi family.]
[Future emotional disaster.]
Xi Ronghua nearly choked on her tea.
Nearby, Gu Yue quietly leaned toward her twin brother and whispered nervously,
"Brother... this is honestly terrifying."
Gu Xing frowned while staring carefully at Su Yueqing.
"She sounds too certain."
Across the hall, Xi Qianqian quietly moved closer toward Xi Lanyin.
"Elder Sister..." she whispered softly. "Does she really know the future?"
Xi Lanyin stayed silent for a moment.
Because honestly—
She no longer knew what to believe anymore.
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing remained completely unaware of the growing panic spreading around the room.
Her eyes casually moved between Li Mei and Xi Wenxhe before her thoughts continued lazily.
[Ah.]