Chapter 980: Chapter 980: To the Fan Family

The two quickly arrived at the gate of the Fan family manor. In Shu Yu’s hand was an invitation card, but it hadn’t been used during her previous visit.

However, this visit to the Fan family was spontaneous, so naturally, she didn’t bring the invitation along.

Kong Zhiyou was more familiar with the Fan family; even the gatekeeper recognized her. She directly said to the gatekeeper, “Go quickly and let your Third Young Madam know I’ve come to visit her. I even brought a surprise for her.”

As she mentioned the surprise, she turned back to glance at Shu Yu.

The latter rubbed her forehead. She had met Yuehua several times before–how could this be considered a surprise?

But the gatekeeper had already gone inside. Before long, someone came to invite them in.

When they reached the Gate of Drooping Flowers, Xiao Yun was already waiting there.

When she saw Kong Zhiyou, her face lit up with a smile. But the next second, she caught sight of Shu Yu, who followed behind, and was immediately stunned. “L-Lu Xiang?!”

Kong Zhiyou smiled at her. “Didn’t I say I was bringing a surprise for your young lady?”

Xiao Yun immediately grinned from ear to ear, quickly stepping aside to let them in. “My young lady will definitely be so happy to see you both.”

This was Shu Yu’s first visit to the Fan family manor. Before, she might have thought the Fan family grounds were quite grand. But now, having seen her own family’s enormous residence, she felt unimpressed. No one’s manor could compete with the size of her family’s backyard.

For no apparent reason, she straightened her back, feeling rather proud.

The three quickly made their way to Xilan Garden, where the Fan family’s third household resided.

As Shu Yu saw the characters “Xilan Garden,” the first thought that flashed through her mind was… broccoli?

She quickly looked away and stepped into the living room.

Upon hearing the sound of footsteps, Ding Yuehua immediately turned around.

Though she quickly broke into a delighted smile, Shu Yu still caught the fleeting moment of irritation in her expression as she turned.

Were they visiting at a bad time? It seemed like her mood had not been very good earlier.

Still, regardless of her previous temperament, Ding Yuehua couldn’t help but cheer up at the sight of her two friends.

“I thought Zhiyou was coming alone. I didn’t expect Yu to come too! How did you both end up together? Since when did the two of you get so close without telling me?”

She pretended to pout and looked at the two of them in mock jealousy.

Kong Zhiyou couldn’t help but chuckle. “Why? Is your bond with the Monarch Lu Xiang exclusive? Are the rest of us not allowed to befriend her?”

After a bit of teasing, she explained, “I ran into Lu Xiang at Yiren Pavilion. When she mentioned she wanted to buy a horse, I remembered that your sister-in-law’s manor in Donggu County raises excellent horses. So we thought to come to you and ask.”

“Ah, so that’s the reason. That’s easy. I’ll have Xiao Yun run home and ask my sister-in-law if she has any suitable good horses. If she doesn’t, we’ll make sure to find two quality ones for you as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, then,” Shu Yu said plainly, not bothering with formalities.

Ding Yuehua was a decisive and straightforward person. She immediately called Xiao Yun over and gave her detailed instructions, repeatedly reminding her, “Make sure to ask for their best horses. If they’re not good enough, our Yu isn’t going to want them.”

Shu Yu, “…” That wasn’t necessary; she might not even be able to afford the best horses.

“Something moderate will be fine. Just for traveling around,” she added.

Xiao Yun nodded and hurried off.

Ding Yuehua, however, glared at her. “You’re a Lu Xiang now, you know.”

Besides, she had no intention of letting Shu Yu pay for the horse herself. With Shu Yu’s Coming-of-age ceremony approaching, Ding Yuehua had been fretting over what gift to give her. A fine steed would be the perfect choice.

Shu Yu shrugged. Being a Lu Xiang didn’t mean she wasn’t strapped for cash.

Fortunately, she had no clue what Ding Yuehua was planning; otherwise, she really wouldn’t know how to continue staying there comfortably.