The Marquis' Wife
The helplessness that Lu Xiang was feeling again

"Hey you!!. Why don't you say hello to the third Huangzhi princess!!". The female servant who was beside Zhang Yunfei shouted with a full look of scorn and warning. 

Lu Xiang who as a Jinshi scholar and a 5th class official did not need to bend his body when greeting the royal family who were not the crown prince so he only slightly lowered his head. "I met the third Huangzhi princess".

However Adelia and her two younger siblings who were just commoners had to bow low to Zhang Yunfei. "I met the third Huangzhi princess".

Lu Cheng and Lu Shan who did not know saw Lu Xiang who told him to do the same thing as what Adelia did.

Zhang Yunfei did not reply, he chose to sit down and look at Adelia who had a pretty face and that made her a little envious. She had learned that Lu Xiang had rejected her husband's offer so that what she was doing right now was to make Murong Xianting happy by making Lu Xiang humiliated.

Although it was a pity that he could not punish Lu Xiang directly but his wife who did not have any title was the target. Zhang Yunfei was the legitimate daughter of the Zhang family who had the third tier among the nobility, the Sangshuanghsu or count, he had been married to the third prince for 5 years and had a son so his status in the third prince's mansion was very stable.

The atmosphere became tense when the waiter and manager knew that the third prince's wife was making trouble in their shop. They wanted to help but given that Lu Xiang was opposite to the man who had the Emperor's affection, they chose to be quiet.

Lu Xiang's jaw hardened and his hands clenched tightly inside the broad sleeves he was wearing, seeing his wife and two younger siblings who bowed low to stagger but could not do anything made him realize that the status he had when not enough to make his wife honorable.

Not only did Lu Xiang, Adelia and Lu Cheng also first realize that the status difference between commoners and nobles. Both of them who rarely socialized and had never seen a noble who had a high status had never experienced what they felt at the moment.

As for Lu Shan who did not understand could only hold back the tears, although he did not understand but he knew that crying would only make the problem become runyam so with a reddened face he tried not to cry and tried hard not to fall because his head began to budge.

Almost 10 minutes of the situation lasted until Zhang Yunfei was satisfied to see the expression of the rancid family who did not know the place. "Wakeup. Next time you must have manners so that my servants don't have to punish you".

Zhang Yunfei deliberately said so because he wanted to make the Lu Xiang family even more embarrassed to be likened to the status of a servant. She was sure that when her husband heard about it he would be very happy.

Lu Cheng and the young Lu Shan fell down because of their dizzy heads from bending low for a long time. Adelia and Lu Xiang helped the two before thanking Zhang Yunfei. Such is the cruelty of social statra, even though they are insulted but they must thank for the humiliation they have just received.

Lu Xiang chose to leave the store because he did not want Zhang Yunfei to look for new reasons to punish his wife and two younger siblings. The cold expression when looking at the manager and the waiter made the two shudder in horror and gulped involuntarily. 

"It looks like we're not destined to have a business relationship. Please return the picture after you've finished making it. Thanks".

"Let's go home baby". Lu Xiang held Lu Cheng and Adelia held Lu Shan who became limp and scared. They lose the passion to shop again after what just happened.

The two remained silent in the carriage that headed home until Adelia held Lu Xiang's hand. "Don't think about it, baby. Bending low is better than being punished with another punishment".

"Lu Xiang's. Look at me, everything needs a process. Our first step is only a few steps later than others, we can reach the same step if we try harder. You understand what I mean, right?". Don't take shortcuts.

Lu Xiang pulled and tightly hugged Adelia. "I'm sorry, baby". Not only did he not give his wife a good status and make her a victim try to comfort her.

Ha! You are still a weak man Lu Xiang!!.

Arriving at home the two no longer discussed about the events that had happened in Heng Zhe's shop and were more focused on preparing for the opening of the shop and enrolling Lu Cheng and Lu Shan into the academy.

Not wanting that to happen again, Lu Xiang asked Ming Baixin for help to find someone to teach them who the nobles and members of the royal family should beware of, especially for Lu Cheng and Lu Shan who were about to enter the Hanlin academy, where the sons of the aristocrats and nobles gathered.

Although they have to be careful, it means they have to avoid and fear them. As the saying goes, knowing the enemy can win a thousand wars.

Shortly after, after careful preparation, De Xiang's shop officially opened in the city of Shenyang, the capital of Murong kingdom. People approached the shop that had the unique interior design and entered with curious expressions.

The tart pastry shop was already open from years ago by merchants who had connections with influential families in the capital so they were not too enthusiastic when entering the De Xiang store, they were just curious about the unique decorations that spoiled the eyes that they had never seen before.

A soft sofa and bright room provide a sense of comfort and its own impression by the visitors, the visitors, especially when the waiter shows a friendly attitude when serving those who are just ordinary people without even putting on a trivial expression. 

"I want to order a tart and a cappucino cincau".

"me too. May I ask what a parfait is? I've never seen a cake this beautiful before".

"Of course you can, sir. Parfait is a sweet and soft cake with various toppings such as strawberries, mango, blueberries and other fruits, this menu is perfect for summer because of the cold, cold taste, sweet and does not make people who eat it become bored quickly".

"Then, I also want to try a parfait".

Parfait placed in a unique glass bottle became a favorite of people who entered the De Xiang store. Especially for women and children.

"Welcome Mr. Shu Shinzhi, it is our honor to have you here". Manager Lu chosen by Ming Baixin knew all the nobles in the capital so he soon knew Shu Taifu's son who would carry on his father's Duke's title.