Inside the inner courtyard of the Duke's Estate, a crisp "snap" echoed through the air as a fine celadon teacup shattered into pieces within Xiao Yu’s grip.
The sudden commotion startled the Duchess, who had been lost in thought, causing the teacup in her hand to tilt. Half of the fine Lushan Cloud Mist tea spilled onto her skirt, leaving a dark, spreading stain.
"My son," the Duchess said, setting her cup heavily onto the small rosewood side table. She pleaded earnestly, "I have thought long and hard about this proposal to the Third Miss Fu, and I believe it is best to postpone it. As the saying goes, 'a tall tree catches the wind.' With the current treacherous state of the Imperial Court, our estate should be even more cautious and wait to see how things unfold."
Chapter 47