Abusing Power to Bully Others
"Grandpa Su wants to invite our family to dinner at Fragrant Pavilion?" Lily exclaimed in surprise to Leonard Li. "Well, isn’t that something? The sun must be rising in the west today!"
Leonard Li smiled and tossed the invitation onto the table. "Governor Yale sent someone with this. He said your families had some misunderstandings lately and wanted a chance to sit together and clear the air. He also asked me to attend and mediate."
"I don’t believe Grandpa would be so generous, inviting us to Fragrant Pavilion." Lily scoffed. She knew all too well how stingy the Su family was. Back when she and Mrs. Wang lived there, even a bite of coarse bread earned a beating, let alone a fancy meal at such a high-end restaurant.
"Tsk, Governor Yale sure has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. He wants to apologize but can’t swallow his pride, so he’s using the Su family as a go-between. Grandpa invites his granddaughter, you can’t refuse. If you go, I have to go too. Really, with a brain like that, he should focus on serving the country instead of bullying the common folk." Leonard Li looked at the invitation with disdain.
"Wow, I didn’t expect the Heir to care about the country and its people. I thought you were only interested in food and fun," Lily teased.
Leonard Li scoffed, "Lily, are you going to the dinner? If you don’t want to, just decline. With me here, Governor Yale wouldn’t dare say a word."
Lily grinned, "Of course I’m going! Not only will I go, I’ll order all the most expensive dishes! Grandpa’s finally being generous, I’ll help him show off his hospitality!"
Bai Lu covered her mouth, giggling. Madam really is cunning!
On the day of the dinner, Lily brought Yuanbao, Mrs. Wang, Bai Lu, Uncle Arthur and his wife, Butler Yuan, Tudan, and Leonard Li. They all rode together in a carriage to Fragrant Pavilion.
The Su family had already reserved the largest private room, waiting respectfully for Lily, Leonard Li, and their group.
Leonard Li swaggered in front, looking every bit the carefree nobleman. Inside the private room, the two Su elders, the main branch couple, Su Shimao and his wife, and Su Meixiang were present. The Tofu Lady, being a concubine, wasn’t qualified to attend and stayed home.
Governor Yale quickly stood up and bowed respectfully, "Your Grace, it’s truly an honor to have you join us!"
Leonard Li laughed, waving his hand. "I just love a good gathering. Wherever there’s excitement, I’ll be there."
Governor Yale quickly turned to the Su family, "Why are you all standing there? Hurry up and greet His Grace!"
Leonard Li stood smiling, with Lily and the others behind him. The Su family looked sour, as if they’d swallowed something foul. Led by Grandpa Su, they bowed respectfully, "We greet Your Grace."
Leonard Li’s smile grew wider as he watched the Su family bow. He turned to Governor Yale, "Governor, I am, after all, of royal descent. Didn’t you teach these commoners how to greet royalty?"
Governor Yale broke out in a cold sweat and quickly apologized to Leonard Li, then barked at the Su family, "Ignorant commoners! Kneel and pay your respects to the Heir of Huainan!"
The Su family all knelt and kowtowed, not daring to rise without permission from Leonard Li or Governor Yale.
Leonard Li leaned over and whispered to Lily, "So, how does it feel to throw your weight around?"
Lily’s eyes sparkled, "It feels absolutely amazing!"