"Sister, you take a rest inside the room first. I came from Zhou County, and only had a couple of drinks on the way. I'm somewhat hungry now."
Qu Peiluo immediately responded, "I shall prepare it at once, Your Highness."
The Regent pointed at Zheng Fan and said:
"Shall Mr. Su join us as well?"
Zheng Fan promptly replied:
"I dare not disobey."
...
Dinner didn't start as early as anticipated.
Zheng Fan drank tea for over half an hour in a side hall of the inner courtyard, and was then reminded by Eunuch Zhao to dine.
Presumably, during this time, the Regent was meeting with Qu Peiluo's two uncles privately.
Qu Peiluo is the eldest son of Qu TianNan, no doubt about it. The upcoming matrimonial alliance almost guarantees Qu Peiluo as the future head of the Qu Clan; this is unquestionable.
After all, how could the Regent's consort not hold the position of head of the family?
