Chapter 288 Li Yulan's Engagement

King Anmu's tomb is not in the imperial mausoleum.

But in Qingquan County.

Song Wang wanted to go to Qingquan County under the cover of night. He led his horse out of the back door, but saw someone sleeping against the door. He was silent for a while, then bent down and patted her shoulder.

"Wake up."

Qiu Man opened her eyes and rubbed her cold face. Thinking of the important matter here, she said, "Master Song, are you going on a long journey? Take me with you. I want to go too."

Without waiting for Song Wang to speak.

A woman came running over from a distance. It was Fang Nuan, the cook of the Ministry of Justice. They had seen her before. Fang Nuan held the parcel straps, her eyes shining.

"I guessed you were going to investigate a case, so I came to you specially. Do I have a talent for investigating cases?"

I originally just wanted to leave secretly.

But was discovered by two people.

Song Wang asked: "Why are you here if you're not staying at the Ministry of Justice?"

Fang Nuan said sincerely: "This servant wants to go with you to investigate the case. Don't worry, this servant will do her best to help you and will never hold you back!"

"You cook well in the Ministry of Justice." Song Wang started to walk away when he stopped. He turned around and met Qiu Man's nervous gaze. "Let's go."

"Okay!" Qiu Man happily followed the man.

Fang Nuan stood in front and got angry: "Sir, you are biased! Why did you take her and not me?"

Song Wang said: "She is the daughter of the Marquis's Mansion. Besides, you have a passion for investigating cases, but everyone in the Ministry of Justice has it. Do I have to take everyone with me? Cook well. If I hear anyone complain that you don't take it seriously and your cooking is bad, don't blame me for changing the cook."

Fang Nuan said anxiously: "If I really want to investigate the case, please take me with you. I will definitely make delicious food for you."

Song Wang's tone became more serious: "I am not going there to enjoy myself."

He jumped on his horse and reached out to Qiu Man. The two of them disappeared on the dark road, leaving Fang Nuan with red eyes and nowhere to vent her anger.

Fang Nuan clenched her fist and swore secretly.

"Master Song, I will definitely find an opportunity to prove myself!"

Leaning in the man's arms.

Feeling a different kind of warmth in the cold winter, Qiu Man was very grateful to Song Wang. Ever since she learned the truth about her mother's death, hatred had been growing in her heart.

Open

Black fruit.

Want to kill, want revenge.

She looked up and asked, "I feel like Fang Nuan seems to be very interested in investigating cases. Maybe she's a great investigative genius?"

Song Wang gripped the reins tightly and said calmly, "As I said before, everyone has the desire to solve a case, but not everyone is a genius. I once had my men investigate Fang Nuan, and they didn't have any clues or ability to solve the case. To put it bluntly, she's just self-righteous and showing off her abilities."

"Oh..." Qiu Man nodded, not quite understanding.

Song Wang thought of something: "Did the Marquis agree?"

Qiu Man said, "I don't know. I left a letter and ran away secretly. Don't worry, Master Song. I will take responsibility for my own actions."

"I'll take you home." Song Wang turned around and sighed, "Forget it, let's go to Qingquan County first. I'll come to apologize when I get back."

——

Shouchun Courtyard is bustling with activity.

The Minister of Rites came in person to propose marriage. He looked at the grandfather and grandson in the room, exchanged glances with his wife and son, and his smile was reserved.

"Are the Marquis and his wife not here?"

Li Yulan clenched her hands nervously and looked at her grandmother with a wronged look.

During this period, she had seen her granddaughter's filial piety. Madam Li said, "My daughter-in-law is not in good health, and the Marquis is busy, so I didn't inform them. I'm really sorry."

Mrs. Hu stood up slightly to stop Madam Li's actions.

She complimented him, "Don't bother. It's the same even if you're here. As long as the Marquis and his wife have no objections, then, then is the marriage settled?"

But I dare not offend the old lady.

Madam Li nodded and said, "I watched Yulan grow up. She has always stayed by Yi Hui's side and served him. She is very filial. I am reluctant to let her get married so early."

Mrs. Hu said hurriedly, "We will treat Yulan as our own daughter, and Xue'er will treat her well."

Hu Xue stepped forward and bowed to the old lady.

"I will definitely treat Yulan well, please rest assured."

"Well," Mrs. Li smiled tiredly. She took Li Yulan's hand and placed it in Hu Xue's. "Have you set a date for the wedding?"

Hu Xue held Li Yulan's hand and said affectionately, "Good things should happen sooner rather than later. It will be scheduled for the beginning of next month."

Old Madam Li looked at Li Yulan in surprise. They had discussed this matter privately. In case of any changes, they decided to get married as soon as possible without telling the Marquis and Yi Hui.

But she didn't expect it.

The granddaughter discussed it with Hu Xue so quickly.

"Alright, then I will reluctantly give it up."

Lord Hu stood up and clasped his fists. "I'll trouble you to tell the old lady about the Marquis and his wife."

"Very good, very good." Madam Li nodded. Seeing them getting up to leave, she said, "Have a walk, the roads are slippery. I'm sorry I can't see you off."

Soon, Li Yulan came back after seeing the guests off.

When I met my grandmother's cold gaze, the little joy in my heart disappeared.

She knelt on the ground, her eyes red and she sobbed, "Grandma, are you blaming me for taking the initiative and setting the wedding date too early? But, I'm really afraid that if I'm discovered, you'll be implicated."

Madam Li has seen all kinds of people.

But the Marquis had no concubines, so he couldn't have children, and he didn't have a good relationship with his daughter-in-law. He could only rely on this granddaughter who had leverage over him and was easy to control.

As she thought about it, her eyes relaxed slightly.

"Don't think too much. I'm just wondering what to do if the Marquis finds out."

Li Yulan wiped her tears and lowered her head. "Granddaughter thought you were angry. Grandma, please don't be angry, or I'll feel guilty even if I die. Now that the matter is settled, Dad and Mom should agree for your sake, right?"

Hearing this, Mrs. Li thought for a moment.

"Well, the Hu family will spread the news of the marriage when they return. The Marquis probably will let it go for the sake of both families' reputation. But Yulan, don't mess with Jiusu anymore. Live a good life, get promoted and make a fortune. If you can help Hu Xue achieve merit and win the Emperor's favor, perhaps you can regain the Marquis' favor."

Li Yulan knelt on the ground and kowtowed.

"The granddaughter remembers her grandmother's teachings."

After leaving Shouchun Courtyard, she had a smug smile on her face. After hiding in the darkness for so long, finally something good happened to her: she could marry into the Shangshu Mansion.

No longer afraid of the control of the Marquis's Mansion.

In addition, the Minister of Rites was in charge of rituals, sacrifices, banquets, and tributes, so she would come into contact with more nobles.

Li Yulan narrowed her eyes and muttered to herself, "Jiusu, you're incredibly smart, but I wonder if you can evade the rules and etiquette, and the majesty of the Emperor."

In the evening, Lord Li was riding back on horseback and happened to meet the Minister of Rites. He thought that the two would greet each other politely as usual, but unexpectedly, he saw the Minister of Rites speaking in high spirits.

"My Lord, congratulations."

Lord Li was puzzled: "Why are you so happy?"

"Your daughter..." The Minister of Rites reminded the prince in a low voice when he saw that the prince was in a bad mood.

Lord Li thought of Yu Yu. It seemed that the whole Shengjing already knew that his daughter had returned. The matter of recognizing her as a relative should be put on the agenda. He smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Lord Hu. I am indeed very happy."

When Minister Hu heard this, hey, this matter is settled!

But you don’t know that the happier you laugh now, the sadder you will be when you cry in a few days.

"My Lord, take care."