Chapter 77 More Like Escape

Mingzhao placed the vase she had arranged in the center of the table, a hint of emotion visible in his eyes. "It's a good news. Cousin Li has promised me. Mother, could you please go to Second Aunt's tomorrow to discuss the marriage?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yuhe patted his arm and replied, "Okay, you're pretty quick. It's only been a few days."

They said Li'er didn't like him, so I guess they were just having a fight. They were very protective of each other, so I don't know how long the two kids have been in love.

"Thank you, mother, for suggesting we go to Taiyuan Lake."

"Shouldn't your grandmother be informed? She has to approve your marriage first." When Qing'er was first chosen, she also asked her mother-in-law.

"I came from Fushoutang, and my grandmother knows about it."

"You've thought of everything. I'll definitely take care of it for you."

"I'll go with you tomorrow too. Please wait until I'm off duty."

"You should go. Your second aunt is still trying hard to find her, but you managed to steal her niece away without telling her." Yuan Yuhe said in a teasing tone, "A few days ago, she asked me if there were any outstanding men in the Fuguogong family."

Ming Zhao coughed lightly, and when he saw Ming Weisu coming back, he called him father.

"What outstanding man?" Ming Weisu walked in with his hands behind his back.

…

When I got up in the morning and was dressing, I saw Li sitting in front of the mirror, yawning slightly.

Lan Xing, who was combing her hair, asked with concern, "Miss, did you not sleep well last night?"

Shi Jianli said honestly, "I can't sleep."

I tossed and turned in the middle of the night, my mind full of the culprit.

Lan Xing smiled and said, "Are you excited or nervous? Did you dream about the prince?"

"Hmph, Xianyue, drag her away." After her hair was tied up, Shi Jianli was angry and embarrassed and threw it away after using it, so she ordered Xianyue.

Xianyue smiled and pulled Lanxing away, "How dare you tease our girl? You've fallen from grace. Leave now."

As she spoke, she picked out the hairpins, step-shakes and other jewelry in her dressing box and asked, "What style do you want to wear today, young lady?"

"That pink rose."

"Okay." Xianyue smiled and pinned the rose hairpin into the bun on the back of her head, and picked out a pair of small bridge flower hairpins to insert on both sides as embellishment.

After finishing her makeup, Shi Jianli had a simple breakfast, returned to the dressing table, opened the small drawer, took out the things inside, and held them in her hands.

When she arrived at the old place, Mingzhao was already waiting there in her official uniform. She quickened her pace, and the sound of the bell that prohibited her from walking seemed to be in celebration.

Mingzhao's heart softened unconsciously. He took two steps towards her and raised his hand to support her. "No hurry."

Shi Jianli stopped and handed him the sachet in her hand.

Mingzhao took it with a smile, "I like it very much. What class do you have today?"

“Mathematical Arts and Musical Temperament.”

He nodded, leaned down with his hands on his waist, and stared into her eyes. "Yesterday I asked you to call me by my name, but you haven't called me yet."

She tilted her head, "...Cousin Jingyao."

Mingzhao chuckled and said, "Well, I'll accompany my mother to my second aunt's place this afternoon."

His gaze seemed to carry warmth, and Shi Jianli felt her face getting hot for some reason. She turned around and left, "We're going to be late."

More like fleeing in panic.

Mingzhao was still rubbing the Qilin on the sachet with his fingertips and went to court in a good mood.

When Shi Jianli entered the private school, his face looked normal.

Mingyuelin had already arrived and was sitting in his seat with a bitter and resentful look on his face, with a plate of snacks in front of him.

Seeing Shi Jianli coming, she pushed the pastry aside and said, "Lotus root starch cherry cake, a bribe for you to help me finish my math and arts homework today. The first piece goes to my capable hero."

"Did the kitchen make it this morning?" Shi Jianli nodded and picked up a piece with her handkerchief.

"Yeah." Ming Yuelin distributed the rest to her other sisters and gave the last piece to Ming Zhouqi.

After the math and art class, I looked at the bright moon in confusion and had no idea what day it was.

Shi Jianli found it a little funny, so after a short break, he pulled her to the music classroom to continue the lesson.

After finishing the music class, Shi Jianli returned to Tangliyuan with a little tail following her. When lunch came, he helped her finish her math and art homework.

Mingyuelin breathed a sigh of relief and felt refreshed.

Although she doesn't have to go to school now that she has reached the age of 15, it is better to learn something than not to learn anything. It feels good to have something in her head.

Recalling something, Ming Yuelin said, "She's getting married tomorrow at Yueran Residence. Sister Li, our grandmother won't let us go to see her off, so having my seventh brother see her off is just one last gesture of kindness."

Mingyuelin didn't understand. The facts were before her eyes. No one was blessing her. Why did Mingyueshu insist on marrying him? Was Qiao Jingchuan really not a good man? Was he really that charming?

Shi Jianli was silent for a moment, "Old Madam, please give her a chance. If she changes her mind before tomorrow, she will still be the third daughter of the Duke's Mansion."

If you still persist, then you have truly been abandoned.

Shi Jianli felt that she would not refuse to get married.

After the engagement, Mingyueshu took Shuxi and Shule out to meet Qiao Jingchuan several times. Whenever they met, she was always in high spirits. She was probably completely devoted to Qiao Jingchuan.

Ming Yueshu has a stubborn personality. Once she determines that she is right, everyone else will go against her. The more something is not allowed, the more rebellious she becomes.

"Let's not talk about her anymore, Sister Li, how about I play Liubo chess with you this afternoon?"

Shi Jianli shook her head, "I have something to do this afternoon."

"What's up?"

"You'll find out tomorrow."

"Still keeping us in suspense." His tone sounded slightly resentful.

Shi Jianli touched her head.

When I woke up after lunch, I saw Li still working at her desk drawing the clothing sketch.

It was around 3 p.m. when Qiao Ruoying's maid, Dong Shuang, was led in by Xianyue with a smile on her face. "Miss Li, the Madam wants you to come over. The Duke's wife and the Crown Prince are also here."

Shi Jianli felt a little shy when she looked at her, and nodded, "Wait a moment, I'll clean it up."

Dongshuang nodded with a smile, bowed and left.

Xianyue stepped forward, straightened her sleeves, and said with a smile, "The young lady is well dressed, you can go directly over."

Shi Jianli shook hands and nodded.

After entering the yard, the three people who were still talking looked at her at the same time and stopped talking at the same time.

Shi Jianli's expression tensed slightly for a moment, and then she greeted them one by one with grace and grace, "Madam, aunt, and cousin."

Yuan Yuhe was the first to wave to her, "Li'er, come, sit next to me."

She sat down obediently next to Yuan Yuhe.

Mingzhao leaned over and asked with a smile, "What would you like to drink? Perilla drink or sour plum soup?"

"It will be all right."

Mingzhao also brought her a bowl of perilla drink.

Yuan Yuhe took her hand and said in a kind and loving tone: "Don't be nervous. I came here today to talk to your aunt about your affairs. You and Zhao just need to listen."

"Okay." Shi Jianli nodded. Seeing that the teacup in front of Yuan Yuhe was empty, she raised her hand and poured her half a cup.

Yuan Yuhe's eyes flashed with satisfaction. She patted the back of her hand, smiled and let go of her hand. "Ask the kitchen to make some cakes that you girls like. Li'er, have a try."

"Thank you, Madam Duke."

"You're welcome. What were you doing in the yard before you came over here?"