“A young lady came to the estate earlier and said some vague things.”

Zi Xi followed his lead and brought up what had happened earlier.

Helian Jue continued his analysis, and the two quickly identified Xia Momo as their assassination target.

However, by this moment all the assassins had been killed, and none had survived.

Without witnesses, it will be difficult to convict Xia Momo.

Helian Jue did not ask Zixi to investigate the matter further, but only told her to be extra careful, not to be alone, and to stay in crowded places as much as possible.

Zi Xi readily agreed.

As they were talking, Helian Jue was already dressed and said he needed to go back to his residence to prepare the betrothal gifts.

The next morning, as soon as the doors of the Eight Treasures Pavilion were removed, a group of people dressed in fine clothes and with extraordinary bearing stopped in front of the pavilion.

Leading the group was the old steward of the Helian family, holding a gold-embossed red name card, followed by servants carrying heavy gift boxes, their expressions respectful.

This spectacle immediately attracted the attention of half the street.

"Greetings, Master Liu! This old servant has come on the orders of Prince Jing to propose marriage to the shopkeeper for our young master!"

"The young master has declared that he will marry no one but you, shopkeeper, and his heart is as clear as heaven and earth, as stern as the sun and moon! All the formalities and gifts have been prepared, and we await your approval before the auspicious day is set!"

Under the astonished gazes of everyone, the old butler bowed deeply to Zixi, who had rushed downstairs upon hearing the news, and handed her the marriage certificate in a loud yet respectful voice.

Although Zi Xi knew that Helian Jue was determined, she did not expect his actions to be so swift as lightning.

The assassination attempt yesterday had just ended, and today the marriage proposal team has already arrived.

Looking at the generous betrothal gifts and listening to the old steward's clear and distinct announcement, Zi Xi did not feign modesty. Instead, a gentle yet incredibly captivating smile curved her lips as she nodded slightly to the old steward: "Please convey to Young Master Helian that I agree to this marriage."

The news spread like wildfire throughout the capital.

People talked about how Prince Jing's son, though a playboy, was decisive in choosing a wife, and were even more amazed by the good fortune of Zi Xi, the female manager of the Eight Treasures Pavilion.

The Helian family completed the six rites with astonishing speed, and finally set the wedding date for an auspicious day three months later.

With the wedding date set, life seemed to be bathed in honey, flowing with exceptional sweetness.

Helian Jue wished he could stick to Zixi's side all the time, and wished he could make up for all the lost time.

The following afternoon, he rode his horse and took Zixi to the Helian family's estate on the outskirts of the capital.

Spring has passed and we have entered the height of summer.

The golden sunflower field filled the entire field of vision, the huge flower heads chasing the sun, a vibrant and thriving golden ocean.

Do you like it?

Zi Xi took Helian Jue's hand and led him into the depths of the flower field.

The tall flower stems almost completely obscured Zi Xi's figure, and the golden petals made her fair face appear even more beautiful.

"Yes, it's beautiful."

He took a deep breath; the air was filled with the fresh scent of sunshine, soil, and sunflowers. He gazed at the enormous flowerpot beside him and the person he loved.

Helian Jue stopped in his tracks, his tall frame shielding her from some of the intense sunlight.

He gently brushed aside a strand of hair that had been ruffled by the wind from her temple, his fingertips burning hot. "Xi'er, no matter how beautiful this flower field is, it can't compare to even a fraction of your beauty."

Zi Xi gave him a reproachful look: "Greasy."

"These sunflowers will be followed by piles and piles of roasted sunflower seeds."

She tiptoed and gently touched the sunflower head that was so close to her, her fingertips becoming stained with golden pollen.

"Is roasted melon seeds all that matters to Xi'er? Is there no place for me in her heart?"

Helian Jue wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin gently on the top of her head, his voice muffled.