Chapter 25. Lin Qingdai, you are mine now. ...

A few days later, Ji Yujing and Ye Xiao returned to Lingdong.

It was a long journey for them, from prosperity to poverty. Through this contrast, they gained a deeper understanding of the word "poverty," and their desire to change it grew even stronger.

Before returning to the military camp, Ji and Jing went home.

When he placed the hairpin he had brought back from the capital in front of Cheng Zhi, she stared at it for a long time before smiling.

"What made you decide to buy this? It must have cost a lot of money, right?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Yujing took the hairpin back into his hand and twirled it repeatedly.

The pearls and jade hanging from the hairpin swayed and rippled, reflecting light and creating concentric circles of waves.

"Mom, this is all I can buy you right now. But I promise you, I will get you something better in the future."

Cheng Zhi took the hairpin from Ji Yujing's hand and examined it more closely: "I'm very happy that you have such a kind heart. This hairpin is simple yet elegant, and I like it very much."

"Jing'er has always had excellent taste."

As she finished speaking, she fumbled and inserted the hairpin into her hair bun.

Seeing that her mother truly liked the hairpin, Ji Yujing's lips curled up slightly.

"Was your trip smooth?"

After carefully placing the hairpin in her hair, Cheng Zhi poured Ji Yujing a cup of hot tea. As she pushed it towards him, she asked with concern.

Ji Yujing: "It went much more smoothly than expected."

With those words, Cheng Zhi felt much more at ease.

She didn't plan to ask about the details.

Today, Ji Yujing has reached a height that generations of the Ji and Cheng families have never even dreamed of. They can't offer him advice on what he's doing. Staying quiet and not causing him trouble is the greatest help they can give him.

But there is one thing...

Cheng Zhi had been under a lot of pressure lately, and today she had no choice but to talk to Ji Yujing.

"Jing'er, there's something I want to talk to you about."

Ji Yujing: "What does Mother want to talk about?"

Cheng Zhi: "In the past two years, your grandfather has mentioned the marriage agreement between the Ji family and the Lin family in the capital from time to time."

"After this autumn, you'll be twenty-four, and it's time to get married."

What are your thoughts on this marriage?

Speaking of this, Cheng Zhi couldn't help but look worried. "I don't know what the Lin family is thinking. Would such a wealthy family really be willing to marry their daughter off to Lingdong?"

After Ji and Jing finished speaking, they reached out and grasped their mother's hand.

"Mother, I met the Lin family members and my fiancée on this trip."

The words "my fiancée" instantly captured Cheng Zhi's attention, her dark eyes widening in astonishment.

"How about it?"

Ji Yujing: "They are all very good people. Although they are extremely wealthy, they do not discriminate against the poor or favor the rich."

“Your future daughter-in-law is very beautiful, intelligent, and gentle. She has read many books, and although she has always stayed in the inner chambers of the house, her heart is filled with the past and present and the three thousand worlds.”

She can also make all kinds of medicinal cuisine, desserts, sauces, and wines...

There wasn't enough time; he couldn't possibly discover everything. But that's alright, she would come to him, and they would have a lifetime together.

"You will definitely like her."

Ji Yujing spoke this last sentence with great certainty.

But Cheng Zhi's concern wasn't about that; it was that Ji Yujing had said so much at once, and all of it was to praise a girl.

Cheng Zhi knew her son perfectly well, as he was her own child.

He was intelligent from a young age, and his family's poverty did not hinder his progress.

Regardless of how outsiders define him, he is always proud and arrogant.

Now he lavishes praise on a woman.

"Does Jing'er like her?" Cheng Zhi asked directly.

Ji Yujing paused for a moment, "What does 'like' mean?"

Cheng Zhi: "I miss her when I can't see her, and I can't help but smile when I see her; she's clearly doing well, but I still worry about whether she's hungry or cold; I want to take her to see the sunrise in the mountains and by the sea, and I want to present her with the most beautiful flower in Lingdong..."

Cheng Zhi patiently explained to Ji Yujing that this was also her way of reminiscing about the past. Ji Lang was no longer there, but those memories of him were enough to sustain her for the rest of her life.

The affection his mother spoke of was warm yet subtle, something Ji Yujing hadn't considered so closely. But he felt that if that person was Lin Qingdai, he was willing to give it a try.

In the end, Ji Yujing still didn't answer Cheng Zhi's question.

Cheng Zhi didn't really care.

Feelings can be cultivated. Judging from Jing'er's reaction, she definitely has feelings for the Lin family girl.

At this stage, it's good that he doesn't rule out getting married.

The thought of soon having a beautiful and obedient daughter-in-law filled Cheng Zhi with joy.

"Then go and see your grandfather."

“Since you’re not opposed to it, let’s get the wedding arranged as soon as possible. I’ve saved up a lot of gold jewelry over the years, all of which I’m leaving for my daughter-in-law.”

"Do you think she, a young lady from the capital, will look down on what I've prepared?"

Cheng Zhi could hardly help but worry about this.

Not to mention a prominent family like the Lin family, the gold jewelry she had seen from wealthy people in Lingdong was worth half of what she had saved up over the years.

Ji and Jing laughed at their mother's words.

Cheng Zhi looked at him: "What are you laughing at?"

He speaks little, but does a lot.

If that brat can't come up with a good reason, she'll beat him up today.

Ji Yujing: "No, that won't happen."

Cheng Zhi: "It's not up to you."

Ji Yujing: "That's my wife. How can my word not count?"

Cheng Zhi: "..."

That makes some sense, doesn't it?

"Mother, if you don't believe me, I'll make a bet with you?"

"What are we betting on?"

"What will Lin's daughter's reaction be when you bet on the future?"

“If she complains, you win; if she hugs the box you gave her, smiles at you with her eyes crinkled, and sweetly says thank you, Mother, I win.”

Cheng Zhi imagined the second half of Ji Yujing's sentence.

I immediately felt that this betting game was worth participating in.

Either way, she won't lose.

"If you lose, you'll be responsible for all the family's meals next time you go home."

"Alright. What if Mother loses?"

"If Mom loses, she'll help you keep your wife company while you're busy in the future."

Ji Yujing: "..."

Is this punishment?

This is clearly a reward.

She's my own mother, so I won't hold it against her.

After a short while, Ji Yujing found his grandfather, Ji Tongchuan, at the old Ji family house. At that time, he was playing chess with his old friend Qian San.

Beside the chessboard, there was an old-fashioned tea table.

Tea was placed on the tatami mat, clearly freshly set up, steam rising from it.

Upon seeing Ji Yujing approach, the game of chess came to an end.

After Qian San left, the area in front of the house was empty, with only the grandfather and grandson remaining.

The two sat across the tea table.

Ji Yujing personally poured tea for his grandfather. As the steaming tea rose, Ji Tongchuan said in a deep voice, "Did your mother send you here?"

Ji Yujing continued working: "Even if Mother hadn't said anything, my grandson would have come today."

Why?

"My grandson wants that marriage contract with the Lin family."

Asking for it proactively?

A flicker of surprise crossed Ji Tongchuan's eyes. "Why do you suddenly want it?"

Ji Yujing wasn't aware of the existence of this marriage contract for the first time; in the past, his reaction to it was always indifferent.

It's the kind of relationship where it's fine if the marriage goes through, but he's fine if it doesn't.

The capital city hasn't made a move, and he's not in a hurry, clearly not taking it seriously; otherwise, it wouldn't have dragged on until today.

Now, she's actually taking the initiative to come to him and ask for that marriage contract back.

What are you here for?

Ji Yujing: "Isn't this marriage contract for me? Or does Grandpa have another grandson who is going to marry into the Lin family?"

Ji Tongchuan raised his hand and tapped Ji Yujing's forehead with considerable force, making a sound.

Ji Yujing anticipated his move and didn't stop him.

Even after being hit, he grinned at Ji Tongchuan and said, "Grandpa, I've seen your granddaughter-in-law."

"In a few days, the imperial decree for the marriage will arrive in Lingdong."

Upon hearing this, Ji Tongchuan's expression suddenly darkened. "What do you intend to do?"

"Now that you have a reputation, adding the eldest daughter of the Lin family to your list of acquaintances may attract targeting."

But if they didn't arrange a marriage, he would be too ashamed to face the Ji family ancestors even after he died.

The reputation of the Lin family and their eldest daughter will also be affected.

They are innocent.

It can be said that they are in a dilemma, which is why Ji Tongchuan has never really urged Ji Yujing to implement the marriage contract over the years.

Delay, delay, delay.

Now, the child is almost twenty-four years old. In ordinary families, a young man of this age would have already gotten married and had children long ago.

Ji Yujing: "Does not having the eldest daughter of the Lin family mean we won't be targeted?"

The answer is yes, all parties are just waiting for the right opportunity.

"If that's the case, why not welcome the eldest daughter of the Lin family to Lingdong and form a powerful alliance?"

Ji Tongchuan remained silent for a long time before saying to him, "Since you've made up your mind, treat her well. Such a wealthy woman, coming to Lingdong alone, she's the one who's most wronged by this marriage contract."

Ji Yujing: "Grandson will listen to his grandfather."

"Then come with me."

The grandfather and grandson got up and walked into the old house one after the other.

In the ancestral hall at home, Ji Tongchuan took out a black wooden box. It wasn't made of any precious wood; much of the paint on the box had chipped off, giving it a weathered and worn look.

The box was clean, clearly having been carefully maintained.

Ji Tongchuan subconsciously stroked the box before handing it to Ji Yujing.

"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, Grandpa can't be sure. But Grandpa believes that everything has its own destiny, and even if something exists, there must be a reason for it."

"Your success today is already an honor for the Ji family; in the future, I only wish for your peace and happiness."

Ji Tongchuan made his thoughts clear, unusually speaking a lot.

But he knew that Ji and Jingzhi were not here. Today's words had little effect on him.

Ji Yujing accepted the box with both hands; it was surprisingly heavy.

In that instant when his fingertips felt heavy, a delicate figure swept across his mind.

"Lin Qingdai, you are mine now."

He couldn't be sure what the future held.

The path he chose makes it incredibly difficult to find peace and joy.

She shouldn't have been adorned by the bright moon over the high platform; she was still a frail and sickly person who needed a lot of care and attention.

But he unexpectedly met her before the wedding.

His gaze was captivated by her beauty, and his heart was entangled... Giving her away to another man became an impossible task.

Since that's the case, the only option is to keep her by my side.

Let's join hands and see what the future holds.

Unaware of the complicated feelings between Ji and Jing, Ji Tongchuan handed the box to him and then inquired about the betrothal.

The two places are so far apart, it's not easy to do anything.

Ji Yujing: "Don't worry, Grandpa, I'll take care of it."

Ji Tongchuan trusted his abilities, but still couldn't help but remind him, "I can let you make the arrangements, but you must be careful. We can't let the girl suffer before she even enters the house."

Ji and Jing should be.

He was still thinking to himself, "How could I let Miss Lin suffer? I wouldn't dare. If I angered her, she might not want to come anymore."

After several close encounters, Ji and Jing had almost figured out Jiaojiao's personality.

To say she's delicate is an illusion created by her appearance.

In reality, he's a stubborn person with his own opinions on everything.

For her, poverty is acceptable, but sincerity is not.

"Then let's get on with it right away."

"Then I'll go first."

"Yes, if you need any help, please let me know."

"Understood, Grandpa."

Ji Yujing strode out of the Ji residence, carrying the black box.

His next stop was the Ningdong Army camp.

On the way from the Ji family's old residence to the military camp, you will pass through an old street called "Qingming".

Every time Ji and Jing pass by here, the children playing at the end of the street will stop, face him, and jump and shout.

Today was no exception.

"Uncle Ji."

"Uncle Ji, can I join the army now to fight against Dongshao Kingdom?"

"Uncle Ji, Brother Xiao just went over, and he brought us some cakes."

They chattered away, as if afraid they hadn't said enough.

Ji Yujing came to their side and patted each of their little heads.

How have you been lately?

The children said in unison, "Very good."

Despite their hardship, barely managing to get enough to eat each day, they still felt they were doing well, their dark eyes shining with light.

Whenever Ji Yujing sees them like this, he feels that the hardships and struggles of the past are nothing.

"That's good."

"Grow up well, the gates of the military camp are always open to you."

"Remember to exercise!"

Upon hearing this, the young men all began to roll up their sleeves, wanting to show Ji Yujing their muscles.

"Muscles, aren't they impressive?"

Ji Yujing suppressed a laugh, "Impressive."

After chatting haphazardly for a while, Ji Yujing said goodbye to them.

Although the children were reluctant to part, they knew that Ji Yujing was very busy and they shouldn't keep him any longer, so they all very sensibly said to him, "Uncle Ji, see you next time."

Ji Yujing replied earnestly, "See you next time."

After saying that, he took a step and continued forward.

Unexpectedly, after walking about ten feet, he stopped and turned back to the child.

Meeting their surprised gazes, she took out an exquisite silk pouch from the inside pocket of her coat.

It was the very same candy Lin Qingdai had given him at the old man Yu Yong's earthen building that day. It was filled with candy, perhaps even handmade by her.

"Reach out your hand."

The young men all reached out their hands without hesitation.

Ji and Jing took out candies from the bag and gave one to each of them.

When he was almost finished, he had one left in his bag. He held it in his palm, and the familiar sweet scent filled his nostrils once more.

The child also smelled the aroma and looked at the candy in his palm with surprise.

"Wow, these candies are so beautiful! I've never seen such pretty candies before."

"It smells so good, like oranges. It must taste delicious."

"Uncle Ji, you brought us candy."

Ji Yujing laughed and said, "I didn't bring them."

The child asked in surprise, "Where did that come from?"

Ji Yujing smiled at them, "It was given to me by the fairy sister."

"When she comes to Lingdong, she will definitely bring you some delicious food."

"A fairy? One who lives in the Ninth Heaven?"

"Right?"

"They're gone."

Without further delay, Ji and Jing urged each other to use their lightness skills and dashed forward.

In the blink of an eye, they disappeared from the children's sight.

This time, the children felt no reluctance; their attention was completely captivated by the candy in their hands.

What's your preference?

"Mine looks like a peach, and I like peaches."

"Mine is a mulberry."

“Mulberries are also very good.”