Chapter 74 presses him with the question, "I already have someone I love."

Extremely inappropriately, a sentence suddenly came to mind: Among thousands of people, only one is seen.

If the first glance is stunning, then the second glance is terrifying.

The reason she was amazed was that Mu Hanshi's clothes today were not the snow-white color she was familiar with, nor the dark color she wore when they met at night, but a refreshing and clean cyan.

His blue robe, like a clear blue sky cleansed of dust, softened his originally aloof temperament, making him appear like a snow-covered pine tree that had shed its snowy aura and regained its elegant, jade-like appearance. The jade pendant hanging at his waist, with its lustrous deep green color, was clearly no ordinary item.

The horror stemmed from his eyes, which were like a calm lake suddenly soaked in thick ink, a bottomless and terrifying sight, with fine ripples on the surface, resembling both resentment and jealousy.

When the word "jealousy" flashed through her mind, Shen Qinglu was startled, but she didn't show it on her face. She turned her face away expressionlessly, seemingly uninterested.

"Sister Ali, isn't the Divine Mechanic very handsome? Just as handsome as you?" Gu Shizhi said, leaning close to her ear and whispering.

It was a very faint sound, but to her ears it sounded like a jumble of exploding fireworks. For no reason at all, it made her heart race and her body feel inexplicably hot, as if she had set herself on fire.

"I've seen him."

"Don't you think he's good-looking?" Gu Shizhi asked doubtfully, her big eyes blinking.

She shook her head. "I can't tell."

Gu Shizhi exclaimed "Oh dear!" and then seemed to suddenly realize something, "You look at yourself in the mirror every day. No matter how good-looking other people are, they certainly won't catch your eye."

This explanation seems acceptable as well.

She remained noncommittal, which made Gu Shizhi feel that she had seen through the truth.

The arrival of the Mu family was unexpected and naturally sparked much discussion.

"The Mu family's uninvited visit truly shows their deep affection and respect, proving that the General's Mansion has maintained a good relationship with them for many years."

"Both Madam Mu and Lord Mu have come in person. Could it be that what was said before was true, and the two families have already secretly arranged a marriage?"

"That must be the Ninth Master of the Mu family. So this is what he looks like."

"I heard she wasn't feeling well, but I didn't expect her to be so beautiful..."

Amidst the conflicting opinions, when Shen Linlang looked at Shen Qinglu, she immediately went over to her.

Even though they had met before, she was not the same person she was now, so Shen Linlang still solemnly introduced her to the Mu family.

"When I saw her last time, I felt this child was unusual," Madam Ning said with a sigh, her loving yet shrewd gaze fixed on Shen Qinglu. "She's truly a blessed child; I heard everything was fine once she was reunited with her."

Jiang Yingshui also praised, "He's a good child."

Women to women, men to men.

Ning Shi and Jiang Yingshui were received by Gu Ruxu and Shen Linlang, while the Mu family brothers were invited by Shen Kunyao to have tea with the men.

There were quite a few people there, with Gu Ruxu's younger brother, the current Duke of Yingguo, Gu Zhengze, being the most respected. When he saw the group of people coming, Gu Zhengze, as the Duke, actually stood up to greet them.

The families were already acquainted and quickly integrated into each other's lives.

In such situations, the topic naturally revolves around children, especially for women.

Among the younger generation, Mu Lin is the most talked about. As the heir of the Marquis's mansion, he is handsome, composed, and promising, making him the ideal son-in-law or husband for many.

The direct descendants of the Zhao and Gu families know more about the matter, such as the previous verbal marriage agreement.

Now that Mu Lin has been back from the border for some time, the marriage agreement has yet to be officially announced. Those who are not aware of the situation are wondering in their hearts whether the engagement is still valid since the girl being proposed to has changed.

If it doesn't count, then others will have a chance.

"This must be Ah Lin. It's been over two years since I last saw him. He's grown quite a bit taller and looks very imposing. He has the same air about him as Lord Mu when he was young. Truly, like father, like son." As Madam Li spoke, she intentionally or unintentionally brought out her daughter, Zhao Danxin.

Zhao Danxin looked like a girl from a scholarly family; she was pretty, dignified, and cultured.

The social interactions of ladies from wealthy and powerful families followed a principle of give and take.

After Li praised Mu Lin, Jiang Yingshui couldn't help but praise Zhao Danxin as well.

"Your Danxin has grown into a beautiful young woman, but she seems a bit thinner than she was at her birthday banquet last time."

When asked about whose birthday party it was, she clearly glossed over the question. However, everyone present had attended the same birthday party and naturally knew what she was omitting.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment.

Ning frowned and glanced at her daughter-in-law with displeasure. Of course, she wouldn't say anything in front of outsiders.

The others had different expressions, and many looked at Shen Linlang.

Shen Linlang suddenly remembered all the effort and energy she had put into that birthday banquet, as well as the joy and happiness she felt that day. Now, thinking about it all felt like knives, stabbing straight into her heart.

She looked at Shen Qinglu with a guilty gaze, and Shen Qinglu gently shook her head to indicate that she was alright.

Shen Qinglu has taken over the household affairs and can easily find out from the previous account books that a banquet was held in the mansion a few days before Jingzhe, which was Yu Liuzhu's sixteenth birthday banquet.

After a very brief silence, Li's voice rang out again, "She has been competing with her father in calligraphy lately, practicing day and night, and I can't stop her no matter what I say."

Her explanation served two purposes: firstly, to cover up certain things, and secondly, to elevate her daughter's status.

"We have to persuade him even if we can't." Jiang Yingshui followed her words and said, "We parents all want the best for our children. My Lin'er has been away at the border for more than two years. I was worried about him every day. He finally returned to the capital. I thought I would keep him by my side for a few more years, just like before."

This means...

While everyone was still wondering, Jiang Yingshui congratulated Shen Linlang again, and then said as if she felt the same way, "Although you were switched at birth for sixteen years, it is fortunate that you and your daughter have finally recognized each other. I think you and I both wish we could raise the child for a few more years and keep her by our side to teach and love her properly."

“You’re right, that’s exactly what I think.”

Shen Linlang responded very decisively, and neither of them showed any discord on their faces. In fact, many people couldn't understand their true meaning and couldn't help but mutter to themselves that they were discussing postponing the engagement.

By now, many people had noticed Cheng Ying.

Cheng Ying was good-looking and capable, and she also had the backing of the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion. As for the fact that she had no parents, some people who doted on their daughters would actually see it as a good thing.

When someone asked his age, an unnatural expression immediately appeared on his effeminate face. He made an excuse to pull Yu Jingliang aside and said that he wanted to have a sparring match.

Shen Changting was Yu Jingliang's follower, so he naturally went with them, while Mu Lin hesitated for a moment before also chasing after them.

Not long after, Shen Changting returned to find Shen Qinglu, saying that he had asked her to try out his newly made sleeve arrow.

Gu Ruxu smiled and said to everyone, "Ever since Ali was recognized, my Ting'er has been overjoyed. He calls her 'sister' all the time, as if he's afraid others won't know he has a sister."

She said this to give Shen Qinglu face and let everyone know Shen Qinglu's importance in the Shen family.

Shen Qinglu obediently took her leave and went with Gu Shizhi.

The General's Mansion is a family of military officers. The mansion has a training ground for the family's children to practice on a daily basis. The training ground has all kinds of wooden dummies and archery targets that can be used for martial arts training.

Before even approaching the training ground, they spotted Mu Lin, who was clearly waiting for someone.

"Miss Ali, I have a few words I'd like to say to you."

He got straight to the point, and Shen Qinglu didn't mince words, immediately telling Shen Changting and Gu Shizhi to go play somewhere else.

Shen Changting's eyes darted around, and he suddenly realized, "I know, Fourth Brother deliberately sent me to find Sister, so that's why they..."

Gu Shizhi quickly covered his mouth and pulled him away.

The sun shines brightly, and the young man is in his prime.

Those somewhat similar eyebrows and facial features are especially delightful in such fine weather, like a scene from memory reappearing, making one want to cry out of nostalgia.

Just looking at her, Shen Qinglu felt that God had been quite kind to her.

Mu Lin felt her gaze, which was different from how she looked at others, and feelings began to stir involuntarily, causing her to blush and her heart to race instantly.

"Miss Ali, what do you think of me?"

Although she had some guesses, she still felt awkward when Mu Lin actually asked her that question.

"You are my second brother's friend, which means you are my elder brother as well."

Mu Lin's boiling blood was suddenly doused with cold water. "Are you aware of the agreement between our two families?"

"I've heard about it, but that's between you and Yu Liuzhu, it has nothing to do with me."

“How could this be none of your business? You are now your mother’s biological daughter, so this matter concerns you. If you are afraid of my family’s opposition, I can relinquish this position as heir, I…”

How can this be!

She quickly interrupted Mu Lin, "Young Master Mu, I'm happy as soon as I see you because you really look like the older brother I've always imagined. I genuinely consider you my older brother, and I absolutely don't have any other intentions whatsoever."

So he really was just an older brother.

The color drained from Mu Lin's face, leaving him looking gloomy and lost.

She felt somewhat uncomfortable because of this face.

“Young Master Mu, you may not know how happy I am to meet you. You really look like me... the image of an older brother I have in mind. I really wish we were siblings.”

If my brother were here too...

The moment the thought crossed her mind, she cursed herself for being selfish. Her family members were living well in their original timeline, so how could they possibly be here?

Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a dark blue robe embroidered with auspicious patterns. A thought crossed her mind, and she said, "Young Master Mu, our family has just been through something, and we're probably still being watched. If anything happens again, we might not be as lucky as we were last time..."

“Our Mu family has no one who is afraid of death, Miss Ali, is that why you said that on purpose?” Mu Lin’s hopes were rekindled, and a small flame shot up in her eyes.

He truly has the heart of a child, and it's no wonder he has a face that resembles his brother's.

She sighed inwardly and said, "That's not what I meant. I actually wanted to thank you. I know your grandmother and father's good intentions. They called off the marriage not to avoid suspicion from us. On the contrary, they were far-sighted and were making plans for us."

What do you mean by that?

"Think about it, if something happens to our Shen family, the Gu and Zhao families, who are related by marriage, will definitely be implicated. Who will help us then? Your father must have had this in mind when he agreed to break off the engagement."

Mu Lin fell silent.

In fact, Mu Wei had spoken to him last night.

Mu Wei's words were similar to Shen Qinglu's, the gist of which was that the Shen family had been targeted, and their Mu family should protect themselves even more. Finally, he said earnestly, "Lin'er, personal feelings can never outweigh the rise and fall of a family."

Before this, he had always thought that his father wanted to sever ties with the Shen family, and that even his visit to offer congratulations today was just a show for the world.

After hearing Shen Qinglu's words, he felt a mix of emotions.

Just then, someone patted him on the shoulder and said, "Ah Lin, do you understand your father's thoughts now?"

"Father……"

"My lord."

He was genuinely surprised, while Shen Qinglu was faking it.

Mu Wei smiled and said to the person behind him, "Kun Yao, your niece is quite something; she actually guessed our plans."

When the Shen family was in trouble, the Mu family readily helped them, and vice versa.

Shen Qinglu had just suspected that there was more than one person, but she did not expect that in addition to Shen Kunyao, there were also Gu Zhengze and Mu Hanshi.

Gu Zhengze had heard Gu Ruxu mention her before. When they met before, he didn't pay much attention to her because she seemed innocent and harmless, and because she looked like Yu Qingxue.

Now, hearing her insights, I realize that my shrewd and intelligent older sister may not have exaggerated; this child does indeed have some extraordinary qualities.

"My sister said this child looks like her, and it's true that there's a resemblance."

Faced with their teasing and praise, Shen Qinglu lowered her head and pretended to be shy.

Even without looking up, she could feel an undeniable gaze and knew who it came from.

At this moment, a servant came to report that the third son of Prince Xin had come to offer his congratulations.

Upon hearing this, the group looked at each other, and finally all turned to look at Mu Hanshi.

Mu Wei said, "Xiao Jiu, you dislike these kinds of social gatherings the most, so you might as well not go."

Mu Hanshi glanced at Shen Qinglu, who was still looking down, and said indifferently, "It's alright."

*

The General's Mansion held an extremely low-key family reunion banquet this time.

If it weren't for the Marquis's family coming to offer their congratulations, everyone present today would be considered family.

Although Feng Rong has come alone to deliver gifts, he represents the entire Prince Xin's mansion. Moreover, he is highly likely to be the future crown prince, making his status extraordinary.

He stood out from the crowd, approachable and easygoing, which made people feel good about him.

The group greeted him together. When he saw Mu Han, he was clearly taken aback and quickly turned his body slightly away, not daring to accept their greetings. It was unclear whether he was showing them respect or avoiding someone.

Upon seeing Shen Qinglu, he smiled warmly and said, "Congratulations, Miss Shen."

"Thank you, Third Prince." Shen Qinglu's manners and etiquette were not very good; apart from her lack of expression, there was nothing wrong with them.

Her bright red dress, as vibrant as fire, complemented the pear blossom on her forehead perfectly, yet she seemed oblivious, like a red plum blossom blooming in a secluded valley, undisturbed by the world.

Feng Rong was once again stunning, and her tone was even more pleasant, "Regarding what happened last time, it was all thanks to Miss Shen's magnanimity."

"Does Your Highness know my A-Li?" Shen Kunyao asked knowingly.

Although Donglin City is large, some things cannot be kept secret.

Not only he, but also Mu Wei, Gu Zhengze and others had all heard about what happened at the inn's entrance.

He pretended not to know, and Feng Rong also pretended not to know, briefly explaining the matter: "It was just a misunderstanding, thankfully it has been cleared up."

"So that's how it is." He feigned realization.

Until she took her leave, Feng Rong never looked in Mu Hanshi's direction.

As soon as the person left, everyone started talking about it.

At first, I was concerned about why Feng Rong would send a congratulatory gift. What was her purpose? Was she trying to slap me and then give me a sweet treat, and also trying to win over the General's Mansion?

As they talked, the topic gradually veered off course, heading straight for the backyard of Prince Xin's mansion as if chased by the wind.

Prince Xin had many wives and concubines, and even more children born out of wedlock, so comparisons between legitimate and illegitimate children were inevitable.

People whispered among themselves, one saying, "Among all the young masters in the Prince's mansion, the Third Prince is the most benevolent, and he always gives alms to beggars."

Another said, "I also heard that he is extremely chaste and doesn't even have a maid to warm his bed. Unlike other young masters in the royal mansion, who have someone in their room as soon as they ejaculate..."

The two girls from the Zhao family's illegitimate branches were speaking, but Zhao Danxin interrupted them before they could finish.

Zhao Danxin kept a straight face and said very seriously, "Please stop talking. This is not something we young ladies should talk about. If word gets out, it will make us Zhao family girls look bad."

The two men were clearly afraid of her, and they shut up and quickly retreated to the back.

She looked at Shen Qinglu not far away, and the more she looked, the more uncomfortable she felt.

Yu Liuzhu was on good terms with her, and she knew more about many things than others.

Zhuang Lanyi was single-mindedly focused on marrying Feng Rong and indiscriminately disliked any girl who was prettier than herself. Because she was deeply favored by the Princess Consort, few people could escape unscathed after crossing paths with her.

Yu Liuzhu loved wearing red clothes and floral appliqués, as did Zhuang Lanyi.

At a banquet, Zhuang Lanyi deliberately dirtied Yu Liuzhu's clothes. Although many people saw it, Yu Liuzhu was the one who was forced to apologize in the end.

She guessed that the reason Zhuang Lanyi made things difficult for Shen Qinglu was probably for this reason: why was Shen Qinglu not only unharmed, but also attracted Feng Rong's attention?

Even though it didn't concern her, she couldn't hide her jealousy.

"Cousin Ali, I didn't expect that you would get to know the Third Prince so soon after you recovered. You are really lucky."

"Many people know the Third Prince; everyone is very lucky."

Shen Qinglu seemed not to understand the meaning behind her words and replied indifferently.

If Feng Rong were to one day become the ruler of the world, then knowing the future emperor would indeed be considered a stroke of luck for everyone.

She was somewhat dissatisfied with Shen Qinglu's attitude, "Cousin A-Li, do you dislike me?"

Shen Qinglu looked at her, her dark eyes like still, deep pools, and replied with a single word, "Yes," without any expression.

What else?

She was stunned, her eyes immediately reddening, "You..."

Shen Qinglu remained unmoved, her dark, deep eyes still fixed on her. Her words grew increasingly emotionless, "Today is my family reunion banquet. Cousin Danxin, why are you crying? Are you grieving for someone? Do you want to switch me back?"

She felt a chill and quickly wiped away her tears.

At this point, those people stopped talking about the Prince Xin's Mansion and turned their attention back to the Mu family.

Someone jokingly brought up the rumors circulating outside, asking Madam Ning, "Madam, everyone's saying that your Ninth Master Yijia is bringing good fortune to his wife. Could it be that good news is on the horizon?"

Ning glanced at Mu Hanshi with a smile and replied, "My Xiao Jiu's parents have instructed that his marriage is his own decision, and we will not interfere."

"Oh dear, Madam, you are his own aunt, how can you not worry about his affairs?" The person who said this was Madam Li, who was quick-witted and always thought things through.

There were no suitable sons in the direct line of the Duke of England's mansion, and she was unwilling to marry a son born out of wedlock. After much deliberation, the only place she could consider was the Marquis's mansion.

She couldn't figure out Jiang Yingshui and Shen Linlang's plans, and she also knew that the position of the Marquis's heir's wife was not so easy to snatch, so she might as well settle for second best.

Those shrewd and cunning eyes immediately fixed on Mu Hanshi.

She was greatly impressed by Mu Han today, even though she had never met him before. She secretly thought that such a talented young man with an official position and a noble family background was a good match for her daughter.

"It's a bit inappropriate for this young man to choose his own marriage. We don't know what kind of girl your Ninth Master prefers, so we can help recommend one or two."

These words garnered approval from some who shared the same idea, including members of the Gu and Zhao families.

Those people were all talking at once, as if they wanted to surround Mu Hanshi and interrogate him.

"Master Mu, tell us. If you can name it, we can help you find it..."

"Yeah, you're over twenty, and you still don't have anyone who cares about you. Don't you find the house lonely?"

"Men can't live without women. Once you get married, you'll know how good marriage is."

Shen Qinglu was very satisfied; this was the result she wanted.

Keep some people busy so they won't keep bothering her. It would be best if she got married and had children soon. Once she has a wife and children, she definitely won't have the mind to care about others.

The more she thought about it, the better she felt the plan was. Her eyebrows unconsciously curved upwards, and a hint of a smile appeared in her black jade-like pupils.

Her stunning beauty was captivating; even when deliberately hiding behind the crowd, she was instantly recognizable. Her joy and her smile were perfectly captured in Mu Hanshi's calm, moon-reflecting eyes.

Once the wind blows, it's beyond anyone's control. Whoever stirs things up will have to quell it!

"This matter is none of your concern." Mu Hanshi glanced at them, his words cold and firm. "I already have someone I love."