Chapter 70: Childhood Sweethearts IF Route (Part 5)
At three quarters past dusk, lanterns were lit on both sides of the road leading from the main gate of the Yun residence to the front hall, illuminating the figures of the group entering the residence.
The servants in the mansion, busy with their tasks, couldn't help but occasionally glance towards the center of the road.
This is truly an extraordinary occurrence, like the sun rising in the west.
Who would have thought that one day the people of Prince Zhao's mansion would be invited into the mansion by both masters, Yun Hong and Yun Cheng, and that they would be personally led the way.
Yun Hong walked in front, with Yun Cheng following behind.
Next up are Yun Sheng and Xiao Xu.
Yun Sheng was naturally delighted. Although this was completely different from what she had originally planned, she was surprised that her father and brother were much more accepting than she had imagined.
Recalling that scene just now still makes one feel so embarrassed that their toes curl up involuntarily. But Xiao Xu was thus invited into the mansion in a dignified manner. Wouldn't their marriage be discussed next?
Yun Sheng blushed and looked at Xiao Xu with her eyes wide open, unable to hide her smile.
Xiao Xu happened to be looking at her as well.
Their eyes met, and a deep affection silently blossomed between them.
Yun Sheng winked playfully.
Xiao Xu smiled at her and mouthed, "Don't worry, I'm here."
Yun Sheng wasn't worried at all; in fact, she was even happier and couldn't help but take another step closer to Xiao Xu.
Yun Cheng turned slightly to the side and saw the two exchanging glances.
"Yun Sheng," Yun Cheng called out in a deep voice.
Yun Sheng's back stiffened.
From a young age, her family would only call her by her full name when she made a serious mistake.
Her eyes trembled slightly as she slowly looked up at her brother.
"Come here, come with me."
"..."
Yun Sheng wanted to take another look at Xiao Xu, but under Yun Cheng's stern gaze, she had no choice but to lower her head and quicken her pace to walk to her brother's side.
And so, the group walked awkwardly to the main hall.
Just as Yun Sheng was about to step across the threshold, Yun Cheng raised his hand to stop her.
"Brother?"
Yun Hong turned around and said calmly, "Nannan, you go back to your room first."
Yun Sheng was startled: "But, Father..."
"Go back to your room first." Yun Hong's tone left no room for argument, and his serious demeanor gave off a sense of pressure.
Yun Sheng's initial joy began to turn uncertain, and she developed more worries.
"Father." Yun Sheng didn't want to leave, so she pleaded softly.
But when he thought that this act of coquetry was for the sake of that brat from the Prince Zhao's mansion, Yun Hong became furious: "Do you think I'm going to eat him up?!"
"It's alright, Sheng Sheng, it's Lord Tingyun's place. You should go back to your room." Xiao Xu came to her side and spoke softly.
He wasn't speaking loudly, but since the group was close enough, everyone could hear him.
Upon hearing this person speak to Yun Sheng in such a tone, Yun Hong and Yun Cheng felt a surge of anger that they almost couldn't suppress.
Yun Sheng didn't notice her father and brother's expressions and pouted, "Alright then."
Seeing this, Yun Hong hesitated to speak, but agreed as soon as Xiao Xu spoke.
He snorted angrily and turned his cold gaze to Xiao Xu: "Come in."
"Yes, Lord Yun."
Xiao Xu winked at Yun Sheng before stepping into the hall with the two members of the Yun family.
The hall door closed, and Yun Sheng was blocked outside, unable to see what was happening inside or hear a sound.
Cuizhu asked in a low voice, "What should we do, Miss?"
Yun Sheng stared at the closed door for a long time, then sighed deeply: "What can we do? Father and brother won't let me in. Let's go back to our room."
"So you're just going back to your room like this, Your Highness..."
Yun Sheng pursed her lips, tilted her head and thought for a moment, her expression becoming more relaxed: "Never mind, Chang Yu said he can handle it himself, he should have some ability to handle it, otherwise it would be too easy for him to marry me."
On one side were her father and brothers, and on the other was the man she loved. They both loved her equally, and she easily felt that things would eventually turn out for the better, no matter what.
With this thought in mind, Yun Sheng felt completely relieved, her mood returned to joy, and she returned to her room with light steps.
Little did they know, the atmosphere in the hall became tense, and eventually, no one knew what the three of them said inside, but an argument was about to break out.
Yun Hong was furious, and Yun Cheng was also quite angry. Xiao Xu's tone was not aggressive, but he did not give an inch. He argued with the two of them back and forth, as if they were back in the imperial court.
Yun Sheng had just finished bathing when Cui Zhu rushed over to report that a fight had broken out in the front hall.
She was terrified and quickly dressed before heading to the front hall.
In reality, the atmosphere was too tense and the argument too intense, so the servants spread the word in a panic, and when it reached Yun Sheng's ears, it became such an exaggerated situation.
However, many years ago at the Xiyuan Palace, Yun Hong had fought with Prince Zhao, Xiao Qingchuan, even in front of the Emperor.
When Yun Sheng arrived, Xiao Xu had already left. She was still somewhat hesitant when she learned that no fight had broken out: "Father, you really didn't fight?"
Having been humiliated by Xiao Xu and nearly losing his breath from anger at his daughter, Yun Hong spoke with increasing harshness: "How can I argue with a mere brat? What would I be if I fought him!"
"Father, that's not what I meant." Yun Sheng breathed a sigh of relief, but her tone was soft and gentle.
She also secretly glanced at Yun Cheng, because Yun Hong would not attack juniors, but Yun Cheng and Xiao Xu were of the same generation.
Yun Cheng glanced at Yun Sheng with a sullen expression, then sighed heavily and shook his head.
How could he not see that while he and his father were furious, Yun Sheng was wholeheartedly on Xiao Xu's side?
But Yun Sheng wasn't so biased towards outsiders. After gently comforting her father and brother, she finally couldn't help but say, "Father, brother, I truly love him, and I'm willing to marry him."
Regardless of the past conflicts between the Yun family and the Prince Zhao's mansion in the imperial court, the two families were perfectly matched.
Yun Sheng is the apple of the Yun family's eye, and the whole family dotes on her to the core. Xiao Xu is the heir of the Zhao Prince's Mansion. He is exceptionally capable and promising at a young age. Apart from disagreements on political views, Yun Hong can't really find any major faults in him.
The two families had known each other for a long time, and the two were also quite different in age. From the outside, they seemed to be two people who would never cross paths, and there had indeed been no indication of anything between them before.
So when did they meet, how did they fall in love, and how long have they been together?
毫无准备地得知这件事，还撞见两人亲密地抱在一起的场面，叫云宏这爱女如命的老父亲如何能接受得了，他刚才是真的恨不得提棍痛揍那臭小子一顿，此时被云笙一问，他虽是那样说了，但心里还是后悔着的。
They just let them go like that; they might as well not have invited them in at all.
However, the next day, Xiao Xu came to visit again on his own.
He arrived very early, just as he was about to attend the morning court session.
Just as Yun Cheng and Yun Hong finished getting ready and had breakfast, they were about to head to the gate of the mansion to catch their carriage when they learned of Xiao Xu's visit.
Xiao Xu was dressed in a neat purple court robe with a jade belt hanging down his back. His appearance was solemn and dignified. Behind him were two servants who carried several fine ebony boxes.
Xiao Xu did not enter the room, but instead bowed respectfully at the door: "Good morning, Lords Yun."
Yun Hong and Yun Cheng's expressions changed slightly.
Yun Hong nodded in response: "Good morning, Your Highness."
The group was all in a hurry to attend the morning court session, so Xiao Xu didn't linger and got straight to the point: "I came to your door in haste yesterday, and my words were brief and impolite. The gifts are not valuable, but just some tokens of my appreciation. I hope you two gentlemen know that my feelings for your daughter are not just a passing fancy, nor are they frivolous or reckless."
He gave a slight gesture, and the servant presented the wooden box.
"I will take my leave now, without delaying your court sessions."
After saying this, Xiao Xu cupped his hands in greeting again, then turned and boarded his own carriage that was waiting nearby.
The curtain fell, and the carriage smoothly drove away, merging into the flow of carriages heading to the palace, swift and decisive, without lingering for even a moment longer.
Only the two members of the Yun family remained standing blankly in front of the door, looking at each other for a long time.
The servant standing nearby, who had been given an ebony box for no apparent reason, had to quickly step forward and ask, "Master, young master, is this box to be returned to His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Yun Cheng frowned: "They're all gone, what's the point of returning them? Take them into the manor and put them away."
"Yes, young master."
Another hour had passed since Yun Sheng got up, and Xiao Xu was no longer at the door.
Upon hearing the news, she said disappointedly, "They've already left? I haven't even seen them yet."
Cuizhu comforted her, "Miss, don't be sad. It's too early in the morning. His Highness will probably do it again at night."
But that night, Xiao Xu did not come to Yun Sheng's window.
On the contrary, early the next morning, he once again rushed to the gate of the Yun residence before the morning court session, this time carrying two large wooden boxes.
"Move it inside for Lord Yun," Xiao Xu instructed his attendant in a calm voice.
"No, I already made it very clear the other day that I do not approve of your marriage to my beloved daughter. I cannot accept your gift either. Please take it back, Your Highness, and do not send it again in the future." Yun Hong refused with a cold face.
Xiao Xu turned a deaf ear, while his attendants had already carried the wooden box across the threshold of the Yun residence.
They simply placed it at the door and then left.
Xiao Xu then bowed and took his leave, saying, "Then I won't delay Lord Yun's arrival at the palace."
The same thing happened on the third day.
Yun Sheng had learned that Xiao Xu had come to the mansion several times, and she had not seen him at night, so she thought that she could get up early in the morning and secretly meet Xiao Xu at the door.
Unfortunately, the time for the man to go to court was far too early. She had never gotten up so early before, and unsurprisingly, she couldn't wake up. By the time she awoke, he had already left.
On the fourth, fifth, and sixth days, Xiao Xu did not miss a single day, and the gifts he sent each day were different.
At first, Yun Hong would say a few cold words to refuse, but later he stopped refusing altogether and stopped being polite.
On the seventh day, Xiao Xu brought several large boxes in a horse-drawn carriage.
The group met again in front of the door.
Xiao Xu bowed in greeting, Yun Hong nodded slightly, and Yun Cheng glanced at him indifferently.
Then everyone got busy: servants carrying loads, adults boarding carriages, and several carriages heading towards the palace.
When he returned home after court that day, Yun Sheng was already waiting for him in the hall.
She didn't know how her father and brothers treated Xiao Xu now, but she had heard that Xiao Xu had been coming to give her gifts every day for the past few days.
When Yun Hong saw her approaching hesitantly to ask the question, he snorted and said, "It's only been seven days, what's the rush?"
Yun Sheng pouted; of course she was anxious.
She secretly blamed Xiao Xu in her heart. He met with her father and brothers every day, but she never saw them. He sent so many gifts, but she didn't receive a single one.
Undeterred, Yun Sheng asked again, "Does Father mean that if he persists and delivers it to your satisfaction, you will agree?"
Although this seems reasonable, it's hard not to feel that Yun Hong is taking revenge for personal reasons and deliberately making things difficult for Xiao Xu.
"What, feeling sorry for him?" Yun Hong asked in a strange tone.
"No, how could that be?"
Yun Cheng said, "Let's wait and see. Someone as arrogant as Prince Zhao's son might give up in a couple of days."
Unexpectedly, Xiao Xu did not give up after two days; instead, the scale of his gift-giving became even larger.
Each time he came, it was always at dawn when the streets were almost deserted, but the gifts he gave were all purchased from major merchants in the capital.
As a result, the news spread throughout the capital.
Every day at the hour of Yin and Mao (3-5 AM), Prince Zhao would personally visit Minister Yun's residence, rain or shine, with a respectful demeanor, all because he admired Minister Yun's beloved daughter and was formally proposing marriage to her.
Rumors of a potential marriage alliance between the Prince Zhao's residence and the Yun residence had already spread far and wide, becoming a topic of quiet discussion among many officials as they changed into their court robes in the mornings.
As the court session ended that day, Yun Hong was about to leave the palace quickly when he was surrounded by several colleagues with whom he had a good relationship, all smiles.
"Lord Yun, your residence has been bustling with visitors lately," a vice minister said with a knowing smile, stroking his beard.
Another junior official chimed in, his tone slightly teasing: "It's not just bustling with visitors; I've heard that every morning, distinguished guests arrive with morning gifts. They're very diligent. Brother Yun, this is truly a joyous occasion. When will you invite us for a celebratory drink?"
Yun Hong's face darkened slightly, his heart filled with mixed feelings. He was annoyed that Xiao Xu had acted without restraint, making his actions known to everyone, and he also felt a complex mix of emotions that were hard to describe.
He kept a straight face and was about to brush it off vaguely when he heard a deep and authoritative voice from his side.
"What are you gentlemen talking about, making such a commotion?" Xiao Qingchuan strolled over at some point and naturally joined the group.
Upon seeing him, Yun Hong immediately found an object to vent his reluctance and slight annoyance stemming from his daughter's marriage.
He snorted irritably and said curtly, "What can we talk about? Just some idle gossip and rumors."
Xiao Qingchuan's eyebrows twitched slightly, as if he was puzzled, but his tone was calm: "Since it is just idle talk, why should Lord Yun take it to heart? However, I have also heard that my son seems to be visiting your residence frequently recently. If he has caused any disturbance, please speak frankly, and I will definitely discipline him strictly."
Upon hearing this, Yun Hong felt even more choked up and couldn't help but retort, "Your Highness is too kind. His Highness is indeed polite and virtuous, and he is punctual in his morning and evening greetings. But wouldn't it be better if he used this energy on political affairs?"
King Zhao seemed oblivious to the sarcasm, and instead went along with the conversation, saying slowly and deliberately, "Lord Yun is right. Young people may act without being thorough, but their perseverance is truly commendable."
"It's only been three to five days; it's too early to talk about perseverance."
The two seemed about to clash on the palace path, but the atmosphere now had an unusual twist.
The adults around them were completely absorbed, not uttering a single word or interruption, all waiting to see what would happen.
Yun Hong had no intention of giving anyone a show, so after saying that, he quickened his pace and left.
But as the saying goes, like father, like son. Xiao Xu was so ostentatious, so Xiao Qingchuan was even more undisguised. He even seemed to be taking advantage of the onlookers around him, and said to Yun Hong with a smile, "I have heard that Lord Yun's daughter is intelligent and virtuous. If my son can win her heart with his sincerity, it will be his good fortune."
"Your Highness is too kind. My daughter is still young and innocent. My wife and I only wish for her to stay by our side for a few more years and enjoy her freedom. As for other things, it is better not to mention them too early. Forcing things will only make things worse."
The adults nearby listened with their eyes downcast, secretly amused.
This is clearly a case of one person secretly pleased that their son has chosen such a beautiful woman, while the other is furious that their own pretty cabbage hasn't even had enough time to grow before another family's pig has already set its sights on it.
Yun Hong was displeased and did not want to say anything more to Xiao Qingchuan, so he quickly said, "I still have some official business to attend to in my residence, so I will take my leave first."
After saying that, he strode away first.
King Zhao watched Yun Hong's somewhat exasperated back as the corners of his mouth curved upwards for a moment, then quickly regained his composure, nodded slightly to the remaining colleagues, and calmly departed.
Only a few adults who had watched the show to their hearts' content exchanged knowing smiles, tacitly understanding that the good news between the Yun and Xiao families was probably really coming soon.
Yun Hong knew what those onlookers were thinking, but he himself thought, what does it matter if they're close or not? No matter what the final outcome is, he will not let the Prince Zhao's mansion get his approval so easily.
Therefore, this matter is definitely not going to happen anytime soon.
Unexpectedly, the visiting card from Prince Zhao's residence arrived at the Yun residence the following afternoon.
The document was sealed with vermilion lacquer and addressed with utmost respect: Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, Prince Zhao, Xiao Qingchuan, accompanied by his wife, Lady Shen, and his son, Xiao Xu, will come to the residence for a visit.
As soon as the invitation arrived, Yun Hong knew what the sender's intention was.
He paced around the study for a while, clutching the invitation, then snorted and said to Yun Cheng, "See? This is an attempt to intimidate us and force us to submit."
Yun Cheng's expression was also not good: "Father, don't worry. Even if the Prince Zhao and Princess come together, we will not relax our attitude in the slightest."
Yun Hong slammed the invitation on the table: "Of course."
The next day at exactly 9:00 AM, the main gate of the Yun residence was opened wide.
The carriages from Prince Zhao's residence arrived on time, and there was more than one.
King Zhao and his wife, along with Xiao Xu, alighted from the main carriage, their demeanor dignified and their attire solemn.
What's even more eye-catching, however, are the several carriages adorned with red silk and the burly servants carrying chests that followed behind; they had come with betrothal gifts.
Although they did not enter the mansion, they were neatly adorned with red decorations and lined up on the long street outside the mansion gate, creating an impressive spectacle that attracted curious onlookers from afar, and more and more passersby gathered.
Yun Hong and Yun Cheng greeted the guests in the front hall. Their expressions darkened further when they saw the red silk outside the door. They had not expected that the so-called visit would turn into a direct marriage proposal.
The two sides exchanged greetings, the atmosphere polite yet tense.
After the host and guests were seated and exchanged only a few pleasantries, Prince Zhao took the lead and got straight to the point, speaking with a solemn attitude: "Lord Yun, I have come here today with my family to visit you. It is my son, Xiao Xu, who wishes to marry your daughter. Our two families have been prominent for generations, and it would be a wonderful thing if we could form such a marriage. My son's intentions are sincere, and I hope that Lord Yun and Madam Yun will grant our request."
Shen Yuewan gently echoed her sentiments from the side.
Yun Hong held his teacup and said in a calm tone, "I appreciate the favor of Your Highness and Princess, and the kindness of the young master. However, my daughter is still young, and my wife and I wish to keep her for a few more years. Moreover, our two families do not usually have much contact, so it may not be appropriate to discuss marriage so suddenly. It would be better to consider this matter carefully."
This is a clear rejection.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xu immediately stood up, seemingly wanting to plead his case again.
Yun Cheng spoke coldly, "Young Master, my father's intention is clear. Forcing the issue may damage the harmony between our two families."
The atmosphere inside the hall seemed to freeze for a moment, a stark contrast to the festive red decorations outside and even in front of the mansion.
However, Xiao Xu still took half a step forward, his expression unchanged, and continued what he was about to say: "Uncle Yun's love for his daughter is something I understand and deeply admire. Today, I have brought my parents to visit you because I sincerely hope to spend the rest of my life with Sheng Sheng. If you feel it is too hasty today and are unwilling to agree, that is fine."
"Then tomorrow, Xiao Xu will prepare a small gift and bring his parents to visit again to ask for my hand in marriage. The day after tomorrow, he will do the same until my uncle sees my sincerity and is willing to entrust Sheng Sheng to me."
Upon hearing this, the room fell silent.
Xiao Qingchuan's eyelids twitched, and his hand holding the teacup stiffened for a moment.
He was taken aback. Would he come again tomorrow? Or the day after?
As a dignified King Zhao, he had already shown great respect by personally proposing marriage once. If he were to be rejected repeatedly and still come to the door every day, would he still have any face left?
This rascal, in order to get a wife, he's going to trample on the face of the Prince's mansion and his father, pick it up again and again, and use it repeatedly!
Yun Hong felt a lump in his throat. Looking at Xiao Xu's matter-of-fact and unyielding appearance, and thinking about the grand scene outside the door, as well as the rumors circulating in the capital for the past month, he felt a tightness in his chest.
He had no doubt that this kid was capable of bringing the prince and princess to propose marriage every day. In that case, the Yun family would become the daily topic of conversation in the capital!
Yun Hong and Xiao Qingchuan's complicated gazes collided unintentionally in mid-air.
Finally, Yun Hong slammed down his teacup and said in a stiff tone, "Fine, since you have this intention, I will grant your request for marriage. But you must make it clear that this is to allow you to propose marriage. Before the marriage is completed, I will continue to observe you. If you make the slightest mistake and cause Sheng Sheng any grievance, then this matter will be reconsidered. Do you understand?"
Xiao Xuduan bowed deeply and respectfully: "I will follow your teachings, Father-in-law, and will certainly live up to your expectations. I will not let Sheng Sheng suffer any injustice."
"He's not your father-in-law yet, don't address him like that!" Yun Hong's beard twitched, and after scolding him, he turned his face away, picking up his teacup to hide his expression.
On the other side, Yun Sheng already knew that the Prince's Mansion would be visiting today. She happily dressed up and wanted to sneak into the front yard.
Just after passing through the moon gate, I bumped into a warm embrace.
"Ah!" she exclaimed softly, looking up to meet Xiao Xu's smiling eyes.
"What are you doing here?" she asked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat.
"I came to see you secretly."
Xiao Xu's gaze quickly swept across the quiet courtyard.
There was no one around, and the area was shaded by flowers and trees.
His heart stirred slightly; he could finally kiss her, something he had been longing for for many days.
Xiao Xu lowered his head and quickly placed a kiss on her lips, like a butterfly skimming the water.
Yun Sheng's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't flinch.
Her lips parted, and she tilted her head slightly, asking softly, "Why haven't you come these days? We haven't seen each other in so long."
Xiao Xu gently stroked her slightly flushed cheek with his fingertips, his voice deep and pleasant: "I'm sorry, but soon we'll be able to see each other day and night."
Yun Sheng's eyelashes fluttered, and she suddenly looked up, her eyes flashing with surprise: "You mean, my father agreed?"
“Yes,” Xiao Xu nodded, his smile deepening, “My father-in-law has already agreed to the marriage proposal today.”
"real?!"
"real."
Joy exploded like fireworks, and Yun Sheng threw herself into his arms, completely lost in the moment.
Xiao Xu caught her steadily, his arms filled with her warm, soft body.
But just as he hugged her, his ears twitched, and he keenly caught the sound of footsteps not far away.
Xiao Xu reacted extremely quickly, wrapping his arm around Yun Sheng's waist and nimbly spinning around, instantly disappearing behind the pink wall to the side, completely concealing the two of them.
Two maids carrying tea and snacks walked by under the corridor, chatting and laughing softly, completely unaware of what was happening.
Yun Sheng nestled against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. Only after the voices faded away did she chuckle softly, her voice coming from inside his clothes: "Didn't you say you agreed? Why are you still hiding like this?"
Xiao Xu gently brushed his chin against the top of her head, lingering in her closeness, and whispered, "Do you want me, your fiancé who just got my father-in-law's approval, to be caught red-handed having a secret rendezvous with my fiancée in the backyard?"
Yun Sheng chuckled softly in his arms, but Xiao Xu quickly grabbed her chin and lifted her head.
"There's really no one here this time."
Yun Sheng looked at him and saw his thin lips move as he called to her in a low voice, "Wife, may I kiss you?"
Yun Sheng's smile spread, her eyebrows curved and the corners of her lips turned up.
She tiptoed and gently kissed his lips: "Yes, my husband."
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This side story is finished!
Finally, there are two or three more chapters depicting the timeline of the main story, the daily life of raising a child, and the family of three before the entire story is finished.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in advance! Here's a New Year's red envelope for you.
I'll be giving out red envelopes to those who leave comments under this chapter until tomorrow's update!
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