The next day, the Prime Minister hurriedly returned to his residence after the morning court session.
"Madam! Madam!"
He rushed to Luhuayuan without any form in his body.
The group of people having morning tea in the courtyard simultaneously looked up in confusion.
The Prime Minister's wife frowned and said, "Why is the Prime Minister in such a hurry? Aren't you afraid of falling?"
The old woman arranged a seat for Nan Xiang, who sat down and drank several sips of tea before anxiously looking at Nan Qianyue.
"Qianyue, hurry up and go with your mother to a blind date!"
Nanqianyue's pupils dilated in surprise, "A blind date?"
The Prime Minister's wife probably guessed what was going on and quickly asked, "Has His Majesty made a move?"
The Prime Minister sighed heavily, “This morning at court, His Majesty suddenly became concerned about the poet’s marriage, saying that the poet’s marriage must be carefully considered, and asked me if I had considered the royal family and what I thought of the Second Prince.”
"His Majesty's meaning is quite clear: he wants to bestow a marriage upon Qian Yue and the Second Prince."
During the southward migration, he suddenly lost his appetite. "What did Father say?"
The Prime Minister's wife chimed in, "What else can we say? We can't very well embarrass His Majesty to his face."
"I refused."
Nan Xiang wiped away his cold sweat. "But these are just humble words. To be on the safe side, before the imperial decree for the marriage is issued, Madam should take Qian Yue to meet those young masters as soon as possible."
He then looked at Nan Qianyue and said, "Qianyue, you should find a suitable husband as soon as possible, otherwise you'll be tied to the Second Prince for the rest of your life."
“A blind date isn’t something you can just arrange on a whim. Calling someone out without sending an invitation beforehand would only make you a laughingstock. Besides, what kind of young woman takes such initiative? The man should be the one sending the invitation.” The Prime Minister’s wife’s expression was three parts solemn and five parts worried.
Nan Yichu interjected, "Elder sister, today Xu Taigong's grandson, Young Master Xu, is hosting a peach blossom banquet in the peach grove by Heyang Lake. Didn't he invite you as well? You can take this opportunity to meet him."
Nan Kezhi said weakly, "But my eldest sister has already refused, so if we go again..."
A peach grove by Heyang Lake.
The peach grove is in full bloom, reflecting the sunlight. Elegant scholars gather for a grand banquet. Fine wine is served by the stream. Poems are recited and music is played under the blossoms. Laughter and cheerful voices startle the roosting birds. A gentle breeze blows petals onto the jade-like banquet.
When the Nan family arrived here, they were greeted by such a magnificent sight.
The Southern Migrant was quite ashamed; while other places had gathered talented people, the Southern Prime Minister had led his family and barged in recklessly.
Oh no, I was just passing by.
According to Nan Xiang, he pretended to take his family on a boat trip to relax by the lake, and then he was attracted by the beautiful scenery of Taoyuan, and accidentally wandered into the sight of those literati and scholars...
"Ahem," the Prime Minister walked ahead, pointed to a peach blossom branch and said to his wife, "Oh, Madam, look, this flower is so lush and abundant!"
He spoke very loudly, as if afraid the talented men wouldn't hear him.
The Prime Minister's wife played along, saying, "It is indeed lush."
Nanqianyue: "..." It turns out the whole family are drama queens.
"Isn't that the Southern Chancellor!"
"And the Prime Minister's wife!"
"The Poet Immortal is here too!"
"Their whole family is here!"
The talented men all looked over.
Upon seeing this, Mr. Xu, the organizer, immediately came over.
Nan Xiang feigned surprise, "Why are there so many people? It seems we've inadvertently stumbled into someone else's banquet."
Nanqianyue: "..." This acting is so awkward.
Young Master Xu, who had hurried over, clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Greetings, Your Excellency the Prime Minister and Your Excellency's Wife."
Nan Xiang quickly helped the person up and said very politely, "No need for formalities, it is my family who have disturbed you."
"Not at all, it is an honor for us juniors to meet Your Excellency the Prime Minister. I wonder if Your Excellency would do us the honor of enjoying the peach blossoms and fine wine with us?" Young Master Xu was very polite, his eyes always on the Poet Immortal.
I thought I wouldn't have a chance to see the Poet Immortal today, but fate has granted me the opportunity to summon him again.
As they spoke, all the talented men swarmed over.
"Greetings, Your Excellency the Prime Minister and Your Excellency's wife."
"Poet Immortal, I pay my respects to you."
"..."
The talented scholars bowed and clasped their hands in greeting to the Nan family.
Nan Xiang chuckled and said, “No need for formalities. Today, I brought my wife to the lakeside for a stroll, and the children, being so filial, came along too. We were captivated by the beauty of the peach blossom grove, and I hope we haven’t disturbed your enjoyment.”
The talented men shook their heads and waved their hands, saying, "No, no."
"The seats have been set out, Your Excellency, please." Young Master Xu extended his hand in invitation.
The Southern Prime Minister stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "Then I shall respectfully accept your offer, please!"
After everyone was seated, Young Master Xu raised his wine cup to Prime Minister Nan, saying, "Prime Minister, this junior would like to offer you a toast."
With a broad smile, the Prime Minister raised his wine cup. "Please."
Between drinks, he glanced at Nan Qianyue with a meaningful look: Take a closer look, see if there's anyone you like.
During the southward migration, she maintained a polite smile, her cheeks almost stiff from smiling so much.
"Poet Immortal, I have just written a poem. May I ask for your guidance?" Young Master Xu looked at Nan Qianyue with gentle elegance.
Nanqianyue nodded slightly, "I dare not presume to ask for your guidance, but it would be more appropriate to share a few insights."
Young Master Xu was overjoyed and began reciting the poem with a touch of nervousness.
"Peach blossoms by the lake reflect the warmth of spring, and scholars gather for a joyous feast with rich wine. The warm sun brushes the branches, casting dappled shadows of blossoms, and poetic sentiments are at their peak, with a thousand thoughts swirling within. Suddenly, the sound of immortals descending upon this secluded place is heard, and poetic hearts are instantly filled with admiration and respect. Fortunately, this auspicious day coincides with this wonderful occasion, and the sight of your esteemed face brings endless charm."
Nanqianyue: "..." This is improvised, right? It sounds like a confession.
The ancients were so reserved.
The poem's intention is clear: before the Southern Minister could offer his evaluation, he spoke first.
"Haha, what a fine poem! No wonder you are Xu Taigong's child. You have composed such a well-crafted and subtle poem in the time it takes to drink a cup of wine."
The Southern Prime Minister's words have already revealed the intention in Young Master Xu's poem, and it is reasonable for everyone to no longer judge the Southern Migration Month.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
