Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, gently casting a shimmering shadow on the floor of the Jiang Mansion's main hall. Ling Yun, feeling uneasy, followed Nian Li into the hall. His palms were already soaked with sweat, and his heart was beating so hard it threatened to burst through his chest.
Jiang Yan, with a calm expression, sat upright in the main seat. His sharp gaze caught the noticeable patches on Ling Yun's cuffs the moment he entered the hall. Jiang Yan frowned slightly, sizing up the seemingly ordinary yet heroic young man before him. He slowly said, "Are you Ling Yun?" His voice was low, yet it carried the authority of a superior, echoing through the empty hall.
"Junior Ling Yun, greetings to Lord Jiang." Ling Yun hurriedly bowed with full courtesy. Although he was nervous inside, the composure cultivated from years of wandering the world allowed him to remain calm on the surface.
Su Jinli was standing by, and seeing Ling Yun so reserved, she smiled gently and said softly, "Don't be nervous, kid. Try the spicy mooncakes I made myself. This is a new recipe I just figured out." As she spoke, she handed over a cup of tea and a spicy mooncake, her eyes full of concern and kindness, trying to ease the slightly tense atmosphere.
At this moment, Si Yan was also nearby, his eyes darting around as he studied Ling Yun with interest. He pulled out an abacus, twirled around for a bit, and said, "Brother Ling, this suit is made of ordinary material and craftsmanship. So, all in all, it's only worth five cents." There was a hint of irony in his tone, as if he were conducting an amusing commodity valuation.
After hearing Si Yan's words, Nian Li frowned, raised her leg and kicked Si Yan lightly, then turned to look at Jiang Yan, her eyes full of determination, and said loudly: "Dad, I have made up my mind. I will not marry anyone else but him. I will marry him!" Her voice was crisp and loud, echoing in the main hall. Her firm expression seemed to declare to everyone that her determination was unshakable.
Jiang Yan nodded slightly, his expression calm. He set down his teacup and slowly pulled a silver note from his sleeve pocket. The note shone faintly in the sunlight, as if proclaiming the immense wealth it held. Jiang Yan slammed the note down on the table, a resounding sound that broke the brief silence in the hall. He looked directly at Ling Yun and said slowly, "Leave my daughter alone. This is a one million tael silver note. If you agree, the money will be yours." Jiang Yan's voice was steady and powerful, his eyes scrutinizing, as if observing Ling Yun's every reaction.
Ling Yun was stunned when he saw the banknote on the table. A flicker of surprise flashed across his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. Before he could say anything, Nian Li couldn't help but scream, "Dad! What are you doing?" Nian Li's eyes were filled with grievance and confusion. She didn't understand why her father would treat Ling Yun this way.
Ling Yun took a deep breath, slowly stretched out his hand, gently pushed the banknote back to Jiang Yan, and said in a firm tone: "Sir Jiang, thank you for your kindness, but I can't accept this banknote. My feelings for Nianli cannot be measured by money. I will marry Nianli through my own efforts, not relying on other people's money." Ling Yun's eyes were clear and firm, as if to tell Jiang Yan that his determination was as unshakable as a rock.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yan couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly, a subtle flicker of admiration in his eyes. He looked at Ling Yun with interest and continued, "Oh? What will you offer to marry her? You know, marrying a daughter of the Jiang family is no easy task." Jiang Yan's voice was tinged with doubt. He wanted to see what confidence this young man had in refusing such a huge amount of money.
Ling Yun straightened his body slightly, with confidence flashing in his eyes, and said, "Lord Jiang, although I was born in poverty, I have hands and feet, and I am skilled in martial arts. I can go hunting in the mountains, get prey and sell them for money; I can also be a guard, keep the area safe, and earn a fee. And..." When Ling Yun said this, his eyes inadvertently swept across the abacus in Si Yan's hand, and an idea flashed in his mind, "I can also help Si Yan with the accounting. Although I am not as proficient as Si Yan, I am still confident in some basic accounting." Ling Yun's voice was firm and powerful, and every word he said seemed to prove to Jiang Yan that he had the ability to give Nian Li happiness.
When Si Yan heard this, his eyes lit up immediately, as if he had discovered a new world. He asked eagerly, "Really? Then can you calculate compound interest? This is a technical job." Si Yan's eyes were full of anticipation, and he became very interested in Ling Yun's abilities.
Jiang Yan looked at Ling Yun's serious expression, pondering inwardly. He saw the determination and confidence in Ling Yun's eyes, and sensed the young man's backbone and determination. Jiang Yan nodded slightly, and a smile gradually appeared on his face. This smile was both recognition of Ling Yun and a hint of a test. He said slowly: "Okay, since you are so confident, I will give you six months. Within six months, if you can earn enough money to marry Nianli, I will marry my daughter to you in grand ceremony. But if you can't do it..." Jiang Yan didn't finish his words, but the unspoken meaning was understood by everyone present.
When Ling Yun heard this, he was delighted and hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord Jiang, for giving me this opportunity. I will not let you down." He knew very well that the next six months would be a major test in his life, but he was not afraid at all. Instead, he was full of fighting spirit.
Nian Li stood aside, watching Ling Yun's determination, her heart filled with emotion and relief. She walked over to Ling Yun and whispered, "Ling Yun, I believe you can do it. No matter what the outcome, I will never leave you." Nian Li's eyes were filled with love and support, and her words were like a warm spring breeze, caressing Ling Yun's heart.
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