"Who says so? Our young lady and Mr. Qiu are a perfect match, both talented and beautiful."
The maid Qing'er first shook her head. She too vividly remembered Qiu Xu rescuing her mistress, and felt deeply grateful.
She felt that only Qiu Xu was worthy of his young lady.
As soon as she finished speaking, Qing'er received a cold glare from Duan Tianzhang, who thought to himself, "This little girl has no manners."
"Why?" Sun Wan asked back, a pang of sadness rising in her heart. Did Qiu Xu truly love her?
Qiu Xu knew her inside and out, and her understanding of Qiu Xu, apart from her status as the top scholar, was limited to the scene of saving him earlier.
Perhaps even she herself didn't know that it was because of that scene that day that she secretly fell in love with him.
Even when looking at Qiu Xu again, one automatically ignores his shortcomings.
“Your Sun family has been officials for generations and is very wealthy, but what about the Qiu family? Their origins are unclear, and their ancestors were probably poor for three generations. They are not worthy of Wan’er, the legitimate daughter of the Sun family.”
Duan Tianzhang's words were full of disdain for the peasant family's identity.
Furthermore, there is an unparalleled adoration for the Sun family.
"What do you mean?" Sun Wan's face darkened again. "You're not good enough for me, but you are, aren't you?"
"That's not what I meant," Duan Tianzhang said with a fawning smile.
"Wan'er, Qiu Xu is excellent, but no matter how excellent he is, he can't compare to a prince. Your mother probably hopes that you will marry into the royal family. If you marry a prince, you will be a prince's consort in the future, which will surely bring glory to the family."
"My mother isn't your mother!" Sun Wan's face grew increasingly dark. What exactly did Duan Tianzhang mean by this?
Wasn't her previous reaction a sign that she had a good impression of Qiu Xu?
Could it be...?
No, Duan Tianzhang is here to poach our own employees.
Unfortunately, Qiu Xu had just had a falling out with her because of her mother.
Furthermore, the most ruthless are those in the imperial family.
Although His Majesty was infatuated with Li Wenshu, didn't he indirectly cause her death?
She didn't know the reasons, but she didn't want to, and wouldn't, marry into the royal family.
“Miss Duan, what does it matter to you who I marry?” Sun Wan sneered, her usual expression gone. “I’m going to marry Qiu Xu.”
After saying this, Sun Wan turned and left. Because she walked quickly, Qing'er ran after her, calling out to her incessantly.
"Miss, wait for me..."
"Sun Wan, you're so arrogant and domineering, how could Qiu Xu possibly be interested in you? Hmph, you're overestimating yourself." Duan Tianzhang mocked in a low voice, hurrying after Qiu Xu.
However, by the time she caught up, Qiu Xu had already disappeared without a trace.
As for where Qiu Xu is now...
He had barely left Sun Wan when he ran into Zhou Zifang.
I was planning to just say hello and then go home for dinner.
However, Zhou Zifang insisted on taking him to Xingyue Tower for a meal.
As for why,
Zhou Zifang settled down and focused on entering officialdom, naturally so that he could seek instruction from Qiu Xu.
Thus, Qiu Xu sacrificed his precious mealtime.
After finishing his meal, he immediately went to the Ministry of War.
Unexpectedly, it was evening when he came out of the Ministry of War.
He met Zhou Zifang waiting for him outside the door again.
The reason is that he didn't understand many parts of the lesson Qiu Xu mentioned in the morning, and he needs Qiu Xu to explain them again.
Qiu Xu... is he being framed?
"Brother Zhou, if you want to pursue my sister, you don't have to drag me into it, do you?"
"Ah Xu, are we brothers? No, from now on, you're my brother-in-law. If I ever need anything, you'll go to great lengths for me."
Qiu Xu... he's making it sound like Ling'er agreed to marry him.
Although Zhou Zifang was a few years older than him, there was no barrier between them.
Qiu Xu still trusted Zhou Zifang.
After all, they had been classmates for many years, and he knew Zhou Zifang's character well; at the very least, Zhou Zifang was more warm-hearted than him.
As his sister put it, Qiu Xu is too straightforward.
Zhou Zifang comes from a good family, and if he were also a little more ambitious, he would be perfect.
Now, for his younger sister's sake, he studies diligently. Qiu Xu feels that he approves of this marriage.
As for the older sister, if the younger sister agrees, the older sister probably won't object.
The key is the younger sister.
Having attended a girls' school since childhood, the men she interacted with were either herself or her cousins.
My younger sister is emotionally slow and never even considered the possibility of Zhou Zifang, so it's understandable that she can't accept it right away.
...In the blink of an eye, the sweltering heat dissipated, and the cool autumn days arrived as promised.
For the past month, Zhou Zifang has been monopolizing Qiu Xu's free time.
This left him with absolutely no free time; even seeing Sun Wan became extremely difficult.
Fine, for his sister's sake, he endured it.
It just put Sun Wan in a difficult position, causing her to overthink things.
Because Qiu Xu didn't come looking for her, Sun Wan felt increasingly empty inside.
He was depressed all day long.
That jerk! He clearly said he was going to come to her house to propose marriage.
Qiu Xu finally managed to squeeze out some free time to go find Sun Wan.
Halfway there, they unexpectedly ran into Duan Tianzhang.
"Young Master Qiu, this is a purse I embroidered."
Duan Tianzhang, with a shy and hesitant air, handed Qiu Xu a delicately stitched mandarin duck purse.
Qiu Xu...
Before he could even take over, he saw Sun Wan appear sometime recently, standing not far away, glaring at him angrily. He quickly stepped forward to explain.
"Wan'er..."
But then, Sun Wan turned around and disappeared.
Duan Tianzhang was relentlessly pursuing him from behind, which annoyed him immensely.
What exactly does "Miss Duan" mean?
Isn't this blatantly an attempt to sow discord between him and Sun Wan?
Miss Duan, how vicious!
Qiu Xu ignored Duan Tianzhang, turned around and quickly chased after Sun Wan.
Until he reached the gate of the Sun family compound, he thought of Madam Sun, and then looked at his empty hands, and suddenly stopped in his tracks.
As soon as I turned around, that annoying woman appeared again.
"Young Master Qiu..." Duan Tianzhang's voice was soft and breathless, sounding pitiful.
Qiu Xu said coldly, "Miss Duan, we are not acquainted, why are you acting like this?"
"Qiu Xu, I've liked you for years." Duan Tianzhang's nonsensical words left Qiu Xu completely bewildered.
He turned around, about to leave, when he ran into Sun Wan again.
"Qiu Xu!" Sun Wan ran away angrily because she was jealous.
But upon closer examination, why did she run away?
Qiu Xu was clearly in the wrong first. She would be restless and unable to sleep until she got to the bottom of things.
Why would she torture herself for Duan Tianzhang?
"What exactly is your relationship with her?" Sun Wan pointed at Duan Tianzhang and questioned him angrily.
Judging from Duan Tianzhang's previous words, the two of them should have known each other for a long time.
But the scene Qiu Xu showed her that day made it seem as if she and Duan Tianzhang had no connection at all.
Before Qiu Xu could speak, Duan Tianzhang stepped forward and offered his explanation first.
"Wan'er, I'm sorry, I made you angry."
Then, she looked at Qiu Xu pitifully, her eyes red, and said, "I've liked Qiu Xu for many years, Wan'er. You are the eldest daughter of the Sun family, what kind of man can't you find?"
Upon hearing this, Qiu Xu became even more bewildered.
"Miss Duan, what do you mean by 'many years'?"
"Young Master Qiu, don't you remember me?" Duan Tianzhang's acting was truly first-rate; even Qiu Xu almost believed him.
"I've never been to Shangjin before, so how could I know you?" Qiu Xu's words were serious and earnest.
However, Duan Tianzhang could still hear the tears welling up in his eyes.
She didn't dare to look Qiu Xu in the eye, only at Sun Wan, whose eyes were red and glistening with tears. She looked as pitiful as could be.
"Wan'er, you are the most beautiful woman in Shangjin. Even royalty would be captivated by you. We are best friends. How about you give Qiu Xu to me?"
Sun Wan was eager to try her luck. When did she become the most beautiful woman in Shanghai?
She is quite good-looking, but no one has ever given her that title.
This passage is clearly intended to sow discord.
She glared angrily at Qiu Xu again, and Qiu Xu hurriedly explained:
"Wan'er, don't misunderstand!" Qiu Xu stepped forward and naturally grasped Sun Wan's wrist.
For the first time, their fingers intertwined.
Sun Wan wanted to break free, but the warmth from his palm made her... linger.
“I’ve never been to Shangjin before, so how could I have any connection with a woman like that? Wan’er, believe me! The person she’s referring to is my sister.”
"Your sister?" Sun Wan's anger vanished instantly, replaced by a chuckle.
Qiu Xu was being very serious, but after hearing it, she couldn't help but laugh.
Upon closer inspection, the siblings do resemble each other somewhat.
Looking at Duan Tianzhang again, his face turned pale.
This is not Sun Wan's temperament.
She should have been furious and then run away crying.
"Qiu Xu, let's go!" Sun Wan looked at Qiu Xu, her words carrying a deeper meaning.
You'll have to give me a proper explanation later.
"Hmm." Qiu Xu had been watching Sun Wan's expression the whole time.
He then took her wrist and pulled her away from Duan Tianzhang.
Behind him, only Duan Tianzhang remained, his pitiful appearance gone, replaced by a face full of ruthless jealousy.
On the way, Sun Wan pulled her wrist away.
"Qiu Xu, give me an explanation, and also, what happened at the brothel earlier."
The chance encounter at the brothel almost became a knot in Sun Wan's heart.
"Okay," Qiu Xu replied with a smile.
As long as they are willing to listen to explanations, everything is negotiable.
He was clearly innocent too...
Fortunately, Sun Wan listened to what he said.
"Wan'er, several years ago, my sister came to Shangjin and did business with Master Zhou of Xingyue Tower. At that time, my sister and Duan Tianzhang met at Xingyue Tower. If you don't believe me, you can ask my sister to verify. Also, going to the brothel that day was not my intention... This is a long story..."
He was wondering how he should explain Xiao Ran's situation to Sun Wan.
He didn't want to talk about the princess.
"I am accompanying His Highness the Crown Prince to handle state affairs."
"Political affairs?" Sun Wan was skeptical.
“Yes, Wan’er can ask the Crown Prince for confirmation.”
"Fine, I believe you." Sun Wan put aside her inner thoughts; it was best not to inquire about national affairs.
"Would you like to come to my house for a cup of hot tea? My mother would like to meet you."
“This…” Qiu Xu thought of the scene of Madam Sun hitting him with a bamboo pole, “I will definitely visit another day. Wan’er, I’ll take my leave now, I still have matters to attend to at the Ministry of War.”
In fact, he was very busy when he first took office as the Assistant Minister of War.
"Qiu Xu!" Sun Wan stomped her foot, fuming as she watched Qiu Xu's departing figure.
Her mother isn't a tiger, she's not going to eat him.
Qiu Xu stopped, turned around, and smiled awkwardly.
"Wan'er, is there anything else?"
"When exactly will you..." Sun Wan couldn't bring herself to ask the question.
Qiu Xu smiled slightly, "I will definitely visit in three days!" It was all his fault for being too busy lately, and Zhou Zifang had forcibly taken up his free time.
Sun Wan finally smiled again.
Hopefully, Qiu Xu will keep his word.
...Recently, Qiu Yan has been spending her days enjoying flowers and scenery with Gu Qian.
Today, they went to Bihu Manor again.
Qiu Yan and Gu Qian strolled hand in hand among the vibrant red and yellow chrysanthemums, admiring the beautiful autumn scenery and wondering whether their child would be a boy or a girl, and what they would look like.
As for why this location was chosen...
Firstly, the scenery is beautiful; secondly, it's closest to home, so in case of any emergency, I can get home immediately.
"Yan Yan, sit down and rest for a while." While admiring the flowers, Gu Qian took Qiu Yan's wrist and led her to the lakeside pavilion.
Although Qiu Yan wasn't tired, she let Gu Qian have his way.
Inside the pavilion, she leaned against Gu Qian's shoulder.
"Gu Qian, choose a time the day after tomorrow to accompany A-Xu to the Sun family to propose marriage."
"Okay," Gu Qian replied. He would have done it even without Yan Yan telling him.
However, these days, besides frequently going in and out of the Ministry of War and the palace, A-Xu's remaining time is also occupied by Zhou Zifang, keeping him extremely busy and unable to get away.
Just as the two were enjoying their leisure time, being all lovey-dovey,
Then they saw an old man with white hair approaching the two of them. It was none other than Duan Xiang.
The two immediately sat up and looked directly at Duan Yi's heavy steps.
The closer he got, the uglier Gu Qian's expression became.
"Qian'er." Duan Yi approached, his cloudy old eyes filled with bloodshot veins. His previous high spirits were gone, and his appearance was no different from that of an ordinary old man.
"Your father has already renovated your mother's grave. Now that Qin Shi is dead, can you forgive your father?"
"I've already made myself very clear. It's over between us a long time ago." Gu Qian could never get over that hurdle in his heart, nor could he ever get over it.
"Not even a slight chance for Father?" Even though Gu Qian was so resolute, Duan Yi still wanted to see a trace of emotion on Gu Qian's face.
But he didn't.
Then, seeing a group of people pointing and whispering about him in the distance, Duan Yi lowered his head and left dejectedly.
His departing figure was lonely and pitiful.
Gu Qian, however, did not raise his eyes.
"Gu Qian, let's go home." Qiu Yan noticed Gu Qian's unease.
She knew that Gu Qian would never acknowledge Duan Xiang as his father, no matter what.
Gu Qian understands her, but she also understands Gu Qian.
"Hmm." Gu Qian wasn't conflicted.
But deep down, it's something I can't express.
The two followed each other out of the pavilion and boarded the carriage to return home.
Inside the carriage, Gu Qian remained unable to calm down for a long time.
He still couldn't understand why Duan Yi could be so cruel back then.
If it were him, he would never do something like abandoning his wife and killing his children.
Since it's already done, and he's already given up on being their son,
Now, however, he has repeatedly abandoned his dignity to come and acknowledge her.
Is this something a normal person could do?
As I was thinking, I felt a warm touch on my wrist.
He looked down and saw Yan Yan smiling at him.
"Gu Qian, our baby is due soon, what should we name him?" Qiu Yan forcefully pulled Gu Qian back to his senses.
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