Once the two families had chatted for a while, Yan Qingqing said with a smile, "My embroidery shop has a new design and we're looking for a few partners. I wonder if Mrs. Han would be interested?"
Madam Han had been waiting for Yan Qingqing to say this, so she quickly replied, "Oh dear, I'm just hoping for it! I came here today hoping to cooperate with them, but I don't know if we'll have the honor of a successful collaboration."
Seeing that Yan Qingqing didn't mention Li Xinniang, Madam Han naturally didn't bring it up herself.
Unexpectedly, Yan Qingqing changed the subject and said to Ruyi beside her, "Our embroidery workshop's business has always been managed by the eldest young lady. I haven't really been involved in the details. Go and see if the eldest young lady is free. If she is, please ask her to come over."
Upon hearing this, Ruyi quickly nodded and went to invite Li Xinniang.
Soon Li Xinniang followed Ruyi in.
Li Xinniang was dressed in a light green lotus-flower dress, with a matching gold and jade hairpin in her hair.
Her skin was delicate, her expression relaxed, her eyes sparkling, and her aura as pure as an orchid.
Moreover, her graceful figure made her appear even more lithe.
Madam Han was delighted to see her and quickly stood up, saying, "This must be the eldest daughter. She is so beautiful. It's all thanks to Mingzhao for raising such wonderful children. They are all exceptionally good."
Han Yu's gaze also flashed with a hint of amazement when he saw Li Xinniang. It wasn't that Li Xinniang was particularly beautiful, but rather that she gave off a very good feeling.
He has always been very self-important and looks down on most girls.
When he first arrived, he was somewhat resistant, thinking that girls raised in the village wouldn't fare much better even if their mothers and brothers were powerful. But now it seems he was too naive.
Li Xinniang knew that today was for her and Han Xiucai to meet, and even though she was mentally prepared, she was still a young woman and felt embarrassed.
So he never dared to look up at Han Xiucai from beginning to end.
I only chatted with Mrs. Han for a few minutes.
Yan Qingqing knew that Li Xinniang was shy, so she only talked to her for a few words before letting her leave.
Seeing this, Madam Han still had the sense to say, "We've already wasted a lot of people's time today, so let's head back now."
We await the good news from the enlightened envoy.
Madam Han's meaning was quite clear. As long as the Li family had no objections, the Han family fully agreed to the marriage.
Yan Qingqing nodded and said, "Okay, whether this matter succeeds or not, I will give Madam Han an answer later."
Eldest brother, Huiniang, go and see Madam Han and the others off for me.
Yuan Huiniang has passed the critical period and the pregnancy is now stable. Hearing Yan Qingqing's instructions, she smiled and replied, "Yes, Mother."
Then he turned to Madam Han and said, "Madam Han, please."
Yuan Huiniang escorted them to the gate, and Madam Han held Yuan Huiniang's hand and praised her again.
Yuan Huiniang responded gracefully, which pleased Madam Han even more.
With such a sensible sister-in-law, Li Xin's mother is bound to be good too.
But before Madam Han could finish celebrating, a change of events occurred.
A young man in brocade robes rode galloping towards them on horseback.
The newcomer was Wu Jingzhi, his face covered in dust from his journey.
Yuan Huining's heart skipped a beat when she saw this.
She knew exactly what Wu Jingzhi was thinking.
Although Yuan Huiniang also thought Wu Jingzhi was good, Yan Qingqing didn't think highly of him.
Yuan Huiniang followed Yan Qingqing's lead, so she didn't think highly of Wu Jingzhi and Li Xinniang.
Judging from Yan Qingqing's attitude now, she is clearly very satisfied with Han Xiucai. As long as Li Xinniang nods in approval, the marriage is practically a done deal.
But Wu Jingzhi happened to arrive at this very moment.
At the crucial moment, Li Xiangping was able to remain calm and smiled at Wu Jingzhi, saying, "Brother Jingzhi, where have you come from, all travel-worn?"
"It's been quite a long time since I've seen Brother Jingzhi."
Wu Jingzhi naturally heard about Yan Qingqing and Li Xiangping being conferred titles along the way.
So he first cupped his hands in greeting to Li Xiangping and said, "I went back to the capital some time ago. I heard that my aunt and Brother Li have both received honors from the imperial court."
Mr. Wu came specifically to offer his congratulations.
Although Wu Jingzhi said this, he felt very bitter inside.
He had just arrived in Chengyang County and met Manager Wu, who told him that the person who had recently issued a proclamation to the Great Yan was Yan Qingqing, and that Li Xiangping had also been granted an official position.
Wu Jingzhi was initially happy for them, but the next sentence from Manager Wu made him feel as if he had been doused with cold water.
Shopkeeper Wu said that a matchmaker named Xie has been frequently visiting the Li and Han families lately, seemingly indicating an intention to arrange a marriage between them.
Upon hearing this, Wu Jingzhi could no longer contain himself. Without even changing his clothes, he rode his horse to Canghe Village.
But it seems he was still a step too late. The family of three standing in front of the Li family's door was particularly conspicuous.
This must be the Han family. The young man from the Han family is in no way inferior to him. Moreover, he's a scholar. Although his family is wealthy, they are, after all, merchants.
Wu Jingzhi suddenly felt utterly exhausted. It seemed the Li family truly had no interest in him. Could it be that he and Li Xin's mother were truly not meant to be?
With this in mind, Wu Jingzhi decided to give it another shot.
So he smiled and said, "I just got back from the capital and was thinking of visiting you, Auntie. I don't know if it's convenient for me."
When the Han family saw that the Li family had guests, they did not linger. After exchanging a few more words, they left in their carriage.
Only Han Xiucai gave Wu Jingzhi a deep look before leaving.
Yan Qingqing was just about to ask Li Xinniang what she thought of Han Xiucai.
Then the gatekeeper, Ah Si, rushed over to report that Wu Jingzhi had arrived.
Yan Qingqing sighed upon hearing this; what was bound to happen would happen eventually.
Although she thought highly of Han Xiucai, the final decision rested with Li Xinniang.
Although she could choose a suitable candidate for Li Xinniang's marriage, she couldn't make the decision for her.
Yan Qingqing said, "Let him in."
Soon, Wu Jingzhi arrived at the flower hall accompanied by Li Xiangping.
Upon seeing Yan Qingqing, Wu Jingzhi immediately bowed deeply and said, "Greetings, Aunt. Congratulations on being appointed as the Mingzhao Lingren."
Yan Qingqing smiled and helped him up, saying, "You silly child, we know each other so well, yet you're still being so polite. I appreciate your kindness. Please get up."
Wu Jingzhi then stood up.
Yan Qingqing had Ruyi serve tea to Wu Jingzhi. Then, she asked with a smile, "Auntie, it's been quite a while since I've seen Jingzhi. Has he been busy with business lately?"
Wu Jingzhi laughed and said, "To be honest, Auntie, I went back to the capital a while ago."
A letter came from home saying that my nephew's mother was seriously ill and wanted to see him before she passed away. Therefore, I didn't have time to say goodbye to you, Aunt. I hope you won't mind.
Yan Qingqing replied, "Jingzhi, what are you saying? You are a very filial person, how could your aunt blame you?"
How is your mother's condition? Is she better?
Upon hearing this, Wu Jingzhi gave a bitter smile.
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