Chapter 78 You really want to marry him?
The Grand Tutor's residence, Lin Wan'er's courtyard.
"Miss, I've found out!" Qingdai said excitedly as she entered the room to report to Lin Wan'er.
"When Marquis Yongning returned to his residence, he did indeed bring back a young man, the eldest son of the Lu family in Qinghe County, named Lu Xinghe. I heard that he is quite skilled and has a heroic air about him. Guard Su values him highly. Now it is said that Guard Su brought him to the capital this time to finalize the marriage agreement with the Lu family from years ago. It seems that Su Xiaoyu will be getting married soon."
Lin Wan'er paused slightly as she painted, and raised her eyes; "Oh?"
“Absolutely true,” Qingdai added. “These past few days, that Young Master Lu has been looking for Su Xiaoyu every day. The two of them are always together, either going to the market to drink tea and listen to music, or going to the temple fair to watch acrobatics. And every time Su Xiaoyu comes back, she has a smile on her face. If they weren’t engaged, how could they be so unconventional and spend every day together?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Wan'er quickly smiled.
"And what about Prince Xiao? Has he made any moves?"
If Su Xiaoyu and that Lu family scion were truly getting along well, Xiao Jingheng would definitely take action.
Qingdai shook her head. "Young Master Xiao is still the same as always, going to court every day and handling official business at the Dali Temple. After returning to his residence, he rarely goes out. There is nothing unusual about him. He seems to know nothing about Su Xiaoyu and Young Master Lu's matter."
“Completely unaware…” Lin Wan’er murmured repeatedly.
"Something's not right."
Xiao Jingheng had warned her before that Su Xiaoyu was so important to him that all her schemes would come to naught.
How could he possibly tolerate Su Xiaoyu getting so close to Lu Xinghe?
Or is he holding back? Afraid that the Marquis of Yongning and his wife will notice something amiss?
"Qingdai, prepare the carriage, I'm leaving the manor."
Lin Wan'er planned to go and see for herself. Then she would think of a way to add fuel to the fire and lock up Su Xiaoyu and the young master of the Lu family as soon as possible.
...
Meanwhile, Moyunzhai.
Xiao Jingheng sat by the window, reading a book in a relaxed manner, his gaze fixed on the pages, which had not been turned for a long time.
Changfeng stood by, feeling a pang of unease, as if being scratched by a cat.
Finally, he mustered his courage and cautiously began, "Master... I heard that Miss Xiaoyu went out with Young Master Lu again. This time they went to..."
"Um."
Xiao Jingheng responded lightly, interrupting Changfeng, his gaze still fixed on the pages of the book.
"knew."
Seeing this, Changfeng grew even more anxious; "Master, are you really not worried at all? Lu Xinghe is always hanging around Miss Xiaoyu, showering her with attention. Miss Xiaoyu is innocent and playful, what if..."
"What's the use of being anxious?"
Xiao Jingheng finally raised his eyes, glanced at Changfeng, and his gaze was as still as a dry well.
"Or do you want me to rush out right now and confront Lu Xinghe in the street, engaging in a jealous and laughable act?"
"This subordinate dares not." Changfeng quickly lowered his head, but couldn't help muttering under his breath:
“But both Zhao Mama and Guard Su have agreed. I heard that Lu’s parents will be coming to the capital soon. Once they arrive, both sets of parents will sit down and go through the formalities of marriage… then the status will be completely settled! At that time, even if you, sir… there will be no room for maneuver.”
While observing Xiao Jingheng's expression, Changfeng suggested:
"Sir, should I... send someone to intercept Lu's parents on their way to the capital, and delay them a bit longer?"
That way, we can buy you more time.
Xiao Jingheng's gaze shifted across the pages of the book.
After a moment, he pondered and said, "No need."
Changfeng was taken aback: "Master?"
Xiao Jingheng put down his book, got up and walked to the window: "Delaying it for a few days is only a temporary solution. As long as this marriage is approved by both sets of elders, it will be a thorn in our side forever."
"Moreover, if it gets noticed, it will only give others something to criticize."
What he wanted was not a temporary delay.
"How's the investigation going with the Lu family?"
Changfeng perked up and replied, "We're still investigating. The news should arrive tomorrow."
"only……"
Changfeng suddenly seemed to think of something and hesitated to speak.
"As the saying goes, even a strong woman can be won over by persistent suitors. I'm just worried that Little Fish might... actually fall for that guy surnamed Lu..."
"After all, the two of them grew up together..."
——
In the evening, Su Xiaoyu walked happily back to the courtyard. She held a string of candied hawthorns in her hand, her steps leisurely, relaxed and carefree.
So much so that when passing through a hanging flower gate, he almost bumped into a figure coming from the opposite direction.
"S-Son?"
Upon seeing who it was, Su Xiaoyu was quite surprised. She instinctively hid the candied hawthorn behind her back, then looked up!
[Huh? The young master looks thinner? He even has dark circles under his eyes... Did he work all night? Truly worthy of being called the King of Scrolls, I admire him!]
"This servant greets Your Highness." She curtsied and performed a proper bow.
Xiao Jingheng's gaze fell on her face, taking in her little trick of hiding the candied hawthorn.
"Did you have a good time?" Xiao Jingheng asked, his voice sounding particularly low and hoarse in the quiet night.
Su Xiaoyu's heart skipped a beat.
Why does the young master's tone sound a bit... chilly?
She quickly forced a fawning smile; "I-I'm alright. Your Highness, did you... just finish your official duties?"
Xiao Jingheng didn't answer her question. His gaze went down and landed on her hands behind her back: "What are you holding?"
"N-nothing!" Su Xiaoyu hid even tighter and took two steps back.
Oh no! They've got their eyes on the candied hawthorns! I queued for ages to buy them today.
Xiao Jingheng's tall figure loomed over him with an overwhelming sense of oppression. He reached out his hand, his tone becoming more serious.
"Give it to me."
Su Xiaoyu shuddered and, as if possessed, took out the candied hawthorn.
Xiao Jingheng stared at the string of glistening candied hawthorns, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"Lu Xinghe bought it?"
Su Xiaoyu felt a pang of panic, as if she had been caught in the act of adultery.
"……yes."
[Waaah, the prince's eyes are so scary! Am I going to get sent to clean toilets just because of a string of candied hawthorns?]
"It seems you've been getting along very well with him these past few days."
For some reason, Su Xiaoyu felt a chill when he said those words.
"No, Your Highness, please don't misunderstand. I just... went out with him for a stroll. He's my cousin..."
[Mainly because he paid for it. Who wouldn't be tempted by free food, drinks, and entertainment? Besides, he had to put on a show for his parents...]
"cousin……"
Xiao Jingheng repeated the two words carefully, his tone enigmatic.
Suddenly, he leaned down slightly, getting closer to her, his warm breath almost brushing against her earlobe, his voice very low.
"You...really want to marry him?"
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