Chapter 77 How can I dissuade my parents from their idea?
"engagement?"
In Moyunxuan, Xiao Jingheng paused in his steps as he walked toward the desk upon hearing Changfeng's reply.
"Yes! According to the investigation, Guard Su said this in person in front of the Marquis. The Su family and the Lu family patriarchs had a life-and-death friendship when they were young. The two families are considered old friends. They arranged a marriage between their children in their early years. Guard Su's return to the capital this time is also intended to finalize Miss Xiaoyu's marriage."
"In addition, Miss Su also lived in the Lu family for a period of time when she was a child, and she and Lu Xinghe could be considered childhood sweethearts."
The words "childhood sweethearts" hit Xiao Jingheng's heart with a mix of sweetness and bitterness.
The air pressure around me dropped instantly. The surrounding air also became extremely viscous.
After a long silence, Changfeng couldn't help but ask, "Sir, should we... think of a way to transfer Lu Xinghe out of the capital? We can find a pretext to send him to the border troops for some training..."
Xiao Jingheng didn't turn around, but simply raised his hand to stop Changfeng.
“He is someone my father brought back. If we interfere rashly, it will surely arouse my father’s suspicion.”
More importantly, even if the person is temporarily transferred, the marriage agreement still exists, which is only a temporary solution and not a fundamental one.
A sense of restlessness and depression lingered in his heart.
He was usually a master strategist, but at this moment, he felt as if he had no way to use his strength.
"What's the situation with the Lu family?"
Changfeng replied, "The Lu family are local gentry in Qinghe County. They are quite wealthy and mainly deal in land. The head of the family, Lu Qiwen, is Lu Xinghe's father. He is a scholar, cautious, somewhat pedantic, and extremely concerned with his reputation."
His wife, Zhao, who was also Xiaoyu's aunt, was shrewd and practical, and managed the household finances. They had heard that Guard Su had gained favor with the Marquis, and given the existing agreement, they had sent Lu Xinghe to the capital, intending to… finalize the marriage.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingheng's eyes darkened.
They were childhood sweethearts, related by marriage, and knew each other inside and out. Moreover, the Lu family was quite well-off.
In Su Xiaoyu's parents' eyes, this was a perfect marriage match made just for them.
It's so good that there's no reason to refuse.
His anxiety and depression intensified.
Finally, he suppressed his turbulent emotions and instructed Changfeng: "Send someone to investigate Lu's parents again, especially what they value most."
Changfeng quickly obeyed the order and descended.
...
Meanwhile, Zhao Yueru and Su Zhong had already truthfully told them about the marriage agreement that had existed between the Su and Lu families in their early years.
"Little Fish, I don't want you to be rich and famous. I only hope that you will have a peaceful and smooth life, a harmonious marriage, and reasonable parents-in-law. That's better than anything else."
“Your cousin is someone we know very well. Although the Lu family isn’t in the capital, they are quite well-off. With your aunt looking after you, you won’t suffer in the future. Your uncle and aunt are also kind people and will never make things difficult for you.”
Su Zhong added from the side, "Your mother is right. You've known Xinghe since you were little. He's young and promising, with a limitless future. If you marry him, your mother and I will feel at ease."
"Your father has no great abilities in this life. My only wish is to see you safe and sound, and have someone to rely on."
Su Xiaoyu's mind was still a bit confused, and she hadn't fully processed the news.
"Wait, wait a minute!"
"Father, Mother, you want me to marry Cousin Xinghe? This..."
If it were the original owner of this body, it would be fine; she and Lu Xinghe were indeed childhood sweethearts.
But Su Xiaoyu is a modern person! And this body is only 18 years old. In modern times, she would still be a high school student!
How can someone get married and have children so early?
Not only would it harm her health, but medical technology in ancient times was also backward, and she didn't want to die in childbirth at such a young age.
Most importantly, Lu Xinghe is her cousin, which, according to modern medical theory, constitutes consanguineous marriage. This poses a significant risk to the eugenics of their offspring!
Absolutely not!
Thinking of this, Su Xiaoyu threw herself into her mother Zhao Yueru's arms.
"Father, Mother, I don't want to get married so early. I want to stay with you for a few more years!"
"Silly child." Zhao Yueru thought her daughter was just reluctant to leave home, and gently comforted her, "What nonsense are you talking about? Girls have to get married sooner or later. We didn't say you have to get married now. We just need to finalize your marriage with Xinghe first, and the wedding can be held in two years."
She stroked Su Xiaoyu's hair: "I'm also reluctant to part with you, but a daughter can't stay at home forever once she grows up, so I have to make plans for your long-term future."
"Why do we have to decide now?" Su Xiaoyu couldn't help but ask.
The main problem is that she has no ambition and just wants to lie down and live a lazy, unambitious life.
She needs to find a husband who is willing to be taken advantage of and treats her well. In the future, she can have a son and then rely on him when she gets old, living a fulfilling life.
But this person absolutely cannot be Lu Xinghe.
Su Zhong looked into his daughter's clear yet slightly confused eyes and sighed heavily.
There are some things I can't say outright, lest I worry her.
“Little Fish, you’ve grown up. A young lady of marriageable age will inevitably encounter many unnecessary troubles if she doesn’t find a husband.”
"I don't want you to marry above your station. I just hope you can live a peaceful and stable life without worrying about food or drink."
Su Xiaoyu understood the unspoken meaning in Su Zhong's words.
Troublesome, trying to climb too high.
Isn't this to prevent her from developing inappropriate thoughts about the Crown Prince?
"Father, Mother, did you... hear the rumors outside, which is why you're in such a hurry to arrange my marriage?"
Su Zhong and Zhao Yueru were both taken aback. They hadn't expected this girl to be so sensitive.
"No," Zhao Yueru explained, "What are you thinking, child? Your father and I just think Xinghe is a good kid, and our families have a prior agreement. The sooner we settle things, the more at ease we'll feel."
She took Su Xiaoyu's hand and patted it; "These next few days, spend more time with Xinghe whenever you have free time. Didn't you two often play together when you were little? I've already written to your aunt and uncle. They'll probably be coming to the capital in a few days. Then the two families can sit down and discuss your marriage properly."
Afterwards, Zhao Yueru gave Su Xiaoyu a few more instructions, telling her to get some rest, and then left the courtyard.
When he left, his steps were noticeably hurried.
This further confirmed Su Xiaoyu's suspicions.
It seems that the Black Wind Stronghold incident has not only affected the prince's reputation, but also his marriage.
This marriage is definitely not going to happen, but how can I dissuade my parents from having this idea?
...
In the following days, Lu Xinghe would come to play with Su Xiaoyu every day. With her parents' tacit approval, Zhao Yueru also made things convenient for Xiaoyu, allowing her to go out as long as it didn't interfere with her official duties.
Lu Xinghe is a sincere person, and he expresses his affection directly.
That meant taking Su Xiaoyu to eat at every food stall in Beijing, big and small. From sesame cakes in the West Market, to cheese drinks on South Street, to wonton stalls on East Street, and so on.
He remembered that Su Xiaoyu was a glutton when she was little, and seeing her eat with a smile on her face made him happier than if he were eating himself.
Besides food, he also took Su Xiaoyu to see acrobatics, visit temple fairs, and buy trinkets, such as clay figurines made on the street and ocarinas.
Su Xiaoyu really had a lot of fun. Putting aside the title of 'fiancé', Lu Xinghe was indeed a great playmate. He was generous, sincere, and she could always find fun with him.
While she was enjoying a peaceful life, little did she know that she had been observed by someone with ulterior motives.
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