coax her
"I don't agree!"
In a courtyard on the east side of the capital, an angry voice suddenly rang out. The voice was so loud that it frightened the birds perched on the locust tree in the courtyard, causing them to spread their wings and fly out from the dense branches and leaves.
In the main hall, a handsome and gentle man was wearing a thin blue robe, with his long black hair casually tied behind him. A hint of anger appeared on his usually humble and gentle face, and his fox eyes glared at the calm man in front of him with dissatisfaction.
The man sitting opposite him had handsome features and an upright posture. His features revealed a coldness and arrogance, and his whole demeanor was elegant and noble.
"Su Zirui, did you hear that? I don't agree!" Qi Shaozhen angrily threw his black hair behind him and said coldly.
Hearing this, Su Zirui raised his eyes lazily, his cold eyes showing his indifference. He closed the lid of the teacup nonchalantly, "Reason?"
His indifferent attitude made Qi Shaozhen furious. "The eighth day of next month is only about twenty days away. How can we have a grand wedding in such a short time? I only have one sister. Don't even think about marrying her off so easily!"
What a joke! Wanting to marry his sister with such an attitude? He couldn't even please his elder brother-in-law, so how could he hand Aruo over to such a cold person? Besides, the Su family father and son were both powerful officials. These people who were so good at playing in the government were all crazy. His Aruo was already carefree, so how could he live with these people?
"The engagement letter and gift documents have been delivered to your house. Today we will accept the proposal and ask for the name. Master Yiyuan and Master Huiming have already compared our horoscopes. I have also prepared the betrothal gifts and placed them in the courtyard opposite. They will be delivered as soon as you agree. Now is the date. If you have no other objections, the only thing left from the three letters and six gifts is the marriage. Why is it so hasty?" Su Zirui calmly put down his teacup and looked at Qi Shaozhen, who looked unhappy.
This person... actually wanted to complete the ceremony in one day? What kind of good man is so eager to get married?
Qi Shaozhen choked and angrily threw up his sleeves, "Do you think a woman can get married so casually? Most of her dowry is in Shuzhong, and there's quite a bit in Yangzhou too. How did they get it here these days? And the wedding dress... Even if we hire an embroiderer to work day and night now, it can't compare to the exquisite preparations. And, and that... Nan'er spent two years preparing for her wedding back then. No, I will never allow Aruo to marry so hastily. She can still think about it..."
Su Zirui's eyes turned cold, and he narrowed them slightly, exuding a sense of coldness and oppression. If he weren't now A'ruo's brother in name only, and if he hadn't nearly caused her to disappear by opening the formation, Su Zirui would have found it difficult to be kind to Qi Shaozhen.
No matter what the reason was, he let Aruo take the risk without confirming whether Shen Nan really could not come back!
"There's no point in glaring at me. A woman's marriage is a lifelong event, how can we take it lightly?" If Aruo had chosen an ordinary man today, it would have been fine. But in just thirty years, the Su family had leapt from humble beginnings to become a prestigious family. Even with such a small family, they still hold important positions in the court...
Qi Shao was really unhappy. This kind of family was different from the one he had in Liangzhou back then. If anything bad happened to Aruo in the future, the Qi and Qin families might not be able to protect her.
"After two years of preparation, I still can't spend the rest of my life with her?" Su Zirui raised his eyebrows and said firmly in a deep voice, "I love her, how could I let her take my life lightly? She is my wife, and I must ensure that she lives a happy and carefree life."
Qi Shaozhen looked deeply into his eyes, and the coldness faded, allowing him to easily see the fire hidden within. His affection and determination were direct and fervent, and he didn't care about his prying eyes at all. He was obviously so cold and arrogant just now, but now, in order to get his consent, he put aside all his indifference and sincerely and attentively confessed his feelings for the girl.
Back then, Luo Ziran had also proposed to Shen Nan so passionately in front of him, but the final result was not satisfactory. Now, another man was like this in front of him, and Qi Shaozhen suddenly felt confused.
Maybe he was right. The man that Aruo cared about was different from Luo Ziran.
"The eighth isn't good enough, let's do the sixteenth."
Suddenly, a clear female voice came from outside the door. Qi Shaozhen's eyes lit up and he looked over eagerly.
The woman had a graceful figure and a beautiful face. Her peach blossom eyes were slightly hooked, bright and lively, and her brows were full of imposing aura. She was wearing a light red satin dress with flowered clouds. The hem was decorated with large butterflies embroidered with lifelike patterns, and it seemed as if they would fly out as she walked.
"Shuangshuang, you're here." Qi Shaozhen's face, full of joy, froze when he saw the elegant figure following Qin Shuang into the room, "Prime Minister Su? You..."
He came to his senses and glared at Su Zirui hatefully.
"Marriage has always been a matter of parents' orders and matchmakers' words. Our Su family has never had anyone come to discuss marriage without the elders' approval." Even when Su Qing had his eye on the young lady from the Guiyuan Marquis's mansion, he only did so after he graduated and asked his widowed mother and a matchmaker to come and discuss marriage. Su Zirui raised an eyebrow and gently met Qi Shaozhen's accusing gaze.
Qin Shuang walked into the hall swiftly, kicked Qi Shaozhen aside, and sat down upright in the main seat as a matter of course. "I have sent someone to entertain the matchmaker. I have just discussed with Prime Minister Su that Yiyuan and the others would choose the 16th as a good date. It's only a few days in the evening, so I'm sure no one will mind."
The Su family was concerned about them and only invited a more famous official matchmaker to come. If the Qin family didn't know what was good for them, who knew if the next matchmaker would be the emperor's eunuch? Qin Shuang knew that this marriage could not be rejected, but she did not intend to give up the necessary ceremony and preparation time.
Su Zirui glanced at his father, who was leisurely drinking tea, and snorted. Of the two days, he must have been more interested in the most recent one... After all, Yiyuan had said that Aruo's birthday wasn't real, it was just a custom.
Qi Shaozhen raised his hand to complain, but was frightened back by a coquettish look. Remembering the thirty-eighth divorce letter he had torn up last night, Qi Shaozhen swallowed his protest.
The Su family father and son were so cunning. They knew he disagreed, but the younger one bluffed in front of him, and the older one went straight to his wife to discuss it. The eldest brother is like a father, but the eldest sister-in-law is like a mother! Moreover, he didn't dare to oppose Qin Shuang's decision. How cunning!
"The 16th is a good date, and the Imperial Astronomical Observatory has also given it to you." Su Qing said with a satisfied smile, "You should also give the girl some time to adapt. After all, getting married is a major event in a woman's life, and it cannot be taken lightly."
Su Zirui nodded, "Of course, I'll listen to my father in everything."
"Then it's settled. It's just right that I can take advantage of these days to prepare her dowry and wedding dress..." Qin Shuang smiled with satisfaction and began to calculate the time to transfer the embroiderer from Yangzhou.
"As for her wedding dress... although I can't prepare one for her, I've petitioned the Emperor and asked Madam Ouyang from the Imperial Clothing Department for assistance." Su Zirui had considered every possible aspect of the matter since he decided to marry her as soon as possible. If he hadn't known that the fabrics in Yangzhou were superior to those available in Beijing, he would have even had the wedding dress tailored.
Qin Shuang was stunned for a moment, then smiled meaningfully and said, "I've always heard that Madam Ouyang's embroidery is unrivaled in the world. My brother-in-law is so thoughtful."
Su Qing raised an eyebrow and shook his head. After all, a son is someone else's after all... Glancing at Qi Shaozhen's gloomy face, Su Qing's slight anger instantly dissipated.
Fortunately, their family is marrying into the family. However...if there is a well-behaved granddaughter in the future...
The more Su Qing thought about it, the more he felt uneasy. He thought to himself that he should make more preparations.
He took a sip of tea and arranged the betrothal gifts with ease, while secretly recalling which families in the capital had newborn babies. Well... it's not good to have a big age gap, so any family under five years old can be examined.
Su Zirui knew his father's strange thoughts at a glance. He closed his eyes and clicked his tongue secretly.
Qi Shaozhen watched Qin Shuang finalize the wedding details with a smile on her face. He finally found a chance to approach his wife, "Shuangshuang... I know I was wrong..."
"Get out of here," Qin Shuang's smile faded, and she said coldly, "I don't have a husband who would sell his sister out of filial piety. Once Aruo is successfully married, I will give you the divorce letter."
If it weren't for the fact that she could preside over Aruo's wedding and watch her get married legitimately, Qin Shuang wouldn't bother to keep this ungrateful man. She now knew that he didn't dare let her interfere because he was afraid that she would make Shen Nan suffer forever.
Humph, Shen Nan is gone, but he is not dead yet... She would be sorry for herself who was so frightened if she didn't kill this bastard.
"Shuangshuang~" Qi Shaozhen was shocked. He hugged her waist and half-lay on her legs. "Don't divorce me, I'm obedient. Please don't leave me..."
"Qi Shaozhen!" Qin Shuang was nearly knocked off the armchair by his attack. He pushed him furiously, "You're going crazy looking at the scene, embarrassing your in-laws... Get out of here!"
The Su family father and son looked at the two of them and were stunned for a rare moment.
"Aha," Qin Zhi walked in quickly and bowed respectfully to the two of them. "My Lords Su, the betrothal gifts have been brought in. Let's move to Huating. I have prepared the wine and drinks, and Aruo has personally prepared some side dishes. Please come and see me."
"Um, okay, fine."
After all, Su Qing was used to big scenes. After a moment's pause, she regained her composure and turned her attention to the handsome and tall Qin Zhi. Gently lifting him up, he led the way out. Qin Zhi's smile remained unchanged, completely ignoring the confusion of his sister and brother-in-law behind him. He calmly gestured for them to come in.
Su Zirui smiled slightly and followed him out of the main hall as usual, leaving the chaos behind.
"Qi Shaozhen!" Qin Shuang blushed and pushed away the lips that were kissing her with both hands.
"Everyone is gone, let's have a good talk as husband and wife... Shuangshuang, I was wrong... From now on, I tell you, I will never act on my own..." Qi Shaozhen chuckled and kissed the palm of her hand, his eyes deep as he spoke.
Her bright eyes suddenly turned red, and Qin Shuang stared at him with a wronged look, "Will there be a next time?"
She was indeed angry, because Qi Shaozhen obeyed her in every way, but never spoke frankly about this matter. When he was most troubled, he never mentioned it to her, let alone discussed it. No matter which choice he made, it was heartbreaking for him, but he would not allow her to intervene and share his responsibility.
She felt distressed when Aruo faced it calmly for Shen Nan, and even more distressed when her husband insisted on doing what his master had left behind.
"Of course not!" Qi Shaozhen bit her white fingers lightly, then lifted her up with his arms, "Shuangshuang, I'm sorry... Don't cry, I'll comfort you..."
Qin Shuang leaned softly in his arms, her red lips slowly curled up, and a gleam of light flashed in her eyes.
This kind of dog man really needs a lesson...
At this moment, Qi Shaozhen only had his wife's charming smile in his eyes, and he had no idea what he was about to face.
"Master Yiyuan."
A soft yet cautious voice came from behind. Yiyuan stopped and his eyes darkened.
"Donor Song." He bowed slightly, clasped his hands together in greeting, and looked at the woman in front of him quietly with eyes that showed neither sadness nor joy.
Aunt Song's heart ached, and she quickly lowered her eyes to hide the tears. She coughed to clear her throat before saying, "I heard from Caixin that you are going back to Yangzhou?"
"I've been away from the temple for a long time. I should go back." If Su Zirui hadn't caught him, he wouldn't have made the trip to the northwest. Yiyuan felt aggrieved at the thought. Aruo was fine, but why did Su Feng order him around? Humph, if that bald Huiming hadn't recommended him to preach to the emperor, he would have returned to Yangzhou long ago.
"Are you...living well?" Aunt Song didn't know what to say to him, so she asked subconsciously. She had long known from Aruo that he had become a disciple of Master Mingguang after the stronghold was destroyed, and that he had been in the Buddhist sect for many years... She looked at the monk, who was now a head taller than her, with heartache, and a bitterness welled up in her chest.
Yiyuan looked at her for a long time before he sighed softly, "Donor, I am very good. From now on, I will continue to stay in Dayin Temple and will not leave."
Aunt Song nodded and said "oh".
Seeing she hadn't grasped the point, Yiyuan closed his eyes, his regret suddenly easing. He smiled, clasping his hands together. "Dayin Temple is quite popular, proving its prayers are quite effective. I occasionally lead my disciples in giving lectures. If you're interested, or if you happen to be passing through Yangzhou, you can...come and pay your respects."
The sudden words startled Aunt Song. She stared blankly at his gentle features. For a moment, her heartbeat quickened, and her half-closed eyes suddenly lit up. A mist formed in her eyes, and she trembled as she said, "Okay, okay... I'll go. I, I will definitely go..."
Yiyuan looked at her and smiled, "Donor Song, take care."
Aunt Song wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and smiled with red eyes, "Master, take care too. We...will see you later."
The scene of the two smiling at each other was as beautiful as a painting.
In a teahouse not far from them, Aruo tugged at the sleeve of the person next to her and wiped away her tears. "Die Yiyuan, why are you so stubborn... Isn't it good for mother and son to recognize each other? Monks are human beings too. What's wrong with having a mother?"
Silently pulling back his sleeve, Su Zirui raised his hand to wipe away her tears, "This is the best thing for them."
Everything in the past was unbearable and painful, but now this is the most suitable situation for Yiyuan and Aunt Song.
"I know." Aruo's eyes and nose were a little red, and she looked like she had been wronged, which made people feel soft-hearted. No one knew the past of the mother and son better than her, and no one knew better than her that the two of them had let go of everything. "That's it, then."
His fingertips gently stroked her face, his dark eyes turned to her, Su Zirui paused, and asked softly, "What about you?"
Yiyuan let go and left a chance for his and Aunt Song's future. What about Aruo? Cheng
Sheng had settled down in Beijing, and Mrs. Cheng had stabilized somewhat after receiving treatment from Aunt Song. Mother and son moved into their newly purchased courtyard, and the spring breeze was a thing of the past for them. Now that Su Zirui knew of the Shen family's schemes, he naturally investigated Aruo's past. Although he lacked leads or evidence, knowing the inside story made it easy to uncover clues. During that short period, many children went missing in the northwest, but only a few met Aruo's requirements... including the Cheng family's youngest daughter, Cheng Rou.
Her long, half-closed eyelashes trembled, and Aruo traced the teacup in her hand with her fingertips. After a long silence, she said, "It's different. Some fates have long been severed. Now I am just Qi Ruoyu."
The young girl chosen by Elder Shen had died long ago, and no one could replace her. She was the one who truly resurrected, but because of her, this body survived, and time, which should have stagnated, began to flow again, slowly growing. But the fate that originally belonged to the young girl was severed at the moment of death.
"What? Lord Su, do you mind that I don't have parents?" Aruo looked up at him with a deliberately aggrieved look. She had heard that some wealthy families, when choosing a daughter-in-law, disliked daughters without parents, believing they had a bad fate or were poorly educated. Although she never felt inadequate, marriage was a matter between two families, and there was no guarantee his parents would disapprove.
Su Zirui tilted his head, smiled, and raised his eyebrows slightly, "If I tell you that I like this very much, will you be disappointed?"
Even the Qin siblings, who were not related by blood, were in such trouble. He wished his girl would be attached to him for the rest of her life and not leave easily. After marriage, she was no longer a girl from the Qin family, nor a girl from the Qi family. She was just the young lady of the Su family, his wife.
Wife, what a beautiful word. If only she could be like a canary, letting him be caged and pampered for his entire life...
The slightly cool fingertips slid lightly across her neck, and a hint of paranoia suddenly flashed across his dark eyes, which made her heart tremble inexplicably.
"Haha... Lord Su is becoming more and more humorous. I received your comfort, haha." Aruo patted his shoulder generously, decisively destroying any strange ideas he had, with a fierce expression, "Anyway, this is what I am like. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept it. I don't intend to change my mind."
Tsk, she's still a little too perceptive in this regard. Su Zirui concealed the thoughts in his eyes, his brows cold and cold, with a hint of regret. She has too many ideas, but is not easily influenced. It's really troublesome... But it doesn't matter. Watching her struggles is quite entertaining. Just keep a close eye on her. Anyway, if she makes a big move, he can handle it.
"It's up to you to decide." Su Zirui reached out and pulled her, "Let's go. No matter how long you stay here, she won't come on her own."
Aruo suddenly raised her head, pursed her lips and said pitifully, "How about we wait a little longer... I haven't figured out what to say yet..."
Yiyuan is right. He dares to cheat people with such little ability.
Su Zirui sneered, a hint of mockery flowing in his eyes, reminding her, "If you drag it out any longer, it will be even harder to end. Besides, you're better at coaxing women than me."
The first half of the sentence was indifferent, but the second half was already vaguely displeased. Aruo shook the hand he was holding and stood up obediently. "That's because I have experience in coaxing women. I only coax you, a man, so of course I'm not very good at it."
Alas, Lord Su doesn’t know that women are sometimes harder to please than men.
Su Zirui glanced at her and held her hand tightly with his big hand. "You're still saying you're not good at it?"
In the Yunxiufang of the capital, many women have come to buy new jewelry since the beginning of spring. The new shopkeeper who has just arrived is busy among the customers, sometimes introducing new products, sometimes talking in a low voice with the dazzled customers, and even doing the toasting and passing of glasses himself, and is very busy.
Inside the compartment, Aruo ignored the dazzling array of gold and silver jewelry on the table, and with his hands on his chin, he watched the bright and beautiful woman who was busy moving around like a fluttering butterfly. Seeing her enthusiastically greeting those guests in gorgeous clothes, he couldn't help but call out softly.
"Cai Xin...are you really ignoring me?"
Upon hearing this, Cai Xin paused with her hand that had just picked up a jade bracelet, then continued to introduce it to a girl and enthusiastically tried it on for her.
"Cai Xin, I know I was wrong... Please forgive me... I have told me the whole story, please don't be angry..." Aruo walked over and tugged at her sleeve.
Who could be more miserable than her? She finally fulfilled her promise to her elder sister, but ended up having to coax her relatives, friends, lovers, and sisters one by one. Alas, it's not good to have too many debts of love. Like my senior brother, he only needs to coax Qin Shuang.
People really can't have too many worries.
"Miss Yu, our young shopkeeper is busy. Why don't you go upstairs and take a look first. The boss has already prepared some dowry for you. Why don't you go into the side room and choose some?" The shopkeeper looked at her aggrieved look and suggested while holding back his smile.
Aruo glanced at Cai Xin, who was unmoved, and shook his head firmly.
Few people know that Yunxiufang was a shop Qin Shuang had founded in the capital on a whim before Ah Chu arrived. Jiangnan culture emphasizes exquisite craftsmanship, and jewelry and utensils are meticulously crafted. This unique level of refinement and exquisiteness has been a huge hit among the women of Beijing since its opening last year.
"Then..." The shopkeeper was one of the Qin family's top shopkeepers, responsible for the Jinfen Silver Shop. He naturally knew her identity and simply bought her a favor. "Shopkeeper Ning, how about you also go in and help take a look?"
Aruo's eyes lit up and he looked at Caixin expectantly.
"No need. This is her dowry. As long as she likes it, that's all." Cai Xin smiled gently. Her bright features, embellished with just the right amount of makeup, had a compelling beauty. "After all, no one can accompany someone else for a lifetime. Some roads must be walked alone. You are right, aren't you, Miss Yu?"
It really hurts when this boomerang hits you back... Aruo rubbed his nose, and when she turned to leave, he suddenly reached out and hugged her around the waist.
"Let go!" Cai Xin's face changed and she said angrily. The girl next to them saw their actions and her eyes widened, making Cai Xin's pretty face blush.
"No, I know I was wrong, and I won't dare to do it again. Don't be angry... I said that because I was afraid of implicating you. I didn't mean it. Four years ago, we agreed to go together. Without you, I wouldn't be here today." Aruo tightened his arms, hugged her waist regardless, and begged for mercy. "Xiao Caixin, we agreed to walk this road of life together. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have abandoned you."
Cai Xin's eyes reddened, and she turned her head away, biting her lip in silence. Seeing this, the shopkeeper quickly greeted the guests to the outer hall, considerately pulling open the screen to block the outside gaze.
"What's the point of agreeing? You're going to leave me alone." Cai Xin didn't want to recall the feeling of loss and helplessness of being abandoned. She never dared to imagine what it would be like to be separated from Aruo. Aruo even took her with him when he returned to the Qin family. How could he abandon her?
But that day, when she stood coldly on the steps and said lightly to her that no one could stay with her forever, her sky seemed to fall.
At that time, she deeply realized that Aruo could turn around at any time, and she could not always keep up with her.
Aruo can cook and can set up a stall to make a living at any time. She is good at accounting and can grasp information very quickly. Even if she doesn't return to the Qin family for a long time, the shopkeepers can't fool her. She can play the piano and, when necessary, can infiltrate the circle of noble ladies that Cai Xin can't reach at all.
Ning Caixin couldn't do all of this, and couldn't keep up with it.
In the past four years, she was with Aruo every day, but she was never able to find out her secrets. They even walked together, but she seemed to be stuck in the same place, without any progress.
Cai Xin couldn't even remember how Aruo became this person. Was it when she was broke and working as a cashier in a restaurant? Or when she signed a short-term contract to work in the kitchen of a wealthy family? Or when she had too much free time at her stall and asked the old lady selling Chinese medicine next door for advice? What was she doing during all that time?
She was too dependent on Aruo, so she was left behind and could only cry helplessly when others turned their backs.
Aruo was right. No one could stay with another person forever. Those who stagnated couldn't keep up with others, and couldn't even expect others to wait for them. So, she shamelessly approached the Baiyan Gang and the Qin family.
"I didn't abandon you. Wasn't I always in front of you?" Aruo buried his head in her back, his voice muffled and soft like a child. "I knew you would catch up. You're my sweetheart, how could you leave me alone?"
From the moment he knelt before her and pulled her up, Aruo had envisioned Caixin's fate. Initially, he'd considered marrying her off to a wealthy family or someone with some connections, believing her beauty would require the protection of wealth and power. But later, the fates of Shuxian and others made her realize that marriage didn't guarantee a good life. Ultimately, one had to rely on oneself.
Therefore, the best solution she could think of for Caixin was to let her be her own master. Not to be coaxed into marriage by her, not to be dragged into the Qin family by her, but to let her decide her own path.
"Let go, how can you be so lonely? Aren't you getting married? And you're leaving me behind?" Ning Caixin twisted her body in anger and said unhappily. Before she could catch up with Aruo, the man hurriedly married her away.
After hearing the whole story, she had softened her heart and wanted to reconcile, but when she heard that she was getting married next month...
Bah, what's this about traveling around the world together, what's this about having wealth and having all the men, she doesn't want to reconcile with this bastard!
"Then, how about... I won't get married?" Aruo smiled from behind her. "Anyway, I already have my beloved little Caixin. I can find another man. But if I lose my sisters, no one will love me."
Well, she is certainly more important than men, but even so, she still won't let it go easily. Cai Xin pursed her lips, pretended to straighten her hair, tried to suppress her smile, and coughed twice, "Why do I feel a little cold in my neck when you mention it?"
"Haha... To be honest, I also feel a little cold on my neck and back." Aruo said honestly.
Well, she really didn't have the guts to snatch someone from the living Yama. Twisting her body, Cai Xin said unhappily, "Let go. Don't ruin my image in public. I still have to work here."
"You're not angry anymore?" Aruo asked in a flattering tone, his eyebrows curved like a crescent moon.
"Of course I'm angry," Cai Xin broke free from her hand and took her arm as they walked towards the side room. "So you have to pick more today and have the shopkeeper include it in my commission. Got it?"
"I will definitely take care of your business." Aruo leaned on her obediently, and his relieved look made Cai Xin laugh.
After taking two steps, Cai Xin suddenly turned around and asked seriously, "See, am I the easiest one to coax?"
"Yes." Aruo nodded without hesitation.
The easiest woman to coax...
Qin Shuang accepted her flattery and trickery, but she would still punish him if he deserved it. As for men... Aruo's cheeks flushed slightly. Some people were easier to coax.
Cai Xin didn't care about her word games. She adjusted the gold hairpin on her head that had been twisted crookedly by her, and said proudly, "So, I am the one who loves you the most."
Only if you love her, will you be willing to be coaxed easily.
"Yes, yes, you are right."
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