He suppressed his laughter, trying hard to curb the wicked fantasies in his heart, and forced out the question: "A marriage has been arranged?"
"No." Huo Baichuan poured himself another glass of wine. "However, I have already informed the Empress Dowager that I wish to marry her."
Recalling the Empress Dowager's stunned expression, he couldn't help but feel a little heartbroken. It turned out that the Empress Dowager looked down on him and thought he was not as good as Xian'er!
Qiu Tang began to carefully observe his unpredictable expression, and suddenly blurted out, "The Empress Dowager disagrees?"
"How could the Empress Dowager disagree? She just couldn't bear to see her precious granddaughter get married. She said she wanted to keep her for two years so I could get to know Zhao Shu better." He said stubbornly, but the Empress Dowager's displeased look kept replaying in his mind, and he felt as if a knife was stuck in his heart.
Qiu Tangshi had served as an official in the imperial court for over a decade, rising from humble beginnings to his current high position. He was well aware of what the Empress Dowager was thinking, but at this moment he was not going to give Huo Baichuan any face. He scrutinized Huo Baichuan and said, "You haven't married all these years. Doesn't the Empress Dowager suspect you're impotent? Or... Hey, just say what you want to say. Why are you spilling wine? This is money!"
Huo Baichuan didn't spill the wine on purpose; he was just furious and lost control, accidentally hitting the wine pot and spilling the wine all over the ground.
Immediately, the aroma of wine filled the air. Huo Baichuan stood up and said, "There's going to be a war. The Emperor will definitely choose a grain officer. I don't trust anyone else to do this. You should prepare yourself, and I will ask you to take on the role of grain officer."
Qiu Tang was somewhat reluctant. "If I win, others will gain credit and be remembered in history, admired by thousands, but it won't be my responsibility. If I lose, I might even be implicated. I won't do it." His academy project wasn't even finished yet. Did he expect him to put aside his work to help someone pursue a beautiful woman?
Don't think he didn't know. Wei Tingsi also went to Jiangnan. This is clearly a drama of two men fighting over one woman. He wanted to lure Wei Tingsi away and then take advantage of the situation. It's really despicable. Although he has a nickname of "fox", he is still a person of high moral character. How could he do such a principleless thing?
No, absolutely not.
Huo Baichuan, however, remained unhurried, only saying, "Regarding the academy's funding..."
"Why speak so formally among family members? We are all colleagues. When the nation is in trouble and we are needed to step forward, how can I stand idly by? Rest assured, I will certainly handle the position of grain and provisions officer well."
His face changes faster than turning the pages of a book, and he speaks with righteous indignation, as if he were imbued with a noble spirit and a virtuous minister who cares about the country and its people. If someone who does not know the truth sees this, they will surely be moved, give him a thumbs up, and praise him as a good official!
With chaos about to erupt, it would be embarrassing to come out and try to get a share of the pie without making some preparations. Huo Baichuan and Qiu Tang then left the restaurant and went home.
Meanwhile, at the Fourth Prince's residence, Zhao Bi was practicing calligraphy in his study. On the pure white paper was a large character "安" (peace/safety), the meaning of which was unknown. Beside him, Xiao Ruanzi held a whisk, watching without moving, grinding ink in his hands.
"Si Lang." Sun Jiao's voice came from the study door.
The word "Si Lang" made Zhao Bi frown, but he had no choice but to put down his pen and instruct Xiao Ruanzi, "Go open the door."
Xiao Ruanzi remained expressionless. Upon hearing this, she bowed and went to open the door. The moment her face was revealed, the corners of her mouth turned up, revealing a respectful smile. "The Fourth Prince's Consort has arrived. His Highness is waiting for you inside. Please come in."
Sun Jiao was even more shy than before, looking like a happy little woman. She personally carried the food box in and said, "It's hot, so I made some mint porridge for Si Lang. I used dew from lotus leaves to cook it for three hours and then chilled it before bringing it over. Si Lang, please try it."
Zhao Bi took the porridge and put it aside. He pulled Sun Jiao into his arms, smelled her fragrance, and placed his hand on her waist. "What kind of flower bath did you take today?"
"Guess, Si Lang." Sun Jiao clung weakly to Zhao Bi. Xiao Ruanzi consciously left the study, closing the door behind her and moving away to avoid hearing anything she shouldn't.
Zhao Bi straightened Sun Jiao, and the two looked at each other. He gently bit Sun Jiao's lip and said, "I can't guess it. Why don't you help me, Jiao Jiao?"
"Fourth Brother..." Sun Jiao couldn't resist the teasing. She placed her delicate hand on Zhao Bi's shoulder, her breathing becoming heavy.
Although Sun Jiao was not as beautiful as Sun Yun, she was still a decent woman, and her figure was definitely not lacking in the right places.
After a while, Sun Jiao sat on Zhao Bi's lap, her arms around his neck, and Zhao Bi rested his head on her chest. "Jiao Jiao hasn't been going out lately, your girlfriends are probably forgetting about you."
Sun Jiao replied lazily, "Weren't we unable to get out?"
Zhao Bi's face turned cold, but he quickly regained his composure. "I'm sorry, I've made you and me suffer."
"What are you saying, Si Lang? We are husband and wife, one body. Why say such useless things?" Sun Jiao hugged Zhao Bi tightly, her face full of happiness.
"Your understanding and righteousness make me feel even more guilty." He then kissed Sun Jiao's chest hard, making her gasp for breath. "How can I bear to let you suffer, Jiao Jiao? How about this, we send invitations to your girlfriends and invite them to our home to keep you company and chat, what do you say?"
"Could it be that Si Lang has taken a liking to one of my girlfriends?" Sun Jiao pretended to be jealous, pouting, but she wasn't as cute as she thought.
When men think with their lower bodies, they sometimes don't consider appearances. Zhao Bi shoved her onto the table and pressed down on her, saying, "My heart belongs to you, yet you dare to misunderstand me like this, wronging me. You deserve to be punished!"
"Shilang, no, Shilang..."
Sun Jiao had no time to think about anything else. "Alright, alright, I'll send out invitations tomorrow. I won't wrong Si Lang, okay?"
“That’s right. My only wish is for Jiaojiao to live up to her name, to be a beloved daughter to her parents at her parents’ home, and a loving wife to me. I can’t bear to see you suffer even the slightest grievance. These past few days, seeing you locked up in the mansion with me has broken my heart.” He spoke with utmost sincerity, and anyone who heard him, except himself, would find his words incredibly true.
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