Chapter 78 Will You Marry Me?
Watching the Minister of Rites walk away quickly, Lin Yiqing and Su Ci smiled, remaining noncommittal.
Out of the corner of her eye, Su Ci caught sight of Li Jue, who had been held back for quite some time before finally managing to escape. She couldn't help but be curious about what Li Jue had brought up in court that day, wondering what his true thoughts were.
Did he realize something was wrong after speaking, and hurriedly change his words out of fear of His Highness Prince Su on the imperial steps, or had he already received orders from His Highness Prince Su earlier, which is why he stood up in front of everyone?
Just as Su Ci was about to step forward, he saw Jiang Yue walking hurriedly towards the southwest. Following his gaze, he saw Jiang Yue standing under the door plaque, seemingly waiting for his arrival.
Seeing this, Su Ci clicked her tongue meaningfully, bowed slightly to Lin Yiqing, and said that she had other matters to attend to and would leave first.
After leaving the palace, he rushed to the Prince Su's residence without stopping, but he didn't even bump into a single person. He then hurried to the small courtyard where Biezhi lived, but he still didn't see anyone there. Not to mention Fu Huaiqing, even Biezhi was nowhere to be found.
It was a perfect time of year, and after seeing her master off, Biezhi went out for a spring outing.
Having finally gotten some free time, she wanted to try all the things she hadn't done in previous years. She made an appointment with Fu Shuning and the others and hurried out the door.
She left home close to the appointed time, so when she arrived at the agreed location, Fu Shuning and the others were already waiting in the pavilion.
"It's all Fu Huaiqing's fault!" Biezhi muttered.
If he hadn't pulled me up last night, I wouldn't have had trouble getting up today.
Fu Shuning, who was discussing what Li Jue had said in court that day, glanced at the girl walking towards him under the bright sunlight, raised an eyebrow slightly, stood up and waved to her.
Seeing the figure running towards her with her skirt lifted, looking more cheerful than usual, Biezhi was a little puzzled. She glanced at Huachao, who also looked confused and couldn't figure out what was going on.
Before Biezhi could ask, Fu Shuning could be heard excitedly asking from afar, "Sister, did you hear about what happened in court today?"
The central government?
Biezhi shook her head in confusion.
"Someone in the court mentioned your wedding with your brother!" Fu Shuning said excitedly. Seeing the astonished look on Bie Zhi's face, she then recounted what had happened during the morning court session.
Biezhi found it increasingly unbelievable. "Is it really that straightforward?"
Fu Shuning nodded. They had also found it strange during their discussion earlier. Li Jue was quite straightforward in court, which shouldn't be the case. "In the past, when the court was discussing my brother's marriage, the officials all had their own opinions. However, a few ministers, including Lin Yiqing and Li Jue, remained neutral and never said a word about it. It's really strange that he suddenly brought it up today."
“But it’s just right.” Fu Shuning took Biezhi’s arm, turned around and walked with her toward the pavilion, saying meaningfully, “It’s exactly what brother wanted.”
This was the second time someone had brought up the matter with her today. Biezhi raised an eyebrow thoughtfully and said slowly, "He doesn't seem to have mentioned it to me."
"Huh?" This time it was Fu Shuning's turn to look surprised. She stared in astonishment at the girl's eyes, which were shining brighter because she had caught her brother's little secret. She was quite bewildered: "Did I let something slip?"
She hadn't expected that her brother would not only not reveal his plans, but also not mention having such an idea. Thinking of this, Fu Shuning almost jumped up, "He won't beat me up, will he!"
Bie Zhi noticed her startled expression and looked at her with confusion, wondering why she was so agitated. It was just a secret that wasn't really a secret, but she still reassured her, "It's okay. If he hits you, I'll stand in front of you."
Fu Shuning blinked. "I knew my sister was the best."
Even so, she kept her mouth shut to avoid revealing too much information.
Fortunately, they weren't the only ones who came for a spring outing; Qin Wan and Su Qinghe, the young lady from the Su family, were also there. Su Qinghe even looked at the empty courtyard and asked with some confusion, "Didn't Miss Tingzhi come along?"
“She had some business to attend to and left the capital.” Biezhi had only learned of Fang Tingzhi’s departure from the capital when she went to look for her earlier. Her gaze lingered on Su Qinghe for a moment before she said, “I’m not quite sure when she will be back.”
Su Qinghe had only recently learned of Fang Tingzhi's identity and had also noticed her brother's concern for her, so she couldn't help but ask a few more questions, "Is there a mission to leave the capital?"
The two looked at each other for a moment, then said separately, "There haven't been any missions in the building lately." The implication was that Fang Tingzhi had left the capital for personal reasons, and that she herself did not know when she would return.
Upon hearing this, Su Qinghe fell silent for a moment.
Yesterday, after hearing Fang Tingzhi's fabricated story, Biezhi didn't know if it was true or not, but she didn't want to see her friend become depressed because of these things, and she knew that they had to be resolved sooner or later.
However, she is slowly coming to understand that some things are a matter between two people. Even if she is her friend, she should not take it upon herself to solve problems for her. She should just stop when she has the chance.
Su Qinghe was a smart person and understood her meaning without needing to say much.
Although it was called a spring outing, after sitting for a while, Fu Shuning suggested going to the horse farm. Since Biezhi hadn't ridden a horse for a while, she agreed.
Fortunately, the place where they went for their outing was not far from the Royal Garden, only about a quarter of an hour away.
"The hunt will be held in half a month this year. Will Miss Zhu still participate?" Fu Shuning asked Zhu Shi'an, the daughter of the Zhu family, as soon as she arrived at Lin Yuan. She had been talking about the hunt with Bie Zhiyan on the way, and even mentioned the heroic figures of the Zhu family's women on the hunting grounds.
Zhu Shi'an, who was called upon, nodded. "This year happens to be the year my father returns from his military campaign, so naturally we should let him test our skills." She paused and looked at Biezhi. "If you participate, Miss, we can form a team."
When Fu Shuning mentioned it on the way, Biezhi had the same idea, "Okay."
"Okay!" Fu Shuning suddenly let go of her hand, crossed her arms and said to Qin Wan, "Those two know kung fu, they're planning to gang up on us!"
Her pitiful eyes seemed to want to say something but couldn't. Qin Wan couldn't help but laugh out loud. She stood to one side with her and echoed her words, "Both of you know kung fu. It's not too much for two against four, is it?"
With more than half a month to go before the hunt, the camps have already been divided.
The group rode their horses in the forest garden for nearly an hour or so, and by the time they returned to the city it was already evening.
After bidding farewell to everyone, Biezhi returned to her courtyard on her own.
The courtyard was quiet, with no one else except a few guards. Not only was Fu Huaiqing absent, but even Cheng Jin was not there. After inquiring with the guards, it was learned that Fu Huaiqing had left the palace early that day.
Upon hearing this, Biezhi became even more puzzled.
Normally, Fu Huaiqing would come to the courtyard after leaving the palace. Even if he had something to discuss with the court officials at the Prince Su's residence, he would send someone to inform me in advance. But today, for some reason, he didn't say a word and didn't send any news.
It wasn't until late at night that Fu Huaiqing finally rushed back, looking travel-worn.
Hearing a few words over the past few days, Biezhi knew that the current situation was one where court officials wanted to use the young emperor's identity to do unjust things, and it was a critical juncture, so he didn't ask any more questions.
This continued for ten days in a row.
Even Biezhi couldn't help but feel a little doubtful. Could it be that the matter was complicated and would take a long time to resolve? She looked at the sleeping man under the bright moonlight, and her confusion deepened.
The next morning, Fu Huaiqing went to court early.
However, Cheng Jin did not leave with him, but stayed in the courtyard.
Just then, another branch also had something to ask him. After getting up and washing up, she went to the courtyard to look for him. When she found Cheng Jin, he was whispering something to the guards in the courtyard. He was deliberately speaking in a very low voice, and even with Lin Shen listening attentively, he couldn't hear what they were saying.
Seeing the guards' signal, Cheng Jin suddenly stopped talking and followed their gaze to look behind him. When he met the girl's thoughtful gaze, his eyes paused for a moment. "Miss."
Biezhi noticed his hesitation and, unsure if he was telling her something, didn't press him further. She asked, "I have something I'd like to ask you. Are you free today?"
"I'm free right now." Cheng Jin gave his guard a wink, and the guard understood, bowed, and withdrew.
Watching the guards quickly retreat, Biezhi withdrew her gaze, casually found a place to sit down, and then gestured for Cheng Jin to sit opposite her.
Cheng Jin hesitated for a moment, and before he could even sit up properly, he froze the moment he heard the girl's clear voice.
"What is Fu Huaiqing tinkering with?"
Bechi, who was staring at the figure opposite him, caught a fleeting moment of stiffness in his eyes and added slowly, "You're still keeping it from me."
As the girl sat down, Hua Chao heard her slightly aggrieved voice and couldn't help but glance at her. The girl's watery eyes were fixed on Cheng Jin, without demanding that he give her an answer.
"Miss." Cheng Jin's head immediately swelled up upon hearing this. He felt it would be even worse to let the girl continue. The plan was about to be implemented, and if he told the girl in advance, his master would definitely cut him into pieces and throw him to feed the cattle.
After pondering for a while, he forced himself to say, "I can't say the specifics, but I can guarantee it will be a good thing."
Upon hearing his words, Biezhi's slightly anxious heart settled down.
Her only concern was that Fu Huaiqing's situation was difficult to handle, and he didn't want to tell her. Hearing Cheng Jin's assurance, she didn't press him further.
I just still want to know, "How long does he plan to keep working?"
He came back every day, but he always came back at night. Although his demeanor was the same as usual, she still felt something was off, as if something was missing.
"That's all for today," Cheng Jin said hurriedly.
The quick response made Bie Zhi raise her eyebrows slightly, nod and stand up. "I have nothing else to say. If you have anything else to instruct the guards, feel free to do so."
As she stood up, Cheng Jin quickly called her back.
Biezhi, who had already taken half a step forward, glanced sideways. "Is there something else you need to discuss with me?"
"The princess's maid just came by and said that the princess will come out of the palace this afternoon to ask you to go out for a stroll together," Cheng Jin said.
It wasn't unusual for Fu Shuning to come looking for him to go out.
Lately, she has been coming to see me eight or ten days a week, and I take her sightseeing in the capital.
"I had no idea there were such wonderful places in the capital." Fu Shuning looked around at the scenery, her eyes sparkling.
The clear spring water gurgled and overflowed, bringing a refreshing breeze.
Biezhi picked up a pot of sweet spring water and handed it to her, saying, "When I was young, I often came here. Sometimes I would sit here for half a day and only return to Xianyun Tower in the evening."
Fu Shuning took a sip of the clear spring water, which soothed her throat and refreshed her senses.
"Did you come with Tingzhi?"
Biezhi, who was sitting on the ground, smiled and said, "When we were little, we would get tired of practicing our skills, and we would give each other a look and sneak away." She paused, then pouted and said, "Although we were often caught by our master, he would turn a blind eye and we would run away."
Having spent many years in the palace, Fu Shuning blinked upon hearing this, resting her chin on her palm and looking at her enviously. "When I was young, no one would do these things with me. If I skipped school, I would definitely be caught by the young master and his men. My brother has already worked so hard, and I don't want to become a burden to him."
Upon hearing this, Biezhi remained silent for a moment.
She had already wanted to say it last time, "You are not a burden."
Fu Shuning's eyelashes trembled slightly, but she remained silent.
“If I were Fu Huaiqing back then, I would have made the same choice as him.” Upon hearing her words, Biezhi knew that the events of her youth were like invisible thorns pricking her all around, not painful but impossible to ignore. “You are the only close relative he left in this world. If he didn’t protect you and let you stay in the capital to be bullied by others, he wouldn’t be Fu Huaiqing.”
“It’s because he could ensure his own safety, and you were only ten years old at the time.” Biezhi took out a handkerchief and handed it to Fu Shuning, who was trying to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes, and said, “If any of the secret guards left in the capital are turned against you, there are others who can take their place.”
She was not unmoved by Fu Huaiqing's decision to bring only four or five people with him, but she could also understand his thoughts at the time. If it were her, she would have acted the same way. "This is his protection of his sister as an older brother. It's not out of a sense of responsibility, but out of his innate love for you."
Upon hearing this, Fu Shuning gazed quietly at the girl with her almond-shaped eyes sparkling.
After a moment of silence, she smiled gently.
Fu Shuning understood more and more the deeper meaning behind his elder brother's words that being able to meet someone else was a blessing.
If it weren't for the chance encounter two years ago, if Biezhi hadn't become an assassin for Xianyun Tower, perhaps my brother would still be all alone. "Why did my sister join Xianyun Tower?"
“I was wandering at the time, and I happened to meet my master. After he told me the truth, I agreed.” Biezhi thought for a moment, and there seemed to be no complicated issues involved. “If I can eat my fill and stay warm, and not have to sleep on the streets, I will definitely go.”
Especially after hearing that her master had expelled many lazy disciples, she worked even harder. "I had already decided that I would stick to Xianyun Tower no matter what, even if I had to become a ghost."
Her clear voice carried an unwavering resolve, as if it were real. Fu Shuning burst into laughter, laughing until tears welled up in her eyes. After laughing enough, she said, "However, to enter Xianyun Tower, you need my brother's approval. Who knows, he might have already noticed you."
“I asked him.” Biezhi had thought of this when she settled accounts with him some time ago. Fu Huaiqing said he had indeed noticed it. “He said I had a particularly large appetite back then. Qingshan said I must have come in with the determination to eat Xianyunlou out of business, so he had heard my legend a long time ago.”
Fu Shuning: "..."
A smile instantly spread across her face. She suppressed her laughter, and the tears that had just subsided in her eyes welled up again. "How could he say that?"
“Yeah!” Biezhi scoffed. “I gave him a good beating.”
Fu Shuning was overjoyed.
Before they knew it, it was evening.
The two did not linger there and boarded a carriage to head to the Five Flavors Shop that Fu Shuning had been longing to visit all day.
Ever since learning that 'Jiran' was Fu Huaiqing, Biezhi had not visited Wuweipu. Initially, she felt a strange sense of shame and did not want to face the guards disguised as waiters in the shop. In addition, just thinking about Wuweipu made her feel like she was being bitten by thousands of ants all over her body, making her feel uncomfortable everywhere.
So today, after nearly three months, I stepped into Wuweipu again.
Biezhi bumped into Wang Chuan, who was coming from the opposite direction. She stared at him for a moment, then silently looked away and whispered, "I still feel uncomfortable all over and want to crawl into the ground."
Especially when she thought about how she brought the injured 'Jiran' back and lied through her teeth, while Wang Chuan should have known the truth at that time, she wanted to practice sword dancing on the spot to relieve the embarrassment deep in her heart.
Fortunately, the Five Flavors Shop was still as crowded as before, and not many people paid attention to him.
Thinking of this, Biezhi subconsciously glanced at the figures around her, and after confirming that the customers dining in the shop were not the guards she had seen before, she slowly breathed a sigh of relief.
Wang Chuan had received the news early and was waiting outside as the time approached. When he saw the young woman he hadn't seen for some time, he smiled slightly and cupped his hands in greeting to the two of them, "We have prepared seats upstairs. Please come in, ladies."
Fu Shuning glanced around, "Where did you sit when you came over before, sister?"
Biezhi understood her implication, raised her eyes to look at the spot by the window in the building, and coincidentally, there were no guests sitting there yet, so she pointed it out to her.
“Let’s sit there.” Fu Shuning had been interested in their story of how they met for a long time, and now that she finally had a chance to come, she couldn’t help but be curious. “I want to see what scenery my sister saw back then.”
Biezhi: "..."
It wouldn't be wrong to say you came to see the scenery.
Upon hearing this, Fu Shuning opened the corners of her mouth.
Her eyes darted around quickly, glancing around to make sure her brother hadn't arrived yet, before she asked curiously, "Is Ji Ran really that handsome?"
"Yes!" Biezhi nodded without hesitation, but she didn't see Jiran today and didn't know where he had gone. "Even the scar on his face can't hide his handsomeness."
Fu Shuning became even more curious.
Hearing the two talking back and forth beside him, Wang Chuan's temples were throbbing violently.
Inside the shop, the bodyguards disguised as diners all lowered their heads and ate the food in their bowls. The bodyguards, who usually had excellent hearing, were now like quails, with their heads almost buried in their bowls.
Fu Shuning searched around but couldn't find the man with the scar on his face. She asked Wang Chuan, "Isn't Ji Ran here?"
“Miss, your timing is unfortunate. Ji Ran just happened to be out today,” Wang Chuan said.
His words sounded very familiar.
Biezhi glanced at him sideways and said, "Maybe your petty brother specially arranged for him to go out when he knew I was coming."
Wang Chuan, who was carrying out the orders, smiled and did not deny it.
Upon seeing this, Fu Shuning clicked her tongue, becoming even more curious.
Putting aside everyone else, even Qin Xiao, she could tell at a glance that he liked Bizhi. However, her brother didn't seem to be particularly wary of him, which was better than nothing compared to his current vigilance against Ji Ran.
Qin Xiao could still be seen on other branches, but Ji Ran was nowhere to be seen.
After thinking for a moment, Biezhi said, "I'll secretly bring you to see him next time."
Fu Shuning nodded hurriedly: "There's no time like the present. If today doesn't work, we'll do it tomorrow."
The moment the words left their mouths, the two of them looked at Wang Chuan, who was standing beside them.
After listening to the whole story, Wang Chuan chuckled twice and assured him, "He will definitely be in the shop tomorrow."
As soon as he finished speaking, a bodyguard dressed as a waiter strode quickly from the backyard, bowed to the two of them, and then leaned down to whisper in his ear.
As Bie Zhi slowly sat down, her gaze towards Wang Chuan grew increasingly sharp, and her thoughts involuntarily followed theirs. "What happened?"
When asked the question, Wang Chuan hesitated for a moment, then gestured for the guards to leave. Under the girl's gaze, he finally said vaguely after a long while, "Miss, could you please send me to the backyard?"
Biezhi, who rarely saw him like this, frowned and subconsciously stood up. She glanced at Fu Shuning, who was looking up at her. Fu Shuning had naturally heard Wang Chuan's words and said, "Sister, go ahead. I have other people guarding here. Nothing will happen."
Upon hearing this, Biezhi looked past Wang Chuan and towards the guards behind him, saying, "Wait a moment, and remember to call me if you need anything."
Fu Shuning nodded and waved to signal her to leave without worry.
As soon as the girl's figure passed through the backyard gate, Fu Shuning immediately got up and followed her with great interest.
The lights in the courtyard were dimmer than usual, but Biezhi still spotted the figure standing there at a glance. The long shadow was stretched out by the night, and in this situation, she momentarily mistook the man standing there for Jiran.
She denied the idea almost immediately.
It is not silence.
It was Fu Huaiqing.
Realizing this, the girl's almond-shaped eyes gradually brightened. Ignoring the fact that there were other people in the backyard, she ran forward and rushed into the figure that had turned to face her upon hearing the sound.
Fu Huaiqing grabbed Biezhi, who rushed towards him without hesitation, and gazed down at her eyes, which were shining with a unique light.
Biezhi looked him up and down, noting that his attire was identical to when he disguised himself as Jiran, and exclaimed excitedly, "I didn't mistake him!"
Fu Huaiqing raised his hand and pinched her nose. "I wonder who it is that came looking for Jiran as soon as they arrived."
Upon hearing this, Biezhi pretended to be angry and turned to look at Wang Chuan under the eaves.
Wang Chuan quickly waved his hand, but he didn't say anything.
Seeing this, Biezhi looked away and deliberately asked with a stern face, "Eavesdropping on me?"
Her seemingly questioning expression was framed by a pair of sparkling, smiling eyes that were unbelievably beautiful. Fu Huaiqing was somewhat lost in thought. When he heard the girl's slightly puzzled "hmm" in his ear, he lowered his head slightly and placed a kiss on the corner of her lips.
Suddenly, Biezhi, who had just been kissed, blinked.
"You two don't seem to intend to hide it from anyone." Fu Huaiqing's large hand gripped her waist, pulling her half an inch closer until the distance between them was impenetrable. "Am I prettier, or is he prettier?"
It seemed like a question, but if she said Ji Ran was beautiful, he would definitely bite her hard. Having already seen through it, Bie Zhi hesitated for a long time without answering.
Seeing that she was actually thinking about it, Fu Huaiqing frowned slightly, lowered his head and bit the girl's lips.
The bitten branch wasn't angry; the corners of her mouth slowly turned up. She pushed against the man's chest with her palm, her lips, which were bitten very red, opening and closing: "Of course, Ji Ran is more handsome."
Fu Huaiqing: "..."
Seeing the man's slightly embarrassed expression, Biezhi couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Fu Huaiqing asked her tirelessly every day. At first, she would explain to him clearly what Ji Ran meant to her. And in terms of appearance, she still held her original opinion that his appearance was indeed the most handsome she had ever seen.
Unexpectedly, he asked this question every day, as if he wanted to confirm whether his thoughts had changed. If he hesitated in answering, he would stare at him like a grieving husband in his boudoir, and the next moment he would transform into a wolf king pouncing on its prey, grabbing it and taking it back to his den to devour it clean.
Now that he's outside, she figured he wouldn't act recklessly. She raised an eyebrow meaningfully, glanced sideways at the stone table under the treetop in the courtyard, and asked, "Do you remember?"
Fu Huaiqing followed her gaze.
"Who was it that rejected me here?" Biezhi feigned confusion as she pondered. "It seems to be you, pretending to be indifferent?"
Fu Huaiqing: "..."
"You've already rejected me, why are you getting physical now?" Bie Zhi took half a step back and pushed his chest.
Jiang Jiang took a half step back, and the large hand on her waist tightened again, pulling her back into his arms. He said, "I did think about agreeing to your request back then, but I regretted it after watching you leave that day."
Only now does he realize that everything was preordained.
The missed opportunity at that time was for a more suitable encounter in the future.
Upon hearing his words for the first time, Biezhi blinked. Before she could speak, she caught a glimpse of the Kongming lanterns rising all around her and couldn't help but look to the side. One after another, Kongming lanterns rose up, and in less than half a cup of tea's time, the sky was filled with the glow of Kongming lanterns.
Immediately afterwards, streaks of fireworks shot across the sky, bursting into bursts of light.
The dazzling Kongming lanterns reflected the rising fireworks, making Biezhi's eyes dazzled. She excitedly tugged at Fu Huaiqing's sleeve and pointed in the direction the fireworks were blooming, gesturing for him to look.
The lights shone brightly, generously illuminating the girl's joyful face. Her round, almond-shaped eyes were filled with dappled light and shadow, and the man's deep, dark eyes gradually revealed smiles as the corners of her mouth turned up.
Fu Huaiqing's gaze did not waver for a moment, but was completely fixed on the other branch.
Jiang Yue, who was waiting in the shadows, walked up behind his prince at the opportune moment, handed him the Kongming lantern that had been prepared in advance, and then quietly retreated.
"Should we release it?" Fu Huaiqing asked.
"Hmm?" Bie Zhi lowered her eyes and saw the Kongming lantern in the man's hand that had not yet been lit. She was stunned for a moment, then looked at the Kongming lanterns dancing in the sky with the breeze, and suddenly understood.
The scene I am seeing now was all prepared by him.
Biezhi took the Kongming lantern and said, "Okay."
Fu Huaiqing brought out the straw he had prepared beforehand, and even the oil filling needed for the Kongming lantern was ready. He looked for this and that, and Biezhi followed closely behind him.
The moment the small Kongming lantern ascended into the sky, Biezhi clasped her hands together slightly, closed her eyes, and made a wish. When she opened her eyes, the handsome face of the man came into view, and his expression seemed a little nervous.
Out of the corner of his eye, Fu Huaiqing glanced at the lanterns that had already risen and joined the others, then looked at the girl with sparkling eyes and asked, "Would you like to marry me?"
The man's clear, crisp voice entered my ears, like a refreshing spring that swept across the surroundings and nourished the parched treetops.
Seeing Fu Huaiqing's slightly tense expression because she hadn't spoken up immediately, Biezhi's eyes curved into a smile.
She said, "Okay."
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Author's note: I've been incredibly busy lately, but I finally have time to update today. Tomorrow's update will also be 7,000 words!
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