Shen Zhiyan nodded.
Duanwu, who was standing nearby, quickly took the things from Ye Caiping's hands.
Master Qian quickly handed the box to Duanwu and said respectfully, "I was able to pass the imperial examination this time thanks to Mr. Shen. I have come here today to express my gratitude."
Shen Zhiyan said, "If Master Qian wishes to come and discuss scholarship in the future, he may do so at any time."
Master Qian was overjoyed: "Really?"
"Um."
Master Qian was so happy he almost jumped for joy.
"Auntie." Shen Manman jumped in from outside.
Jin'er, Huan'er, Jinhua, and Ye Xuan followed closely behind.
Shen Manman said angrily, "I've heard about it all. Yesterday, you received an award and even went to watch the trial, but you didn't even tell me."
Ye Caiping laughed and said, "Everything happened so suddenly, I didn't even have time to tell you."
"Hmph." Shen Manman glanced at her. "Then you have to make it up to me."
"Okay, what do you want?"
Shen Manman had already thought it through: "Autumn is here, Auntie, why don't you come up the mountain with me? Isn't there a Shanyun Temple nearby? Jin'er, Huan'er, and Jinhua haven't been to a Taoist temple this year, have they? Let's go together and treat it as an autumn outing."
Ye Jin'er and Ye Huan'er were full of anticipation. Huan'er said, "I've never been before, Mother. I want to go."
Ye Caiping smiled and said, "Okay."
"Dad, let's go play!" Shen Manman stared at Shen Zhiyan with bright eyes: "I haven't been out for fresh air in so long."
Shen Zhiyan, holding his teacup, turned his face away and said calmly, "Then let's go."
"Yes, it's done!" Shen Manman was overjoyed. Turning around, she saw Master Qian sitting there again: "Grandpa, would you like to come along?"
Mr. Qian was very tactful and waved his hand with a smile: "No, thank you for the invitation, Miss Shen. I have arranged to have a small gathering with some old classmates and I was just about to take my leave."
Jin Hua said regretfully, "I have to go back to prepare for the embroidery shop, so I can't come."
Ye Xuan said, "Teacher, Aunt, I won't go either. I still have a lot of homework to finish."
Shen Zhiyan nodded.
Shen Manman smiled and said, "Then Xuan'er will be responsible for taking Grandpa and Jinhua home."
Shen Zhiyan's handsome face hardened slightly: "There is an order of seniority. How dare you address someone as 'Xuan'er'?"
Shen Manman pouted and said, "Then, Cousin Xuan, take Jin Hua and Grandpa back."
Shen Zhiyan was finally satisfied.
Ye Xuan shuddered. Had he misheard? Shen Manman called him cousin? Why did she call him cousin?
That's right, it must be this girl's playfulness; she's just mimicking Jin'er and calling him Huan'er. She even imitated the teacher calling him Xuan'er just now!
Ye Caiping said, "Jinhua, you can take my carriage home."
"good."
Master Qian smiled and glanced at Ye Caiping and Shen Zhiyan before taking his leave.
On Dragon Boat Festival, Ye Xuan and the other two left the Shen family together.
Ye Caiping's carriage was parked outside the gate. Ye Xuan said, "Teacher, I will escort you back."
Master Qian laughed and said, "No need. I live in this town, so I'll just take a walk."
"Well... I'll take my leave now, and visit you again when I have time."
Ye Xuan and Jin Hua left in a carriage.
After they left, Master Qian turned back and asked Duanwu, "I wonder when this old man will be able to attend Mr. Chen's wedding banquet?"
Duanwu said, "It'll be soon. Everything is ready now, except for the bride."
...
A large horse-drawn carriage slowly traveled along the wide mountain road.
Ye Caiping, Jin'er, Huan'er, and Shen Manman sat in the carriage, while Shen Zhiyan rode his horse alongside it.
The autumn air was crisp and clear, and the scenery was delightful.
Ye Jin'er and her two maids chatted excitedly, while Ye Caiping looked out the window at the scenery, feeling quite pleased.
Shen Zhiyan glanced at the carriage, a smile appearing in his eyes.
Soon, we arrived at the foot of the mountain.
Several people climbed the mountain together.
After climbing for 45 minutes, we finally reached Shanyun Temple at the top of the mountain.
Looking at the majestic Taoist temple in front of her, Shen Manman's eyes lit up: "Dad, Aunt, let's go worship the Old Man Under the Moon."
Ye Caiping laughed: "Mr. Shen, daughters grow up and leave home."
Shen Zhiyan turned to look at Shen Manman and smiled: "I'll arrange a marriage for you when we return to the capital for the New Year."
Shen Manman's face flushed red: "No, no, no, it's not... I, I just... Humph, when Grandmother asked you last year, Father said he would keep me until I was seventeen! How come he's gone back on his word now?"
"How could I go back on my word? It's all settled now, she'll get married at seventeen, isn't that perfect?"
Shen Manman was anxious. Was she digging a hole for herself?
"Let's go to the Temple of the Matchmaker." Shen Zhiyan said, looking at Ye Caiping, his cold and aloof eyes softening with warmth: "Lady Ye, shall we come together?"
Ye Caiping nodded: "Okay!"
Ye Jin'er and Ye Huan'er squinted at the two of them.
The group entered the Taoist temple together and, led by a young Taoist boy, arrived at the Hall of the Old Man Under the Moon.
Ye Caiping and Shen Zhiyan stood in front of the bronze statue of the Old Man Under the Moon, clasped their hands together, and closed their eyes in prayer.
Ye Jin'er and Ye Huan'er stood outside, not daring to go in; they certainly didn't want to get married so soon...
They stared at Ye Caiping and her companion's retreating figures, seemingly lost in thought.
One was delicate and graceful, the other tall and elegant. From afar, they looked so harmonious and beautiful, like an ancient painting, and they were a perfect match.
Shen Manman didn't dare to go in either. She leaned against the doorpost, showing only half her face, and glared angrily at the two of them.
In my heart, I silently prayed: "Old Man of the Moon, please open your eyes! Please don't grant my father's request and marry me off. Look at these two people in front of me, how well-matched they are! Please, use the red thread to bind them together like a cocoon!"
After paying their respects to the Old Man Under the Moon, Ye Caiping and Shen Zhiyan came out.
Shen Manman walked ahead in a sullen mood.
Then the group paid homage to the Three Pure Ones, the Jade Emperor, and other deities.
"Dad, Aunt, let's go draw a fortune stick!" Shen Manman said.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
