Chapter 81 Proposing to Pei Ji, Will You Marry Me?
Yu Man had no intention of coming face to face with Zhang Jian. Just as she turned around, Zhang Jian, who was standing in front of the counter in the outer room, seemed to sense something and turned his head without warning, his gaze piercing through the gap in the bamboo curtain and landing in her direction.
Their eyes met, and even through the bamboo curtain, Yu Man could still feel the gaze. Now that she had been discovered, trying to avoid it would only seem deliberate.
She had no choice but to stop and nod slightly in Zhang Jian's direction. Suddenly, Luo Wanxi's face flashed through her mind; she wondered about the relationship between the two.
When Zhang Jian saw her, his face showed little surprise. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, seemingly glancing at her cloaked figure and slightly slender frame. He then nodded almost imperceptibly and looked away, as if he had simply bumped into an ordinary acquaintance. He took the pastries Xue Han had wrapped, paid for them, and turned to leave the shop.
Seeing that the food stall was running smoothly, and that Xue Han and Shan Chun were both busy, Yu Man insisted that they not see her off, saying that she would walk back slowly and get some exercise. Xue Han couldn't persuade her otherwise, so she carefully told her to be careful and then asked Shan Chun to see her to the alley entrance.
Yu Man walked slowly along the bluestone path of Yulin Lane alone. Just as he turned out of the alley, he saw a figure in a blue robe standing quietly under a locust tree not far away. It was Zhang Jian.
Clearly, he was waiting for her.
Yu Man paused slightly, then stepped forward calmly: "Young Master Zhang, it's been a long time."
Zhang Jian turned around. His demeanor was aloof and upright, and even in the warm atmosphere, he seemed to carry a hint of cold detachment. He nodded, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, before speaking. His voice was clear and resonant, like the clinking of jade stones, yet his tone was direct: "Madam Yu, are you feeling better?" He was asking about her injuries from a few days ago, presumably having heard about them from Xue Han.
"Thank you for your concern, Young Master Zhang. I'm much better now," Yu Man said with a smile.
After exchanging pleasantries, the two strolled slowly down the street. Zhang Jian didn't talk much, but his words were clear. Yu Man then learned that he was no longer in the Hanlin Academy, but had been transferred to the Censorate as a supervising censor. This coincided with the original novel's plot where he eventually took up a position in the judicial system.
Yu Man glanced at his profile, unsure of what to do. Was he planning to give her a ride?
After walking a few steps, Zhang Jian suddenly said again: "A few days ago, on the Empress Dowager's birthday, there was an incident of a horse running wildly and injuring people on Zhuque Street. An imperial censor has already submitted a memorial impeaching the perpetrators. The people involved have all been punished according to the law, some by fines, some by caning, and some by confinement."
Yu Man's heart skipped a beat. Her first thought was: Could it be that Pei Ji was secretly behind this? Her second thought was: The punishment of such a court official is a matter of state, and she, a commoner, should not have known about it so quickly.
Zhang Jian seemed to see through her momentary doubt, his gaze fixed straight ahead as he explained, “It’s not a secret. His Majesty is furious. Taking this incident as an opportunity, he has reaffirmed the importance of maintaining order in the capital and ordered the Ministry of Justice and the Prefect of the Capital to revise relevant laws and regulations to severely punish those who ride horses recklessly in the city, causing injury or damage. Notices have been posted in the Prefectural Government and at all city gates as a warning to others.” He paused, “If Lady Yu has time, she can go and take a look.”
So that's how it is. The imperial court is using this as an excuse to rectify public order.
Yu Man felt somewhat relieved and nodded, saying, "So that's how it is. Your Majesty is wise."
The two chatted casually, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the alley where Xilaiju was located. Yu Man stopped and turned to Zhang Jian to sincerely thank him: "Thank you for seeing me off, Young Master Zhang, and for telling me all this."
Zhang Jian shook his head: "It's just on the way, Madam Yu, no need to be so polite." He watched as Yu Man was led inside by the servants who came out from inside the door, until the black lacquered door closed gently, cutting off the view between inside and outside. Only then did he slowly turn around and walk back the way he came.
What he hadn't told Yu Man was that the fate of those few纨绔 (playboys) who were impeached went far beyond the punishments they received on the surface.
The youngest son of the Marquis of Yongchang suffered a severe ulceration and high fever that very night after returning home, and did not survive more than two days. The nephew of the Minister of Revenue fell into the pond in the back garden and drowned the day before yesterday while drunk at home; the second young master of the Liang family was found dead in his villa this morning, the cause of death being a sudden illness... Each of these events seems to be an accident, but the timing is chillingly coincidental.
Rumors were already circulating in the capital, some saying it was retribution, others that he had offended someone he shouldn't have. He had a gut feeling that there was more to this than met the eye; the accidents were too swift and clean, more like the work of a human. But he had no evidence, and he wouldn't share these unresolved speculations with Yu Man, needlessly causing her worry.
However, Pei Ji, who always had a gentle and calm expression... Zhang Jian's eyes darkened slightly, but he did not stop walking, and his figure gradually blended into the crowd on the long street.
Yu Man returned home and, as he crossed the front yard, saw two servants carrying a heavy sandalwood chest towards the backyard. The chest was antique in style and had a deep, glossy lacquer finish, making it look quite valuable.
"What is this...?" Yu Man asked casually, "What did Lord Pei buy this time?"
A servant stopped and respectfully replied, "Your Highness, this was not purchased by Lord Pei. It was delivered by two young masters, one surnamed Jin and the other surnamed Chunyu. They said it was an old item that Lord Pei had temporarily stored with them, and now it has been returned to its rightful owner."
Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhi? They've been here? Yu Man was somewhat surprised: "What about those two young masters? Have they been invited in for tea?"
"He delivered the gifts and left, saying he had urgent business to attend to and couldn't stay long," the servant replied.
Yu Man nodded and didn't ask any more questions, only instructing them to move the box carefully. Just as she was about to return to her room, she heard a few slight noises coming from a box that had just been moved past her, as if it were a living thing.
She paused, saying, "Wait a minute."
The servant immediately stopped.
"Open it and take a look," Yu Man gestured.
The servant put down the box, carefully unlocked the brass lock, and lifted the lid. Inside, thick, soft brocade lined the room, and on top of that, two wild geese lay side by side!
The geese had full, glossy plumage; one had beautiful grey-brown markings, while the other was more silvery-grey. Their necks were long and slender, and they were slightly moving their heads, their dark eyes watching the outside world warily. Red silk cords, symbolizing good fortune and celebration, were carefully tied to their ankles and beaks.
The two geese were clearly well cared for; they looked relaxed, their wings undamaged, and against the backdrop of the brocade inside the box, they possessed a magnificent beauty.
Yu Man was taken aback at first, her first thought being: such a plump goose, was it sent to make soup? Pei Ji knew that she had been drinking medicinal soup lately and her mouth felt bitter... But then, her gaze fell on that glaring red rope, and in a flash, a thought struck her like a thunderbolt—
This isn't food! This is a wild goose being hired!
In ancient betrothal rites, geese were presented as betrothal gifts, symbolizing the interaction of yin and yang, the orderly relationship between husband and wife, and unwavering fidelity.
These two fresh geese, tied with red strings, are essential items for the "betrothal" ceremony before the formal marriage proposal!
Is he planning to propose?
Yu Man's face inexplicably flushed. She quickly looked away and, forcing herself to remain calm, said to the servants, "Quickly, quickly cover them up! Take good care of them, don't hurt them... don't let them escape. Move them all to the storeroom and store them carefully."
"Yes." The servant did as instructed.
Yu Man almost stumbled back to her room, closed the door, leaned against it, and finally let out a long sigh of relief, raising her hand to press against her still wildly beating heart.
Good heavens... she actually saw it beforehand.
I used to see videos online where girls complained about their boyfriends secretly planning to propose, only to be caught by their girlfriends first—it was both funny and frustrating. I never imagined that one day, such a dramatic thing would happen to me.
I'll definitely pretend.
We absolutely cannot let him know that we've found out! Otherwise, wouldn't all the surprise he's carefully prepared be for nothing?
But... what tone and expression should I use to respond in a way that seems natural and doesn't give me away? What if he's testing me?
Yu's mind was in complete turmoil, imagining countless possible scenarios, and he spent the entire afternoon pondering them.
As evening fell, Pei Ji brought in her daily dose of tonic as usual, only to find her lost in thought, staring at the storybook in her hand, not turning a single page for a long time.
"What's wrong?" He placed the medicine bowl on the small table next to her and asked gently.
Yu Man snapped back to reality, almost dropping the book. "N-nothing!" she said guiltily, picking up the medicine bowl and pretending to drink it, but her eyes couldn't help but steal glances at him.
Pei Ji sat down beside her bed, watching her sip her medicine, his brows furrowing slightly: "Is the medicine very bitter?"
"Ah? It's not bitter, it's fine." Yu Man quickly shook her head, finished the rest of her medicine in one gulp, put down the bowl, and still couldn't help staring at him. Under the lamplight, his expression was as calm and gentle as ever. Was he... secretly preparing? When would he speak?
Pei Ji felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze and raised his hand to touch his face: "Is there something on my face?"
"No!" Yu Man immediately denied, her eyes darting around. She decided to test the waters first, and also... lay the groundwork for him. She cleared her throat and casually began, "By the way, I... don't really like places that are crowded or noisy. Like those places where a lot of people are gathered around in public..." Was her hint obvious enough? Please, no public kneeling proposal! She was afraid she'd be so embarrassed she'd dig a hole in the Xilaiju restaurant with her toes!
Upon hearing this, Pei Ji was slightly taken aback at first, then a look of understanding flashed across his eyes. He nodded, readily agreeing, "Alright, I understand." He paused, considering his schedule, "I have a day off the day after tomorrow, and I was originally thinking... the autumn scenery along the Jade Belt River in the western suburbs of the capital is quite nice, and the boats are elegant. Since you don't like crowds, then we won't go."
"Huh?" Yu Man was dumbfounded.
Wait a minute! A river cruise? A pleasure boat? Autumn scenery on the water?
"No!" she blurted out, meeting Pei Ji's ambiguous gaze, and forced herself to say, "It's nice to go for a walk in a place with few people and beautiful scenery once in a while. The Jade Belt River in the western suburbs sounds good."
Pei Ji finally chuckled softly: "Alright, then let's go."
For the next two days, Pei Ji behaved as usual. He attended court on time, returned home to dine with her, read with her, handled official business, and said goodbye and left at night, showing no signs of anything amiss.
Yu Man gradually felt a sense of uncertainty. Had he... changed his mind? Did he... have other plans?
On the day of the river cruise, the sun shone brightly. The Jade Belt River was indeed as Pei Ji had described: the scenery was serene and tranquil, the water flowed gently, lotus and water chestnuts floated on the banks, their fragrance spreading with the waves, willows drooped along the banks, their branches brushing the water, and reeds bloomed like snow.
They rented a small, clean, and elegant painted boat. The boatman and his wife quietly rowed at the stern, leaving the spacious cabin for them.
The boat sails on the water, pushing aside the shimmering waves.
Pei Ji was unusually dressed today in a moon-white, wide-sleeved robe, his dark hair half-tied up with a jade hairpin, giving him an air of refined elegance and making him look incredibly handsome. He patiently accompanied her, watching her lean against the boat railing and reach out to scoop up lotus leaves from the water. Even when she was staring at the vendors selling candied hawthorns on the shore, he discreetly had the boatman dock and went down to buy two skewers himself.
The sugar coating on the candied hawthorn skewers is crystal clear, and the hawthorns are bright red.
Yu Man took a bite, the sweet and sour taste melting in her mouth. She thought to herself, however, that he had been almost completely obedient to her today.
The painted boat slowly sailed into a more secluded river bend. As the sun set, it dyed half the sky and the water a warm orange-gold color, with shimmering light dancing on the surface and still reflections sinking like jade.
Yu Man held the bamboo skewer left over from eating the candied hawthorn and tapped it against the side of the boat. She stole a glance at Pei Ji, only to find that he was also looking at her.
She quickly looked away, but the other person grabbed her wrist.
"Xiaoman." Pei Ji turned around first, looked at her, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were somewhat troubled. "Have I done something wrong these past two days?"
Yu Man was taken aback: "No, you're fine."
"Then why do you always seem to hesitate to speak to me?" Pei Ji took two steps closer, looking at her intently with a probing gaze. "It's been like this for the past two days."
Yu Man blinked: "You don't know?"
Pei Ji frankly admitted, "I could guess it in the past, but I didn't know this time."
Yu Man took a deep breath and said frankly, "I saw the betrothal goose in the box that day."
Pei Ji suddenly realized that Jin Chuchuan and Chunyu Zhi had left in such a hurry that he hadn't had a chance to tell them he had changed his mind and would leave the things for the time being. He hadn't expected that she would see him like this.
He laughed and said, "I see."
Yu Man didn't mince words: "So I thought you were planning to propose marriage."
Pei Ji paused for a moment, then nodded very lightly but firmly: "...Yes, I intend to."
Yu Man felt a surge of sweetness in her heart and was about to say something when she heard him say again, "But not now."
No? Yu Man was taken aback, subconsciously glancing around—the setting sun shone like gold, the autumn waters stretched to the horizon, the painted boat swayed gently, and there was no one around. This atmosphere, this scenery, what could possibly be wrong with it?
But soon, she understood from his calm eyes. When he said "no," he didn't mean the location or environment was wrong, but rather the timing.
It is clear that he still has concerns.
Looking at his slightly furrowed brow and the deep concentration in his eyes, she suddenly understood.
He was planning what he considered the most secure and worry-free future for them. Before that, he even wanted to make things as simple and pure as proposing marriage flawless.
The slight annoyance and unease in my heart suddenly dissipated, turning into a warm, sore feeling.
The two remained silent for a moment.
Yu Man suddenly stepped forward, reached out her arms, and gently wrapped them around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest. Through the fabric, she could feel his heartbeat quicken; her body, it seemed, was telling the truth.
She hugged him for only a brief moment before stepping back half a step and looking up at him.
The afterglow shone in her eyes, and Pei Ji couldn't bear to look away, staring intently at her.
The person opposite him tilted their head slightly, a domineering smile on their face unlike any they had ever seen before. Their tone seemed to be a playful jest, yet it was utterly serious.
"But I think this is the best time."
She clenched her fists nervously and asked clearly, word by word:
"Pei Ji, will you marry me?"
As the words fell, the distant calls of returning birds echoed in their hearts.
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Author's Note: My little sister is so direct, who could resist? [hugs]
I'll post it as soon as I finish writing it, around midnight. Updates will be around that time from now on, or maybe 9 AM. Kids, you don't need to wait; you can read it after you wake up!
Thank you again, and I'll be giving away red envelopes to everyone! [milk tea emoji]
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