After He Yunxiao said he wanted to marry Fan Ziruo, his father-in-law, Fan Changshu, did not ask many questions or check He Yunxiao's household registration book like many parents of brides would.
Instead, he readily agreed.
“Okay,” Fan Changshu said.
He Yunxiao had already prepared his remarks and was ready to introduce himself.
He boasted about his noble title, his family fortune, the number of houses he owned, and the extent of his power...
He didn't expect Fan Changshu to agree without even asking.
"Uncle Fan...aren't you going to say something?"
Fan Changshu laughed and said, "Are you asking why I don't ask about your family situation?" Before He Yunxiao could reply, Fan Changshu took a sip of tea and continued, "My daughter has grown up and has her own ideas. It would be pointless for me to ask."
"father."
Beside He Yunxiao, the usually quiet Ruobao let out a dissatisfied cry.
Fan Changshu said, “My daughter is mature, steady, sensible, and has her own opinions. The person I, Fan Changshu, can like, she may not like. The person she likes, I can definitely like. Actually, your Uncle Fan prefers Chu Fan a bit more, but He Yunxiao, since Zi Ruo has chosen you, I wholeheartedly approve and have no objections. I just hope that you will treat her well in the future and not betray her deep affection.”
He Yunxiao said earnestly, "Don't worry, I will! From now on, Fan Ziruo will be my darling. I will cherish her and never let her suffer any injustice."
He Yunxiao's "modern-style expression of loyalty" made Fan Changshu uncomfortable. "No, no, there's no need for that. She's a young woman; she should endure hardship and suffering as she's meant to. Spoiling her has never been the tradition of the Fan family."
He Yunxiao recalled that morning when Ruobao's skin, as tender as tofu, as smooth as silk, and as white as cream, would bruise easily from even the slightest pressure. Her delicate body couldn't withstand even a short time holding its breath; it was clear she had never done any heavy work in her life. Wasn't this just being pampered?
My father-in-law is a master of double standards. If he really wrongs my son, he'll probably come knocking on our door with a knife.
He Yunxiao saw through it but didn't say anything, and quickly flattered Fan Changshu, saying, "Father-in-law is absolutely right!"
Since she was old enough to understand, Fan Ziruo had rarely shown weakness in front of her father, but now that she was with He Yunxiao, he could make decisions for her. Right now, the clever He Yunxiao was flattering her father, and she had no choice but to follow suit and agree.
Fan Changshu had indeed initially favored Chu Fan. After all, Chu Fan was the son of his elder brother, Chu Tianzhu, and was an upright and virtuous man with exceptional martial arts talent. He was truly a worthy son-in-law.
But the more he looked at He Yunxiao, the more pleasing he found him. Putting everything else aside, the boy's ability to know when to be pragmatic was something Chu Fan could never match through flattery. Moreover, when Fan Changshu saw even his usually obedient daughter, Fan Ziruo, showing him goodwill, he felt genuinely happy.
Fan Changshu was calm and reserved, not good at expressing himself, and so was Fan Ziruo. The relationship between father and daughter could be described, to some extent, as "keeping to themselves." Both were reserved and polite, which made them appear quite distant.
Now, with He Yunxiao being the troublemaker, the father-daughter relationship has actually become closer.
"Yunxiao."
"Your son-in-law is here."
"Listen to me first."
"Father-in-law, please speak. Your son-in-law is all ears."
Fan Changshu, flattered by He Yunxiao, said with a smile, "Although I did agree to your request, the necessary procedures still need to be followed."
In the State of Qi, the marriage process typically involved a matchmaker visiting first, followed by a meeting between the parents of both families. Then, the parents would meet with each other to discuss their children's future, though sometimes this wasn't necessary. After the mutual agreement was reached, the groom's family would present betrothal gifts, the bride's family would prepare her dowry, and a date would be chosen for the engagement. The engagement could be a formality or a minor one, serving as a prelude to the wedding. After the engagement, the wedding would take place within a month to three years.
He Yunxiao remained expressionless. He knew the wedding process; otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to propose marriage without being prepared for the chaotic situation.
“Alright, I’ll go back and persuade my father to come to the Fan family to propose marriage.” He Yunxiao readily agreed.
Fan Changshu nodded in satisfaction. Fan Ziruo maintained her sweet smile throughout.
...
The He family had no idea that He Yunxiao had secretly gone to the Yan Kingdom. He Yunxiao's explanation for his ten-day disappearance was that he had been conscripted by the royal family to guard the gate.
Because of the implicit connection of "betrothal to He Xiaoyue," the people in the He family all understood He Yunxiao's explanation and simply assumed he was too happy to leave, so they didn't ask any further questions.
Jiang Wuyou has been keeping out of the news lately.
The failure of the Qi Kingdom's spies to rescue her parents last time was tantamount to directly revealing her betrayal of Yan and defection to Qi. Consequently, her spies received news from Yan Kingdom one after another that they either went into hiding, were transferred from Yinjing, or were captured by Mengbao, resulting in their deaths or injuries.
However, Jiang Wuyou still received news of He Yunxiao's trip to Yan Kingdom instead of the royal palace through a special channel—Princess Qi, Lin Anjian.
This beautiful woman has recently shown great interest in the Marquis of Wuqing's residence, visiting every few days. She then brings Jiang Wuyou news from the Yan Kingdom, such as how He Yunxiao has already rescued her mother.
Meanwhile, this beautiful woman frequently inquired about He Yunxiao's affairs indirectly, showing no restraint whatsoever, even asking about his sexual life. Jiang Wuyou answered as usual, but had no idea what this woman was up to.
He Yunxiao did not tell his father about his intention to marry Fan Ziruo immediately. He first went to his parents to let them know that he was safe and sound, and then hurried to Jiang Wuyou's room.
"My wife! I missed you so much!" As soon as He Yunxiao saw Sister Jiang, he threw himself into her arms without saying a word.
Jiang Wuyou was both amused and exasperated by He Yunxiao's enthusiasm. She comforted him while letting him hug her silently.
Ever since He Yunxiao was forced to live in the woodshed, he had no room of his own, so Jiang Wuyou's room naturally became his room. Before going to Yan, he would either snuggle into Jiang Wuyou's bed and sleep with her, or he would be rolling around in bed with Mengbao in the palace.
The former is actually sleeping, the latter is exercising.
On the journey to Yan, He Yunxiao, having suddenly lost Jiang Wuyou's bed, truly realized how precious Sister Jiang was. None of those hard mattresses could compare to the comfort of Sister Jiang herself.
Do you even understand what the charm of a voluptuous woman is?
Jiang Wuyou was plump and, being a trained dancer, possessed a body that felt incredibly soft and supple. Extensive intimacy with her was a supreme pleasure.
It's fragrant, soft, warm, and smooth...
"Alright, have you hugged me enough? You're acting like a little kid." Jiang Wuyou stroked He Yunxiao's head, her face full of affection.
"No, I can never get enough of holding my wife's body," He Yunxiao said shamelessly.
Jiang Wuyou smiled faintly and let him continue to hold her. Jiang Wuyou wasn't lacking in intelligence compared to Mengbao and Ruobao; on the contrary, she possessed it, but she didn't reveal it. Having risen to the rank of courtesan, Jiang Wuyou understood men's minds best. She knew that men liked intelligent girls, but they liked even more girls who admired them.
Being too clever or too showy is not a good thing.
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