Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 739 Does the Sheng Family Possess a Secret to Climbing the Social Ladder? [Thank you! Thank you again! 33k words owed]

on the street,
The rumble of cars
A Korean government carriage is traveling on its way back to the capital.

Three women were sitting in the carriage.

The two younger women were the wives of Han Erlang and Han Wulang, while the other woman, about the same age as Bai Shi, was Han Chengyun's mother.

"Oh my goodness!"

“Mother-in-law, it’s been many years since we’ve seen such a grand celebration on the first day of the Lunar New Year in the capital.”

"They say that those near the water get the moon first, and flowers facing the sun bloom easily in spring. My daughter-in-law thinks this matter is most likely related to the Sheng family's daughter."

The young woman sitting on one side of the carriage, Han Chengyun's wife, was holding a hand warmer and smiling as she sighed.

The second wife of the Han family, who was in the middle of the carriage, smiled and nodded upon hearing this:

"Goro is right! Today is going to be a great day!"

"When we were summoned to the palace while we were staying at the back, look at the smug look on Princess Pingning's face as she turned around to look at us!"

"Who would have thought! Tsk tsk! Before she even finished paying her respects at the New Year's ceremony, her own son completely humiliated her in front of His Majesty and the Empress!"

"We're all from the Duke's mansion, she just has a good father, what's she so smug about in front of me!"

Another young woman straightened her fur coat and nodded with a smile: "Mother-in-law is absolutely right!"

"My wife thinks they deserve it! So what if they studied for the imperial examinations? They act like some other family's sons can't study."

Han Chengyun's mother nodded repeatedly.

The woman in the fur coat continued, "Mother-in-law, I remember the last time there was such a commotion on the first day of the Lunar New Year was because of that big joke that happened to the Yuan family of the former Marquis of Zhongqin, right?!"

The young wife, holding a hand warmer, said, "Sister-in-law, you have such a good memory!"

The second wife of the Han family also nodded with a smile.

suddenly,

The mistress's smile froze.

Then, looking at his two daughters-in-law with great interest, he said, "Speaking of this, it reminds me of something else!"

"Fifth son, do you know which family's daughter the second son of the former Marquis of Zhongqin's family was betrothed to?"

Han Chengyun's wife pondered for a moment, then shook her head and said, "Mother-in-law, that happened five or six years ago. I really don't know about it!"

"It's normal that you haven't heard of this because you come from a humble background."

Upon hearing her mother-in-law's words, Han Chengyun's wife's smile faltered, and she looked up at her sister-in-law opposite her, whose lips were slightly upturned.

Although Han Wulang's wife's smile didn't disappear, she gripped the hand warmer in her hand tightly for a moment, then lowered her head and replied:
“Mother-in-law is right! Daughter-in-law is often away from Beijing, so naturally she has less experience.”

The second wife of the Han family, completely disregarding her daughter-in-law's feelings, continued with a smile, "Second son's family, do you know?"

"Mother-in-law, I've heard a little about it!"

Touching the fur coat, the woman glanced smugly at her sister-in-law and continued, "It seems to be Madam Sheng, the second eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion."

Han Chengyun's wife was taken aback upon hearing this and looked up in surprise.

Seeing her sister-in-law standing there dumbfounded, the young woman smiled and said, "Mother-in-law, if you hadn't reminded us, we really wouldn't have realized that these two big commotions are actually related to the Sheng family in Jiying Lane!"

"Mother-in-law, do you think this Sheng family girl has some secret to marrying into a higher social class?"

When she spoke her second sentence, the woman was looking at her sister-in-law.

It seems to be talking about the Sheng family, but it sounds more like they're mocking and ridiculing their own sister-in-law.

Han Chengyun's wife could only pretend not to understand the meaning behind his words and nodded with a smile.

"Now that this has happened, I wonder how the Sheng family will deal with it!"

"If this isn't handled properly, the Sheng family's daughter's reputation might be ruined."

As she spoke, the second wife of the Han family looked at her daughter-in-law and said with a smile, "When the time comes, if you still can't get pregnant, don't blame me, your mother, for having to find a concubine for your husband."

"Yes, mother-in-law."

Han Wulang's wife lowered her head and replied without a smile.

Xingguofang
Ningyuan Marquis's Residence

Although the family has separated, the three branches of the Gu family, both main and branch, still live in the same courtyard.

Of course, the two concubines no longer had the opportunity to visit the palace to offer New Year's greetings on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

In the morning, the eldest son went to the palace to pay New Year's respects.

The mistress of the fifth house went to chat with the fourth house.

To put it nicely, it was the fifth branch of the family showing respect to the fourth branch's elder brother and sister-in-law.

To put it bluntly, it was like the fifth room sharing the charcoal fire used by the fourth room for heating.

The Gu family's four courtyards

In the inner room of the main house,

"Sister-in-law, the candied fruit I ate in your courtyard before was delicious. In a couple of days, some relatives will be coming to pay their respects for the New Year. Would you mind bringing me some?" the fourth wife said with a smile.

Just as the fifth wife of the Gu family was about to speak, the cotton curtain in the inner room was lifted.

"Madam!" the old woman from the fourth household called out urgently.

"What's wrong? Why are you in such a panic?"

Seeing the old woman's expression, the fourth wife frowned and said, "Why are you looking at my sister-in-law? Speak your mind!"

"Yes, Madam! I just heard from the servants that today, Young Master Qi from next door wanted to be married in front of His Majesty in the palace!"

"What? A request for a marriage decree?" the fourth wife of the Gu family asked urgently, "Is it true?"

"It's true!" the old woman hurriedly said. "The servants around Xingguo Ward are all talking about it!"

"Good heavens!" The two women exchanged an incredulous glance.

"Fourth Sister-in-law, how about we..." The fifth wife of the Gu family raised her chin in the direction of the Duke of Qi.

The fourth wife asked, "Have the carriages and horses from the Duke of Qi's mansion returned?"

The old woman hesitated and said, "I heard he hasn't returned yet."

"go!"

The two mistresses quickly dressed and stepped outside.

After leaving the house,

Taking the hand warmers offered by the maid, the two mistresses linked arms and quickened their pace.

Outside the house,

When the two mistresses of the Gu family's small branch arrived at the gate of the Duke of Qi's mansion with their servants and maids, the Duke of Qi's tall carriage, made of expensive materials, was already heading towards the gate.

"close the door!"

In the Qi family's carriage,
Princess Pingning's voice, cold as ice, rang out.

The gatekeeper and servant hurriedly agreed.

As he closed the door, the gatekeeper of the Qi family, seeing the two mistresses of the Gu family not far away, politely cupped his hands and said, "Ladies, are you busy?"

The matriarch of the fifth branch of the Gu family pointed and said, "Ah! Let's go wish our eldest sister-in-law a Happy New Year!"

After saying that, he asked, "What is this place, Your Majesty?"

"Dangdang!"

The gatekeeper gave a fake smile, said nothing, and simply closed the gate.

The two matriarchs shook their heads with a smile and said, "Oh! This is so ill-mannered! Not even answering a question!"

suddenly,

"get off!"

Through the gate,

A powerful woman's voice could be faintly heard.

The two mistresses of the Gu family's small house were taken aback upon hearing this. After exchanging a glance, they hurriedly walked towards the main gate of the Gu family.

"get off!"

In the courtyard of the Duke's Mansion,
Princess Pingning suppressed her anger and said coldly, "Don't wait for me to say it a second time!"

"Yuanruo!" the Duke of Qi called out from beside the carriage.

The words just fell,

Qi Heng stepped out of the carriage with a shifty look in his eyes. After glancing at Princess Pingning, he lowered his head and stepped off the carriage using the stool.

Princess Pingning flicked her sleeves, glanced at the crowd around the carriage, and said sternly, "Buwei, Li Chong, and that coachman surnamed Wang, all of you get to the main hall in the backyard."

"You!" Princess Pingning looked at the strong servants who had come with her as part of her dowry from the Marquis of Xiangyang's residence: "Prepare sticks and ropes."

The servant bowed and clasped his hands in greeting: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, both the servant and Li Chong felt their legs go weak.

Subsequently,

With a stern face, the Pingning County Chieftain led the Duke of Qi toward the main hall in the backyard, and the others hurriedly followed.

The main hall was fairly warm.
The exquisitely carved incense burner, which stands on the ground, is about half a person's height, from which wisps of smoke rise.

But at the command of Princess Pingning, who was wearing a mink coat, the cotton curtain at the door was lifted and secured, and cold air and natural light rushed into the room.

Sitting on a daybed in the main hall, the Duke of Qi leaned forward and whispered, "My lady, calm down! Yuan Ruo is young and doesn't think things through."

Princess Pingning turned her head and glared at him, and Duke Qi awkwardly stopped talking.

Princess Pingning then looked at Qi Heng, who had walked to the chair, and scolded him, "Who told you to sit down?"

Qi Heng quickly stood up straight.

at this time,

The servant boy Buwei, Li Chong, and coachman Wang Huzi all arrived at the main hall in the backyard.

"This humble servant greets Your Majesty."

The coachman, Wang Huzi, bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty!"

Princess Pingning said calmly.

"Pfft."

Buwei and Li Chong reacted quickly, immediately kneeling down with their foreheads touching the ground.

Upon seeing this, Wang Huzi quickly knelt down and glanced at the Duke of Qi.

After the three people knelt down, the main hall fell silent, and a cold wind blew in from the doorway.

After a while,

Princess Pingning gritted her teeth and said coldly, "You must already know what happened in the palace today."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent again.

“Speak!” Princess Pingning said.

"know."

"I don't know."

The three people replied in fragmented voices.

The coachman, unable to explain himself, was confronted by Princess Pingning. She said, "Buwei, you are Heng'er's personal servant. I'm asking you, why did this happen?"

Kneeling on the ground,

Even on his knees and palms, Buwei could still feel the lingering warmth of the burning earthworm.

His throat bobbed, and he swallowed a mouthful of cold saliva. Not looking at the pattern on the floor tiles in front of him, he muttered, "Your Majesty, it was my...it was my dereliction of duty!"

Princess Pingning: "Are you aware of what happened in the palace today?"

"Your Majesty, I know. I even tried to persuade the young master last night. After I did, I thought he had given up the idea. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

Princess Pingning: "And you?"

The servant Li Chong raised his head blankly and shook his head, saying, "Your Majesty, I do not know."

Coachman Wang Huzi still looked bewildered. He had been busy driving the carriage today and hadn't had time to inquire about anything.

"So, Buwei, you know which girl your young master wants to ask for a marriage decree on his behalf?" Princess Pingning asked coldly.

Before the servant could answer, the Duke of Qi sighed helplessly and said, "Wang Liu, this is none of your business. You may leave."

Upon hearing this, Princess Pingning glanced at Duke Qi in surprise.

Seeing the calm and composed expression in the eyes of the Duke of Qi, who showed no sign of panic, Princess Pingning did not interfere further.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Sensing that the atmosphere was very strange, Wang Huzi quickly kowtowed, got up and walked outside.

After leaving the house,

Seeing the strong servants outside with sticks and ropes, Wang Huzi, who had just breathed a sigh of relief after thinking he was out of danger, started to feel anxious again.

Subsequently,

Thinking of Buwei, the servant who had known Qi Heng for many years and accompanied him to school, Wang Huzi shook his head regretfully.

After the person has gone far away,

Princess Pingning continued, "No, you tell me!"

Buwei, whose forehead was touching the ground, looked up and glanced at Qi Heng, who was standing beside him in a daze.

Seeing that Qi Heng had no reaction, Buwei kowtowed on the ground: "Your Majesty, the young master... he asked for it on behalf of the sixth young lady of the Sheng family."

Upon hearing this, Qi Heng pursed his lips tightly.

Upon hearing this, Princess Pingning's chest heaved violently a few times. She laughed angrily and said, "Haha! The sixth young lady of the Sheng family, is her name Sheng Minglan?"

"Ah, I remember now, this illegitimate daughter is quite beautiful and has a great figure!"

"How did she use her body, her seductive charm, to seduce your young master and get him to ask His Majesty for a marriage decree?"

"Where have they gotten to this point?"

"Mother! Don't say that! Sixth Sister, she..." Qi Heng looked up and spoke.

"Shut up!" Princess Pingning glared at Qi Heng and shouted sternly.

Seeing his mother's fury, Qi Heng quickly shut up.

"Your Majesty, the sixth young lady of the Sheng family has barely spoken a few words to the young master, let alone had any time alone with him. The young master begs Your Majesty to grant him a marriage." Buwei said, looking at Qi Heng again.

"It was all his own plan!"

Before she could finish speaking, Princess Pingning frowned even more deeply: "You're saying that your young master did all this voluntarily?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Princess Pingning closed her eyes in pain and took several deep breaths to keep herself from fainting.

Without opening her eyes, Princess Pingning leaned back in her chair and said, "There are so many noble families and aristocratic daughters in the capital, and you would go to His Majesty to ask for a marriage decree for such a lowly concubine's daughter."

“Heh!” Princess Pingning shook her head slightly.

Ignoring his father, Duke Qi, who was slightly shaking his head to signal him not to argue, Qi Heng said loudly, "Mother, she is not a lowly person!" Duke Qi sighed inwardly.

"Bang!" Princess Pingning slammed her hand heavily on the table.

The main hall fell silent once more.

Seeing Princess Pingning's anger, her personal maidservant, who was standing to the side, helped the princess calm down while looking at Qi Heng with reproach in her eyes.

"When did it start?" Princess Pingning asked in a calm tone.

“No, you say it,” the Duke of Qi hurriedly replied.

Sensing Princess Pingning's emotions, he said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, Duke, I cannot say the exact date."

"I suppose it's because the sixth daughter of the Sheng family has grown up and her appearance has blossomed in the past two years that the young master has taken a liking to her."

“Hehe.” Princess Pingning sneered: “No wonder you become so happy whenever the Sheng family is around.”

“Tell me yourself, is there anything else about the sixth daughter of the Sheng family? Don’t make me search your courtyard myself,” Princess Pingning asked.

Upon hearing this, Qi Heng lowered his head, using his silence to confront Princess Pingning.

They did not kowtow to the ground again at this moment, nor could they see Qi Heng's actions.

Duke Qi knew that Princess Pingning was a woman of her word.

Seeing Buwei's expression, and not wanting the mother and son to have too much of a scene, the Duke of Qi quickly said, "Buwei, if you know the answer to the question your mistress asked, just say it."

"Yes, Your Excellency!" Before finishing speaking, he kowtowed to Qi Heng and said, "Young Master, the Young Master is in the study."

"A portrait of the sixth daughter of the Sheng family is depicted."

The Duke of Qi glared.

Princess Pingning took a deep breath for what felt like the umpteenth time.

"Go, bring it here," Princess Pingning said to her personal maid.

"Yes."

The mother left the house.

Princess Pingning looked at Qi Heng and said with disappointment, "I sent you to the Sheng family to study, not to run wild!"

"Qi Heng, what happened to you?!"

Qi Heng raised his head and knelt on the ground anxiously: "Mother, I swear here that I only want my sixth sister."

"As long as I can arrange a marriage with my sixth sister, I will definitely study hard and prepare diligently for the imperial examination in February! At that time..."

Duke Qi shook his head and waved his hand, frowning as he said, "Yuanruo, stop talking!"

Qi Heng looked at the Duke of Qi and said anxiously, "Father! I, your son, am speaking from the heart! Please don't misunderstand Sixth Sister, she knows nothing about this!"

The Duke of Qi shook his head in annoyance: "Yuanruo, there are many things you don't know!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Heng looked at his parents blankly: "Father, what is it that I don't know?"

Duke Qi was about to speak, but looking at the female servants around the hall, he hesitated and said nothing.

The main hall in the backyard and Qi Heng's study are not far apart.
quickly,

Princess Pingning's personal mother, carrying several sheets of drawing paper, quickly returned with her maid.

"Miss."

The personal attendant handed several papers to Princess Pingning.

Qi Heng's gaze also fell on these few sheets of paper.

Princess Pingning glanced at it a few times, a mocking smile appearing on her lips: "Heh, you put a lot of effort into it! Wouldn't it be better to use that energy on your studies?"

Saying,

Princess Pingning rolled up the several sheets of drawing paper and suddenly stood up. Perhaps she stood up too quickly, because she swayed a little.

The mother rushed forward to help.

After dismissing her personal maid, Princess Pingning walked to the incense burner, which was half her height, and removed the lotus-shaped lid.

"Mother! You!" Qi Heng cried out.

Princess Pingning didn't hesitate for a moment, stuffing the drawing paper inside, then looked at Qi Heng who was about to come over and shouted, "Stop!"

Princess Pingning's personal mother also stepped forward and stood between Qi Heng and Princess Pingning.

"Mother!" Qi Heng stopped what he was doing, tears welling in his eyes, and said, "Mother, you...you can't do this!"

The smell of burning paper wafted from the incense burner.

Upon seeing this scene, Qi Heng collapsed to the ground, feeling utterly defeated.

Upon seeing this, the personal maid returned to Princess Pingning's side and whispered in her ear, "Princess, I've discovered that the inkstone in the young master's room is missing."

Princess Pingning, who was still angry, looked at her personal maid with suspicion and asked, "The inkstone is gone? Which inkstone?"

Duke Qi stepped forward to help Princess Pingning up. Before he could speak, Princess Pingning, who had just realized what was happening, questioned sharply, "Was it Zhengzheng who sent that inkstone engraved with Kui Xing pointing at the Big Dipper?"

The personal maid bowed her head and said, "I have checked the desk and bookshelves in the study, but I did not find that inkstone."

"Where are the things?" Princess Pingning questioned Qi Heng and Buwei.

The Duke of Qi, who was standing to the side, said softly, "My lady, don't be angry. The inkstone was most likely sent to the Sheng family by Yuan Ruo last year."

"Is that right?!" Princess Pingning shouted.

He didn't kowtow to the ground, but moved his head.

Qi Heng did not deny it.

Princess Pingning pulled Duke Qi forward a few steps and stretched out her arm: "Qi Heng, you!"

Just as she was about to slap Qi Heng, Princess Pingning felt a sudden dizziness.

"嘤——"

Princess Pingning sighed, barely breathing, then rolled her eyes and went limp.

"Miss!"

"Mother!"

Jiying Lane,
The Sheng family,

At the main gate,
"Shut up!"

"Xilulu!"

Xu Zaijing and Qingyun reined in their horses and stopped. The little horse and the others were panting heavily, exhaling white vapor.

The gatekeeper of the Sheng family, who was chatting idly at the entrance, hurriedly stepped forward with a smile and a cupped hand: "Fifth Young Master, Happy Chinese New Year! What brings you here today?"

Seeing Xu Zaijing dismount and remain silent, the gatekeeper of the Sheng family's smile vanished: "Fifth Young Master, you..."

"Something happened."

As Xu Zaijing spoke, he strode toward the second gate of the Sheng family.

"Oh! Are you going to Shou'an Hall or Weirui Pavilion?"

The gatekeeper, who was standing beside him, asked.

"Shou'an Hall, my elder brother and sister-in-law Hualan are behind us, they'll be there soon."

"I understand."

The gatekeeper said, waving to the servant who had followed him.

Upon arriving at the second gate, seeing the old woman dressed in new clothes, Xu Zaijing said, "Go and invite my cousin and his wife to Shou'an Hall."

"Yes, Fifth Young Master."

The backyard of the Sheng family

Shouantang,
Madam Cui hurriedly lifted the cotton curtain and saw the old lady sitting cross-legged in a day chair, leisurely drinking tea. She said urgently, "Grandma, Wulang is here."

The old lady smiled slightly: "Jing-ge'er? What brings this child here on the first day of the lunar month?"

The voice just fell,

Xu Zaijing then crouched down and passed through the cotton curtain to enter the inner room of Shou'an Hall.

"Great-aunt." Xu Zaijing bowed respectfully.

Seeing Xu Zaijing's expression and the content of his greeting, the old lady's smile disappeared: "Jing'er, is there something important?"

Xu Zaijing glanced at Minglan and Xiaotao who came out of the bedroom, and took a deep breath: "Yes, great-aunt! Mother and sister-in-law are behind us."

Upon hearing this, the old lady's expression became even more serious: "What's wrong?"

Xu Zaijing sighed: "Grandmother, we need to have Nagamaki and Sixth Sister's stepmother come over to talk to us."

"Minglan, go and call someone!" the old lady said solemnly, her brows furrowed.

Sensing something was amiss, Minglan quickly curtsied and said, "Yes, Grandmother."

“Minglan,” Xu Zaijing said.

Minglan was taken aback, looked at Xu Zaijing with her beautiful eyes, and asked, "Fifth Brother Xu, what's wrong?"

"Please, young lady, bring the things that Young Master Qi sent last year as well," Xu Zaijing said.

"Oh!" Minglan was taken aback. "I understand."

After nodding, Minglan led Xiaotao to the outer room.

Watching Minglan leave the room,

"Jing'er, what's wrong?" The old lady stopped sitting cross-legged and got off the day chair, preparing to put on the shoes next to it.

As Xu Zaijing rushed forward to help, he whispered, "Grandmother, please be prepared for what I'm about to say."

Upon hearing this, the old lady gave Xu Zaijing a deep look.

"Jing'er, there is no sadness in your eyes, so it must be that something has happened to your father?"

"Speak up. After living for so many years, I, this old woman, still have the ability to endure this much."

After the old lady finished speaking,
Xu Zaijing nodded slightly: "Grandmother, today when we went to the palace to pay New Year's respects, Yuan Ruo... he publicly asked His Majesty to grant us a marriage."

"A marriage bestowed by imperial decree?" the old lady asked incredulously, "Qi Yuanruo?"

Seeing Xu Zaijing nod, the old lady frowned and sighed, "How could this child dare to do that!"

Xu Zaijing helped the old lady catch her breath and looked at the concerned Fang Mama beside him, saying, "Grandmother, the servants around Yuanruo also said that they gave her an inkstone last year."

"I hope it's not that inkstone!"

Jin Anzhai
Wei Shuyi frowned as he looked at Nagamaki: "Nagamaki, where did you put that thing?"

Nagamaki pointed to a drawer.

Minglan walked over quickly, pulled out a drawer, and took out a wooden box.

Feeling the weight of the wooden box, Minglan was about to open it.

When I placed my finger on it, it was stopped by another hand with calloused fingertips.

"Minglan, don't move! It's best not to touch anything that would make Xu Wulang come to our house on the first day of the lunar month to take it away."

Wei Shuyi frowned and said solemnly.

"Yes, Madam." Minglan withdrew her finger.

"Let's go! Let's get there quickly."

Shouantang,
Looking exhausted and sleepy, Sheng Hong walked in with Wang Ruofu.

"Mother."

After bowing, the couple smiled at Xu Zaijing and asked, "Nephew, what brings you here today?"

Xu Zaijing, who was standing to the side, stood up and bowed in return, but had not yet spoken.

"Sixth Miss, Seventh Brother, and Wei Xiaoniang have arrived."

The preacher Danju Tong stood at the doorway.

After gesturing for Mr. and Mrs. Sheng Hong to sit down, the old lady turned her attention to the doorway.

Soon, Wei Shuyi, Minglan, and Nagamaki walked in together.

Upon seeing the people in the hall, Wei Shuyi and the others quickly bowed and greeted them.

Still unaware of what was happening, Sheng Hong looked curiously at the wooden box Wei Shuyi was holding.

Xu Zaijing asked, "Is this the wooden box Yuan Ruo gave me? Is there an inkstone inside? What does it look like?"

Wei Shuyi bowed and said, "Reporting to Young Master Xu, the young master said that there was an inkstone inside! After bringing it back, the wooden box was not opened, and we do not know what it looks like."

As Wei Shuyi spoke, Nagamaki nodded repeatedly beside him: "Brother Xu Wu, I put this wooden box in the drawer after I brought it back."

For the first time, a smile appeared on Xu Zaijing's serious face: "That's for the best!"

"Nephew, what... what's going on?" Sheng Hong looked around, still somewhat puzzled, and asked.

Wang Ruofu also had a normal expression.

The old lady sighed and said, "Today in the palace, Young Master Qi publicly begged His Majesty to grant him a marriage."

Sheng Hong: "Huh?"

Wang Ruofu: "What? Which noble lady is she?"

Wei Shuyi's heart stirred. He glanced at his daughter, who was extremely beautiful but had her head bowed in panic. Recalling what happened last year, he immediately closed his eyes in pain.

Seeing the expressions on the old lady's and Xu Zaijing's faces, Sheng Hong asked, his voice a mixture of joy and panic, "Mother, nephew, is this young master Qi perhaps trying to marry our daughter?"

A surge of wild joy gradually welled up in Wang Ruofu's eyes, and he couldn't help but slowly stand up.

Xu Zaijing shook his head: "Uncle, the young master was stopped by the Duke and Duchess of Qi before he could even say his name."

The ecstasy in Wang Ruofu's eyes vanished instantly, and he slumped into his chair, utterly regretful: "This..."

"Stopped it?" Sheng Hong repeated, then pondered for a moment before saying, "So, this was Young Master Qi's decision made on his own?"

Seeing Xu Zaijing's serious expression, Sheng Hong continued, "Young Master Qi is strictly managed by the Pingning County Magistrate and rarely has the opportunity to come into contact with noble ladies in the capital."

"They've been studying at my house for years."

As Sheng Hong spoke, his tone grew increasingly dejected and flustered: "Today, in front of His Majesty, I requested a marriage decree. The Duke and Duchess of Qi were completely unaware of this matter..."

"Could it be Fourth Sister?"

Hearing Sheng Hong's words, Xu Zaijing and the old lady both shook their heads.

"Oh! Thank goodness, thank goodness." Sheng Hong breathed a huge sigh of relief.

"Lady Xu, the young master, the eldest daughter, the eldest daughter, and the son-in-law have arrived," Danju announced again at the door.

Everyone in the room stood up.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone began to talk inside the house.

Hearing her beloved eldest daughter Hua Lan's worries, Wang Ruofu's expression changed, and she stood up angrily: "My family kindly invited the Qi family to study here!"

"With Young Master Qi's actions, the reputations of all the young ladies in our family could be ruined!"

"Who knows what people outside are saying about our girls!"

After taking a few steps, Wang Ruofu looked at the people in the room in a panic: "Good heavens! What are we going to do about them now?"

(End of this chapter)