After being forced to leave the marriage, I became the wife of a top scholar.

Chapter 217 Discussing Marriage
Cui was anxious, "What...what are you talking about?!"

“Jingcheng is not young anymore, it’s time for him to get married.”

Lord Cui suddenly realized that this made sense; he was also very worried about Jing Cheng, especially if he knew that the person he liked was...
"You're right!" Once Lord Cui understood, his expression changed.

“It is time to arrange a marriage. I will have Liu make the arrangements for him right away.”

Cui Yao's mood improved immediately after achieving her goal. "Cousin, wait here, I'll bring you a bowl of chicken soup too."

After saying that, Cui Yao hurriedly ran away.

Lord Cui was waiting there, unsure whether to be happy or sad. At least someone still cared about him, so he was probably happy.

That very evening, Lord Cui wrote a letter and had it delivered to the Marquis's residence.

A few days later, when Lady Liu, the wife of the Marquis, received the letter, she was almost speechless with astonishment.

"Madam! What's wrong? Does the Marquis have any orders?"

"Zhang, the old woman beside Liu, asked softly."

Liu showed the letter to Zhang Mama, saying, "This time, the sun really has risen in the west."

"Many people wanted to arrange marriages for Jingcheng before, but the Marquis wouldn't allow it."

"Saying that she's too young and hasn't settled down yet means she can't find a very good family to marry into."

Granny Zhang covered her mouth and laughed, "The Marquis is just feeling sorry for the young master."

"You certainly know how to make excuses for him." Madam Liu sighed softly. "Our Marquis's mansion can arrange any kind of marriage, even with princesses and noblewomen."

"It's all because the Marquis is unwilling."

Zhang Mama reached out and massaged Liu's shoulders, "Madam, you weren't unwilling either!"

Liu laughed heartily. She was unwilling, because they only had Cui Jingcheng as their son, and naturally they would dote on him.

"Since the Marquis has spoken, then I must make proper arrangements for Jingcheng."

The next day, Liu spread the news, and families with suitable daughters all sent their visiting cards.

Liu said with a smile, holding a thick stack of books in her hand.

"People usually say that our Jingcheng is unruly and no one likes him."

"But look, if we want to find them, there are still plenty of people willing to go out of their way to find them."

Knowing that Madam Liu was in a good mood, Granny Zhang teased, "Madam is wrong. Our young master may seem naughty, but he is actually a filial and good child."

Liu smiled and said, "That's right."

“Many of the families listed on these invitations are trying to curry favor with our noble family.”

"I'm going to do a good job of screening them, so that Jingcheng doesn't suffer any losses."

Granny Zhang chimed in, "Madam, you treat the young master so well."

In Huaizhou City, Cui Jingcheng was unaware that his father and mother had already begun arranging his marriage.

Lord Cui, on the other hand, was somewhat troubled by Cui Jingcheng's idleness and lack of ambition.

Taking advantage of the fact that he still had some energy after taking a bath that day, he sent someone to call Cui Jingcheng back early.

Cui Jingcheng had originally planned to have dinner with Bai Wanqing at Baiweilou, but his father's disruption forced him to cancel the plans.

When Cui Jingcheng entered, he was a little anxious, but when he saw that Lord Cui was calmly drinking porridge, he looked a little regretful.

"Father, why did you have to come to me tonight? Why not at any other time?"

Lord Cui glared at Cui Jingcheng, "Look at you, now you're completely ignorant and incompetent."

"Now you've probably forgotten what you were supposed to do."

Cui Jingcheng felt guilty. He had indeed neglected his studies these days, but he hadn't come away empty-handed!

However, his attitude was noticeably better now than when he first came in.

"Father, it's not like I haven't learned anything lately!"

"Oh?" Lord Cui raised an eyebrow.

"Haven't I been helping out at the clinic lately?"

“Father, I have learned to identify many medicinal herbs, and I can now diagnose even the most minor ailments.”

Cui Jingcheng's words were actually more insincere than anything else. He only knew a few herbs and how to process them.

He's not good at treating patients.

But he knew his father was most susceptible to this, especially when it came to unknown skills, which his father always embraced with an open mind.

"You can study medicinal herbs, but you can't lose sight of the real knowledge!"

Cui Jingcheng nodded quickly, "No, I won't lose it! I won't lose it!"

"I will bring the books with me tomorrow, and study both the academic subjects and medicinal herbs."

"We won't neglect either side."

Lord Cao felt a pang of sadness seeing his son's eyes light up whenever the clinic was mentioned.

He asked Cui Jingcheng to sit down in front of him and earnestly advised him.

“Jingcheng, I need to stay here for another six months for treatment. Why don’t you go back to Kyoto first?”

Upon hearing that Lord Cui was telling him to leave, Cui Jingcheng immediately stood up.

"Father, how can you stay here alone?"

"What if something happens? There's no one around!"

"I'm worried!"

Cui Jingcheng's anxious appearance startled Lord Cui, and all the bitterness he had felt these past few days vanished at that moment.

"You have to feel at ease, whether you like it or not!"

"Kyoto, you should go back now."

Cui Jingcheng asked anxiously, "Why is that, Father? Why do you insist that I leave?"

"Isn't it good for your child to stay here with you?"

"I will definitely not neglect my studies. If Father is worried, he can send me to the academy here."

"Isn't this where Young Master Du studies?"

Seeing that he could no longer hide it, Lord Cui told Cui Jingcheng directly.

“Your mother has already chosen several families for you. If you don’t return to the capital, then your mother will have to decide on a family for herself.”

Cui Jingcheng froze. What was going on? What did he mean by "arranged marriage"? "Father, what do you mean by that!"

Lord Cui glared angrily at Cui Jingcheng, "What do you mean!"

"You're not getting any younger, it's about time you settled down and started a family."

"Now that your mother has gone to great lengths to select a few families, take a look and we'll make a decision on whichever one you like."

Now Cui Jingcheng was really worried!

Marriage is something that is arranged by parents and matchmakers.

He knew that no matter how much he opposed it, once the matter was settled, he would have no chance to refuse.

"Father, you promised me that you wouldn't discuss marriage before I turned twenty."

Lord Cui pursed his lips. "Times have changed!"

"We've discussed marriage, but that doesn't mean you have to get married right away."

"There are only so many good daughters out there, and we should have made plans earlier."

"Father, it's too early!" Cui Jingcheng looked pitiful at this moment.

“Father, I am still too young. What good would it do me to arrange a marriage at this time?”

"I will not discuss marriage, I will not discuss marriage."

Cui Jingcheng started throwing a tantrum like a child.

Lord Cui disliked Cui Jingcheng's behavior the most, and he was now completely enraged.

"Alright! It's too late for anything you say now."

"Pack your things in the next couple of days and set off as soon as possible."

Seeing his father's unusually serious expression, Cui Jingcheng dared not say anything more.

"Okay! I understand! I'll go back and pack my things right away." Cui Jingcheng slumped his head, looking completely dejected, his eyes becoming vacant.

Even after Cui Jingcheng left, Lord Cui still felt a pang of heartache.

When has Cui Jingcheng ever been this sad? Does he have such deep feelings for Bai Wanqing?
Isn't this a terrible sin? Lord Cui hardened his heart again at this thought.

Go back! Cui Jingcheng must return to Kyoto.

That evening, Cui Jingcheng stood in Bai Wanqing's courtyard, unwilling to leave.

Seeing him, Ruixin asked curiously, "Young Master Cui, what are you doing standing here so late?"

"Is there anything you need to see Madam about?"

"I can go in and ask the lady for you."

Cui Jingcheng didn't speak, he just stared blankly at Bai Wanqing's room.

Ruixin thought that Young Master Cui was ill, so she had to run to the room to find Bai Wanqing.

"Madam, Madam, what's wrong with young Master Cui?"

"Have I offended you, Madam?"

Bai Wanqing, who was reading a book, looked up in surprise. "What? What did I offend?"

Ruixin told Bai Wanqing about Cui Jingcheng standing in the courtyard the whole time. Bai Wanqing recalled how he had returned home that evening because of Lord Cui's urging, and his face was full of regret. She smiled faintly.

His personality is really similar to...
Bai Wanqing was startled by her own thoughts. No, he didn't resemble anyone.

Bai Wanqing got up, walked out of the room, and saw Cui Jingcheng still standing in the middle of the courtyard.

Cui Jingcheng was completely dazed, clearly in low spirits.

Bai Wanqing asked Ruixin to get her an outer garment to wear before walking up to Cui Jingcheng.

"Baiweilou should still be open. Shall we go grab some more late-night snacks?"

Bai Wanqing's almond-shaped eyes crinkled with laughter, while Cui Jingcheng, with reddened eyes, said, "Go!"

Instead of taking a carriage, the two decided to walk there.

The city of Huaizhou was much quieter at night than during the day, but the restaurants were doing brisk business.

"Wanqing, have you ever thought about going to Kyoto?"

"The night view there is much more beautiful and bustling than that of Huaizhou City."

"Let's not talk about anything else, just the lanterns."

"You know about lanterns, right? The lanterns in Kyoto can light up an entire street. They're especially beautiful." As Cui Jingcheng spoke, he became listless again.

"I think I will go! I think I will go to Kyoto," Bai Wanqing replied with a smile.

Cui Jingcheng felt a little more refreshed.

Unbeknownst to them, the two arrived at Baiweilou.

Baiweilou's business is still booming! The manager recognized Bai Wanqing as soon as he saw her.

He skillfully led Bai Wanqing and the others to the private room where she often ate.

This private room has a great location. Although it doesn't offer a panoramic view of the street, it's a rare quiet spot in Baiweilou.

"Order whatever you'd like!"

"It's my treat today."

Bai Wanqing handed the dishes to Cui Jingcheng to look at.

Cui Jingcheng absentmindedly flipped through the pages. "Wanqing, what do you like to eat?"

"Shall we just order something?"

Bai Wanqing hummed in agreement and called the waiter in to order the dishes.

Cui Jingcheng just stared at Bai Wanqing quietly, just like he had in the courtyard earlier.

He only spoke with a disappointed look when Bai Wanqing looked back at him.

"Wanqing, my father has sent me back to the capital."

Bai Wanqing frowned slightly, but quickly relaxed. Yes! He was the son of the Marquis of Zhaonan, and it was impossible for him to stay in this northern land forever.

The Marquis needs to be treated for poisoning here for half a year, but Cui Jingcheng doesn't need to stay here.

"when are we leaving?"

(End of this chapter)