Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 274 Aftermath (2)

Chen Ye's feelings towards Wu Mengwei were actually somewhat complicated.

On one hand, she was indeed a romantic entanglement left by the original owner, but on the other hand, when he was regarded as a good-for-nothing playboy by the entire Yunzhou, she was one of the few people who were genuinely good to him.

Especially before that autumn hunt, she disregarded her reputation and took the initiative to send a letter to arrange a meeting; her affection was genuine.

"Tell her to wait in the front hall for a moment. I'll change my clothes and then I'll go over," Chen Ye instructed the butler, Chen Zhong.

"Yes, Master."

When Chen Ye returned to the room, Xie Weining had already been woken up by the noise outside and was sitting up sleepily.

"Husband, what happened?" she asked with concern, rubbing her eyes.

"It's nothing. Miss Wu from the Grand Tutor's Mansion has arrived. I'll go to the front hall to see her," Chen Ye replied casually as he changed into his everyday clothes.

"Miss Wu?"

Xie Weining paused slightly, her sleepiness vanishing instantly.

She was naturally familiar with the name Wu Mengwei.

She was a famous talented woman in the capital, the apple of Grand Tutor Wu Daofu's eye.

Her sudden visit was clearly not for a simple purpose.

Although she knew that with her husband's current status and position, it was impossible for him to have only one woman by his side, Xie Weining still couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness when the day actually came.

She lowered her head and silently straightened Chen Ye's collar without saying a word.

Chen Ye naturally took in her little emotions and couldn't help but smile. Then he leaned down and whispered in Xie Weining's ear.

"Don't worry, in my heart, you will always be the only mistress of Tinglanxuan."

The gentle words, tinged with an undeniable certainty, instantly struck the softest spot in Xie Weining's heart.

She looked up and gazed into Chen Ye's tender eyes, and the bitterness and unease in her heart instantly vanished.

“Husband…” Xie Weining’s eyes reddened slightly. She tiptoed and gently pecked Chen Ye’s lips. “I…I will go and prepare tea and snacks for you.”

After saying that, she blushed and fled the room as if she were escaping.

Looking at his wife's shy back, Chen Ye's smile widened.

After calming his wife down, he stepped into the front hall.

……

In the front hall of Tinglanxuan, Wu Mengwei sat uneasily in a chair.

She dressed up specially today, wearing a light purple long dress that perfectly accentuated her slender figure. She also wore light makeup, making her look radiant and beautiful.

To be honest, she came with great courage this time. After all, it would be hard to talk about if word got out that an unmarried young woman took the initiative to meet a young man.

But she really couldn't help it.

For the past six months, Wu Mengwei has been constantly worried about Chen Ye.

Especially when news of the earth-shattering battle in Nanhe County came, she couldn't eat or sleep for several days, and could only pray before the Buddha day and night, asking the Bodhisattva to protect her safety.

Now, her beloved has finally returned, and in a way she never dreamed of, a return that is like that of a god.

This made her ecstatic, but also filled her with an unprecedented sense of fear and inferiority.

He is now a great hero who has slain the world-destroying demon, a pillar of the nation whom even the Empress relies on.

And what about yourself?

She was just a woman confined to her chambers, and apart from her status as the daughter of the Grand Tutor, she seemed to have nothing else to offer.

So... will he still remember himself?
Just as Wu Mengwei was lost in thought, a familiar sound of footsteps came from outside the door.

Her heart tightened, and she abruptly looked up, meeting a pair of deep, smiling eyes.

"Brother Chen... Brother Chen!"

Upon seeing who it was, Wu Mengwei stood up excitedly, momentarily at a loss for what to do.

"Miss Wu, it's been a long time. How have you been?" Chen Ye walked slowly into the front hall with a gentle smile on his face.

Looking at the woman before him, her cheeks flushed with excitement, he couldn't help but feel a pang of pity.

He's here...he really is here! He's still the same as before, his smile is so beautiful...He called me Miss Wu, it sounded so distant...Has he already forgotten me?

Hearing these words filled with apprehension and disappointment, Chen Ye sighed inwardly.

"Sit down, what are you standing for?" He walked to the head seat and sat down, gesturing for Wu Mengwei to sit as well.

"Mmm." Wu Mengwei responded obediently and sat down again, but her beautiful eyes never left Chen Ye's face, as if she wanted to see back all the longing she had felt over the past six months.

Just then, Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang walked in carrying tea and snacks.

When Wu Mengwei saw these two stunningly beautiful women who were in no way inferior to her in terms of appearance and temperament, and even surpassed her, her pupils couldn't help but shrink slightly.

Who are they?

Why is she wearing the clothes of a maid from Tinglanxuan?

A strong sense of crisis instantly surged into Wu Mengwei's heart.

After Bai Yingluo and Xia Lingshuang put down the tea and snacks, they also glanced at Wu Mengwei, seemingly casually.

When they sensed the intense, almost overwhelming affection emanating from each other, a barely perceptible hint of hostility flashed in both women's eyes.

Xia Lingshuang, in particular, looked at Wu Mengwei as if she were an intruder trying to steal her beloved possession.

There seemed to be invisible lightning flashing in the air.

"You can go down first," Chen Ye said, breaking the eerie atmosphere.

"Yes, Master." Bai Yingluo and Xia Ling bowed and withdrew.

Only after their figures disappeared through the door did Wu Mengwei come to her senses. Then, looking at Chen Ye, she mustered her courage and asked, "Brother Chen, who were those two just now...?"

"The maids in the manor," Chen Ye said casually, picking up his teacup.

maid?

Wu Mengwei's heart sank.

She wasn't stupid; she could naturally tell that these two women were no ordinary people.

Thinking back to Chen Ye's previous reputation for being dissolute and unruly, she felt a surge of indescribable bitterness in her heart.

So... so he already has such a close female friend by his side?

They're so beautiful...much more beautiful than me...Does Brother Chen...prefer girls like them more? Do I...do I still have a chance?

Sensing Wu Mengwei's sudden drop in mood, Chen Ye knew that if he didn't reassure her, this simple-minded girl might get stuck in a rut.

He put down his teacup, looked at Wu Mengwei, and suddenly asked, "Miss Wu, what brings you here today?"

When asked this question, Wu Mengwei remembered the purpose of her visit and quickly took out a beautifully crafted invitation from her sleeve, handing it over with both hands.

"Brother Chen, my father's birthday is in three days. My father... my father sent me here to invite you to his residence for a chat. I wonder if you would do me the honor?"

After she finished speaking, she looked at Chen Ye nervously, afraid that she would hear a word of rejection from him.

Chen Ye took the invitation and glanced at it.

Wu Daofu's birthday banquet?

He knew it.

This Grand Tutor didn't actually want to invite me to any birthday banquet; he clearly wanted to use this opportunity to deepen our relationship.

After all, in Sun Demao's case, I had covered up his alleged involvement with the Demonic Sect, which was a huge favor.

Wu Daofu, that old fox, clearly wanted to solidify this favor completely, and even... firmly bind the two families together.

Thinking of this, Chen Ye's gaze fell once again on the expectant woman in front of him, and then he smiled slightly.

"Since the Grand Tutor has extended such a generous invitation, how could I, Chen, refuse?"

"I will be there on time in three days."

Hearing Chen Ye agree, Wu Mengwei's heart finally settled down, and a bright smile returned to her face.

"That's wonderful! My father would be overjoyed if he knew that Brother Chen would do me the honor of visiting!"

She seemed very excited, as if Chen Ye's agreement to attend the banquet was the greatest affirmation for her.

Looking at her innocent and joyful expression, Chen Ye felt a slight stirring in his heart and suddenly said, "Miss Wu, there's something I'd like to ask you."

“Brother Chen, please speak!” Wu Mengwei immediately sat up straight.

"Would you...marry me?"

Chen Ye's words were very calm, as if he were asking you if you had eaten today.

But these words struck Wu Mengwei like a thunderbolt, leaving her completely stunned.

She...she didn't hear wrong, did she?

Brother Chen... was he just proposing to me? Wu Mengwei's mind went blank for a moment, her heart pounded uncontrollably, and her pretty face turned bright red at a visible speed, even her ears turned red.

He...he asked me if I would marry him...Am I...am I dreaming?

【I do! Of course I do! I've dreamed of marrying him!】

But... but he already has a sister from the Xie family... if I marry him, wouldn't I become a concubine?

So what if I'm a concubine? Being able to stay by his side, even as a concubine, I'd be willing!

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Wu Mengwei's mind, but they all eventually turned into three words.

"I...I do..."

Her voice was so faint that Chen Ye would have barely heard it if he hadn't had exceptional hearing.

After saying this, she could no longer bear the overwhelming shyness and joy. She suddenly stood up and ran away without looking back, as if some raging beast was chasing her.

Chen Ye watched her fleeing figure, a helpless smile appearing on his face.

This woman is really...adorably innocent.

The reason he raised this question so abruptly was twofold: firstly, to completely appease Wu Mengwei, and secondly, to send a clear signal to Grand Tutor Wu Daofu.

If you want a marriage alliance, that's fine.

If you want to tie the two companies together, that's fine too.

But the initiative must be in my hands.

He believed that with the wisdom of that old fox Wu Daofu, he would surely understand his meaning.

As expected, when Wu Mengwei returned home and shyly told her father, Wu Daofu, what Chen Ye had said, Wu Daofu was first taken aback, then shook his head and chuckled.

"The future is terrifying!"

However, Wu Mengwei was completely oblivious to her father's expression; she was so absorbed in her own joy that she couldn't extricate herself.

"Mengwei!"

"Huh?" Wu Mengwei only woke up from her dream when she heard her father's voice.

"You did a good job, go back and rest."

"Yes, father!"

Three days passed in a blink of an eye.

That morning, Chen Ye prepared gifts and traveled by carriage to the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

As soon as he got out of the car, the steward of the Grand Tutor's Mansion, who had been waiting at the door for a long time, came up to him with a big smile.

"Lord Chen, you've finally arrived! My master has been waiting inside for quite some time!"

Chen Ye nodded, handed over a prepared congratulatory gift, and then, led by the butler, entered the Grand Tutor's mansion.

The birthday banquet was held in the back garden of the Grand Tutor's mansion, which was already full of distinguished guests.

Those invited by Wu Daofu to his family banquet were all top-ranking officials in the court.

When Chen Ye appeared at the garden entrance, the previously noisy atmosphere instantly quieted down.

All eyes turned to him without prior arrangement.

These gazes held awe, flattery, and curiosity, yet no one dared to approach and strike up a conversation. For a moment, the entire place fell into a deathly silence, until someone finally shouted after a short while.

"Lord Chen, I have long admired your name. Meeting you today, you truly are an outstanding person!"

"Lord Chen's slaying of the demon is a monumental achievement, a pillar of strength for our great Chen Dynasty!"

"If Lord Chen has the time, please come to my humble residence for a visit. I will certainly do my best to welcome you!"

In an instant, a flood of compliments and flattery poured in.

With a faint smile on his face, Chen Ye calmly exchanged pleasantries with everyone, handling each situation flawlessly.

Just then, a sprightly old man dressed in a crimson official robe walked over, surrounded by a crowd, laughing heartily.

It is none other than today's birthday celebrant, Grand Tutor Wu Daofu.

"Nephew Chen! You've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you with bated breath!"

Wu Daofu immediately addressed Chen Ye as his nephew, a gesture that stirred the hearts of the surrounding guests.

Chen Ye chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly composed. He bowed to Wu Daofu and said, "Junior Chen Ye greets Grand Tutor. I wish you boundless happiness and longevity."

"Hahaha, good, good!" Wu Daofu stroked his beard and laughed, warmly taking Chen Ye's hand and leading him to the main table. "Come, come, my dear nephew, today we need not discuss anything else, please take a seat!"

He actually placed Chen Ye in the chief seat next to him.

Wu Daofu's move was undoubtedly a declaration to everyone that Chen Ye's position in his heart was equivalent to this.

Chen Ye did not refuse and sat down generously.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

The atmosphere at the birthday banquet was exceptionally lively, thanks to Wu Daofu's deliberate efforts.

Chen Ye sat at the head of the table, calmly dealing with wave after wave of high-ranking officials from the court who came to offer him a toast.

His witty conversation, proper demeanor, and composure far beyond his years secretly intimidated everyone present.

This young nobleman is not only incredibly powerful, but his intellect and shrewdness are also unfathomable.

Wu Daofu sat in the main seat, chatting and laughing with the guests while observing Chen Ye out of the corner of his eye. The more he looked, the more satisfied he became.

This child is truly a dragon among men!
If he could be completely bound to the Wu family, then the Wu family's wealth and prosperity for the next hundred years would be assured.

Thinking of this, Wu Daofu decided to stop beating around the bush and directly raised his cup, saying, "Nephew Chen, three days ago my daughter went to your residence to deliver a letter. After she returned, she told me something, but I wonder if Nephew Chen still remembers it?"

Chen Ye smiled slightly, knowing that this old fox had finally lost his temper, so he put down his wine glass and said, "Of course I remember!"

"Does that count?" Even Wu Daofu, a seasoned official, couldn't help but feel a little anxious at this moment.

Chen Ye laughed heartily, "I, Chen Ye, always keep my word, especially on such an important matter. I just don't know what the Grand Tutor thinks?"

"Four words: I couldn't ask for more!" With that, Wu Daofu raised his cup and drank the wine in one gulp, appearing extremely pleased.

Chen Ye smiled and drank a cup with him.

As for the fact that Wu Mengwei could only be a concubine after she arrived, Wu Daofu and Chen Ye tacitly avoided mentioning it.

The surrounding guests were completely baffled by this cryptic scene.

However, they soon realized that the Chen family and the Wu family had probably reached some kind of agreement.

The birthday banquet continued in a subtle yet warm atmosphere.

Chen Ye became the undisputed focus of the entire event, with countless people coming to toast and flatter him.

The banquet lasted until late at night.

Wu Daofu personally escorted Chen Ye to the gate of the mansion, his smile even more sincere than before.

“Nephew, Mengwei has been spoiled by me since she was little. She’s a bit naive. In the future… I’ll have to trouble you to be more tolerant of her.” He said meaningfully.

"You flatter me, Grand Tutor," Chen Ye said with a smile. "Miss Mengwei is beautiful and intelligent; it is my good fortune to marry her."

These words were tantamount to giving Wu Daofu a clear answer.

"Hahaha, good! Good!" Wu Daofu was very pleased and patted Chen Ye's shoulder vigorously. "Then I will wait for my good nephew's good news!"

Chen Ye nodded, bid farewell to Wu Daofu, and boarded the carriage.

The carriage slowly started moving and disappeared into the night.

Wu Daofu stood at the gate of the mansion, watching the carriage depart in the direction it had gone. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a deep contemplation.

"Father," Wu Mengwei called softly as she appeared behind him.

“Mengwei,” Wu Daofu turned around, looked at his precious daughter, and sighed, “what do you think of Chen Ye?”

"He...he's fine," Wu Meng said softly, her face slightly flushed.

"Is it just good?" Wu Daofu shook his head. "This boy is a dragon among men, and ordinary people cannot control him."

"Tonight, I will betroth you to him, both to fulfill your wishes and to find a reliable backer for the Wu family."

"But you must remember, after marrying into the Chen family, don't act like a spoiled princess. Listen to Madam Xie in everything, be obedient and dutiful, and having children for him is the foundation of your life, understand?"

“Daughter…I understand.” Wu Mengwei nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

Looking at her innocent appearance, Wu Daofu sighed again, said nothing more, and simply waved his hand, telling her to go back to her room to rest.

Sure enough, three days later, the Chen family sent a letter of engagement, and Wu Daofu accepted without hesitation.

The news caused an uproar in the court, but the Empress's subsequent decree of marriage and congratulations silenced everyone.

A month later, on their wedding day, Wu Mengwei married into the Chen family as she had wished, becoming Chen Ye's concubine.

(End of this chapter)