I bring bad luck to my husband, you bring bad luck to your wife.

A few days later.

A plainly decorated yet undeniably noble blue-curtained carriage slowly came to a stop outside the Yang family's gate.

Fang Shuqi rode a fine horse beside him.

Yang Tongchuan was only a minor official in terms of rank, far below the rank of the Prefectural Governor.

Normally, when the governor's office seeks a marriage for his son born to a concubine, it is only necessary to send a matchmaker and a name card; there is absolutely no need for the principal wife, Madam Fang, to personally visit.

Mrs. Fang is visiting today.

Firstly, she came on behalf of Governor Fang, to demonstrate the Fang family's sincerity, since Yang Tongchuan was considered Governor Fang's subordinate.

Secondly, it was to make the Yang family understand that although Fang Shuqi was a son born out of wedlock, he was still valued by the family.

Thirdly, it fulfills all the proper etiquette and leaves a good reputation for the Fang family and oneself in Zhongzhou.

The carriage curtain was lifted slightly, and the accompanying nanny helped Madam Fang dismount. Fang Shuqi also dismounted and stood aside to wait quietly.

Having received the invitation long ago, Yang Tongchuan, along with Xiangxi and the rest of his family, waited at the door early to greet them.

Xuebao huddled behind Xiaofeng and Jinshu.

Trying to avoid being noticed, she still couldn't escape Fang Shuqi's eagle eyes and was spotted immediately.

That day, Xuebao brought "Wuyuan" home and told her father that Madam Fang would be visiting in a few days. The candlelight in Yang Tongchuan's room remained lit all night.

The next day, Yang Tongchuan didn't go to the mining area, but instead stayed home and chatted with Xuebao for a long time.

After confirming that the child was truly willing, the family was gathered together to tell them that the Fang family would be coming to propose marriage on behalf of Fang Shuqi.

Xiao Feng was the one who reacted the most at home.

"When did you two get together? I had no idea."

"Then my relationship with Commandant Fang will be even closer in the future."

"Why aren't you all surprised? You all knew, but I didn't."

Xiao Feng's questions kept coming one after another, like firecrackers going off non-stop during the Lunar New Year.

"Have some water and take a break." Jin Shu couldn't stand it anymore. Yang Tongchuan's face was getting darker and darker, while Xiao Feng's mouth was still chattering on and on.

She handed Xiaofeng a cup of tea directly.

"I'm not thirsty." Xiao Feng was too busy to drink tea now; the news came too suddenly for him to accept.

"No, you're thirsty." Jin Shu placed the teacup in Xiao Feng's hand.

Xiao Feng obediently took a sip of tea, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath.

Afterwards, Xiao Feng wanted to stick close to Xue Bao and ask her more questions, but Jin Shu stopped him and dragged him back into the house.

------------

Today, outside the Yang family gate

"This humble official, Yang Tongchuan, greets the Prefect's wife!" Yang Tongchuan was about to bow when an old nanny beside Madam Fang gently helped him up.

Madam Fang smiled serenely at Yang Tongchuan and said, "Prisoner Yang and my husband, there's no need for such formalities. I'm here today for our children's happy occasion, so please don't stand on ceremony."

Under Yang Tongchuan's guidance, Madam Fang walked calmly into the Yang family home.

Fang Shuqi stayed by his side, occasionally turning his head to look for Xuebao's figure.

Olaf felt a chill run down her neck from his gaze. She deliberately avoided looking at him.

Madam Fang observed that the simple, clean, and tidy furnishings in the courtyard matched the rumored upright character of Yang Tongchuan.

Behind Madam Fang followed a line of servants carrying gifts.

Large boxes were neatly stacked in the yard.

The group entered the main hall, and Madam Fang took her seat in the grand chair at the head of the table.

Yang Tongchuan and his wife sat at the lower end, while the other younger members of the family stood to the side.

Madam Fang took a sip of tea, set down her teacup, and gently glanced at Yang Tongchuan and Xiangxi before getting straight to the point: "Prisoner Yang has served in Zhongzhou for many years, handling criminal matters with impartiality and integrity, which greatly pleases my husband. My young master once studied at our residence when he was a child, and I took a great liking to him then. Today, I've come not for any other reason than to hear your opinions and see if we can facilitate a marriage between our two families." As she spoke, she looked at Xuebao as if she had truly watched the child grow up.

Xiangxi was convinced by Madam Fang's impeccable words.

Madam Fang nodded slightly, her tone sincere: "My son Shuqi has been diligent and sensible since childhood, with a humble and gentle nature, and he is not interested in fame or fortune. He is also sincere in his dealings with others. Now that I have heard that the young master of the Yang family is of suitable age and has both talent and good looks, I have come to ask the Yang family for his hand in marriage. I hope that the Yang family will agree and that we can form this good match."

Upon hearing this, not only Yang Tongchuan and Xiang Xi were stunned, but even Xue Bao, who was standing to the side, secretly thought to herself: Is this talking about Fang Shuqi?

Fang Shuqi thought his stepmother's words made sense and there was nothing wrong with them.

Xiao Feng also agreed.

Even though Yang Tongchuan had been working in the mining area for so long, he still admired Madam Fang, a respectable person who dared to speak so rudely. He wondered how she could even open her mouth.

Xuebao's ears were ringing with tension, and he didn't even hear Xiangxi call him the first time. It was Jinshu who gently reminded him from the side.

"Xuebao, come here." Xiangxi led Xuebao to Madam Fang.

"Greetings to Madam Fang." Xuebao bowed respectfully.

Today, Mrs. Fang only said auspicious things.

Finally, the nanny brought out a brocade box.

Inside was a fine Hetian jade pendant. Madam Fang asked Xuebao to move closer so she could personally hang the pendant on for him.

Seeing that things were going well, Madam Fang saw no need to linger any longer.

After discussing it with Yang Tongchuan, she arranged for someone to come and talk to the Yang family in detail about the upcoming Six Harmonies Ceremony.

"Then I'll go back first and tell my master about this happy news. He'll definitely be happy to hear it." Madam Fang got up to leave.

Fang Shuqi followed beside him, and when he passed Xuebao, he deliberately bumped him lightly with his shoulder.

Xuebao looked at Fang Shuqi in confusion, only to find that Fang Shuqi also had an identical jade pendant at his waist. Judging from the color, the two should have been carved from the same stone.

After seeing Madam Fang off into her carriage, the group did not leave immediately. Out of courtesy, they waited until the carriage was out of sight before returning home.

The carriage had just turned onto another main road. Yang Tongchuan was preparing to call everyone home.

Then they heard the sound of horses' hooves approaching from afar.

Fang Shuqi rode back again.

The horse obediently stopped in front of everyone.

Before Yang Tongchuan could speak...

Fang Shuqi scooped Xuebao up and put him on the horse.

"Father-in-law, please forgive me. I'll just say a few words to Bao'er and then bring him back."

After saying that, he pulled on the reins, and the horse made a graceful turn and quickly disappeared from everyone's sight.

"What did Commander Fang call Xuebao just now?" Xiao Feng had been reminded by Jin Shu today not to speak carelessly, but it seemed like there was something wrong with his ears just now.

"Come inside, don't stand here." Xiangxi felt that Yang Tongchuan was about to kill someone, so she could only drag him back by force.

Fang Shuqi took Xuebao and rode out of the city, soon arriving at a secluded grove.

"What are you going to do?"

Fang Shuqi rode his horse extremely fast, causing a violent jolt, which frightened Xuebao so much that she dared not move.

"Why didn't you look at me just now?" Fang Shuqi felt a pang of unease as he left with his stepmother.

It was his stepmother who saw through it and told him not to stay by her side and to go about his own business.

Fang Shuqi did not hesitate and immediately changed direction.

"Why should I look at you? You don't have an extra pair of eyes." Xuebao was still angry. Fang Shuqi calling her "Bao'er" was too cheesy.

The horse slowed down and wandered casually through the woods.

Xuebao wanted to dismount, but Fang Shuqi wouldn't let her.

"There are many snakes and insects in the forest this season, so I wanted to talk to you while I was sitting on horseback."

Once the traditional marriage ceremony begins, Fang Shuqi will be able to marry her within a year at the earliest.

This time felt incredibly long for Fang Shuqi. He desperately needed to talk to Xuebao to calm himself down.

"What did you say?" Xuebao was so close to Fang Shuqi that her ears turned red.

"Say you're marrying me willingly, say you want to have a few children in the future, or say you love me."

Fang Shuqi needs Xuebao to reassure him.

"I won't say," Xuebao said, unable to bring herself to speak.

"Then I say, Yang Chengxue, come with me. Don't worry, I won't let you lose." Fang Shuqi made a promise that would take a lifetime to fulfill.

[The Olaf side story has ended]