Chapter 204 – Arranging a Marriage for Tian Dazhuang and Yan Shuqin
The one that their daughter had saved turned out to be the current Emperor’s own uncle, the War King of the Great Chu Dynasty, known for his illustrious military achievements.
Having tied themselves to the War King in this way, Ms. Zhong couldn’t tell whether the future held good or bad fortune for them. After a moment of anxiety, her expression turned extremely serious as she looked at the Yan sisters.
“Qin’er, Xue’er, Yun’er, the matter of Xiaosi saving the War King must not be mentioned to outsiders,” she cautioned. She was worried that some schemers might learn of this and use Yan Xiaosi to get close to Long Yu. This matter, especially, must be kept from the Yan family.
The Yan sisters understood the gravity of the situation and all nodded to Ms. Zhong. “Mother, rest assured, we will not speak of this to anyone.”
“That’s good,” Ms. Zhong sighed, feeling a bit relieved. She bent down to pick up the spatula from the ground, washed it, and was about to serve the cooked dishes into bowls when Tian Dazhuang walked in.
Tian Dazhuang spoke in a somewhat sullen tone, “Aunt Yan, I came in to get some bowls and chopsticks. The War King has ordered us to have dinner outdoors tonight, and also, he said you should come out as soon as you’re done.”
Yan Shuqin noticed his unhappiness and asked with concern, “Brother Dazhuang, you seem a bit down. Is it because of Xiaosi?”
Thinking of Yan Xiaosi saving the current War King made his expression even more dejected. The War King clearly had ulterior motives towards Xiaosi, but what could he do about it, given the man’s status?
“I’m close with Xiaosi. Don’t worry too much, Sister Shuqin. Where are the bowls and chopsticks? The War King is waiting outside.”
“Brother Dazhuang, let me go outside with you,” Yan Shuqin offered, taking half of the stack of bowls to carry.
Outside the cave, they saw Yan Xiaosi obediently sitting next to Long Yu, assisting him with cooking.
“Commoner Yan Shuqin pays her respects to the War King,” she said, about to kneel.
Long Yu raised his hand to stop her, “Miss Yan, there’s no need.”
Looking at Yan Shuqin and Tian Dazhuang together, their heights and appearances seemed well-matched. A thought suddenly crossed Long Yu’s mind as he asked, “Miss Yan, are you betrothed to anyone?”
Yan Shuqin was taken aback by the question, not just her, but Yan Xiaosi too, was startled. Fearing that the War King might impulsively match-make her elder sister, she quickly spoke up, “War King, why do you keep asking these types of questions like an old man?”
Hearing her speak to him in such a manner, Long Yi and Long Er’s expressions darkened, and Long Yu’s gaze shifted sharply to Yan Xiaosi. If looks could kill, Yan Xiaosi would have died several times over.
Even Murong Qinjian felt a chill on behalf of Yan Xiaosi.
Though Long Yu was only twenty-two, he didn’t feel old at all.
“Yan Xiaosi, do you see me as very old?” he questioned.
Yan Xiaosi was not even fifteen yet and did think Long Yu, at twenty-two, seemed old compared to her, but she dared not admit it aloud.
“War King, please calm your anger. The term ‘your oldness’ is merely a commoner’s respectful address to you, not a comment on your age.”
Even though he knew she was speaking against her conscience, Long Yu found her words quite pleasing, and the stormy expression on his face cleared immediately.
Seeing his mood clear up like the vast sunny sky, Yan Shuqin breathed a sigh of relief and warned Yan Xiaosi with a stern look, silently mouthing: “Xiaosi, you little rascal, stop talking nonsense in front of the War King.”
She had been terrified just moments ago. After warning Yan Xiaosi, she then answered Long Yu, “I am not betrothed to anyone.”
Long Yu, pleased with her response, turned his attention to Tian Dazhuang: “Tian Dazhuang, are you betrothed?”
Tian Dazhuang thought about how his mother had agreed to a marriage with Yan Shujing from the Yan family, but since the families had not yet exchanged wedding contracts, it wasn’t considered an official engagement. “I am not betrothed.”
“That is very good.”
Long Yu nodded in satisfaction, his gaze lingering on both him and Yan Shuqin, then suddenly said, “Tian Dazhuang, Miss Yan, I think the two of you are well-suited for each other. I am in a good mood today and would like to arrange your marriage. How about it?”
Yan Shuqin had a favorable impression of Tian Dazhuang and would willingly marry him if he desired to wed her. When Long Yu asked, she didn’t speak but instead looked at Tian Dazhuang.
Tian Dazhuang’s gaze fell on Yan Xiaosi, wanting to see her reaction, but she appeared calm. For some reason, seeing Yan Xiaosi so composed made him feel very uncomfortable, and a sense of disappointment swelled in his heart.
“War King, Shuqin and I have known each other since we were children.”
Long Yu noticed Tian Dazhuang’s glance at Yan Xiaosi and sensed he would refuse Yan Shuqin. Before he could finish speaking, Long Yu interrupted him, “Oh, I am not asking for your opinions. I am arranging your marriage.”
As the Emperor’s own uncle and the defender of the Great Chu’s realm, the War King had the authority to arrange marriages for common folk.
Tian Dazhuang’s face changed instantly.
“Tian Dazhuang, the War King’s status is supremely noble, and today he deigns to arrange a marriage for you, a commoner. You should promptly thank the War King for his grace,” Long Yi sternly said.
As a loyal guard, it wasn’t just about defending their master’s safety but also about safeguarding the interests of the people their master favored, or rather, the men their master took interest in.
Long Yu sat silently, but an oppressive aura emanated from him.
Tian Dazhuang felt a heavy pressure around him, as if the chilly atmosphere made it hard to breathe. “I… I thank the War King for arranging this marriage.”
Yan Shuqin knelt down as well. “I thank the War King for arranging this marriage.”
Seeing Tian Dazhuang’s reluctant expression, Yan Xiaosi originally wanted to intervene, but seeing Yan Shuqin already kneeling to thank him, she swallowed her words.
With both expressing their thanks, Long Yu’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Stand up, both of you. When the two of you get married, do not forget to send an invitation to me.”
Ms. Zhong, Yan Shuxue, and Yan Shuyun, carrying dishes, came out just in time to witness this scene.
“Mrs. Yan, I think Miss Yan and Tian Dazhuang are well-suited for each other, so I have arranged their marriage. Mrs. Yan, what do you think of this match I’ve arranged?”
Yan Xiaosi thought to herself that this was a redundant question. Even if her mother found the match unsuitable, given her temperament, she wouldn’t dare to object.
Ms. Zhong hesitated, then said, “Dazhuang has been like a son to me, growing up before my eyes. He is honest and dependable, indeed a good man worthy of entrusting one’s life to.”
Seeing Ms. Zhong’s hesitant expression, Long Yu interrupted, “Since Mrs. Yan is also satisfied with Tian Dazhuang, then let this marriage be settled.”
Ms. Zhong: “…”
The War King gave her no chance to refuse.
