BXBX NOVEL Chapter 87 - 87: Visit to Propose Marriage
“I understand,1* Jiang Sijin replied softly. Despite her young age, she grasped the essence of the matter. Yet, she still longed for the military camp.
“Sijin, why do you wish to join the military camp?11 Jiang Peihuan gently asked, placing a cup of tea before the young girl.
Jiang Sijin lifted her gaze towards Jiang Peihuan, a determined look in her eyes. “Eldest Sister, I want to be in the military camp. It s my heartfelt wish.11
“Growing up, 1 was surrounded by the sight of our parents in armor. They were always in the military camp. Our eldest brother joined the camp early, and you, Eldest Sister, entered the battlefield at a young age. I’ve been waiting for my turn.’1
“1 understand the logic behind your words. Second Sister. 1 know that the Jiang Family no longer needs me to fight. But I’m not seeking the battlefield, 1 yearn for the military camp. 1 am a Jiang daughter, born with a warrior s blood.”
Jiang Sijin’s voice was soft, but it carried a firm resolve. Jiang Ruyun looked stunned upon hearing this, while Jiang Peihuan remained silent.
Finally, Jiang Peihuan turned towards Jiang Sijin, “The military camp is a harsh place. Once there, being a daughter of the Jiang family won’t earn you special treatment. Are you sure you want to endure that?”
“I’m not scared of hardship,” Jiang Sijin promptly responded.
Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Jiang Sijin’s eyes lit up with hope. She grabbed onto Jiang Peihuan’s sleeve, whispering, “Eldest Sister, does this mean you agree to let me join the military camp?”
The thought of joining the military camp brought a bright smile to Jiang Sijin’s face.
Observing her happiness, Jiang Peihuan’s mood lifted, but she couldn’t help feeling helpless. “I can try speaking to our parents on your behalf, but 1 can t guarantee their approval.”
“Eldest Sister, if you speak to them, they will surely agree. Let s go, 1 11 accompany you to find them right away.”
Anxious and excited, Jiang Sijin held onto Jiang Peihuan1 s hand tightly, worried she might change her mind.
Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to speak, a person in a hurried pace followed Yue Er into the plum garden. The newcomer was Ping Er, the handmaid of Zhou Rongfang.
“Second Miss, the Madam wishes for your presence in the front courtyard,” Ping Er delivered her message upon entering the garden. She quickly glanced towards Jiang Ruyun, respectfully awaiting a response.
Seeing her anxious look, Jiang Ruyun couldn’t help but ask, “Does my mother need me for something?”
Ping Er nodded and disclosed, “The representative from the Cao family has arrived. They intend to propose marriage to you.”
“What did you just say?” Jiang Ruyun’s surprised gasp echoed through the garden. She stood abruptly from her seat, eyes wide in disbelief. At the news, Jiang Peihuan also showed a trace of surprise.
Her perception of Cao Jun shifted unexpectedly. She had not anticipated him to be a man of his word.
Seeing Jiang Ruyun’s shock morph into panic, Jiang Peihuan quietly advised, “Don’t rush, first find out what’s going on.”
Turning to Ping Er, she inquired, “Who has come to visit?”
Ping1 er replied promptly, “It’s Lord and Madam Cao.”
In Qj Kingdom, it was common for a matchmaker to arrange marriage proposals. However, when a bride s parents personally made the house call, it indicated exceptional satisfaction with the prospective match. This gesture showcased Cao Jun’s earnest intentions,
“You should go to Second Madam first.”
“Understood.”
Ping Er bowed before walking out.
Jiang Sijin observed the unfolding scene with confusion. Her gaze traveled from Jiang Ruyun to Jiang Peihuan and finally rested on her eldest sister, Jiang Peihuan.
“1’11 explain later,” Jiang Peihuan reassured her. “As for your entry into the military camp, we’ll discuss it with our parents tomorrow. For now, you should return to your own garden.”
“Alright, 1’11 head back then.” Understanding Jiang Peihuan’s predicament, Jiang Sijin didn’t press further. After offering a polite bow, the young girl dashed off.
As Jiang Sijin’s figure vanished from the garden entrance, Jiang Peihuan turned to Jiang Ruyun and suggested, “Since Second Aunt has requested your presence, you should prepare yourself. Go change into something more appropriate.”
Jiang Ruyun responded nervously, “Elder sister, can you accompany me?”
When Jian Peihuan’s voice fell, Jiang Ruyun suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand.
At the sight of her gripping hand, Jiang Peihuan hesitated. Recognizing Jiang Ruyun distress, she nodded and replied, “Alright.”
Half a tea s time later, the two sisters were en route to the front hall. As they approached the main hall, Jiang Ruyun, anxiety evident in her grip, asked, “Elder sister, do 1 look okay?”
As he spoke, there was a hint of unconfidence in his eyes.
Upon hearing her words, Jiang Peihuan took a good look ar Jiang Ruyun’s attire – a light pink dress, adorned with a matching pearl hairpin. This look added a touch of delicacy to Jiang Ruyun.
Noticing the doubt in Jiang Ruyun’s eyes, Jiang Peihuan spoke softly, “Your makeup is flawless, Ruyun. Remember, you are a daughter of the Jiang family. Stand tall, no matter rhe time or place.”
’ Let’s go in,” she concluded, leading the way inside.
Dressed in her usual green outfit, her long hair nearly bundled with a wooden hairpin, Jiang Peihuan couldn’t be overlooked. Despite the simplicity of her appearance, her natural charisma commanded attention.
Looking at Jiang Peihuan’s back, Jiang Ruyun felt a surge of courage. She imitated Jiang Peihuan’s posture and slowly walked into the main hall.
At this moment, there were six people sitting in the main hail.
Apart from the Jiang Hong and Jiang Yuan couples, the remainder were the Cao couple.
“Father, Mother, Second Uncle, Second Aunt.”
“First Uncle, First Aunt, Father, Mother.”
Together, Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun came forward to greet everyone. On seeing them, Jiang Hong, acting as the elder, nodded in acknowledgment. Then, he introduced the Cao couple with a smile, “This is Uncle Cao and Aunt Cao. Huan Er, Ruyun, you should greet them.”
“Greetings, Uncle Cao, Auntie Cao.”
Turning to the Cao couple, Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun bowed simultaneously.
When she bowed, Jiang Peihuan subtly appraised the couple. Mr. Cao seemed stern, but his eyes were honest. Mrs. Cao, on the other hand, reminded Jiang Peihuan of Liu Xiu – both were soft-spoken, gentle individuals.
When Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun stood up, Mrs. Cao directly grabbed Jiang Ruyun’s hand.” This must be the Second Miss. You’re quite a beauty.”
To anyone with keen eyes, it was apparent that Jiang Peihuan was more beautiful than Jiang Ruyun. Yet, Mrs. Cao’s compliment brought smiles to the faces of Jiang Yuan and his wife.
Zhou Rongfang, in particular, looked pleased. Previously, she held little regard for scholarly families like the Cao’s. However, after the incident at the Huainan Mansion, her outlook had significantly changed.
“Mrs. Cao, you’re too kind,” she replied modestly..