BXBX NOVEL Chapter 88 - 88:I Don’t Let Any Other Woman Come Close To Me, Only You.
Upon hearing Mrs. Cao’s words, Zhou Rongfang responded with a modest smile.
“Second Madam, 1 lived in Qizhou for many years and had a good relationship with the young madam of the Zhou family. If you don’t mind, please feel free to visit me more often. 1 can’t promise much, but 1 can assure you that the Jizhou pastries 1 make are quite authentic.”
“That sounds wonderful! 1 was just lamenting about not being able to find such authentic pastries in the capital. Now that 1 know this, 1 hope you won’t find my frequent visits bothersome.”
“Of course not.”
Upon hearing Zhou Rongfang’s words, Mrs. Cao laughed warmly.
The two engaged in friendly banter, each full of praise for the other, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the main hall.
Sensing the opportune moment, Mrs. Cao cut straight to the chase, turning to Jiang Yuan and Zhou Rongfang. With a soft chuckle, she said, “To be honest, my husband and I are here today because we want to discuss something with both of you.”
“Please, do tell, Madam.”
At this point, Mrs. Cao’s gaze shifted to Jiang Ruyun. “I am here today to propose a marriage for my son. I would like to engage your second daughter as his wife.”
Though the intent of the Cao family’s visit had been anticipated, Jiang Yuan and his wife were still shocked by the directness of the proposal.
The Jiang family was thoroughly pleased with this marriage prospect. However, after hearing Mrs. Cao’s words, Zhou Rongfang laughed lightly and said, “Marriage is indeed a significant matter, and I need to consult with my husband. How about this, I’ll send someone to deliver our response to you tomorrow. Would that be acceptable?”
“Of course.”
When the Jiang family didn’t oppose outright, the Cao family knew they had almost secured the match. Therefore, on hearing Zhou Rongfang’s response, Mrs. Cao promptly smiled and nodded in agreement.
With everything discussed and the sky darkening, the Cao couple suggested it was time for them to take their leave.
Once the Cao couple had left, it was time for the Jiang family to deliberate. Xue Yan turned to Zhou Rongfang and said,” Second Sister-in-law, please discuss this thoroughly with your husband. We will head back home now.”
“Thank you for your assistance today, elder sister-in-law.”
Despite a recent disagreement, Zhou Rongfang smiled and nodded, knowing that Jiang Ruyun’s future still depended on the support of the eldest siblings.
Jiang Peihuan gave a respectful bow to Jiang Yuan and his wife, then left alongside her parents.
“Huan er, I heard you accompanied Ruyun out of the house today. Do you have any idea about this sudden marriage proposal from the Cao family?”
Once they stepped out of the main hall, Xue Yan couldn’t resist asking Jiang Peihuan about the surprising turn of events.
Hearing her words, Jiang Peihuan nodded, proceeding to recount the day’s happenings on the streets. “When Young Master Cao left, he did indeed mention sending a matchmaker. But I never thought that Lord Cao and Madam Cao would actually come to propose a marriage tonight.”
“So it seems, this Young Master Cao holds genuine affection for Ruyun,” Xue Yan whispered to herself. However, thinking of the Yan family, she furrowed her brows, “Brother Hong, do you think this might cause the Yan family to harbor resentment towards us?”
Jiang Hong had been silent throughout, quietly observing his wife and daughter’s conversation. Only after Xue Yan’s words did he speak softly, “Even without this incident, the Yan family was never going to align with us. Given that, we shouldn’t concern ourselves over this matter.”
Even though Jiang Hong’s tone was calm, it was laced with a chilling resolve.
“Father, Mother, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
“What’s the matter?”
The topic had finally shifted to Xue Yan’s Yan Lin. Upon settling in the living room, both Jiang Hong and his wife turned their attention to Jiang Peihuan.
Meeting their eyes, Jian Peihuan briefly told them about Jiang Sijin wanting to join the military camp.
Initially, Jiang Peihuan intended to bring it up the next day. However, with the Cao family’s proposal being accepted so swiftly, she decided to address Jiang Sijin’s matter right away.
“Father, 1 understand that you and Mother are reluctant to see Sijin suffer. But Sijin isn’t a child anymore; she has her own dreams. If we persistently deter her, she might just sneak off.”
“Sijin is our family’s child. From birth, all Jiang children are destined to be warriors. If that’s the case, I believe we should support Sijin.”
Hearing Jian Peihuan’s words, Jiang Hong’s eyes revealed a bit of hesitation. He subconsciously looked at Xue Yan.” Yan Er, what do you think?”
Xue Yan looked at Jian Peihuan and said unhappily,” With all you’ve said, did Sijin coax you into advocating for her?”
Upon hearing Xue Yan’s words, Jiang Peihuan didn’t deny it but instead nodded. She then looked at Xue Yan and asked softly, “Mother, do you agree?”
“Well, if she yearns to go that badly, let her.”
Xue Yan said softly after a few seconds of silence.
“Father, Mother, it’s getting late. You should rest. 1’11 take my leave.”
Seeing Xue Yan’s nod, Jiang Peihuan rose, bowed to her parents, then left Yan Lin.
“Young Miss, the third miss must be thrilled now.”
Exiting Yan Lin, Yue Er couldn’t help but look at Jiang Peihuan and chuckle.
Jiang Peihuan smiled, not saying much. Once inside the Plum Garden, she told Yue Er, “It’s late. You should rest too.”
“Understood.”
Having grown accustomed to Jiang Peihuan spending her nights alone, Yue Er took her leave right after bowing to her.
Upon opening her room door, Jiang Peihuan was greeted by a familiar scent. As expected, Xiao Nanye was casually seated, a cup of hot tea atop the table.
She didn’t know exactly when it started, but he had developed a habit of visiting her every night.
Like tonight, even though Xiao Nanye had planned to rest, he still got dressed and made his way to the General’s Mansion after settling into bed.
“Has Your Highness become addicted to coming here now?”
Jiang Peihuan ignited the table candle and casually cast a glance at the man seated in the chair. She had posed the question without much thought, but to her surprise, he nodded earnestly. “Yes, somewhat addicted.”
Jian Peihuan was speechless. When she turned around, she noticed the handkerchief she had given him, still wrapped around his arm.
A frown creased her forehead, and she asked in a soft tone, “Haven’t you changed the dressing on your hand?”
“Han Feng is too clumsy. I didn’t trust him with it, so 1 came here.”
During this explanation, Xiao Nanye took out a bottle of wound ointment and set it on the table.
On a tree just outside the door.
Han Feng’s hearing was sharp. Upon hearing his master’s words, the corners of his mouth twitched.
Inside the house.
Jiang Peihuan eyed the ointment on the table, a touch of helplessness evident in her gaze. “Your Highness could have your maids apply the ointment, you know…”
“I don’t have maids at my place.”
Before Jiang Peihuan could complete her suggestion, Xiao Nanye gently interrupted her. Facing her surprised look, he calmly stated, “I don’t let any other woman come close to me, only you.”
Upon hearing his words, Jiang Peihuan managed to keep her expression neutral, but a subtle wave of happiness stirred within her.
Moving closer, she softly suggested, “Allow me to change the dressing for you, Your Highness.”