Chapter 12: What If He Wants to Marry Me?

Chapter 12: What If He Wants to Marry Me?

Wen Ruan found Pan Peng rather peculiar.

This man had appeared in the mansion for the purpose of inspecting potential brides, yet he hadn't immediately headed to the banquet hall to make an impression. He hadn't sought out the matrons for introductions or inquired about Wen Ru, the target of his visit. Instead, he had avoided the servants of the Duke's household and wandered around the outer courtyards as if searching for something...

What was he looking for? Who was he looking for?

Pan Peng's rotund body couldn't endure much walking, so seeing a stone stool by the pavilion, he sat down to rest. "That old Chen Yongan sure has some tricks up his sleeve, hiding so deeply that no one can find him..."

Wen Ruan stood quietly, his gaze lowered.

The Shuzhou flood disaster had placed Chen Yongan, as the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Revenue, in charge of disaster relief. Although he had been arrested and imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's jail, the disaster-stricken area had received some silver and grain, albeit insufficient, but timely enough to prevent greater casualties.

The Canal Gang had swift information channels, and Nanxing knew people who could provide insights. Perhaps Pan Peng didn't know this, or perhaps...he was referring to another matter entirely. In prison, Chen Yongan hadn't uttered a word about the money and grain that had disappeared under his watch, which amounted to far more than just a little.

But Pan Peng wasn't employed at any government office; he only had a father who served in the Five-City Military Commandant's Office and the influential Pan family with a seat in the imperial court. Why would he be searching for such sensitive information, and why would he come to the Duke's mansion, where could he possibly find anything?

Or had he misheard? Was what Pan Peng was looking for here not related to what he was saying aloud?

"...The capital is only so big. I don't believe he can hide forever..."

Pan Peng spoke to his personal attendant in a low voice, wary of being overheard. Wen Ruan couldn't get too close without being noticed, but the few words he caught were enough to spark his imagination.

"...Miss Ru is by the waterside pavilion."

The conversation paused there. The waterside pavilion wasn't far from their location, and from where they stood, they could vaguely see it. Wen Ruan wasn't interested in romantic matters and wanted to leave, but he found himself unable to do so...his position was somewhat awkward. If he left now, he would be seen without cover, so he remained in place, waiting for others to move first.

By the waterside pavilion, a group of young ladies was enjoying the scenery. As the hostess, Wen Ru was entertaining and guiding everyone, pausing for a moment to admire the view before moving on in the direction of this area.

Pan Peng stood up, straightened his collar, and walked onto the path to greet Wen Ru. "It's been a while since we last met, Sister Ru. You're as graceful as ever."

An encounter between young men and women, followed by a greeting, was nothing out of the ordinary. Moreover, Pan Peng had shown sufficient respect, his demeanor, words, and posture devoid of any frivolity, without a hint of disrespect.

But his appearance and physique were far from impressive. While inappropriate behavior was certainly repulsive, propriety...didn't make him any more likable. In fact, his excessive formality and respect conveyed a sense of 'I am fond of you, and I will have you,' which made being liked by such a person anything but a source of pride.

At an age when one's face was everything, Wen Ru's cheeks flushed red—not out of shyness, but purely out of embarrassment. Especially since a group of young girls, at the urging of her arch-rival Ge Lingchun, had already retreated to give them space, giggling and whispering behind their hands from a distance...

Wen Ru didn't feel blessed or envied; she felt mocked and ridiculed.

"Is Master Pan lost? The front courtyard is over there," Wen Ru pointed in a direction and curtsied. "I won't disturb you further."

Pan Peng smiled slightly. "Indeed, I'm not familiar with the layout. Would Miss Ru kindly show me the way?"

Due to his appearance and physique, he had experienced too much throughout his life. He didn't need to analyze others' actions or emotions; he instantly understood them. At this moment, he couldn't be pleased. When others made him unhappy, he wouldn't be too accommodating either.

"I heard that Miss Ru likes gardenia soap. Coincidentally, I have some. Unfortunately, I haven't collected all twelve flower deities, but I'd like to offer them to Miss Ru. Please don't reject my gift."

A man with less-than-appealing looks and demeanor, when overly familiar, became doubly uncomfortable.

"Who wants your things!" Wen Ru glanced around and lowered her voice. "I said the front courtyard is over there. Can't you understand!"

Pan Peng's smile widened. "That's precisely why I want to give you a thank-you gift, for showing me the way."

Seeing that he wouldn't listen, Wen Ru bit her lip and tried to leave. "I'm busy right now. Please don't say such things anymore."

"Today, the mansion is hosting guests. They are guests," Pan Peng glanced at the distant young ladies and cupped his plump belly. "I am also a guest. How can Miss Ru favor one over the other..."

"Haven't you heard her say she doesn't want anything!"

A young man approached quickly, adorned with a golden crown, jade belt, brocade robe, and jadeite ring—his entire appearance exuded wealth. He stood protectively in front of Wen Ru, staring at Pan Peng with an unfriendly gaze. It was Xue Gonglin.

Wen Ru's lips moved as if she wanted to say something but didn't. Instead, she lifted her skirt and ran away.

Pan Peng watched her go, narrowing his eyes. "A good dog doesn't block the road."

Xue Gonglin, of course, saw this too. He wanted to chase after her but held back. "When a dog runs amok, a person can't tolerate it."

Pan Peng looked at Wen Ru's retreating figure. "You don't really think that by putting on a show, you can marry her, do you?"

Xue Gonglin: "It's better than someone without sincerity who still insists on inspecting brides."

Pan Peng: "How much is your sincerity worth? Forget about your parents; even your sister pulling your ear would make you kneel immediately. With your family's affairs, what can you participate in or know? A useless person should remain useless. Don't dream of having any say."

Xue Gonglin: "You're not useless. Have you helped your father at all? If you don't step up and find something, achieve something, be careful not to be kicked aside by your father...some families are willing to support useless people, but some families will only dispose of them!"

The two men exchanged barbs, and Wen Ruan was forced to hear their entire exchange. These two weren't just rivals in love; they were acquaintances who knew a bit about each other's family affairs. What Pan Peng was doing, Xue Gonglin knew or could guess. Stepping up and achieving something...what did that refer to? Chen Yongan?

As the two were engaged in their heated discussion, Nanxing returned.

"Master, that young lady is the niece of the Zhou family. She's known in the mansion as Lady E."

Nanxing regretted that the time was too short, and the information she could gather was limited. She couldn't track those leaving the mansion either.

Wen Ruan listened attentively. "We'll look into this matter after today's banquet. But now..." He glanced at Pan Peng and Xue Gonglin. "I have something more important for you to do."

...

Xue Gonglin's mood wasn't particularly pleasant today. His encounter with Pan Peng ended poorly, and he hadn't managed to have a proper conversation with Wen Ru. There hadn't been many opportunities to impress the elders earlier, and after exchanging greetings, he withdrew. This wasn't what he had hoped to achieve today.

Following the sounds of lively chatter, he casually asked several busy servants for directions to the tea and snacks, and the conversations he overheard grew increasingly related to the major events in the capital recently, events about which he knew quite a lot.

A lightbulb went off in his head.

Marriage proposals were discussed among the elders, and the more they saw, the more opportunities arose. Even if marriage wasn't the topic, the more he was seen by everyone, the more outstanding he would appear in their eyes, promising a bright future...how could he stand out and be seen by all? This was his chance!

"...You don't understand. I know best about Chen Yongan's escape and capture. It wasn't some random event on the capital outskirts; it was premeditated!"

He seized the opportunity to insert himself into the conversation, standing tall and confident. Others were engrossed in their own discussions, and naturally, there were those who disagreed. Immediately, the atmosphere turned tense, as if a quarrel was about to break out.

Wen Ruan noticed Nanxing frowning slightly upon her return and smiled gently. "Rest assured, nothing will go wrong."

The more mysterious the topic, the more people loved to discuss it. The more one knew, the more unique they felt, and the more they wanted to show off. As the crowd grew, so did the young ones' desire to display themselves.

What was there to fear in an argument? It was better when they clashed. When the tension reached its peak, that was when the information could no longer be contained.

Wen Ruan stood quietly to the side, watching as these young, spirited individuals went from subtly mentioning a certain official to openly naming Chen Yongan. They started by acknowledging the taboo and restraining themselves, but eventually, they nearly came to blows...

The exchange of information was truly fascinating.

Everyone had their own take on the matter, with truths mixed with falsehoods. Some were staunch believers in their information, while others knew the truth but chose not to speak, instead watching the spectacle with a cryptic air, occasionally adding fuel to the fire. They were on the verge of a real fight over whose source was more reliable regarding the incident.

Wen Ruan stepped forward at the opportune moment. "In that case, why not reenact the scene?"

The young noblemen's antics of grabbing each other's arms and pulling ears came to an abrupt halt as they all turned to look at him, their eyes filled with displeasure—Who was he?

Wen Ruan bowed with a smile. "My name is Wen Ruan. It's an honor to meet you all."

The new-found young master of the Duke's household?

All eyes were on him, scrutinizing him with amusement. Their expressions were priceless, and they forgot about their quarrel.

Wen Ruan pointed to the floral decorations around the table. "These are all my handiwork."

The small wildflowers made from scraps of cloth, the straw hats woven from stalks for grasshoppers, and the wheat and grains—all symbolizing a bountiful harvest—were his responsibility. He had supervised Nanxing in creating them to adorn various spots.

They were tiny, chubby, and adorable, far from ugly. But no matter how cute, they weren't considered valuable. Especially for the sake of variety, he placed a few empty wine jars alongside them. Who among the wealthy would do such a thing? It wasn't as if they were rural farmers.

Yet, it wasn't easy to mock them directly. The young noblemen stifled their laughter, finding the newly found young master quite amusing. They assumed he wouldn't even understand their ridicule, which only made them feel even more superior. "What did you say earlier? A reenactment?"

"I noticed that everyone has different accounts of what happened that day, and none can convince the others," Wen Ruan said with a hint of shyness in his smile. "Why don't we simulate the events? In our countryside games, when logic fails to persuade, we split up and pretend to be different characters. Who steals, who runs away, who catches the thief, the routes taken, where ambushes lie, and how things develop to reach the factual outcome... After simulating it, everything becomes clear."

It sounded intriguing. I'm bound to win! It must follow the information I've heard to result in Chen Yongan being caught red-handed! But—

"Do you think we'll play just because you say so?"

Wouldn't that be a loss of face?

Wen Ruan looked at the young man dressed in embroidered brocade robes. "You washed your hands just now, using jasmine soap? It doesn't suit you."

Before this person could frown, a well-informed friend whispered a reminder beside him. "I heard that the new young master of the Duke's household knows how to make..."

Wen Ruan continued, "Recently, I've been trying to make a peony soap. It's pink, moisturizing, and has a delicate fragrance. If you don't mind, I'll give this piece of flower soap to whoever proves their account correct today. What do you say?"

Peony flower soap? Unheard of! Could it be a new product... No, this was a new creation, unique in the entire world!

As the crowd's expressions changed, Wen Ruan lowered his eyelids and smiled, a touch of shyness in his expression. "I've yet to witness the vigor of the capital's youth, full of springtime pride. I yearn to see it."

This was an invitation to include him in their game?

The young men understood. Awards didn't matter; this nobleman wanted to give gifts and integrate into their circle.

He seemed obedient and pleasant to look at.

"Ahem, since that's the case, let us show you. We don't easily reveal our skills," said the young man in embroidered brocade robes, looking around with an air of importance. "But remember, it's all in good fun. No getting upset."

Xue Gonglin was a step behind, feeling regretful for not speaking up sooner. Now, he didn't want to contradict others to stand out. If they were going to play, wouldn't his chances be great? Who here could match his extensive and accurate information?

Thus, the game began smoothly, half-coerced and half-willingly.

Wen Ruan stepped back to observe, his smiling eyes curved, appearing innocent and pure. In reality, he was thinking that dealing with a group of teenagers, at most high school age, would be simple.

Nanxing watched the scene unfold, understanding that 'nothing will go wrong' meant... the young master could handle it.

The young noblemen divided into factions based on the information they possessed. They even used cups, dishes, and dried fruits to create a makeshift battlefield on the table. Yes, they also commandeered the nearby decorative grasshoppers, straw hats, and symbols of abundant harvest, continuing to argue while playing—

"You're foolish. That's a mountain path, impassable!"

"The main road won't work either. It's visible, and Chen Yongan isn't stupid!"

"There's a cliff to the west, incorrect."

"It's no good to the east either. There are soldiers. He wouldn't last until then before being caught!"

"So, it must be north or south..."

"North won't work. The soft earth is rich in gold, with both grain and gold being transported. Could the tracks be unseen? Was there any similar news the next day?"

Wen Ruan listened attentively, gaining a thorough understanding of the environment, the map, the pursuers and pursued at the time, and even the possible ambush forces...

However, it still wasn't enough. The amount of information wasn't sufficient for him to unravel the entire truth. He needed more... It would be perfect if someone else appeared and got caught in his web.

The commotion they caused went unnoticed because something else was also making a significant stir.

On the Zhou family's side, due to the newly found young master being their direct nephew, they received considerable attention. Regardless of their true thoughts or whether the support from others was genuine or feigned, she couldn't say anything unflattering in public. Praised and flattered beyond measure, even those she rarely interacted with or wanted to befriend approached her. How could she not feel pleased?

A guest apologized for arriving late? Late and yet daring to hug—oh, it was the Du family she had always wanted to meet. What lateness? Where was the lateness? How coincidental, she was standing here precisely to welcome him!

Not only did Lady Zhou immediately step forward to entertain him, but she also called Wen Yu over to accompany him. Although this illegitimate son wasn't particularly useful, he was good at talking and reading social cues, and his appearance was presentable.

Wen Yu wouldn't hesitate to showcase himself. This was his chance to gain praise in social circles, and he really put in effort. Unfortunately, the esteemed guest always looked disinterested, his gaze wandering around as if searching for something... or someone.

Was it for that damned flower soap again? He paid no attention to the meticulously arranged garden and flowers.

He had to find a way to prevent Wen Ruan from basking in glory.

As Wen Yu pondered, a sudden scream shattered the atmosphere.

"Help! Save me—"

A hefty man tumbled to the ground, stirring up dust, pursued by a slender and lanky dog with glossy black fur. The dog landed a paw on his face, its gleaming white canines perilously close to his throat.

The face of the man was familiar to all present—it was none other than Pan Peng. He had dared to cry for help while running and falling, but now he lay silent, drenched in sweat.

The dog, however, remained graceful. Its movements were elegant and composed as it ran, and even now, as it pressed its paw against the man's face, it exuded an air of aristocratic poise. It didn't bark once, instead seeming to find the man's panic beneath its paw rather petty and somewhat disdainful.

This situation needed intervention.

The host should step in to manage the scene, and the guests should speak up for justice, yet everyone stood frozen, not daring to move.

For this was the dog of the Sixth Prince.

And the Sixth Prince was someone no one in the capital dared to provoke.

With the dog here, the Sixth Prince couldn't be far behind. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he approached at a leisurely pace, lowering his gaze to the plump face marked by the dog's paw prints. "It was you who ruined my pipa, wasn't it?"

Silence fell over the scene.

Only one person was shockingly startled, their expression unusually horrified.

Wen Yu's eyes trembled, his heart momentarily ceasing to beat.

How did the Sixth Prince come here? Why was he here, when he wasn't in his previous life?

What could he do now? He hadn't even tricked Wen Ruan into coming yet. How could he deal with the Sixth Prince wanting to marry him!