Chapter 35: Hello, Fiancé

Chapter 35: Hello, Fiancé

The imperial decree for the Duke's residence was personally brought back by the Duke himself. No one knew when he had returned to the capital or how he had put on his formal attire and directly come from the palace. All they knew was that he had brought an imperial decree, Wen Ruan's marriage was settled, determined by the imperial family, and no one could have any more ideas about him.

The Duke appeared very suddenly. Before his return, the people of the Duke's residence were still angry over Wen Ruan's performance, especially Lady Lu, who thought it was an opportunity to recruit Wen Ruan. Her methods were really gentle, but then so many others jumped at the chance as well. The Sun family, she wouldn't say much about them, to save face for the Zhou family, but what about the people Xue Gonglin brought? Their words in broad daylight were either insulting Wen Ruan or humiliating the entire Duke's residence!

No matter how unwilling they were, they couldn't use such means. If the Duke's residence had a bad reputation, could the people of the Duke's residence still prosper?

What about the man who appeared last? Who took Wen Ruan away? What kind of unsavory people did Wen Ruan know outside, to cause such a scene during a matchmaking event?

And what about the Huo and Liang families? They seemed to be opposing each other but actually made a lot of money together. Their attitudes towards Wen Ruan seemed somewhat ambiguous...

It was at this time that the Duke returned, bringing with him the imperial decree from the palace, saying that he had granted Wen Ruan a marriage. When Lady Lu saw the name on it, she almost fainted.

This time... she feared she had done something wrong, offending someone important!

The Duke was not satisfied with the murky atmosphere in the residence. He ordered Lady Lu, who was in charge of household affairs, to go back and reflect. No one from the second branch dared to show their faces, and the Zhou family had just been punished and couldn't be supported. The Duke himself was also old, and after all the hard work and travel, he couldn't move anymore. So he pointed to an old lady's attendant and sent him to the Juri Building to announce the imperial decree for Wen Ruan.

This person ran to the Juri Building and, seeing the commotion ahead, didn't dare to push forward. He was startled for a moment when Young Master Huo and Lady Liang came over and directly pushed everyone aside, causing him to be pushed back several steps and unable to get to the front.

The onlookers didn't recognize him and didn't make way for him. Everyone raised their heads to look forward, afraid that it was an illusion and they had seen wrongly.

What's going on? What do you mean your young master? Isn't the person inside the young master of the Duke of Wen, Wen Ruan? His surname is Wen, not Huo or Liang!

And aren't your two families fighting right now? That stage outside, with new products being promoted and prices slashed, don't the managers of both shops want to devour each other? How can it be that the two of you, the owners, have reconciled??

Who exactly is this young master of the Duke's residence!

Huo Xuning already knew who had spoken ill of the young master. Seeing that this weakling of a man hadn't left yet and dared to watch from the side, he directly kicked him down, straddled his chest, and slapped him.

"You're a thing raised in which cesspool, daring to come here and make trouble? You grew up eating maggots, good for nothing but spewing filth. You're not worthy to even mention my young master!"

"I... I..."

That young master was a man of culture, whether he had anything in his belly was unknown, but on the surface, he was slim and frail, unable to carry a load or lift anything. Facing someone like Huo Er, who acted violently, he had no power to resist and was beaten until his face was a mess, tears and snot streaming down, his eyes blackened, and blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He couldn't utter a word, where was his arrogance, what was there to talk about elegance?

"Second Young Master, calm down, don't hurt your own hand. If something happens, it won't be easy to explain to others." Lady Liang gently reminded him from the side. Beating people was fine, but don't kill them, lest the young master becomes unhappy.

Xue Gonglin had brought the person, and he couldn't just watch him get beaten like this. If he really died... he wouldn't be able to explain to his family!

A chill ran down his spine, feeling that something was off today. He didn't dare to continue and forcefully pulled the person out of Huo Er's hands. "Second Young Master, spare him. He knows he was wrong today. If you beat him again, you'll kill him!"

He pressed the young master to kneel and kowtow to the door, then dragged him away, blood spurting out, scaring the passersby.

Huo Xuning didn't want to kill anyone; he was just upset. Thinking that running away would be better, he'd see how he'd deal with him later! It was less painful to beat someone in public than to stab them in the back...

No one knocked on the door, he did it himself--

"A-Ruan, open the door. It's me, Second Young Master. I know you're inside!" He pounded on the door while grinding his teeth in frustration, "Others bully you, and you just sit there? My shop is right downstairs, why didn't you call out? Are you mute?"

In the room, Wen Ruan hadn't pushed away the Sixth Prince yet, his voice weak. "Aren't you busy recently..."

"Don't give me that!" The Second Young Master narrowed his fox-like eyes and shouted, "Who is that wild man in the room? Did he bully you?"

Zhu Yan lowered his gaze, looking at Wen Ruan. His deep voice whispered in his ear, "You're surnamed Huo? Hm?"

Wen Ruan felt a tickle and turned his face away. "Young Master Huo has a hot temper, but he doesn't have a bad heart. He's known me for years and always worries that I'll be bullied. Your Highness, please don't take it personally."

Zhu Yan: "Beg me."

Wen Ruan: ...

Huo Er was also worried about him, which was why he offended the Sixth Prince and called him a wild man.

"I... should I make another bamboo soap for Your Highness?"

Zhu Yan: ...

Let's not mention that soap.

"Are you always so easy to bully?" Zhu Yan hinted, "Not afraid of me, but listening to my words?"

Wen Ruan knew that these words referred not only to their relationship but also to what was happening outside, his attitude when facing difficulties. "When I don't feel bullied, I don't feel like I'm being bullied."

Zhu Yan: "You're not angry?"

"Why should I be angry?" Wen Ruan's emotions didn't seem to fluctuate much. "When problems come, solve them. No one's life is always smooth sailing without any unexpected events. Occasionally having something happen is also one of the joys of life."

Zhu Yan remembered the young man's demeanor when he was dealing with the underground channel, a bit fierce, a bit crazy, like a spirited little leopard.

It was clear that this person wasn't without temper, that anyone or anything could bully him. He had gotten angry before, when others destroyed his fields and pulled out his seedlings.

Wen Ruan asked Zhu Yan, "Isn't Your Highness also not angry?"

Zhu Yan: "I left the banquet, kidnapped you, and you think I'm not angry?"

Wen Ruan shook his head.

He felt that today's Sixth Prince was a bit off, a bit crazier than before, as if something had triggered his emotions. But to say he was angry, it didn't seem to fit. He seemed a bit unusually excited, or perhaps, happy... anticipating something?

What was he expecting?

"Is Your Highness still uncomfortable now?" Wen Ruan sensed the alcohol scent on the other's clothes becoming stronger, but it was no longer the pungent kind that was uncomfortable. Instead, it was rich and sweet, gentler.

Zhu Yan didn't speak.

Wen Ruan: "Can Your Highness let go of my bones now?"

Zhu Yan: "No."

Wen Ruan: ...

"Your Highness seems to be very good at saying no."

Zhu Yan: "You can say it too."

Wen Ruan took a deep breath. "Your Highness cannot touch my bones anymore."

Zhu Yan: "Oh."

He heard it, but didn't listen. He didn't admit his mistake and didn't change.

Wen Ruan: ...

Are you a dog?

Speaking of dogs, the black dog arrived. Lan Tian couldn't hold it back; it came directly, following its master's scent, all the way up to the third floor, squatting at the door barking.

"Woof—woof! Woof woof woof!"

The surroundings were silent, and the crowd outside the door was stunned again.

Wait, this black dog... isn't it the Sixth Prince's dog? Could it be that the wild man inside... is the Sixth Prince in there? Did the Sixth Prince snatch someone away?

How much courage did they have to block the door and bang on it? Would they, by tomorrow, drag their entire family into trouble?

But there was no response from inside.

The black dog barked many times, but there wasn't even a voice inside to stop it.

Everyone was confused again. Was he or wasn't he?

Downstairs, Shi Muyun was also puzzled, asking Lan Tian, "Why is he so calm? Isn't he afraid of something happening?"

Lan Tian: "There won't be any accidents with Your Highness's arrangements."

He glanced at the sky; the time was about right, and they should be arriving soon.

"I-I have an imperial decree—"

The steward of the Duke's Mansion finally rushed to the front. "His Majesty has granted Wen Ruan, the young master of the Duke's Mansion, a marriage. He will marry the Sixth Prince on an auspicious day!"

The imperial decree was received by the Duke in the palace and brought back to the Duke's Mansion. A small steward who had come out to deliver the news naturally couldn't carry it around casually, but when he took out the Duke's Mansion's signet and revealed his identity, people often recognized him in the capital. When this matter came out of his mouth, it couldn't be false.

The Second Prince and Third Prince, who weren't watching the commotion, were momentarily stunned.

After the shock came wild joy. It worked!

The Second Prince thought, Father truly loves me the most. This is because he listened to my suggestion! I have the most face with Father. Father loves me so much, his heart belongs to me. Who else but me for the position of Crown Prince in the future!

The Third Prince thought, indeed, my mother has the most face! What does it matter if Father is temporarily dissatisfied with me? With Mother helping me in the harem, as long as I mention something, there's nothing that can't be done. Mother is so powerful, making Father directly grant the Sixth Prince a marriage!

Let the Sixth Prince be so 'fresh and refined', looking down on everything. Good, don't take a princess, just marry a man and go together!

Both felt that their long-cherished wishes had been fulfilled. In their surprise, they forgot to pay attention to other things, such as why things went so smoothly. How did a little master who had been lost for more than ten years, only recently found and returned to the capital, become known to the Emperor? And why was he granted a marriage to the Sixth Prince at this exact moment?

Of course, the Son of Heaven possessed the wealth of the four seas and could know anything he wanted. But when he didn't think of it, who reminded him? And how did he come to believe that Wen Ruan and Zhu Yan were suitable for each other?

Wen Yu was also very delighted, his mouth curling up high, wishing he could run around the building!

It actually worked! How did they do it, who put in the effort? For nothing, he had wasted his energy here, worrying about all sorts of things! Now he could finally rest easy. A royal marriage couldn't be broken, and his cheap brother would be bound to the perverted prince for life. He could finally pursue his own happiness...

Wen Yu felt that heaven still favored him, allowing him to return to this life without wanting him to suffer. The road to prosperity and enjoyment in the future, he would cherish it properly.

Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly saw a familiar figure passing by the corner of the street, tall, warm, and graceful. It was Jing Yuqing, the future third place laureate!

Wen Ruan lost interest in his cheap brother's commotion and immediately left the entrance of the Sunlit Building, walking towards that street corner.

He walked far, but didn't encounter anyone.

Was it not meant to be today?

He frowned, just about to turn onto another street, when he suddenly heard a voice he had been longing to hear for a long time—

"Young sir, please wait."

Wen Yu turned around and saw Jing Yuqing.

At that moment, the sunlight was perfect, the breeze gentle. The young man held a stack of books in his right hand and a small, exquisite sachet in his slender fingertips, his demeanor warm and his eyes gentle. "Is this your sachet that fell?"

Wen Yu touched his waist and realized it was gone.

So it wasn't that they didn't have fate. This person was on this street, but he had just entered the bookstore next door, temporarily out of sight. He hadn't seen him. As soon as the person came out with the books, he picked up his sachet.

Although there were no lanterns flickering now, Wen Yu still recalled that line of poetry: Suddenly turning around, that person is under the flickering lanterns.

This was the fate that belonged to him.

Perhaps in his previous life, Wen Ruan met Jing Yuqing on this day?

In his previous life, there was no matchmaking event for Wen Ruan, but it seemed that Wen Ruan also came to the Sunlit Building these few days.

Jing Yuqing also saw Wen Yu's face and exclaimed, "It's you. Thank you for that day."

Wen Yu smiled and took the sachet, gracious and composed. "How is your mother? The weather has been erratic lately, you must take good care of her, don't let her catch a cold again."

"My mother is well, thank you for your concern," Jing Yuqing looked at Wen Yu again. "Young sir is so filial and courteous. To raise a son like you is the blessing of elders."

Wen Yu modestly declined the praise, noticing the title of the book he was holding. "Do you also like travelogues? I read this book some days ago. The language inside is gorgeous, the descriptions exquisite, quite captivating. Especially the observations of Mount Yandang..."

Jing Yuqing's eyes lit up as he listened to him, "My insights are actually the same as yours, Sir."

Of course they would be the same, Wen Yu thought to himself. This was the topic that Zhu Yan and Wen Ruan discussed when they returned home after their visit last life. However, Wen Ruan had a different perspective from Zhu Yan, saying that indulging in leisure could relax one's spirit but too much of it wasn't appropriate. He advised Zhu Yan not to become overly obsessed.

He, on the other hand, would understand everything about Jing Yuqing, accept everything about him, and there would never be any barriers between them, nor would they ever quarrel.

Wen Yu suggested with a smile, "Since we've met by fate, if Brother has nothing else to do, why don't you join me for a drink?"

Jing Yuqing indeed had nothing planned for today. His mother's illness had improved, and his studies were at a pause, allowing him some rest. "How can I refuse?"

The two left together.

At this moment, Wen Yu didn't think about how travelogues like these, while capable of relaxing people and passing time, were written by someone with the talent of a third-place laureate who hadn't passed the exams yet. How could he relax his studies and focus solely on such things? If his mind was entirely devoted to them, his resolve would scatter; how could he succeed in the imperial examinations?

Not only did he not think about it, but he was so engrossed in conversation that he considered Jing Yuqing a kindred spirit. He drank a lot of alcohol, using his memories from his past life to understand what Jing Yuqing was worried about. He subtly hinted that he could help, and the more they talked, the more the atmosphere became hazy, veering towards an ambiguous direction.

In truth, he didn't have to act this way. It wasn't necessary. He was the son of the Duke of the State, and even though he was born of a concubine, his status wasn't low. Moreover, he had dedicated himself to studying books and was known for his talents in the capital.

He could have simply been himself and still found his path.

...

At the Gathering Sun Tower, on the third floor, inside the room.

When Wen Ruan heard the voices outside the door, he was startled, "An... arranged marriage? Between you and me?"

Zhu Yan closed his eyes, "I heard it."

Wen Ruan: "How is that possible? You and I..."

Zhu Yan opened his eyes, "You really do like that girl."

Wen Ruan: "I don't!"

"Since you don't," Zhu Yan narrowed his eyes, "why are you resisting?"

Wen Ruan explained, "It's not resistance, it's surprise. We clearly haven't..."

Zhu Yan: "So that means you agree?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Suddenly, all his strength vanished, and he lazily leaned against the wall, looking at Zhu Yan, "Would it matter if I didn't agree?"

Zhu Yan: "Clearly not."

Wen Ruan understood that no one could defy an imperial decree in this world. It was something not allowed.

However, a thought crossed his mind. The Emperor didn't know him at all. Even if he intended to choose a spouse for his sixth son, he wouldn't have thought of him. Unless someone deliberately orchestrated it and laid out the plan in advance, it was impossible for this imperial decree to appear.

And ordinary people couldn't set up such a high-level scheme involving the royal family.

A ridiculous guess popped into his head, and he stared straight at Zhu Yan, "Did you do this? Do you like me?"

Zhu Yan raised his eyebrows, "Are you always this narcissistic?"

Wen Ruan: ...

So it was still about the clavicle.

Zhu Yan: "My clavicle, if you can't take care of it well, I can only take care of it myself."

Wen Ruan felt powerless, "Your Highness, please don't make jokes like this."

Zhu Yan: "I never joke."

Wen Ruan found it hard to believe. Although the Sixth Prince was indeed a little crazy and had a peculiar obsession with the word 'clavicle', it wasn't to this extent. He had seen the Sixth Prince fighting in the mountains, with those moves, that aura, and that demeanor of a true gentleman. He couldn't be this kind of person.

Recalling the scene from before, he suddenly had an inspiration, "Are you avoiding something?"

Zhu Yan: "Huh?"

"The Second Prince and Third Prince seemed eager to get you married, even bringing along albums. You don't have someone you fancy, and you don't want to be randomly assigned a spy. You can't determine who is safe, so why not... find someone you know well."

Wen Ruan felt more convinced as he spoke, "Although I've known Your Highness for a short time, we've developed some inexplicable ties. On Mount Lai Feng... we even made a pact. If Your Highness keeps me close, you can monitor me at all times without fearing the leakage of secrets."

What happened in the cave was particularly subtle. Some matters had already been exposed, and those embarrassing moments that made the Sixth Prince lose face didn't need to be mentioned again. But it was clear that they were now bound together.

Zhu Yan: "Dare you?"

Wen Ruan: "Huh?"

Zhu Yan's eyes were deep, "To marry me."

"What's there to be afraid of? It's just another contract." The Emperor's decree had already been issued, and it couldn't be changed. Wen Ruan directly reached out to Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan: "Huh?"

Wen Ruan looked up at him, his eyes clear and pure, "Aren't we supposed to take the pills together?"

You set your own rules, and now you've forgotten them?

Zhu Yan: ...

"This time, it's not necessary."

Wen Ruan didn't mind; perhaps the effects of the previous pill hadn't worn off yet.

Zhu Yan held onto his hand, "So don't think about escaping, understand? My prey isn't allowed to die by anyone else's hands. You've seen what I'm like when I kill..."

"Not running away, since I don't have anyone I like right now," Wen Ruan obediently nodded, then thought of another issue, "This engagement, should it have an expiration date?"

Zhu Yan's eyes were distant and cold: "Who do you want to like?"

Wen Ruan: "Future matters, who knows?"

Zhu Yan looked down at him: "So this is the crux of why you agreed to marry?"

"It has to be considered," Wen Ruan looked at him, "Since Your Highness has planned everything thoroughly, you must have thought about it too?"

Zhu Yan: "We can discuss it."

Wen Ruan had a look of confirmation: "Since it's a temporary measure, we have to think about it more. We're going to live together in the future... uh, am I going to live with Your Highness?"

Zhu Yan: "You'll move into my residence."

"In that case, all our habits and rules need to be discussed so we can understand each other," Wen Ruan was very serious, "I'll remember to avoid your dislikes, Your Highness, and we'll respect each other's privacy, avoiding conflicts. When it's time to leave..."

Zhu Yan suddenly bit Wen Ruan's shoulder: "Talking about leaving before we're even married, you've certainly thought things through."

Wen Ruan hissed: "Your Highness, don't be angry. Come on, take a deep breath, do you feel better?"

Zhu Yan: ...

Wen Ruan: "I seem to have been a bit presumptuous. Can I speak to Your Highness like this in the future?"

Zhu Yan: "Does it matter what I say? You're not afraid of me."

Wen Ruan: "Well... I am, sometimes."

Zhu Yan: ...

Wen Ruan: "Tomorrow... should I still come to your residence?"

Zhu Yan gripped his hand tightly: "Are you having second thoughts?"

Wen Ruan: "I'm just wondering if it's necessary."

"It's not the same thing," Zhu Yan reached out, pinching his chin and tilting his face up, "Just like I'm telling you now, medicine, dare you stop taking it?"

Wen Ruan: ...

"I don't..."

Zhu Yan: "No, you do."

Wen Ruan used his strength and finally broke free from his grip: "No, I just wanted to remind Your Highness, your clothes... they're open."

Zhu Yan looked down and only then realized that after their tussle, the buttons on his robe had come undone. As he stepped back, the fabric slipped down, revealing a large part of his chest.

Wen Ruan lowered his head in time, fearing that the proud and noble Sixth Highness would find it difficult to face this social death, but unexpectedly, this time the Sixth Highness didn't seem to mind much, his lips even curled up.

"Did you see?"

Wen Ruan shook his head vigorously: "I didn't see anything."

Zhu Yan: "You did see."

...

Little Lord Fang resisted the soft and cute attack of the kitten with strong willpower, finally making his way through the obstacles to the Sun Gathering Tower. He was lively and vigorous, a fierce man, ready to kick the door as soon as he arrived: "Ah Ruan, I'm here! Who dared to bully you again, I'll kill them!"

As he raised his foot, the door opened, and Zhu Yan came out, shielding Wen Ruan behind him: "Who are you going to kill?"

Wen Ruan rubbed his forehead, unable to bear the sight.

Fang Rui ran all the way here in a hurry and hadn't heard about the imperial decree granting marriage yet, but he had an animal-like keenness, sensing that something wasn't right at this moment. He immediately turned around and ran downstairs: "Well, you guys carry on, I have something else to attend to!"

He didn't dare touch the Sixth Prince, and with the Sixth Prince present, Ah Ruan wouldn't have been wronged. But there were others he could deal with, had he not heard that someone had spoken obscenely to Ah Wu today? This bastard really dared to do it...

Thus, the lecherous young master, who had been beaten up by Young Master Huo and wrapped up like a pig's head, was beaten up again by Fang Rui.

Little Lord Fang came from a family of military officers and had great strength, directly breaking the man's bones. The jawbone of the one who spoke dirty words could still function, allowing him to walk and move, but there was no hope of eating properly for the next half year.

If you have a foul mouth, eat shit then, who needs food!

Inside the Sun Gathering Tower, the Sixth Prince pointed to Wen Ruan behind him: "He met with me today, and Father Emperor's decree has already been issued. Are you dissatisfied?"

They definitely didn't dare. It was just that it happened too quickly, they hadn't seen clearly who it was.

Everyone backed away together.

In the hall on the first floor, Shi Muyun watched this scene and recalled the events of the past few days, drawing in a sharp breath: "Putting aside other things, your Sixth Highness is really a dog."

Today's incident might have been sudden for others, but it certainly wasn't for Zhu Yan. He had set up his plans both inside and outside the palace, from the eunuchs to the harem, others thought he was working hard for himself, but in reality, he was paving the way for him...

This person only appeared calm and collected on the surface, doing nothing, but in fact, his mind was full of dirty thoughts!

"He must have planned to kidnap the young master long ago!"

Lan Tian was silent for a while, not daring to refute.