Chapter 117 - 117: 117. Self-awareness (Midnight)
Su Liang was led by a servant to the garden to find Ning Jing.
Under the enthusiastic persuasion of Madam Qin and Qin Yujin, she had agreed to attend the banquet in the Qin Mansion in the evening.
After Su Liang left, Qin Kang couldn’t help but sigh, “This woman has an extraordinary heart and an impressive demeanor. If she were a man, her future would be boundless. Making friends with someone like her is your blessing.”
Xing Yusheng nodded with a smile, ‘My luck began to improve when I met Su Liang.”
“How do you feel about her…” Qin Kang asked.
Xing Yusheng did not deny, “I had a good impression of her when we first met, and my grandmother also likes her. But to be honest, if we don’t talk about status, I feel that I am not worthy of her.”
Qin Kang seemed to be deep in thought, “After all these events, I still hear her call you ‘Crown Prince Xing’, so it seems she doesn’t have any romantic feelings for you. And with the talented and handsome Ning Jing by her side, you…”
Xing Yusheng held his forehead, understanding his uncle’s hidden meaning: If Su Liang did not even appreciate Ning Jing, you have even less of a chance.
Qin Kang coughed lightly, “Uncle is not saying that you’re not good, just that compared to Miss Su, your character is a bit softer.”
As an elder, Qin Kang naturally considered unmarried children from his family when encountering a good young lady, but being excellent and suitable were two different things.
Qin Kang thought Xing Yusheng was gentle and kind, without ambition, only wanting to live a peaceful life.
But Su Liang’s return to the capital this time obviously had some big plans, or else she wouldn’t have asked for a life-saving golden medal today.
Actually, Xing Yusheng knew some things in his heart. His admiration for Su Liang, even with a bit of awe, had given up before, but now he began to have thoughts again. One reason was that people around him encouraged him, and the second reason was that Ning Jing and Su Liang had no ambiguity, which made Xing Yusheng want to try.
Qin Kang’s straightforward opposition was not what Xing Yusheng had expected.
“If it weren’t for her asking for the life-saving golden medal today, I would have thought that if she was willing to marry you, nothing could be better.” Qin Kang said with deep sadness.
Xing Yusheng’s face was disappointed, but he still nodded, “I understand everything Uncle said.”
“Your grandfather mentioned your marriage before, saying that there was a young lady he thought would be suitable, but he hadn’t spoken to you about it before falling ill.” Qin Kang said seriously.
Xing Yusheng was stunned and completely unaware of this.
“Now that the Xing Family has temporarily settled down, with your status, it is natural to marry a noble girl from a prominent family, but it is best to keep a low profile. Moreover, you don’t want to find any support through marriage, so choosing a suitable young lady for you is the most important thing.” Qin Kang said.
Xing Yusheng agreed with all of this, but the key was: Which young lady did his grandfather think was suitable for him?
Qin Kang smiled, “It’s the Miss Lin from the scholarly family with three Top Scholars, the one who has been spending a lot of time with Yujin lately. Your aunt has always praised her. She was originally intended for Yuyan, but your grandfather thought Yuyan liked to play too much and hadn’t settled down yet, and Miss Lin would be more suitable for you. You should know her. What do you think of her? If you don’t object, I will find an opportunity to talk with her father about the matter.”
Qin Kang’s eldest son, Qin Yuheng, was not married yet, but his future wife was the housekeeper’s daughter, and Lin Xueqing’s character was too simple. Qin Yuyan, the second son, loved pleasure and used to frequent the brothel to listen to music, although he never did anything outrageous. But considering Lin Family’s strict family values, they might not be willing to accept such a match.
Xing Yusheng did know Lin Xueqing, and Qin Yujin often mentioned her, saying she was good at cooking, had read many books, had a good personality, and even knew self-defense techniques.
“Miss Lin is very good, but…” Xing Yusheng hadn’t paid special attention to Lin Xueqing before, and suddenly it was mentioned, he didn’t really have any thoughts, “The Lin Family might think I’m too troublesome and not want to marry into the Xing Family. ”
“Your background is a bit complicated, but now it’s not troublesome. When Miss Lin comes over, you can take a closer look.” Qin Kang laughed, “They might not necessarily be willing.”
Xing Yusheng sighed, “Apart from my troublesome background, I really have nothing to offer. Scholarly families like the Lin Family, with three Top
Scholars, must look down on me.”
“Don’t belittle yourself. Just regard yourself as a member of the Qin Family. When I talk to the Lin Family about your marriage, I will also ask them to treat you as a member of the Qin Family. In the future, you don’t have to get involved in Xing Family matters. After you get married, you can move out and live on your own.” Qin Kang said, ‘Take this matter to heart. As for Miss Su, just let it go.”
Xing Yusheng sighed in his heart, but what else could he do? Both Miss Su and Miss Lin were excellent, but he was simply not worthy…
When Su Liang found Ning Jing, he was playing a game of chess with Duke Mansion’s Crown Prince, Qin Yuheng, in the pavilion, while Qin Yujin was taking Zhengzheng out on the lake.
“Auntie!” Zhengzheng saw Su Liang from a distance, waving at her from the boat, laughing so hard that only his teeth were showing.
The boat slowly approached the shore, and Su Liang jumped on. Qin Yujin smiled and said, “I am one year older than you, can I call you Little Sister Liang?”
Su Liang nodded with a smile, “Sure.”
Qin Yujin mentioned Lin Xueqing, saying she was her good friend, and had made an appointment to go to Huguo Temple together tomorrow. She asked Su
Liang if she wanted to come along.
“I know Xueqing.” Su Liang said, “Ning Jing studied under her father.”
Ning Jing was surprised, “So the amazing younger sister Xueqing mentioned is you?”
“It should be.” Su Liang said with a smile.
“That’s great! Would you like to join us tomorrow?” Qin Yujin was delighted.
Although Su Liang wanted to say that she was not available tomorrow, she suddenly remembered another person while looking at Jingzheng, “Miss Qin, do you know if there is a young monk named Cheng Yun at Huguo Temple in the capital city?”
“You can just call me by my name.” Qin Yujin thought about it and shook her head, “I didn’t pay attention. Are you looking for that monk, Sister Liang? I’ll send someone to inquire later.”
“No need.” Su Liang hurriedly replied, “We just knew each other before, and I heard he went to Huguo Temple during the New Year. I don’t even know if he left already.”
“Then, Sister Liang, you can come with us tomorrow to check!” Qin Yujin invited her once more.
So Su Liang agreed to it.
A banquet was held in Qin Mansion to entertain Su Liang and Ning Jing, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
After the banquet, they left.
Just as Su Liang left, Qin Yuyan, the second son of the Qin family, pulled Xing Yusheng aside and said, “Cousin, if you don’t plan to pursue Miss Su, I will! I’ve never seen such a special and unique girl!”
Before Xing Yusheng could say anything, Qin Kang kicked Qin Yuyan’s buttocks and snorted lightly, “Stop dreaming! If you want to pursue Miss Su, you better compare yourself with Young Master Ning first!”
Qin Yuyan was not angry, “Dad, Young Master Ning is like a block of ice, he doesn’t understand people like I do. What if Miss Su actually likes someone like
“There’s no what if, Miss Su has good eyesight.” Qin Kang looked at Qin Yuyan with a disdainful expression.
Qin Yuyan hugged Xing Yusheng with a sigh, “Cousin, listen to this, I must have been picked up by my dad!”
Xing Yusheng admitted that he was already taught by his uncle about self-awareness and understanding during the day, so he could totally understand Qin Yuyan’s mood.
However, he also felt that Qin Yuyan was overestimating himself and should save himself some face.
As soon as Ning Jing and Su Liang left the Duke’s Mansion, they saw Duanmu Chen’s follower Changan.
Changan had been waiting nearby for a long time. When he saw them come out, he hurriedly greeted them, “Miss Su, why didn’t you inform me when you came to the capital? My master has been waiting for your news!”
Su Liang smiled faintly, “I haven’t had time. If the mansion is ready, just give me the deed and keys, don’t bother showing me the way. I’ll move in after I’m prepared.”
Changan’s mouth twitched, “Miss Su is really busy. I’ll report back to my master first and deliver the things to Miss Su tomorrow.”
With that, Changan left.
Duanmu Chen was quite unhappy about Su Liang not having time to meet him, “That girl has never given me face! If she doesn’t come over, I won’t give her anything!”
Changan weakly said, “Shouldn’t Miss Su avoid my master in the upcoming collaboration?”
Duanmu Chen snorted, “Are you teaching me what to do?”
Changan: …
“Fine. I’ll send her the belongings tomorrow.” Duanmu Chen said, “Wait and see, what Duanmu Ao will do when he finds out that she’s still alive and returns to the capital.”
Changan complied and then heard Duanmu Chen asking, “How’s the investigation on Miss Lin from Lin Family?”
Changan’s expression turned serious, “Subordinate has checked. Miss Lin has always lived in Pingbei City with her father in Qianshan Academy. She has no fiance, nor has she had any unusual relationships with any men.”
Duanmu Chen nodded, “No surprise there. Considering Lin family’s reputation. I was just worried that she might have a secret love affair with a scholar. It’s for the best. Tomorrow I’ll go to the palace to see my mother and ask my father to grant their marriage, and make her my imperial concubine.”
Changan hesitated for a moment, “Would Imperial Concubine think Miss Lin’s background is too low?”
Duanmu Chen shook his head, “Now her background is just right. It seems low but her two older brothers hold unlimited potential since both of them are highly valued by my father. Father will definitely be satisfied..”