Chapter 117 The wedding is approaching
Chapter 117 The wedding is approaching
Qin Xu naturally did not greet the guests in the study, so the two left the study one after the other.
Jing Anle took Afang to Sui Anju. They didn't come for a long time, and the garden was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus.
"The fragrance of osmanthus blossoms in August is truly undeniable!" Afang exclaimed happily.
Jing Anle was taken aback, then turned around and asked, "Is it already August?"
"Yes, it's the beginning of August today. What's wrong, Princess?"
Before Jing Anle could speak, Afang said, "The fifth day is the day the Empress Dowager returns to the palace!"
Jing Anle nodded in response. She clenched the handkerchief in her hand, then let go. Since she was coming back, she should prepare a gift for her.
Just as I passed through the garden and turned a corner, I came face to face with a young man I didn't recognize. He was dressed in a blue robe and had a handsome face. A gentle breeze blew, and his robes fluttered in the breeze.
Afang was very vigilant and blocked Jing Anle's way, saying, "Who goes there? Why don't you bow to the princess?"
Jing Anle felt for a moment that Afang's mouth was too fast.
The young man paused, clearly surprised, then bowed respectfully, "This humble subject, Xie Bailing, greets Your Highness."
"Is it him?" Jing Anle thought to himself, "The person I met at Prince Qing's mansion last time."
Jing Anle walked over and gave him a cursory glance. He was dressed much more formally than he had at the Prince Qing's birthday banquet that day, and looked less frail and more refined.
"No need for formalities!" Jing Anle said calmly, then walked straight past Xie Bailing without giving him another glance.
"Thank you, Your Highness Princess."
After Xie Bailing finished speaking, he straightened up, a smile curving his lips. He turned and stared at Jing Anle's back, his eyes shifting unpredictably.
Enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life.
Jing Anle had not arrived for a long time, and Old Madam Qin was very eager to see him, so she sat on the couch waiting.
"Grandma!"
Hearing the calls from outside, the old lady beamed with joy and, with Liu Mama's help, rose to greet them.
"Don't worry, Madam, take care of yourself," Granny Liu quickly advised upon seeing the situation.
"What's there to be afraid of? My old bones are still strong enough."
"Old lady..."
As they were talking, Jing Anle came in from outside. Today she was wearing a light blue feather dress with flowers in her hair, which added to her gentle and quiet demeanor.
"Greetings, Grandmother!" the girl said with a sweet smile, her tone affectionate.
"Child!" Upon seeing this, the old lady went over and took Jing Anle's hand, her eyes full of pity. She kept staring at Jing Anle, as if she couldn't get enough of looking at her.
Seeing this, Jing Anle also took the old lady's hand, and the two sat down and chatted about everyday things.
……
The main hall of the General's Mansion.
"Lord Xie, a simple invitation would suffice; there's no need for you to make the trip in person," Qin Xu said slowly, glancing at Xie Shikai standing below and then at the invitation in his hand.
At that moment, Xie Shikai stood below in casual clothes, his face beaming with smiles, saying, "This humble official is new here, so etiquette is essential."
As a newly appointed official, he naturally wanted to be courteous, firstly to get to know people, and secondly to avoid being criticized in the future.
Qin Xu then looked up, but his gaze fell on Xie Bailing, who was standing behind Xie Shikai.
Seeing this, Xie Shikai, though puzzled, quickly introduced, "This is my son, Xie Bailing." Then, turning to Xie Bailing sternly, he said, "Aren't you going to bow?"
"Bai Ling greets the General!"
Qin Xu did not answer, but got up from his chair and slowly walked to Xie Bailing. At that time, the two were only two fists apart.
"Such a powerful aura," Xie Bailing thought to himself. Although Qin Xu was a military general, he was wearing a long robe today, yet his ruthless and decisive nature was undeniable.
I had only seen Qin Xu once from afar in Dayun before, and I knew he was no ordinary person. But seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved.
"Xie Bailing?"
"That's right." Xie Bailing said neither humbly nor arrogantly, but Xie Shikai, who was standing next to him, was very anxious, afraid that he would say the wrong thing.
Qin Xu stared at Xie Bailing, who was bowing respectfully, smiled, and said, "Lord Xie, I wish you a long and healthy life. A fine name." He then added, "Come visit the General's Mansion more often when you have time!"
"Thank the general!" Xie Shikai, who was standing nearby, was overjoyed and urged Xie Bailing.
"Thank you, General."
Xie Bailing raised his head, and their eyes met. In that instant, an undercurrent of tension surged.
……
The residence of the Marquis of Pingchang.
"What?! Getting married next month!" Murong Peifeng couldn't sit still for the first time upon hearing Wu Zhihua's words.
“Yes, Mother, isn’t this a bit too rushed?” Murong Ruoyan, who was standing to the side, chimed in.
Wu Zhihua calmly took a sip of tea and said indifferently, "What difference does it make whether it's sooner or later? Besides, this is Prince Qing's will."
"Your Majesty?"
Looking at the questioning Murong Peifeng, Wu Zhihua sighed and said, "You know your father's health. If something happens to him, you'll be delayed for three years. The prince has considered everything very thoroughly."
Yes, the old Marquis is still bedridden. If he dies, he won't be able to marry either Jingrong or Jingrou. Thinking of this, Murong Peifeng's face became even more unpleasant.
"You shall set off tomorrow and personally go to Pingcheng to deliver the invitation to the clan elders. Although she is a concubine, she is still the daughter of Prince Qing."
Murong Peifeng seemed to be thinking about something and was momentarily stunned.
"I'm talking to you, did you hear me?" Wu Zhihua frowned slightly when she saw Murong Peifeng's expression, her eyes showing some impatience.
“Brother…” Murong Ruoyan quickly spoke up from the side.
"Your son understands." Murong Peifeng's voice was devoid of emotion. He struggled to suppress his anger, and then turned and left.
"Hey, look at this child!" Wu Zhihua complained to Murong Ruoyan, also somewhat displeased.
"I wonder who he takes after!"
Seeing this, Murong Ruoyan quickly went to coax Wu Zhihua, "Mother, don't be angry. It's understandable that my elder brother is a little unaccustomed to his first marriage..."
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