Although Liang Zhe was still watching the opera stage, Liang Yanjun could sense the stiffness in his body, and even Qin Shuying felt the air suddenly become much colder.

Liang Zhe said nothing.

Liang Yanjun increasingly felt his young master’s icy aura—if this continued, he would freeze to death.

What should he do?

As a subordinate, shouldn’t he help resolve worries at a time like this?

Although he truly wasn’t very clear whether this method of resolving worries was right or wrong.

He braced himself and spoke: “Seventh Miss Qin, although our young master isn’t the heir, he has genuine military achievements. If you marry into the Conquering West General’s residence, you’ll certainly receive at least a third-rank imperial decree in the future. If you leave, I’m afraid there won’t be anything good afterward. Why bring up such a matter?”

Qin Shuying smiled faintly, her expression carrying an indescribable desolation as she said quietly: “To be honest, I never planned to marry anyone. Originally, after breaking off the engagement with the Liu family, I intended to wait a few more years, then request to remain unmarried and live elsewhere alone.”

Liang Yanjun’s eyes widened: “What?”

Liang Zhe also turned around to look at her.

Qin Shuying said: “Young Master is a dragon among men—how could an ordinary young lady be worthy of you? This is merely a temporary expedient. In the future, when you have someone you truly care for, I will naturally withdraw. How could I delay your happiness?”

After a long while, Liang Zhe spoke: “Why do you have such thoughts?”

The earlier amazement and flutter having passed, with those desolate and painful emotions surging in her heart and Feng’er’s innocent smile swirling in her mind, Qin Shuying’s mood returned to its usual still waters and cold ruthlessness.

She said lightly: “Young Master, in this world there are originally many helpless situations and sorrows. Your mother’s death, your sister’s distant marriage, the death of my parents, and now being surrounded by wolves—all are such situations. Everyone faces these differently. Rest assured, Young Master, I keep my word and will certainly help you achieve your wishes.”

Liang Zhe contemplated for a moment and said: “How about this—I’ll give you three days. After three days, come tell me whether you’re willing to marry me.”

Qin Shuying shook her head: “There’s no need. This has long been my intention—it’s not because of you, Young Master.”

Liang Zhe’s eyes were like deep pools as he quietly observed her for quite a while before saying: “Then it’s settled.”

“Very well.”

Liang Zhe was quite straightforward and began making arrangements: “In the future, when there are matters, I’ll have Yanjun find you. That maid beside you—the one who fell into the water with you last time—have her maintain regular contact with Yanjun. For other matters, I’ll have Yanjun relay them.”

“I’ll follow all your arrangements, Young Master.”

Liang Zhe again turned his gaze to the opera stage and said unhurriedly: “I’ll give you half a month to break off the engagement. If you need any help from me, speak directly. These next few days, Luo Meixiang will certainly make new moves. I’ll have Yanjun maintain constant contact with you. Then, I’ll petition His Majesty—for an imperial marriage decree!”

Qin Shuying was shocked again—an imperial marriage decree?

“What reason will you give?”

To request an imperial marriage, there had to be some reason. How would His Majesty casually bestow a lone orphan girl, moreover one who had broken off an engagement, upon a meritorious official?

The Great Zhou Dynasty valued literature over military achievements—it was only in recent years, due to border unrest, that military officers’ status had improved somewhat.

Although Liang Zhe’s current official position wasn’t high, his achievements on the frontier were considerable. Presumably this was why Luo Meixiang was so anxious to act, even willing to arrange that scene at Guangbin Tower, fearing Liang Zhe might have better prospects in the future.

Liang Zhe smiled lightly: “Seventh Miss Qin is intelligent—think of a reason for me.”

Qin Shuying was stunned again—what reason could she think of?

Although this could be considered a transaction, such matters couldn’t simply be calculated and resolved with money. She dared not speak casually and didn’t know which words might displease Liang Zhe.

His expression had changed dramatically twice in this short quarter-hour, already letting her experience his volatility.

The fearsome things said about him outside weren’t entirely nonsense and rumors.

But since he had said this, refusing or being modest would seem hypocritical. Since she was repaying a favor and had said she would do everything in her power, she should consider everything thoroughly and not make excuses for herself.

Qin Shuying pondered briefly and said: “His Majesty is wise—if we fabricate a reason randomly, we certainly won’t be able to convince him.”

Liang Zhe remained silent, leisurely watching the opera stage.

Qin Shuying knew that although he was watching the opera, he was listening to her words, so she continued: “Thinking carefully, my interactions with you, Young Master, were only that day at Guangbin Tower. You were ambushed, others dared not speak up, but only I stood forth to cry injustice for you, and spoke with such righteous indignation…”

Speaking to this point, Qin Shuying smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with a touch of playfulness. Liang Zhe happened to turn his head to reach for his teacup and, seeing this smile, paused momentarily.

“Because of this, although you and I had only met once, you held me in high regard—Young Master, would this count as a reason?”

Liang Zhe kept his head down, staring at his feet.

Seventh Miss Qin, are you perhaps a mind-reader?

Do you know that when those words of yours reached his ears, the young master lost sleep that very night?

Speaking of which, shouldn’t he be standing with his head held high now? He was a military man! But why was it that whenever matters involved Seventh Miss Qin, he often needed to look down at his feet, otherwise he couldn’t quite control his expression?

Acting like this, what difference was there between him and those smooth-talking servants beside the young masters who spent their time with birds and crickets? Was this really appropriate?

Liang Zhe secretly glared at Liang Yanjun—do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking?

Liang Yanjun shrank his shoulders.

Liang Zhe fixed his gaze on Qin Shuying again. Although she had grown taller and her figure was gradually maturing, she was still only a fourteen-year-old girl.

Without a trace of childishness, without any of the yearning for young men like Liu Junqing that girls her age might have, but filled with calculations and thoughts of revenge.

He had recently had Liang Yanjun pay special attention to the Liu family’s affairs and learned how despicably shameless they were. That Qin Shuying didn’t want to marry Liu Junqing both surprised and moved him to pity.

If only his sister back then had had such courage…

He smiled brilliantly—that smile made even the female lead on the opera stage feel ashamed and pale in comparison.

“Good.”

Having uttered this word, Liang Zhe picked up his teacup and instructed Liang Yanjun to pour Qin Shuying a cup of tea. Raising the tea in his hand toward Qin Shuying, he said: “Then let tea substitute for wine—let’s drink to our alliance!”

Qin Shuying picked up the tea—she had been here so long, yet Liang Zhe had never had Liang Yanjun pour her tea until now.

The two clinked teacups and drank their tea.

Setting down the teacup, Qin Shuying felt somewhat dazed—had she just married herself off like this?

Having become allies, Liang Zhe’s attitude changed subtly. He turned his body around, no longer constantly watching the opera stage, but facing Qin Shuying directly: “Since Luo Meixiang can join forces with Princess Fu’an to deal with you and me, I wonder what insights Seventh Miss Qin might have?”