Aside from Miántáng’s eldest uncle, this was Cuī Xíngzhōu’s first time meeting the other members of the Lù family. Wanting to make a good impression on Miántáng’s maternal grandfather, he had Miántáng return to her carriage.
Then, without waiting for Miántáng, Cuī Xíngzhōu instructed his coachman to drive ahead to the Lù residence.
Miántáng couldn’t stop him and could only urge her coachman to hurry, but her carriage was still slower than Cuī Xíngzhōu’s double-axle, large-wheeled carriage.
By the time she arrived at the Lù family gate, she saw Cuī Xíngzhōu “exchanging pleasantries” with her eldest uncle and several cousins.
Today was only the betrothal ceremony, so no friends or distant relatives had been notified. Only the Lù family’s closest relatives were present to witness the signing of the marriage contract between the Lù and Sū families and to discuss the details of the gift-giving ceremony.
The sudden appearance of such an opulent carriage at their door startled the Lù family.
The second master of the Lù family, in his role as the future father-in-law, was maintaining a dignified demeanor, accompanying the old master in the main hall. Thus, only the eldest master of the Sū family was waiting at the gate, prepared to welcome the Sū family elders and receive the betrothal gifts.
However, while waiting for the Sū family’s carriages to arrive, this unexpected guest appeared. When the Prince of Huaiyang alighted from the carriage with his cane, Lù Xiàn was dumbfounded.
Forgetting protocol, he hurried to Cuī Xíngzhōu’s side and whispered, “Your… Your Highness, our family has an important matter today. If you’re here to punish us or for any other reason, could it… could it possibly wait?”
Lù Xiàn, feeling guilty, always suspected that his niece’s secret had been exposed whenever he saw the Prince of Huaiyang. Seeing Cuī Xíngzhōu arrive, he only wanted to stop him from disrupting his younger brother’s long-awaited betrothal.
Cuī Xíngzhōu had taken Miántáng’s words to heart. She had told him that today was her cousin’s wedding and not to steal the spotlight, asking him not to come.
But come he must! However, he indeed shouldn’t propose today. He should leave a good impression on the elders and bring up the matter gradually, letting things take their natural course.
So Cuī Xíngzhōu, imitating Miántáng, said softly, “Miántáng told me about the joyous occasion at your residence. So please don’t make a fuss, Mr. Lù. Just introduce me as an old friend of yours.”
Hearing this, Lù Xiàn, unsure of the prince’s intentions, could only stare blankly and manage an “Ah.”
At this moment, several younger family members approached, curiously examining the Prince of Huaiyang, unable to place this noble-looking gentleman.
Cuī Xíngzhōu, acting familiar, took the initiative: “Mr. Lù, would you mind introducing these young gentlemen? Are they from your esteemed family?”
Lù Xiàn “ah-ed” again, counting off the younger generation and introducing them one by one to the Prince of Huaiyang.
So by the time Miántáng finally arrived, Cuī Xíngzhōu was already chatting amiably with her cousins as if they were old friends.
When Miántáng realized that Cuī Xíngzhōu was posing as her eldest uncle’s old friend, she secretly glared at the Prince of Huaiyang, signaling him to leave quickly. But Cuī Xíngzhōu pretended not to notice, instructing his attendants to bring in the gifts he had brought.
When Cuī Xíngzhōu followed Lù Xiàn into the main hall, he first paid his respects to the old master seated in the place of honor.
He was currently using the name Cuī Jiǔ, so Miántáng couldn’t rashly ask him to leave. She could only watch helplessly as he exchanged pleasantries with her grandfather and was politely offered a seat.
Lù Xiàn, like his father, was a man of the world who enjoyed socializing with people from all walks of life, so having an old friend drop by unexpectedly was not unusual.
However, they couldn’t quite place this young gentleman. He seemed too refined to be a spoiled rich kid, yet compared to the previous Marquis of Zhènnan, he appeared much more capable and martial.
To say he was a man of the jianghu, while his hands bore the calluses of one accustomed to weapons, he lacked the boisterous manner typical of such rough men.
Lù Wǔ scrutinized him and, although unable to fully understand this Mr. Cuī, had to admit he was an exceptionally handsome man.
Nearby, Lù Qīngyíng, who was about to be betrothed, also stared in amazement — she had never seen such a handsome man in the world. It was a pity… he was lame.
However, this small imperfection was quickly overlooked.
After exchanging pleasantries with the old master, Cuī Xíngzhōu had his people present the welcome gifts. Among them, a pair of jade walnuts stood out — intricately carved from Hetian yellow jade. It’s said that “in jade, dry yellow is supreme, mutton-fat second.”
In the previous dynasty, yellow jade was strictly forbidden to circulate among commoners, being an imperial tribute item! Although no longer prohibited, the material was still extremely rare in civilian circles. Even when available, it was usually only in small pieces like jade cicada pendants. Who had ever seen such large walnuts?
The men of the Lù family, accustomed to valuing escort goods, had seen their fair share of treasures. But jade of this dry yellow color, with its warm and moist texture, was beyond price, if not priceless!
After hearing her father quietly explain to her mother the value of the pair of yellow jade walnuts, Lù Qīngyíng looked at Cuī Xíngzhōu again, finding this Mr. Cuī, her uncle’s old friend, even more handsome. She only regretted having been betrothed to the Sū family so early, wondering if this Mr. Cuī was married.
The entire Lù household was puzzled: Who exactly was this Mr. Cuī, casually giving away such valuable jade as a gift?
Meanwhile, Miántáng was sitting with her female cousins, fighting a headache but unable to rub her temples. She desperately wanted to pull Cuī Jiǔ aside and ask: Is this what he called “not too heavy a gift”?
Lù Wǔ also felt it inappropriate to accept such a lavish gift and hurriedly said, “Mr. Cuī, you’re merely visiting us. Good wine and meat from our Lù family should suffice. Why present such an extravagant gift? Please take it back; this old man cannot accept it.”
Cuī Xíngzhōu smiled slightly and said, “My mother enjoys collecting such items, and we have many at home. I simply chose one at random, fearing the old master might find it lacking. I once received a great kindness from Mr. Lù and obtained a treasure from the Lù family. Even mountains of gold and silver would be worth giving in return.”
Hearing this, Lù Mù couldn’t help but ask, “What treasure did my elder brother give you?”
Lù Xiàn, however, knew what the prince was referring to and hurriedly demurred, “Not at all! I never promised…”
How could he, as an elder, have consented to his niece’s private dealings with this prince? He certainly wouldn’t take responsibility for that!
At this moment, the Sū family’s betrothal party finally arrived. The doorkeeper rushed in to report, and the Lù family had no time to question Cuī Xíngzhōu further about what he had received from their family. They hurried to welcome the Sū family.
Cuī Xíngzhōu, uninterested in the Lù family’s betrothal ceremony, excused himself to Lù Xiàn and went for a stroll in the Lù family garden. Lù Xiàn, needing to represent the old master in welcoming the Sū family and later toasting with them, could only watch helplessly as Cuī Xíngzhōu and his attendants wandered off towards the garden before being pulled away by his younger brother.
Miántáng now viewed the Prince of Huaiyang as a powder keg ready to explode at any moment, naturally worried about him roaming freely in her grandfather’s home.
As an outsider, she could greet the Sū family at the door for appearance’s sake and then gracefully withdraw. It wouldn’t matter if she didn’t attend the banquet.
However, getting Cuī Xíngzhōu to leave before the Lù family came to their senses was crucial!
Seeing Miántáng furtively looking around and only approaching him when no one else was present to shoo him away, Cuī Xíngzhōu mused, “I came to propose marriage, yet somehow I feel like I’m stealing someone’s daughter…”
Miántáng didn’t want to banter with him and whispered, “It’s getting late, Your Highness. Please go back.”
Cuī Xíngzhōu took her hand and said, “I should go back, but let me speak with your grandfather when he has a moment. Then I’ll leave with you… Since we’re ‘stealing a daughter,’ we might as well go all the way. Keep me company to prevent me from wandering through the garden.”
Just then, they heard a cough. Miántáng turned to see her grandfather standing there with a grim expression, watching Cuī Xíngzhōu hold her hand.
Miántáng quickly shook off Cuī Xíngzhōu’s hand and said to her grandfather, “…Mr. Cuī got lost. I was just showing him the way…”
Lù Wǔ, having observed people all his life, could tell from the way Cuī Xíngzhōu looked at Miántáng that they were far from strangers.
Moreover, this gentleman’s surname was Cuī… Lù Wǔ’s face darkened further as he said, “Please join this old man in his study for a chat, Mr. Cuī.”
Cuī Xíngzhōu nodded in agreement and followed Lù Wǔ to the study. Miántáng, meanwhile, wished for an earthquake to strike, if only to prevent Cuī Xíngzhōu from angering her grandfather to death.
She turned to ask Lǐ Mama, “Is there no one in your prince’s mansion who can control the prince? Doesn’t he fear killing his mother with his impulsive actions?” Miántáng felt she needed to know who Cuī Xíngzhōu feared to rein in this mad prince.
Lǐ Mama replied honestly, “There used to be… but the old prince passed away a few years ago…”
Miántáng asked incredulously, “What about the Princess Dowager… Oh, didn’t he have a betrothed cousin? Did his aunt just let him casually break off the engagement? Doesn’t she… doesn’t she try to control him?”
Lǐ Mama sighed, understanding Miántáng’s urgency, but truthfully explained, “The prince usually listens to the Princess Dowager, but he’s accustomed to making his own decisions. Once he’s made up his mind, even the Princess Dowager can’t sway him… As for Miss Lián… I suppose that’s all in the past now… The prince isn’t one to easily change his mind…”
Miántáng didn’t believe Lǐ Mama’s words. Hadn’t she and Cuī Xíngzhōu agreed on everything at Wǔníng Pass, only for him to break his word? He certainly seemed to enjoy eating his words!
How could such an unreliable person be trusted? Now he suddenly wanted to marry her, but who’s to say he wouldn’t change his mind later and easily back out?
Yet here he was, disrupting her family. What if her grandfather became upset…
The more Miántáng thought about it, the more worried she became. Finally, she ran to the study, expecting to hear her grandfather’s angry shouts. To her surprise, it was eerily quiet inside.
Miántáng, who loved to eavesdrop on her grandfather’s study as a child, knew the best spot to listen in.
She found the window near the rockery, poked a hole with her finger, and peeped inside to see what was happening.
What she saw shocked her. Cuī Xíngzhōu was sitting cross-legged on a mat with her grandfather, drinking tea.
Skilled in the tea ceremony, he brewed a pot of fragrant tea with fluid grace. As the tea leaves unfurled and released their flavor, he respectfully offered a cup to old master Lù.
However, Lù Wǔ didn’t accept the cup, instead scrutinizing Cuī Xíngzhōu closely before suddenly speaking, “My granddaughter once met an acquaintance in the Northwest. I heard from my eldest son that he also had the surname Cuī…”
Lù Wǔ was indeed a shrewd old man. He could see that his eldest son didn’t seem to be on intimate terms with this Mr. Cuī, instead showing a hint of distant respect.
He hadn’t initially thought much of it, but when he saw Mr. Cuī reach for Miántáng’s hand earlier, and Miántáng didn’t immediately pull away, everything suddenly became clear.
However, Miántáng was a young woman and easily embarrassed, so he wanted to give her some face. Thus, he called the young man to his study to question him.
Cuī Xíngzhōu knew that Prince Suí had mischievously written a letter revealing Liú Miántáng’s fake marriage in the Northwest.
Although he had planned not to bring it up today, since Lù Wǔ had mentioned it, he candidly admitted, “The one who accompanied Miántáng for two years was indeed me…”
As soon as Cuī Xíngzhōu confessed, Lù Wǔ’s aged body seemed to be infused with a surge of energy. He sprang up, turning to grab the long sword hanging on the wall.
Mian Tang inwardly cursed her luck. She hastily pushed open the window and climbed in, lifting her skirt. However, this didn’t stop her grandfather. His sword was already striking towards Cui Xingzhou.
Cui Xingzhou, still seated, dodged the attack. He then caught the blade between two long fingers. Seeing his thrust miss, Lu Wu aimed a kick at Cui’s lame leg.
This time, Cui didn’t evade. He grunted, enduring two kicks from the old man.
Mian Tang knelt on the ground, grabbing her grandfather’s arm. “Grandfather, you mustn’t do this!” she cried urgently.
Lu Wu, however, continued kicking several more times. Cui stopped dodging, taking the blows on his injured leg. The wound likely reopened, as his white trousers quickly stained red with blood.
Left with no choice, Mian Tang revealed Cui Xingzhou’s identity. “He… he’s the Prince of Huaiyang!” she shouted to her grandfather. “Please stop!”
Lu Wu kicked a few more times before his granddaughter’s words sank in.
The Prince of Huaiyang’s achievements were legendary. From elders to children, who in the Great Yan Dynasty didn’t know of the Western Commander’s fame in driving out the barbarians?
Lu Wu was stunned that such an accomplished prince would deceive his granddaughter. He stared at Mian Tang in disbelief. “He told you this? And you believed him?”
Cui Xingzhou stood up resignedly, ignoring his bleeding leg. “Old sir, I am indeed Cui Xingzhou,” he addressed Lu Wu.
He then called out to Mo Ru outside, “Bring His Majesty’s edict of conferment for the old gentleman to see.”
Mo Ru soon entered, respectfully presenting a yellow scroll from a brocade box to Lu Wu.
The bright jade seal wasn’t something an ordinary person would dare to forge. If this was all to deceive a girl, it was an extraordinary effort!
Lu Wu had already begun to realize his mistake. This young man’s extravagance was evident from his costly greeting gift. His tea ceremony etiquette earlier was far from common. Most importantly, his martial prowess, even while seated, was exceptional.
How could an ordinary seducer possess such skills? Lu Wu now understood why his eldest son had been so reluctant to name this man earlier.
Mian Tang was also anxious. She never imagined her usually frail grandfather would violently attack Cui Xingzhou.
Although Cui’s actions were despicable, and anyone else might deserve such a beating, he was the Western Commander, the esteemed Prince of Huaiyang. His troops were still camped outside the city. If he retaliated for his grandfather reopening his wound, her grandfather could be immediately imprisoned and severely punished.
Realizing this, Mian Tang turned angrily towards Cui Xingzhou. However, Cui showed no sign of shame or anger. Instead, he stood up properly and bowed to Lu Wu, saying, “Mian Tang once told me you’re the one who loves her most in this world. We had a misunderstanding, and she left angrily with her eldest uncle. I was held back by the war in the northwest and couldn’t pursue her. Now that the northwest is pacified and I’ve returned to the capital, I specifically came to West Province to propose. Would you be willing to entrust Mian Tang to me? I promise to cherish her like a precious treasure!”
Lu Wu, who had expended much energy earlier and was now shocked by Cui Xingzhou’s true identity, suddenly felt drained. Mian Tang helped him sit in a nearby chair.
He coughed weakly and asked, “Do you also plan to take concubines?”
Cui immediately replied, “I’m not yet married, so why would I take concubines? Naturally, I intend to make Mian Tang my principal wife!”
Lu Wu, unconvinced, said grimly, “Your Highness, though we come from a family of escort guards and can’t compare to nobles and generals, we’re not weeds to be trampled upon. You may hold high rank and power, but you can’t deceive our family’s daughter. You speak of marriage, but do you intend to arrange it privately with us? Who are your family elders? How will the proper engagement customs be observed?”
Hearing this, Mian Tang urgently began, “Grandfather, I don’t—”
Before she could finish, Cui smoothly responded, “Rest assured, old sir. I’ve considered all this. According to the Great Yan law, if parents are absent, officials can serve as marriage witnesses. West Province’s magistrate, Li Guangcai, has already drafted the marriage contract. When our families sign it, he’ll bring respected local officials as witnesses. The engagement customs will also be fully observed. When I take Mian Tang back to Zhen Province, we’ll hold a grand ceremony at the prince’s mansion, ensuring Mian Tang doesn’t lose face.”
Lu Wu nodded approvingly. “Although it’s far, I’ll send my two sons to represent Mian Tang’s family…”
Mian Tang was astonished that these two, who were at each other’s throats moments ago, were now enthusiastically discussing wedding details.
Angrily interrupting them, she shouted, “I’ve established my household now and make my own decisions! Who said I’m marrying him?”
Lu Wu was stunned. “You don’t want to marry… Is it because he has some flaw?”
Cui quickly replied, “I’ve been self-disciplined since childhood and have no bad habits. When I was with Mian Tang, we lived harmoniously as equals. If I hadn’t been forced to deceive her, causing her anger, we would likely already have children for you to dote on, old sir.”
Lu Wu looked at Mian Tang’s small face, glaring at Cui Xingzhou and seemingly speechless with anger. After a moment, he said, “Your Highness, please step out for a moment. I’d like to discuss some matters with my granddaughter.”
Cui bowed and prepared to leave, though his leg injury was severe. Mo Ru struggled to support him as they exited.
Once the prince had left, Lu Wu asked, “You truly don’t want to marry him?”
Mian Tang silently nodded, then slowly shared her concerns with her grandfather.
Lu Wu, however, saw this as a girl’s stubbornness. To the old man, Cui Xingzhou’s appearance and manner seemed well-matched with Mian Tang. His high status was the only real issue.
If Mian Tang had no prior relationship with him, Lu Wu would have thought marrying up wasn’t ideal. With Mian Tang’s independent household, taking in a son-in-law would be best. She could then control the household finances and live proudly.
But she had already been intimate with the prince and lived as his wife for two years. How could she marry someone else as a maiden now? Fortunately, the prince was willing to take her as his principal wife. Marrying him would preserve Mian Tang’s reputation and allow her to hold her head high.
However, if Mian Tang disagreed, he couldn’t force her. He sighed, “Marrying up indeed isn’t easy. We don’t know the temperament of that Imperial Consort, or if you’d be mistreated there… When I married your mother into the Liu family, it was also marrying up, which led to your father looking down on her all her life. She lived unhappily. Now it’s your turn, how can I force you to marry into a noble family and suffer? Since you don’t agree, I’ll refuse the prince.”
Mian Tang frowned silently for a while before saying, “Grandfather, I established my household to avoid burdening the Lu family. Don’t worry about this marriage; I’ll resolve it with him myself. Although he can be arrogant at times, he’s not like Prince Sui who bullies others…”
Hearing this, Lu Wu pondered and asked, “If he weren’t a prince, but an ordinary soldier, would you be willing to marry him?”
Mian Tang didn’t respond. She silently hung her grandfather’s sword back up and bowed to take her leave.
Watching her leave, Lu Wu sighed. He couldn’t interfere in the quarrels between young lovers.
Since the Prince of Huaiyang had come to formally propose and endured his kicks, he likely knew winning over his granddaughter wouldn’t be easy and was prepared to face some hardship.
Mian Tang was strong-willed. He decided not to interfere in her marriage and let her handle it herself.
When Mian Tang left the Lu residence, she found Cui Xingzhou waiting for her in the carriage.
As Mo Ru invited her in, Mian Tang climbed into the carriage. Seeing his still unbandaged leg, she angrily said, “There’s no one here to see your act now. My grandfather is so frail, couldn’t you have dodged? Did you have to take those kicks and risk him being charged with assaulting a Great Yan hero?”
Cui raised an eyebrow. “If I hadn’t taken those blows, how could your grandfather have calmed down so quickly? In your entire household, he seems the most reasonable. When you’re free, learn from him instead of always being ill-tempered like a rock in a latrine.”
Mian Tang was examining Cui Xingzhou’s wound, taking bandages from the carriage’s medicine box to dress it. Hearing his mockery, she looked up with a cold smile. “Even if I’m as foul and hard as that, it hasn’t stopped Your Highness from embracing and kissing me!”
Cui Xingzhou found her words quite reasonable. He embraced Mian Tang and kissed her again. “Strange! It smells foul, yet tastes so sweet when I kiss you!”