294 Xu San Gongzi's Declaration of Love

owned as she said, "What nonsense is Aunt Zhao talking How can such words be spoken before our young miss Furthermore, our young miss is about to get married soon. What help could she possibly give yo...294. Xu San Gongzi's Declaration

294. Xu San Gongzi’s Engagement

"How… how could this happen" Xu Qingfeng stammered, that was clearly his cousin and second sister-in-law's good friend, Lady Hua from the Duke of Huo's residence, why had she become Miss Yang Most importantly! How did she end up there at just the right time to hear what he said!

Seeing Xu Qingfeng’s crestfallen expression, Ye Li and Qin Zheng exchanged a look. Qin Zheng smiled and asked, "Third Brother, do you know her"

"This… I’ve only met her a couple of times by chance in the capital…" Xu Qingfeng was somewhat embarrassed.

Ye Li smiled and said, "I see, this is not a big issue. Tianxiang isn’t petty enough to hold a grudge over such things. In any case, I will apologize on Third Brother’s behalf later. However… Aunty, since Third Brother doesn't have intentions towards her, let's leave it at that for now. Although Miss Yang is currently staying in the Dingwang Residence, she still has ties with Xiu Yao. We can’t offend the lady."

As Xu Qingfeng was his own birth son, how could Second Madam Xu not notice his abnormality She smiled and said to Ye Li, "Lily, I acted rashly this time. It’s because my third child is going on a long journey that I got anxious. Just talk it out with Miss Yang properly. I will personally apologize tomorrow. This ungrateful son of mine… forget about him."

"Mother…" Xu Qingfeng anxiously looked at the doorway but no one was there, then he turned to see his mother's calm demeanor and blushed in frustration. Second Madam Xu calmly wiped her sweat with a handkerchief and said to First Madam Xu, "Sister-in-law, I can’t help getting angry when seeing this ungrateful son of mine. Let’s go back."

First Madam Xu glanced at Xu Qingfeng, covered her mouth with her hand, smiled, and nodded, "Alright then. We’ll visit the old grandpa and Prince Yuchi after we head out of the city later. It will be cooler outside than being cooped up inside."

Second Madam Xu smiled, “Sister-in-law is right. Let’s go back first. Zhen, you can come home a bit later. You can also apologize to Miss Yang on my behalf.”

Qin Zheng smiled and bowed slightly, "I understand, Aunt. Mother, take care."

After seeing the two madams off, Qin Zheng and Ye Li looked at each other and laughed as they saw Xu Qingfeng standing by with his head hanging in dejection. Ye Li blinked her eyes and walked up to Xu Qingfeng with a smile, "Third Brother, how did you meet Ruhua"

"Ruhua" Xu Qingfeng was at a loss.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, making Xu Qingfeng finally come back to his senses. His usually cheerful face showed rare embarrassment and shyness, causing Ye Li and Qin Zheng to inwardly chuckle.

"Um… I’ve seen her twice in the capital before. Also, didn’t I just go to Dingwang’s residence two days ago Fengsan asked me to bring something over for Mr. Shen. And then I saw her… with Wuyou at Mr. Shen's place…" Xu Qingfeng looked at Ye Li anxiously and said, "Lily, it wasn't intentional. I didn’t know she was Miss Yang back then if I had known…"

Ye Li smiled sweetly and asked, "What would you have done if you knew"

Xu Qingfeng lowered his head in thought for a moment before shaking his head dejectedly and said, "Forget it, it doesn’t matter. You guys could apologize to her… Miss Hua or Miss Yang on my behalf, really not intentional."

Qin Zheng looked at Ye Li with confusion as he did not understand Xu Qingfeng’s sudden change of heart. Ye Li smiled and said, "Isn't it more sincere if you go yourself" Xu Qingfeng shook his head, “No need, Miss Yang is a lady in her chambers; I wouldn’t want to disturb her reputation. See ya.”

Seeing Xu Qingfeng leave, Ye Li narrowed her eyes and pulled him back, whispering, "Third Brother, are you worried about delaying the lady’s life if something happens on your journey But are you not more concerned that when you return she might already be married" Xu Qingfeng looked at Ye Li in surprise. She smiled and said, “There will always be a way to resolve things. Go talk it out with Tianxiang. Our people in the Dingwang Residence don’t gossip much, go…”

Xu Qingfeng’s handsome face turned red as he backed away and glared at Ye Li, "Lily…"

Ye Li held Qin Zheng's hand and waved him off, "Go quickly. I have things to discuss with Zhen, we don't have time for this. If no one apologizes today… she might be upset." Xu Qingfeng turned pale and hurriedly left.

The two women behind him exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter.

"Lily, you're really making fun of Third Brother…" Qin Zheng wiped her tears as she laughed. Ye Li shrugged helplessly, "I’m not making fun of him. Although Third Brother appears straightforward, he’s actually more reserved than Second Brother. If I didn’t say this to him now, who knows what he would have done And if Tianxiang marries someone else when he returns, wouldn't he be heartbroken"

"Caught in the situation, Third Brother is disorganized. Once he comes to his senses…"

"How could he do anything to me" Ye Li laughed as she looked up. Her third brother couldn’t even defeat her! Moreover, if they eventually get together, wouldn't he thank her

Within the guest quarters of Dingwang’s residence, Lady Tianxiang sat alone by a flowerbed in the quiet courtyard feeling sulky. She didn’t misunderstand Xu Qingfeng’s words to think that she was being deliberately provoked; after all, she knew something about the morals of the Xu family's young masters. Otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed when her aunt told her what Second Madam Xu had meant earlier. From the situation at the time, it was clear that Xu Qingfeng had been forced to speak out of turn by Second Madam Xu.

Although she knew that Xu Qingfeng had no personal grudge against her, it was impossible for a young lady to be completely unaffected when someone treated her this way. At least at the time, she didn't hesitate to slap a thick book towards him.

Surnamed Xu! Don’t fall into my hands!

Xu Qingfeng quietly fell into the garden from the wall and just saw that beautiful slender woman pinching a flower fiercely. He couldn't help but shrink his neck; he wasn't really stupid, and there was no doubt in his mind that she wanted to strangle him.

"Cough…" Xu Qingfeng coughed lightly while awkwardly watching Hua Tianxiang turn her head to see him, looking stunned before turning cold-faced and walking away.

“That… Madam Hua… Miss Yang!” Xu Qingfeng called out hurriedly.

Hua Tianxiang turned around and looked at him coolly. “Third Young Master Xu, what do you want”

Xu Qingfeng awkwardly stepped forward and said, "What I just said wasn’t my intention. Please forgive me." Hua Tianxiang’s beautiful face showed a cold smile. "Young master is being too polite, this unrefined woman wouldn't dare blame Third Young Master Xu."

“Miss Yang…” Looking at the girl with her cold face, Xu Qingfeng felt helpless and more nervous than if he had to go to war on the battlefield. He was extremely regretful that he didn’t have his elder brother or fourth and fifth brothers’ ability for eloquent arguments, at least a poker face like his second brother's so as not to be flustered. He even wondered whether his face was red.

Hua Tianxiang looked coldly at the embarrassed man in front of her and couldn't help but twitch her lips, rolling her eyes heavenward. This posture made it seem as if she had bullied him!

“If Young Master Xu has nothing else to say, please leave.” After waiting for a while without Xu Qingfeng saying anything, Hua Tianxiang didn’t want to waste time with him. He might not be able to say half a word all afternoon.

Seeing that Hua Tianxiang was turning away, Xu Qingfeng was anxious and reached out to grab her.

"You…"

"Ah!" Realizing his rudeness towards the lady, Xu Qingfeng felt even more flustered, almost wanting to flee. But then he recalled his cousin's low whisper: Luo Fu has a husband… Luo Fu has a husband… Immediately, an image of the woman being led by a faceless man to her wedding appeared in his mind; Xu Qingfeng shook his head vigorously to get rid of it. He had seen Hua Tianxiang twice when they were in Chu Capital, but he hadn’t paid attention. Until two days ago, when he came back to the city to avoid his mother, and used an excuse to help Feng Zhiyao deliver something to Prince Ding’s Manor, where he met Hua Tianxiang chatting with Princess Changle at Shen Yang's place. He was struck by her beauty.

At that time, Xu Qingfeng didn’t pay much attention, but when his mother started talking about marriage matters, the beautiful face kept flashing in his mind. Xu Qingfeng wasn't stupid; he knew he had feelings for this lady. But since he was about to go on a military campaign, he didn’t dare think too much. He never expected that he would offend her before even beginning.

Hua Tianxiang looked at the man in front of her with disbelief and speechless.

“Miss Hua… Miss Yang… I really wasn't being intentional. I didn’t know it was you; my mother kept nagging me about this, so I was driven to say those words. Actually, I wanted to tell my mother that I already... have someone in mind.” Xu Qingfeng blushed and lowered his head at this point.

Hua Tianxiang couldn’t help but feel a black line appear on her face as she said coolly: "Since it’s just a misunderstanding, let's clear it up. I don't blame Young Master Xu; you should leave now."

Seeing Hua Tianxiang turn and walk away, Xu Qingfeng was stunned. Did he… say something wrong

Around the moon-shaped gate not far behind him, Ye Li and Qin Zeng rolled their eyes. Third Brother (Third Young Master) usually wasn't this silly. Ye Li gritted her teeth and took off a hairpin, throwing it at Xu Qingfeng’s head with a thud. Xu Qingfeng touched his head and saw the two of them half-hidden behind the gate, looking helpless as he asked: "Li'er, Second Young Miss, what are you guys doing here"

“Idiot… confessing your feelings.” Ye Li whispered.

"Uh" Third Young Master Xu blushed and turned to sneak a glance at the Hua Tianxiang who had just left behind flowers. All he saw was the hem of her dress disappearing around the corner. Ye Li sighed, frustrated: "How can she know your intentions if you don't make them clear" Qin Zeng covered her mouth and laughed: "Third Young Brother, I fear that Tianxiang thinks you like other women."

"I… I didn’t…"

“You better go quickly!”

Xu Qingfeng finally realized something was amiss and hurriedly turned to follow. Ye Li and Qin Zeng exchanged a look and followed quietly. Just as they took two steps, they heard Xu Qingfeng's voice: "Miss Yang, my intention is that you are the woman I have in mind!"

Xu Qingfeng’s voice was not loud but definitely clear enough for Ye Li and Qin Zeng still standing at the entrance of the courtyard to hear. The two almost couldn’t bear to witness his confession.

Behind the flowers, Hua Tianxiang was startled by his sudden declaration of love. Before she could respond, a figure fell from the tree branch on top of the wall nearby with a bang. Xu Qingfeng quickly shielded her behind him and glared at the unfamiliar Dark Guard in front of him: "What are you doing here"

"Taking up the post. Sorry for interrupting, please continue," the Shadow Guard said expressionlessly and calmly before leaping back onto a tree branch. He then turned his head to add one more sentence, "Congratulations."

"Thank you." Xu Qingfeng smiled foolishly.

The shadow guard had just climbed up the tree again but fell down once more. This time, however, he landed outside the wall. It would be impossible for the Third Young Master of the Xu Family to be so stupid. There must have been something wrong with his posture when taking up the post!

By the time the Third Young Master came back to his senses and turned around, Hua Tianxiang had given him a glare before running away. The Third Young Master was left at a loss, "Did… did I say something wrong again"

"You didn’t say anything wrong but you picked the wrong place," Ye Li and Qin Zheng walked out from behind the flower beds with an expression of disappointment on their faces as they glared at him.

"What do you mean by that"

Ye Li smiled sweetly, "Aside from us just now, there were at least ten people who heard Third Brother’s heartfelt declaration within and outside the courtyard."

“So what” He knew that the Dark Guards of Prince Ding’s Manor had a lot of ears. It was just his mental fortitude which wasn’t up to par; he had fallen off the tree twice in no time.

Qin Zheng glared at him, “Third Brother, Hua Yue is an unmarried lady. You… you’re asking her to…”

Xu Qingfeng suddenly understood and exclaimed, "Li’er, Second Madam, thank you for your reminder. I will take my leave now." With that said, the Third Young Master ran out of the courtyard.

“Where are you going!”

"To ask my mother to propose marriage…" The distant voice of the Third Young Master was heard as Ye Li and Qin Zheng could only exchange glances with each other.

"Dowager Princess, Xu Young Madam," Empress pulled Hua Tianxiang out from behind a rock formation. Seeing Ye Li and Qin Zheng, Hua Tianxiang lowered her head in rare shyness. Ye Li apologized as she said, "Madam, Third Brother is straightforward and doesn’t pay attention to trivialities. If there were any instances where we have offended you or Miss Yuehua, please forgive us. However, Xu Family does not mean to belittle anyone. Please believe me on that." The Empress smiled and replied, “I naturally believe what the Dowager Princess said, but… Third Young Master of the Xu Family is also an emotional person.”

Seeing Ye Li and the Empress had something to discuss, Qin Zheng was ready to probe her thoughts as well. She pulled Hua Tianxiang aside with a smile and softly suggested, “Let’s chat.”

The Empress smiled at her niece and said, "Go ahead, I want to talk with the Dowager Princess too."

Qin Zheng led Hua Tianxiang away. The Empress turned around and looked at Ye Li as she said, “I believe in your sincerity, as well as that of Xu Family. Today’s matter is likely just a misunderstanding. However, even though Third Young Master of the Xu Family has expressed his feelings to Miss Yuehua already… ” Ye Li smiled and replied, "Marriage is an important matter; we can’t force anyone into anything. Even if Miss Yuehua and Third Brother aren't meant for each other, I assure you that today’s incident won’t affect her reputation. The Dark Guards of Prince Ding’s Manor wouldn’t spread rumors."

"I’m sorry to trouble the Dowager Princess," Empress said with a sense of regret.

“Madam is being too polite,” Ye Li smiled and replied, “He is my cousin and good friend; there's no need for you to say such things.”

After Ye Li and the Empress had finished talking, Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang returned with their hands linked. From the smile on Qin Zheng’s face as well as the slight blush on Hua Tianxiang’s fair cheeks, Ye Li could tell they were satisfied. She didn’t say anything more to make Hua Tianxiang uncomfortable but only gave her a reassuring smile. With her fair face flushed slightly, Hua Tianxiang whispered, "Li’er, thank you."

"Nonsense,"

The Xu Family’s actions were swift and the Second Young Madam of Xu Family came to propose marriage early next morning. Since both parties had already expressed their intentions, the Empress naturally didn’t make things difficult for them. In the end, as they were leaving soon to fight in the war, both families decided that their wedding would be held next year instead. Although it was a little disappointing that he wouldn’t immediately marry his son’s wife, the Second Young Madam of Xu Family still felt relieved and had been smiling ever since then. Seeing her smile, Lady Xu could only be envious as well as helpless; unfortunately for her, her sons were all harder to control than each other.

After the marriage arrangements for Xu Qingfeng were settled, it was time to leave.

On this day of June 26th, the sky was clear with a gentle breeze. The usually bustling Li City became unusually quiet while outside the city walls were crowds of people and drumbeats filled the air.

The soldiers of the Black Army donned black armor as they held their gleaming weapons, standing in formation at the gates awaiting orders. The citizens who had come to bid them farewell could see nothing but a sea of dark figures stretching infinitely; within the darkness were countless silver reflections that sparkled under the sun, adding an aura of coolness and sharpness to this scorching summer.

Behind these soldiers stood sturdy steeds as still as stone. Even with the thunderous war drums in their ears, not one of them flinched. Beside every horse was a tall figure wrapped in black robes, making it seem as though they were charging into battle at any moment.

"This… this is the Black Cavalry," someone whispered curiously among the crowd who had come to see off the soldiers. People always admired heroes instinctively; all the men looked up with admiration while all the women’s eyes sparkled with reverence.

"True to their reputation as the Black Cloud Cavalry, it is known throughout the land that only the Ding王府 possesses such elite troops."

At the city gate, both civil and military officials of Li City had come to see off the army. Even Qingyun Scholar and Su Zhe, who usually stayed out of worldly affairs, brought students from Mount Li Academy with them. Due to the conscription system in the northwest, scholars there generally served at least a year of military service before taking exams for official positions. Therefore, the notion that literati looked down on military officers was much less prevalent in the northwest than elsewhere. Some students even chose to become soldiers after their term of service.

"In the future, Li City will need Qingyun Scholar's presence," Mo Xiuyao respectfully bowed to Scholar Qingyun. The scholar hurriedly reached out to support him and nodded with a smile: "Your Highness can rest assured. I wish Your Highness victory from the start."

Mo Xiuyao smiled, "Thank you for your auspicious words."

"Mother, mother... does mother not want Little Treasure anymore" Mo Xiaobao tugged at Ye Li’s clothes pitifully and looked up with his big, wet eyes. Ye Li sighed softly and bent down to pat his small head: "Mother has to go on a long journey with Father. Xiaobao must listen to Grandpa and Uncle while staying home."

"Mother is lying! Mother is going to war with Father, not on a long journey," Mo Xiaobao pouted.

Ye Li was helpless: "Alright, then mother is going to war, and Xiaobao must stay home obediently."

"Xiaobao also wants to help mother fight!" Mo Xiaobao said excitedly.

A pair of black lines slid down Ye Li's face. Indeed... she had known...

“No, you're too young. Only when you grow up can you go," Ye Li shook her head and said. Mo Xiaobao looked at the soldiers in solemn readiness far away with big eyes sparkling with light: "Really When Xiaobao grows up, he can lead so many men into battle"

Ye Li nodded speechlessly. Although she could not be called inherently kind-hearted, she was at least a peace-loving person. Why did her son get so excited about fighting

Having finished his conversation with Scholar Qingyun, Mo Xiuyao turned back and lifted Mo Xiaobao to look him straight in the face. With a small face as stern as his father's, Xiaobao was still angry that his father didn't let him sleep with Mother last night.

"Behave at home" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said coolly.

Mo Xiaobao glared back and replied in a more indifferent tone: "Protect mother, win a great victory"

Mother rubbed his head gently and asked: “Is there anything else you want to say” Mo Xiaobao hesitated for a moment before saying rather conflicted: "Take care of yourself." Clearly, Xiaobao was not used to showing concern towards Father.

Others couldn't help but smile inwardly at Mo Xiaobao’s conflicted yet forceful attempt at calmness. However, no one dared to embarrass the young prince. Xu Qingchen coughed softly and said: "Take care of yourselves; Li City will be safe with me."

Moxiuyao nodded: “I naturally trust Qingchen Scholar with everything.”

Ye Li whispered, "Big Brother, take care."

"Be careful," Xu Qingchen softly advised the woman in white armor and without makeup or adornments who appeared even more graceful.

The women of the Xu family came to bid farewell to Ye Li. Lady Xu looked at her seriously: "You can rest assured about Yuchen and Junhan; they will be well taken care of by Aunts One and Two. Please take extra care outside."

Qin Zeng and Hua Tianxiang pulled Ye Li aside and whispered, “Lily, take care.” Although they had known from the beginning that Lily was different from them, seeing her now in armor standing beside Duke Ding made them truly realize how different their friend was. In ancient times, women going to war were mere legends in operas for them. Now, not only did they admire her courage and ability, but also envied her strength to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her husband.

"I know, take care of yourselves too," Ye Li smiled.

"Duke and Duchess, it's time to leave," Zhao Jing in military attire approached and said softly.

Mo Xiuyao nodded at Ye Li: "Aili, we should set off."

"Alright." Ye Li nodded with a smile.

Note: The content of the text is fictional narrative about characters in a historical drama or novel.Xu Qingbai and Xu Qingyan personally escort Ye Li back. Despite his displeasure, Secretary Ye remained silent due to an inexplicable fear of his brother-in-law, only instructing Ye Li to return to Qin...