According to Quan Shi’s father, the Su family belonged to the scholarly class and didn’t practice extravagant waste. They adhered to the ancients’ simple customs for their children’s marriages.
Although Quan Shi usually tried hard to align herself with official families, she was quite mercenary regarding her daughter’s marriage. The bride price was so small it could be blown away by a gust of wind—how could one maintain face with such an offering?
However, Lu Mu thought Quan Shi was short-sighted. The Lu family were merely from escort guard backgrounds. To marry into an official family like the Su’s, if they appeared greedy for a larger bride price like poor villagers, it would be looked down upon.
Therefore, not only could the Lu family not ask for more, but they also had to prepare a substantial dowry.
When the eldest branch’s cousin found a moment alone with Mian Tang, she whispered that when the Second Uncle went to ask the old master for his granddaughter’s dowry portion, he was scolded harshly. The old master said the family’s greedy rats had emptied their coffers, and they had no face to ask for more. If they needed to add something, they could take his twenty-year-old copper chamber pot!
Mian Tang lowered her head without a word, knowing that her grandfather had given her the portion meant for her cousin. However, if she were to return it to her cousin now, it would reveal her grandfather’s intentions. Moreover, Mian Tang felt that the Su family wasn’t trustworthy, and her cousin taking a large dowry there might not be a good thing.
Recently, the Second Uncle had been caught in a compromising position of favoritism, so he didn’t dare protest when scolded by his father. He returned dejectedly, having to provide the dowry himself.
After this incident, others finally realized how wealthy the second branch of the family was. Naturally, Lu Qingying’s marriage to the Su family would allow her to hold her head high.
However, like her mother, Lu Qingying felt somewhat uncomfortable. Mainly because compared to the cultured Su young master, the lord’s scholarly friend seemed far more outstanding and eye-catching.
Moreover, all of the Su family’s betrothal gifts combined weren’t worth as much as a single pair of jade walnuts. Remembering the delighted expressions of the Su family members as they looked at her dowry list, Lu Qingying felt uneasy. She even harbored some resentment towards Young Master Cui, wondering why he hadn’t come to the Lu family earlier. If he had, perhaps she would have been engaged to him instead.
Taking advantage of a free moment today, the second lord inquired whether Young Master Cui was married.
Cui Xingzhou glanced at Miantang, who was peeling melon seeds for her young nephew, and replied pointedly, “I’m not yet engaged. I’m thinking of finding a suitable girl in Xizhou to bring back home for marriage.”
His glance was so obvious that the older women in the hall understood immediately. They looked at Miantang in surprise, thinking: What kind of fate does this Liu girl have? Her recent romantic prospects are blooming one after another!
Even Lu Mu wore a troubled expression. It was a pity that Young Master Cui probably didn’t know about Miantang’s past – not only the incident of being forcibly taken by Prince Sui but also the scandalous affair of being tricked into marriage in the Northwest. Any decent man would likely be unable to accept such a past!
So he pondered how to subtly remind Young Master Cui that his Liu girl had already caught Prince Sui’s eye. If she were to be married off rashly, wouldn’t it provoke the prince’s anger? Unfortunately, the Lu family had no other suitable girls…
However, he didn’t get a chance to speak with Cui in detail. After explaining some martial arts techniques to the younger generation, Cui Xingzhou went to study to play chess with the old master.
Once “Young Master Cui” left, the women in the hall became more lively. Several married cousins teased, “Miantang, I saw that Young Master Cui kept looking at you. Should we ask your two uncles to act as matchmakers?”
Hearing this, Lu Xian felt another surge of internal fire and kept drinking tea to cool down.
Yesterday, his father had called him over to discuss Prince Huaiyang’s proposal. Just hearing about it made Lu Xian’s heart race with anxiety.
Fortunately, his father also mentioned that Miantang seemed unwilling. Only then did Lu Xian feel slightly relieved.
What Miantang had done on Yangshan years ago was something he would take to his grave. If it ever came to light, Miantang’s life would be completely ruined.
Although the court had now pardoned the Yangshan group, who could guarantee there wouldn’t be retribution later? Miantang’s memory loss was fortunate, as it allowed her to sever ties with Yangshan completely.
But marrying a former enemy… If Prince Huaiyang found out, it would save him the trouble of capturing her.
Miantang didn’t respond to the teasing, only wondering when Cui Xingzhou would leave. If he stayed much longer, the Lu family might take the initiative to propose marriage.
Meanwhile, the old master was getting along well with Cui Xingzhou today. They tacitly avoided mentioning marriage, focusing solely on chess and conversation.
If not for the incident of Cui Xingzhou deceiving his granddaughter, Lu Wu would have treated him with utmost respect.
Cui Xingzhou had single-handedly pacified the Northwest and driven out the Tatars, making him Da Yan’s foremost meritorious official, deserving the admiration of all. How could such a figure not receive sincere hospitality when visiting the Lu family?
While playing chess with Cui Xingzhou, the old master once again realized that this young man was truly extraordinary. His chess moves were sharp, and his ability to capture pieces was unparalleled.
After losing three games in a row, Lu Wu’s expression changed slightly. He raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is Prince Huaiyang unable to find worthy opponents elsewhere, so he’s come to show off his skills to this old man?”
While collecting the chess pieces, Cui Xingzhou sincerely replied, “I originally intended to hold back and flatter you, elder. But the Lu family tradition has always been to respect the strong. Even if I were to lower myself, I might not win your favor. Besides, when someone comes to marry my daughter in the future, I’ll certainly choose someone capable. Those who only know how to flatter might make good live-in sons-in-law, but how could they be worthy of Miantang?”
Lu Wu felt pleased hearing these words and smiled, “Indeed, my granddaughter is quite capable. Not just any man can match her… But if she doesn’t want to marry someone capable, others can’t force her.”
Cui Xingzhou earnestly said, “I will marry her, as she has been with me for two years. However, since she’s feeling conflicted now, I won’t force her. I just want to sign the marriage contract first, and we can have the wedding when she’s ready.”
Lu Wu waved his hand, “I won’t help you persuade her. If her mother had been as thoughtful as her, she wouldn’t have passed away so early. If Your Highness wants to sign the marriage contract, you’ll have to get her agreement… It’s getting late, so I won’t keep you for dinner. Please return home, Your Highness.”
Old Master Lu Wu’s attitude today was still not very enthusiastic, but compared to drawing his sword and attacking, it was much better. Cui Xingzhou didn’t expect this stubborn old man to bow to his fame and power and hastily marry off his granddaughter.
If the old master were that kind of person, Miantang would have long since become Prince Sui’s concubine.
However, he didn’t openly object, which was excellent. Miantang greatly respected her grandfather, and as long as her family didn’t oppose him, he would eventually wear her down.
Since the Lu family didn’t offer dinner, Cui Xingzhou could only return to Liu Miantang’s small courtyard.
Miantang stayed with the Lu family, returning only after dinner. As soon as she entered the side room, she saw Cui Xingzhou lying on her temporary bed, reading a book.
“It’s getting late. Why hasn’t Your Highness gone to rest?” she asked.
Cui Xingzhou put down the book, walked over, and picked her up in one swift motion. “How could I sleep without you by my side?”
Miantang pushed him forcefully, “You’re not a child. Why do you need someone to accompany you? If you can’t sleep, go find your mother!”
But Cui Xingzhou wouldn’t let go. He buried his face in her neck and mumbled, “I won’t let go. I’ve missed you terribly…”
Being held like this, inhaling his unique masculine musk, Miantang’s face reddened, and she felt weak.
She had always been defenseless against his good looks. She used to think only men were susceptible to lust, but after becoming intimate with Cui Jiu, she realized women could be just as insatiable when aroused.
Whenever she recalled those unrestrained days with him, it made her feel hot all over…
Lost in these thoughts, she found herself carried to the bed. When he lowered his head to kiss her, Miantang unconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck…
By the time she came to her senses and tried to push him away, it was already too late. The waves were crashing against the rocks, the tide surging.
Although Miantang had regained some strength in her limbs, she was no match for the robust Cui Jiu. Thus, by the time the waves receded, it was already past midnight.
Miantang was so exhausted she could barely lift a finger, but she had to admit that after being apart for so long, indulging like this occasionally felt incredibly satisfying, both physically and emotionally.
No wonder that famous femme fatale from the previous dynasty kept so many male companions after the emperor’s death. Such an exquisite man was as nourishing as bird’s nest soup and ginseng!
Cui Xingzhou was unaware of Liu Miantang’s inappropriate thoughts about keeping male companions. Having abstained for so long, he had barely satisfied his craving and felt that if he couldn’t marry this woman, the rest of his life would be unbearable.
He couldn’t remember the last time they had embraced each other so tenderly after making love. Simply listening to each other’s heartbeats without speaking was even more captivating than their passionate encounter.
Cui Xingzhou kissed her forehead, “Minister Li will bring the marriage contract tomorrow. Since you’ve established your household, it simplifies matters. Once you sign it, I’ll take you back to Zhenzhou.”
Miantang remained silent. Having succumbed to desire earlier without putting up much resistance, she now lacked the moral high ground to express disdain for him.
Understanding her concerns, Cui Xingzhou coaxed her, “Why don’t you sign it first? We don’t have to get married immediately. If you feel it’s not right, you’ll still have the chance to break off the engagement!”
Miantang lazily glanced at him sideways, “You’re quite experienced in breaking engagements. Are you going to teach me too?”
Cui Xingzhou knew Miantang had a hold over him with this. Seeing her flushed cheeks and slightly disheveled but still alluring appearance, he decided not to speak further. Instead, he leaned in to reheat another pot of fragrant rice porridge.
The next day, they both woke up late.
Mama Li wasn’t surprised to find them sleeping together again. After all, before they separated, they had been inseparable. Having their meal interrupted when they were just getting a taste, how could these young lovers not miss each other?
It was truly unexpected that His Highness would fall for a girl steeped in jianghu ways, which surprised Mama Li.
Although Liu Miantang wasn’t a well-bred lady, her heart was full of His Highness. When he was unwell, she worried about him too, which was much better than Miss Lian in that regard.
However, their current intimate relationship was still unofficial. What kind of waves it would create in the Prince of Huaiyang’s mansion once it became official was unpredictable.
Minister Li was efficient. Before noon, he rode a donkey to deliver the marriage contract.