Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 684 - 682

Chapter 684: 682

"Indeed, they forget about their mothers once they get a wife. The Elder Brother isn’t even married yet, and he’s already siding with her!" Xiao’er said mockingly.

Jingrui couldn’t help but laugh at her words, "You don’t need to pretend in front of me, Missy! The things you just mentioned terrified even me, so much so that I inadvertently spilled my tea all over myself. I almost made a scene and was discovered by Miss Zhu hiding inside. Besides, you put it so bluntly that how could anyone answer without feeling awkward? Miss Zhu probably blushed right on the spot!"

Even his own face felt flushed.

Only upon hearing this did Xiao’er realize that Jingrui’s clothes were indeed wet. But as the fabric was silvery white, it was hard to notice unless you looked closely.

Xiao’er muttered, "I already put it very tactfully!"

Jingrui was speechless after hearing this. If this counted as tactful, then what would count as blunt? How much more terrifying would that be?

Seeing the annoyed look on Jingrui’s face, Xiao’er tried to comfort him, "Alright, Miss Zhu doesn’t bother about conventions much, she wouldn’t feel embarrassed! She didn’t even blush!"

Not everyone is as stiff as you! Xiao’er silently added in her mind.

"You! The more you grow up the more casual you get." Jingrui said with a headache. This is all the Sixth Prince’s fault for spoiling her!

Xiao’er suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. It’s him who’s becoming stiffer as he grows older, alright?

Shangguan Xuanyi had complained more than once that Jingrui guards him like he’s a rapist. Every time Shangguan Xuanyi moved even slightly closer to Xiao’er, Jingrui’s X-ray vision would sweep over them immediately.

Xiao’er always found this secretly amusing.

The thrill of young love, even if one sneaks a hand-hold, can be a sweet memory to savor for a lifetime. Isn’t it a wonderful way to make the most of youth?

Where there is love, that’s where we stop.

But given how traditional Jingrui is, he probably doesn’t believe in doing such intimate acts before marriage – and probably not in public after marriage either.

It seems he has read too many books of the sages. Hopefully, after Zhu Yan marries him, she’ll be able to rein him in a bit. Or else, life would be too dull.

If he’s dull, so be it... Just don’t let Miss Zhu to be equally dull too!

When Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi hold hands and go to their mother’s house after she gets married, he’ll give them a reproachful look as if they are indulging in public displays of affection, then it wouldn’t be fun anymore.

...

The next day when it was the fifth day of the new year, after discussing with the family, Shen Chengyao and Jinghao were the first to return to the Imperial Capital.

Mrs. Liu and Xiao’er stayed back to finalize Jingrui’s marriage proposal before returning to the Imperial Capital.

By the time Shen Jingrui and Zhu Yan’s marriage proposal was completely finalized, it was already the tenth day of the new year.

As for their wedding date, it would be chosen after Jingrui passes his exams.

The news that the eldest son of Marquis Shengping’s family and the Zhu family had arranged a marriage spread widely. It shocked the entire prefecture.

Many people secretly said that Mrs. Liu was blind. Just because she came from a farming family, she was short-sighted.

The wife of the Magistrate expressed her regret over this matter upon hearing about it.

Lin Miaoyan felt very disappointed as well. No matter her background, her looks, or her skills, she considered herself superior to Zhu Yan. She couldn’t comprehend why the eldest son of Marquis Shengping would choose someone inferior to her.

The son of a noble house, the future heir, marrying a merchant’s daughter aren’t they afraid of being looked down upon?

Seeing her daughter’s disappointed face, the Magistrate’s wife comforted her, "Miaoyan, don’t worry, mother will definitely find you a better match."

Lin Miaoyan forced out a smile upon hearing this. Which family in the entire prefecture could possibly be comparable to the Marquis Shengping’s family?

Seeing her forced smile, the Magistrate’s wife said, "Your mother hasn’t visited your maternal grandfather in the capital for many years. Your father will be going to the capital by the end of this year for his official duties. After consulting your father, we decided that mother and daughter would go to the capital first. We would seek your grandfather’s assistance in arranging for your father to stay in the capital and not be sent out again. At the same time, this would also allow you to find a good match in the capital."

Lin Miaoyan’s face brightened upon hearing this, "Mother, is this true?"

The Magistrate’s wife nodded, "Of course, it’s true. We’ll set out on our journey to the capital the day after tomorrow."

Lin Miaoyan was overjoyed.

...

On the twelfth day, Xiao’er’s family set off to return to Imperial Capital. Zhu Yan and Zhu Jun, the siblings, personally saw them off.

As soon as Xiao’er’s carriage left the prefecture, they encountered the Magistrate’s wife’s caravan on the road.

Since they were both headed for the Imperial Capital, they decided to travel together.

Upon learning Xiao’er’s delayed return to the Imperial Capital, Shangguan Xuanyi decided to take a detour to Xinji County’s post station and wait for them there.

The caravan travelled smoothly for half a month and finally arrived outside the post station of Xinji County.

As soon as Xiao’er’s caravan almost reached the post station, Shangguan Xuanyi received the news.

Upon exiting her carriage, Xiao’er saw Shangguan Xuanyi waiting outside the station.

Upon seeing the purple figure, Xiao’er ran towards him with joy, "Brother Shangguan, what are you doing here?"

Upon seeing Xiao’er jump out of the carriage without her cloak on, Shangguan Xuanyi removed his own cloak and draped it around her all while scolding, "The weather is so cold, yet you jumped out of the carriage wearing so little. What if you catch a cold?"

Mrs. Liu and Jingrui’s siblings were quite surprised to see Shangguan Xuanyi here, but they quickly realized that he must be here waiting for Xiao’er.

The few people came forward to salute him. Shangguan Xuanyi quickly reached out his hand to make a feigned help gesture to Mrs. Liu, asking her to dispense with the formalities.

The Magistrate’s wife, upon hearing Xiao’er address him as Brother Shangguan and seeing how familiar he was with Xiao’er, as well as seeing Mrs. Liu and the others’ respectful manner, knew who he was.

She quickly ushered Lin Miaoyan to greet him, "The wife (and daughter) of the civil servant greets Young Master Shangguan. I hope Young Master Shangguan is in good health."

Shangguan Xuanyi had long known from Feng Yang’s message that they were also travelling with them.

He glanced at the two women, slightly nodded, and then turned his gaze away, signifying that they could dispense with the formalities.

After that, Shangguan Xuanyi said to Mrs. Liu and Xiao’er, "The weather is freezing. Let’s go inside the house first."

Mrs. Liu nodded.

They all walked towards the station together.

Lin Miaoyan watched the tall and imposing figure dressed in purple, her heart beating fast.

How could such a handsome man exist in this world! With his exquisite facial features, cold and handsome demeanor, every move he made exuded his elegance and nobility.

His lovely smile, directed towards the Countess of Rui’an, was so warm that it could melt all the ice and snow in this world.

Is this the Sixth Prince? A divine prince!

Lin Miaoyan stared at Shangguan Xuanyi’s retreating figure, unable to come back to her senses.

The Magistrate’s wife gently nudged her. This brought her back to her senses, and she hurriedly followed them into the inn.

Shangguan Xuanyi and Xiao’er walked at the front side by side.

"Why have you lost so much weight? Haven’t you been eating well?" Shangguan Xuanyi noticed that Xiao’er’s face was thinner than before, and he thought it was due to the exhausting journey with poor food and sleep.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.