The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 248: Even You Can Be Wrong

Chapter 248: Even You Can Be Wrong

The crowd had already gathered to watch the commotion. Anyone who inquired knew who Madam Chen was and why she had come to the Fan household. Even if this marriage proposal did not succeed, no one else would dare to come forward with a proposal after this. In essence, the Fan family had no choice!

Seeing the conversation reach this point, Madam Chen said, "Noble Prince Xie sincerely wishes to marry the young lady, but he feels his abilities are modest and fears that Old Mr. Fan and Master Fan would find him lacking. Hence, he resorted to this strategy, hoping for your understanding."

For a moment, Fan Shizhong’s anger was lodged in his chest, unable to be vented.

Ultimately, it was Fan Jiang who made the decision, stating that they needed to consult with Fan Yunxi. If she was unwilling, they would not agree to the marriage.

Madam Chen quickly agreed, patiently waiting in the main hall.

When Fan Yunxi heard the news, she was equally shocked. She hadn’t expected that despite Xie Beihan’s sharp tongue, he had already written to the Empress, seeking her approval for the marriage.

Fan Shizhong sighed, "He’s cast a wide net. Xi’er, you’ve had a streak of bad luck, and now with his actions, it will be even harder for you to clear your name in Ruyang City and throughout the Mu Nation."

Fan Yunxi clutched her handkerchief, frowning in confusion. She looked up, "It’s strange. Sometimes he seems simple-minded, not capable of such scheming."

"You can’t say that. That day when the townsfolk came to exchange their charms for money, he handled it very meticulously." This incident had slightly improved Fan Shizhong’s opinion of him.

Fan Shizhong then looked at his daughter and said, "Though the current situation makes it hard to refuse and might delay your marriage prospects, if you are unwilling, your grandfather and I will not force you, even if it means offending the Empress and the Marquis of Zhenbei."

Fan Yunxi lowered her gaze, lost in thought. After a while, seeing her remain silent, Fan Shizhong anxiously asked, "Xi’er, what are you thinking?"

"I... I want to marry," Fan Yunxi suddenly lifted her head, her eyes firm.

Fan Shizhong was slightly taken aback. He knew his daughter appeared gentle but had a strong will. Despite Xie Beihan and the Marquis of Zhenbei’s maneuvering, she not only did not get angry but agreed to the marriage?

"You must think it through. The Fan family has been loyal and patriotic for a hundred years. The Emperor will not hold a failed marriage proposal against us," Fan Shizhong didn’t want his daughter to sacrifice herself for the family. "You know about your aunt’s situation. Honestly, I don’t want you to marry into the Capital."

If his daughter married far away and suffered grievances, he wouldn’t be able to help her.

Fan Yunxi’s heart was filled with warmth. She gently shook her head, smiling softly, "My aunt’s situation is different because the Qin family member did not care for her and was a heartless person. Noble Prince Xie, though harsh with his words, was willing to seek the Empress and the Marquis’s support. He has a sense of responsibility and... perhaps he likes me a little?"

Her cheeks blushed with shyness as she spoke. The day they met at the restaurant, when Xie Beihan caught her, she had already felt a stir in her heart. She had thought that if she could marry him, they would have a harmonious and loving life together. However, learning he was the Noble Prince of Zhenbei and the Royal Heir’s cousin, she had dismissed the idea, thinking she couldn’t reach that high.

Unexpectedly, things had developed in such a way.

Fan Shizhong had been an official for many years, and his mind was quite meticulous. Seeing his daughter’s expression, how could he not understand her thoughts? He felt a mix of sadness and jealousy, saying, "He does seem sincere, but the wedding date is too soon. We haven’t even had time to prepare your dowry."

After all, this was the Capital. Without a proper dowry, they would be ridiculed and looked down upon.

Fan Yunxi also found it troublesome. With only ten days, there wouldn’t be enough time to make her wedding dress, let alone embroider the bridal veil.

Seeing his daughter agree to the marriage, Fan Shizhong went to discuss with Madam Chen, hoping to postpone the wedding.

Madam Chen, overjoyed upon hearing this, said, "Rest assured, Master Fan. The Empress and the Marquis have already arranged everything. From the betrothal gifts to the wedding attire and essentials, everything is prepared. The Empress even prepared an additional dowry for the young lady to ensure she marries into the Capital in grand style and no one will dare look down on her."

As she spoke, she had the items from the carriage brought in, mentioning that this was just a part of it and more would arrive in a few days.

Seeing such meticulous arrangements, Fan Jiang and Fan Shizhong’s previous dissatisfaction completely dissipated.

Thus, Fan Yunxi stayed at home, preparing for the wedding. A few days later, she traveled to the Capital with Madam Chen.

---

Since Xie Beihan was in a hurry to return to the Capital, Nanli had to rush back with him.

About half a day’s journey away, they saw a group of people on the official road. The black armor glinted sharply in the sunlight. The man leading the group, riding a red-brown horse, wore a black silk robe with a red lining visible underneath. He was tall and elegant, and his appearance seemed even more striking than before, making it hard to look away.

Seeing Nanli’s group, Ye Siheng’s tense expression softened into a smile. He urged his horse faster and came to her side.

"A’Li!" His eyes sparkled with life upon seeing her, his cold demeanor replaced by endless warmth.

Nanli reined in her horse, her eyebrows and mouth curved in joy. Despite the long journey, she still looked radiant, her black hair contrasting with her fair neck, glowing softly in the sunlight.

"Your Highness!" She was equally delighted. "Why are you here?"

She had left in a hurry that day, only sending a message through Rainbow without saying goodbye in person. It was a lie to say she hadn’t missed him over the past half month. The nightmares from that night seemed to vanish at this moment. A person who always kept her in his heart would never harm her.

"I knew you were riding over, so I brought a carriage to pick you up," Ye Siheng said, then cast a cold glance at Xie Beihan. "You could have ridden in the carriage, but you insisted on riding a horse. You haven’t even finished your task, yet you have so many demands."

Xie Beihan naturally feared Ye Siheng. Hearing this, he trembled and almost fell off his horse. He managed to steady himself, swallowed hard, and asked, "Your Highness, I hurried back to confirm something very important to me. My father hasn’t arranged a marriage for me, has he?"

"No," Ye Siheng answered quickly.

Xie Beihan immediately breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Nanli, saying, "Six... Your Highness, I didn’t expect you to be wrong this time!"

Nanli, seeing his flushed, happy face, was sure she hadn’t made a mistake. Still puzzled, she heard Ye Siheng speak again: "Your father hasn’t, but your aunt has."

Xie Beihan’s joy lasted only three seconds before he nearly choked. He quickly asked, "How did my aunt arrange a marriage for me? Who’s the bride? When’s the wedding?"