"So, you're the granddaughter of the Huo family, Xiang Bei? The Tong family has raised a fine young lady, and Huo Rui has been blessed. To have this union between our two families, it's truly a great fortune for you, ZiQiu, you luck guy. Alright, alright, please have a seat. We can have a proper chat after the meal." General Qiao's words clearly hinted at the engagement between Qiao Zi Qiu and Xiang Bei arranged by their families back in the capital.
His final words left Cheng Mo choking back his emotions, almost spitting out blood. Seeing Cheng Mo revert to his icy demeanor, Xiang Bei feared he might erupt on the spot. She quickly pulled him away, also casually pulled Qiao Ziqiu along, signaling him to follow.
"Alright, General Qiao, please go ahead and enjoy your meal. Xiang Bei will go to the kitchen to prepare some main courses and will join you shortly," Xiang Bei grabbed Cheng Mo's sleeve, trying to appease him, while subtly suggesting, "Amo, could you check if we need to serve more wine? Perhaps you could advise on which ones are older vintages."
Prince Rong understood the situation well. He quickly pushed Qiao Zi Qiu and whispered in his ear in a voice only they could hear, "Hurry up and explain, it seems like Ah Mo might not take this well." He then swiftly organized the lively atmosphere of the banquet, focusing on the drinking games.
"Respected Marshal of the Southern Expedition, my dear Prince Mo, why do you seem a little unhappy?" As soon as they left the hall, Xiang Bei began to coax Cheng Mo. Otherwise, with the room full of guests, he might have made everyone uncomfortable.
"I am happy, very happy. I'll happily go offer a toast to that fortunate young man, that luck guy!" Cheng Mo was truly upset and angry, unable to explain himself. Marriage is about matching social status, and with parental expectations weighing heavily, and no one to confide in, and no mother to advocate for him, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by his circumstances.
"Oh, oh, oh, I wonder if I am referring to the gentle and heartwarming my dear Brother Mo gege? Who is this 'fortunate young man, the luck guy'? Is there anyone in this world luckier than my Mo gege? I must go to see for myself."
Straight to the point, Xiang Bei had to resort to her "three-word mantra" - as soon as Mo gege was mentioned, Prince Mo's expression changed from dark to awkward and petulant. "Who is your brother Mo gege? You're already someone else's blessing."
Like braised tofu, marinated tofu in hot broth, one thing subdued another, and Cheng Mo was completely convinced by the tactics employed by Xiangbei. ,This young master only listened to Xiang Bei's words, and it was best for her to persuade him.
"Ah, the damn status of women in ancient times, parental arrangements, and matchmaker's words. Even if a young woman has a thousand tender affections and endless love, she can't do anything about it." Xiang Bei was actually feeling a bit conflicted,silently murmuring in her own heart, Leaving aside their class differences, no one had come to propose from his family yet. Moreover, considering Mo's status as a prince, he might end up with countless women in his harem, which was something a modern woman with knowledge couldn't accept.
"I don't care. When we return in a few days, you'll tell your family that the marriage must be approved by Mr. Tong from the Tong family. No one can accept that engagement only by your mother herself. After this war is over, I'll have my maternal family come to propose. You're not allowed to get too close to Qiao Zi Qiu these days!"
"Why are you so domineering? I still have many questions for Qiao Zi Qiu about the issues between our families!"
"I'm domineering? Who was practically sticking to him like glue this morning?"
"Oh, getting jealous, are we? I admit, it's a bit dazzling. If someone looks good, you can't blame others for looking, can you? Everyone loves beauty; it's like admiring a beautiful flower swaying in the wind. Our Mo gege is so confident; he doesn't need to compete with those little flowers."
"I'm a grown man, not a flower." Cheng Mo felt a bit tangled but temporarily calmed down.
At this moment, Qiao Zi Qiu, who had been standing outside the door for a while, cleared his throat and spoke up, "Prince Mo, and Xiang Bei, do you need Zi Qiu's help to move the wine barrels?"
"What are you doing here?! Xiang Bei has me to help her; you don't need to get close to her." Cheng Mo's mood, which had just calmed down a bit, flared up again at the sight of Qiao Zi Qiu.
"Ren Zai, don't you want to acknowledge Zi Qiu as your big brother? Between us brothers, how could I not know about your relationship? Everyone in Dongbin knows that Xiang Bei only has you in her heart. Since my father was just exonerated and tasked with leading the navy southward, I haven't brought it up intentionally. But there's another reason: Xiang Bei hasn't received a marriage proposal from your family yet. Explaining and announcing her relationship with you now would harm her reputation. I won't let Xiang Bei suffer this injustice." Qiao Zi Qiu glanced at Xiang Bei, who looked a bit stunned and slightly aggrieved, and then decisively expressed his heartfelt words to Cheng Mo, "Price Mo, Zi Qiu respects your true feelings, and sincerely wishes you both well. I'll try to appease the elders of both families, but if your family still doesn't make a move to propose after this battle, Zi Qiu won't allow Xiang Bei to be ambiguously referred to as 'Madam', 'Consort', or 'Lady' by your subordinates, attendants, or even servants. She deserves respect, gratitude from everyone, and even from the entire Yunmeng Dynasty."
"Are you threatening me?"
"No, I'm informing you. If you can't give the most basic respect to the person spoken of as a lover, then her, I will personally protect." At that moment, Qiao Zi Qiu showed an unprecedented firmness.
Cheng Mo's heart felt like it was being clenched tighter and tighter by an iron fist. He sensed the deep-seated emotions shared by Qiao Zi Qiu and himself. He wanted to throw him out immediately, but he couldn't do anything because he hadn't said anything wrong—Xiang Bei deserved respect!
"Yin One, just go immediately, accompany my grandfather the Duke Southern Frontier and make arrangements to come to Dongbin. I want him to come to Dongbin to arrange the marriage for me before the war starts!" After Cheng Mo's words, there was a shadow flashing in the corner of the room, and the concise response from shadow guard Yin One lingered in the air.
Xiang Bei looked at Cheng Mo with deep concern. "Ah Mo, don't worry about those worldly opinions. Xiang Bei knows your intentions, and that's enough. The immediate concern is the impending war."
"Mm." Cheng Mo quietly responded and took two barrels of wine from the table, passing them over Qiao Zi Qiu and leaving the kitchen.
Qiao Zi Qiu looked at Xiang Bei with heartfelt pain, silently putting away the love declaration he had just made without any reservation, whispering in his heart, "You soft-hearted and kind foolish girl, since you are so selfless, let Brother Zi Qiu protect your love."
Facing Qiao Zi Qiu's deep gaze, Xiang Bei handed him a barrel of wine. Those unspoken words were understood by both of them.