As Zier helped Cai Yan into the inner courtyard, they suddenly heard a soft cough from the side. They turned around to see Cai Yong standing there, one hand behind his back and the other stroking his beard, looking at Cai Yan.
Cai Yong appeared slightly angry and gestured for Zier to leave. Zier noticed his restrained anger but had no choice but to bow and retreat.
"Father..." Cai Yan avoided eye contact and bowed respectfully to Cai Yong.
Seeing his daughter's unusual behavior, Cai Yong put on an angry facade and said, "So, the young lady still remembers her father, huh? I thought you'd been so carefree outside that you'd forgotten your own surname!"
"Father!" Cai Yan's expression changed, and she spoke with a quiver in her voice. "Why are you angry? I haven't done anything wrong."
"Oh? You haven't done anything wrong?" Cai Yong raised an eyebrow. "That's easy to handle. I'll just call a dozen servants to beat that boy at the door with sticks!"
"Father! What are you doing?" Cai Yan hurriedly knelt down in front of him, not realizing that this action only confirmed in Cai Yong's eyes that there was something unusual between them.
"And you say you haven't done anything wrong! That boy at the door is your lover!" Cai Yong scolded. "Girl, I've spoiled you for your little tricks, but you've gone and secretly engaged yourself and brought your lover home! If this gets out, you'd ruin the Cai family's reputation in the capital!"
"Father! You've misunderstood!" Cai Yan was both embarrassed and anxious, knowing her father had misunderstood the situation. She quickly explained, "General Qin is my lifesaver. He came today specifically to visit you."
"Wha... what?" Cai Yong was taken aback. After all this fuss, it was a misunderstanding. But seeing the genuine look in Cai Yan's eyes, he felt she wasn't lying.
"What happened?" Cai Yong asked in detail.
Cai Yan then recounted everything. Upon hearing it, Cai Yong was furious.
"What! That brat dared to bully the Cai family! Dong Kui, that arrogant thing, doesn't know even his uncle Dong Cheng shows me respect! That rogue! I'll call the servants to break his limbs!"
"Father!" Cai Yan knew her father was hot-tempered and would follow through if provoked. She quickly stopped him. "Didn't I say? Thanks to General Qin and Uncle Cao's help, Dong Kui was so scared he ran off in a hurry."
"Hmph!" Cai Yong finally calmed down, recalling something. "You said that General Qin outside... is he the Inspector of You Province?"
"Yes..."
"Back when Liu Yan was in the capital, we had a good relationship. This man is indeed talented. If Liu Yan values him, he must be quite exceptional." Cai Yong stroked his beard thoughtfully and then smiled at Cai Yan. "You sly girl, you've found such an outstanding husband without saying a word. You've made your father proud!"
"Oh, father!" Cai Yan blushed again. "I said I'm not... You're just teasing me!"
"Alright, alright," Cai Yong laughed. "Go back to your room and rest. I'll go talk to our future son-in-law... no, General Qin."
"Then I'll take my leave."
Cai Yong was overjoyed as he walked toward the hall, only to bump into an equally cheerful Madam Cai.
"Madam, what's going on?" She was carrying boxes of gifts, and when their eyes met, Madam Cai looked even more pleased.
"I was having tea in the hall, and someone delivered a greeting card. It turned out not to be what we thought," Madam Cai smiled. "Did Yan'er explain it to you? I think this young man is really good. I've asked him to wait in the guest hall."
Cai Yong chuckled, "Since you say so, I must see how extraordinary this General Qin is."
...
In the guest hall, a servant served tea to Qin Longyang and Liao Hua. The two sat quietly, waiting for Scholar Cai. Liao Hua, perceptive as always, noticed Qin Longyang's furrowed brow and apparent concern.
"Why do you seem troubled, my lord?"
Qin Longyang waved it off with a forced smile. "We've been away from You Province for so long, and we haven't heard any news along the way. I wonder how Wei You's talks with Yu Fuluo are going and how Gongsun Du in Liaodong is doing. He has a strategist, and even Gongsun Zan has suffered defeats at his hands..."
The matter of sending Xi Zhicai to assist Gongsun Du in Liaodong was only known to Qin Longyang, Liao Hua, and Sun Lang. They had to keep up the pretense, even fooling themselves, to deceive others. But if Xi Zhicai developed ambitions under Gongsun Du, the situation in You Province could become chaotic.
Liao Hua scratched his head. "My lord, don't worry too much. Although the strategist hasn't been serving for long, from our time together, I believe in his loyalty."
"Besides, we have Generals Guan Yu and Gao Lan, and Master Tong and his disciples. Minister Wei is also a strategist. There shouldn't be any major problems in You Province."
"Hmm." Hearing Liao Hua's words, Qin Longyang finally relaxed a little.
At this moment, Cai Yong entered the hall, hands behind his back. The two quickly stood and bowed. Cai Yong gave a satisfied hum.
"Younger Qin Longyang greets Scholar Cai. I've long admired your reputation in You Province, and meeting you today is a great pleasure." Qin Longyang's words pleased Cai Yong, even though he knew it was flattery.
"This letter is from Yanzhou Inspector Liu Dai, which I bring to you. Please have a look." After some pleasantries, Qin Longyang presented a letter from Liu Dai.
After a moment of silence, Cai Yong finished reading and looked at the young man before him. Though his appearance was ordinary, there was an undeniable aura about him.
"At such a young age, to hold the position of Inspector and manage You Province so well, you are indeed capable. Even I must express my admiration."
Cai Yong smiled. "Today, I must thank you for saving my daughter. However, as an outsider, you must know that Dong Kui's uncle, Dong Cheng, holds power in court. He may accuse you in court. Are you not afraid?"
"Hahaha," Qin Longyang suddenly laughed. "To be honest, Uncle, Dong Cheng is not someone I fear. When I first raised troops, I only had three thousand villagers, yet I stood fearless before fifty thousand Yellow Turbans."
"Those Xiongnu raiders who came south were defeated under the combined efforts of myself, Ding Yuan, and Gongsun Zan. Not to mention Dong Cheng, even the Ten Attendants, who are second only to the emperor, are nothing to me!"
"Good!" Cai Yong excitedly stood up, surprising Qin Longyang. "You are a true hero, unafraid of power. Few sons of noble families in court have your courage!"
"You flatter me, Uncle. However, I do have a request."
"Speak freely. If it's within my power, I'll do my best."
"I thank you in advance, Uncle. I came to Luoyang to be officially appointed. However, I have no connections in the court, and many officials are corrupt. If someone tries to exile me to a remote area, I fear I won't accomplish anything in this life..."
Hearing this, Cai Yong furrowed his brows. "You're right. But there's an easy solution. However..." Cai Yong suddenly smiled meaningfully, making Qin Longyang uneasy.
"Uncle, please speak."
"General Qin, you are still unmarried, correct?"
"Indeed, I am not yet married," Qin Longyang replied honestly.
Cai Yong clapped his hands in delight. "Then it's simple! I'll make you my son-in-law. We still have time before the court appointment. You and Yan'er can find an auspicious date for the wedding. As my son-in-law, the entire capital will know you. Even Dong Cheng will have to respect me!"
"This..." Cai Yong's plan left Qin Longyang momentarily stunned, unable to find the right words.
"What's wrong? Do you already have a family?"
"No... no."
"Then do you think my daughter isn't good enough for you?"
"Uncle, not at all. Miss Cai is as beautiful as a fairy. If anything, I'm not worthy of her."
"If so, then why hesitate? If you're worried about your family, we can invite them here. We can all get along well before the marriage."
Right, Qin Longyang thought, suddenly crafting a tragic backstory. He spoke of his loneliness, touching Cai Yong's heart.
"Uncle, if I could marry Miss Cai, it would be the greatest blessing of my life. However, I haven't achieved my ambitions yet. How can I marry?" Qin Longyang knelt and kowtowed. "Thank you for your kindness. I am willing to marry Miss Cai. These three kowtows are a promise. But could we postpone the marriage until I've made a name for myself?"
Cai Yong was silent for a long time, staring into Qin Longyang's eyes before helping him up.
"A true man stands tall with a heart for the world. State affairs are indeed paramount. Since you are so determined, we have an agreement. The next time you come to Luoyang, it will be for your marriage to Yan'er!"
"Thank you, Father-in-law!"
...
"Miss! Miss!" Later, Zier excitedly knocked on Cai Yan's door, clearly overjoyed.
"What's the matter?" Cai Yan scolded her.
Zier quickly whispered into Cai Yan's ear, causing her face to blush with shyness.
"Re... really?"
"Of course! When I was attending to Madam, Master came and informed her, and he specifically asked me to tell you."
"And... what about General Qin?" Cai Yan asked anxiously, preparing to go find Qin Longyang, but Zier stopped her.
"Master said you two should avoid seeing each other before the wedding. The young master is staying at the guesthouse."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Cai Yan's eyes. Although she had only met Qin Longyang today, it felt as if fate had brought them together. Even though they were already discussing marriage, she was more than willing.