Chapter 722 - 495: Engagement Confirmed

Chapter 722: Chapter 495: Engagement Confirmed

It was already night when Jiang Hu left the Liu family, and for once, he wasn’t drunk. At least he was sober when he left the Liu family.

As he had promised his family before, from now on, unless he’s drinking at home with the kids, he would just drink lightly outside and definitely not get drunk.

The next morning, Xiaomi was served and got up early. The carriage was already waiting outside, coming to pick them up with Commander Yang. Commander Zhou had left even earlier to accompany Wei Ziang to the morning court.

Commander Yang helped check the items on the ship yesterday, so Commander Zhou was temporarily accommodating them. After all, he was an acquaintance, making things convenient.

This was considered as the higher-ups being considerate of them, as they had just arrived.

"Xiaomi," when Zhou Ying was sending them out the door, she pulled Xiaomi aside: "Let me tell you, prepare yourself mentally. Once you go, someone will definitely be worried about your marriage?"

"??" Xiaomi’s eyes were full of question marks. What does that mean?

Although Zhou Ying is straightforward and enjoys riding and archery, she grew up in the Magistrate’s family. Through constant exposure, she was well-versed in many things.

Compared to the naive Jiang family, Zhou Ying’s experience was definitely enough.

Seeing Xiaomi like this, it was clear she hadn’t thought of anything. Zhou Ying couldn’t help but sigh: "You, your big brother asked me to remind you, and I thought he was overthinking it."

Big brother?

Xiaomi looked to the side, where her big brother was also explaining things to their parents. Could he be talking about the same thing?

Time was tight, and Zhou Ying didn’t bother with small talk: "Let me put it this way, you three who haven’t married are definitely being thoroughly investigated."

"Your big brother also said, you’ve been a lucky star since childhood. People back in the village said you were a celestial lucky star, and wherever you lived would prosper. Also, there’s the cassava flour Wen discovered and the fire gun research by Ziang, both of which are significant merits."

"To be frank, regardless of whether people secretly look down on our noble house for lacking heritage, on the surface, marriage alliances with our house are absolutely beneficial. You three have long been targeted."

Xiaomi clicked her tongue: "That’s so exaggerated."

She suddenly remembered that when she returned yesterday, inside the carriage, she indeed felt countless, mysterious gazes from all directions.

Were those to monitor them or for ’matchmaking’?

Zhou Ying patted Xiaomi’s hand: "So, you have to think it through, whether to be arranged from above or marry someone you want."

"Ar-arranged?" Xiaomi was dumbfounded. What’s this nonsense? Her parents didn’t arrange anything for her; who else could?

Zhou Ying sighed helplessly: "You couldn’t possibly not know that the emperor and empress can directly decree marriages, right?"

Xiaomi’s eyes widened: "Are they that idle?"

It’s one thing to worry about her big brother, but now even they wouldn’t be spared?

Zhou Ying hurriedly signaled her not to talk nonsense, looked around to confirm that Commander Yang wasn’t nearby.

Xiaomi also realized that her words were inappropriate, quickly shut her mouth, looking very innocent.

Seeing that hint wasn’t understood, Zhou Ying stopped hinting altogether: "Let me tell you this, it doesn’t matter for Wen at the moment, since he doesn’t have anyone in his heart. If he can find a suitable wife, it would be quite good."

"As for you, if asked about your marriage affairs when you enter the palace, regardless of who asks, just say you’re engaged to Ziang and will be married shortly."

"Don’t worry, when Ziang goes to the palace, people will definitely inquire about his marriage, and he’ll certainly say the same."

Xiaomi opened her mouth, only managing a sentence after a long time: "Did you also tell big brother this?"

Zhou Ying rolled her eyes: "Do you think he needs our reminder?"

Even though she’s barely been a sister-in-law married into the Jiang family for a few months, Wei Ziang’s feelings for Xiaomi are crystal clear.

As a woman herself, she could distinctly see Xiaomi’s extraordinary sentiments for Wei Ziang. She found it peculiar why they hadn’t married yet.

Xiaomi was speechless. Her sister-in-law’s words seemed logically flawless.

"Fourth Miss, you may depart now."

Commander Yang started urging.

Zhou Ying let go of Xiaomi’s hand: "Remember what I said. If you don’t want to marry randomly, ensure to state you have a match when asked!"

Xiaomi nodded: "Thank you, Yingying, for the reminder. I know now."

At the same time, feeling helpless — this era dominated by imperial power was clearly unsuitable for her.

Who could have thought that after enjoying freedom for so many years, someone would now tell her there are two individuals?

These two people could bypass her parents and directly decide her marriage?

Unbelievable!

Nevertheless, since they’re here, even if it’s uncomfortable, they must endure it temporarily.

But Xiaomi had resolved that once her big brother settles down, she would definitely leave!

Dreaming of keeping them in the Capital City forever? Even the emperor cannot!

The world is so vast, she hasn’t explored enough yet. How could she confine herself to someone else’s backyard all her life?

On her way to the palace, Xiaomi’s mind was filled with various thoughts, both relevant and her little complaints.

So much so that she was slightly absent-minded as she entered the palace.

Even so, she followed the guiding stewardess to pay respects to the Empress and the current Crown Princess Consort.

The Empress was quite aged, over fifty, looking kindly at Xiaomi. At least on the surface, nothing seemed amiss.

And the first to inquire about Xiaomi’s marriage was actually the Crown Princess Consort, even mentioning her family had brothers yet to marry.

The mention made Xiaomi’s scalp tingle. Even if it’s the Crown Princess Consort’s brother, he’s still a stranger!

She bluntly declared that she and her parents’ adopted son, Wei Ziang, had privately decided their lifetime commitment, waiting for Wei Ziang to achieve success and then getting married directly.

In others’ ears, this kind of statement wasn’t particularly pleasant, especially since Xiaomi mentioned privately decided for life, which sounded particularly unruly for a lady.

But Xiaomi didn’t care, so long as no more suggestions came about marrying men of the right age.

Luckily, the Empress wasn’t angered, laughingly letting the Crown Princess Consort sit down, even saying a couple of matching words.

The matter quickly bypassed, shifting to questions about the mother and child’s adaptation to the Capital City, and whether they faced any discomforts.

Xiaomi had been waiting for this phrase a long time. She was anxious for a chance to complain. Once the Empress’s statement fell, Xiaomi raised her head, looking innocently at the Empress.

"Empress, we’ve just recently arrived at the Capital City and we’re not sure if we’ll adjust. But only a day after arriving, the servants in the estate had whispered many times that we come from the countryside, ignorant of etiquette — yet they wouldn’t say what rules we’re lacking."

"Empress, are the servants in the Capital City really so bold, not fearing being sold by their masters to the taverns and brothels?"