Chapter 50-Part 1

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiurun felt at ease and set off with her elder brother, carrying the betrothal gifts and letter of intention.

Since they had no parents by their side, their master, Master Mufeng, took on the role of the elder to deliver the marriage proposal.

The Liu family had prepared early to welcome their esteemed guests. They hung large red lanterns at the entrance, even repainting the main gate to add to the festive atmosphere.

Mr. Liu, head of the Liu family, led the prominent members of his clan to greet them eagerly.

After all, the name Master Mufeng was well known throughout Luo’an City. Mr. Liu, a small-time official with a merchant background, felt that his family’s status was significantly elevated by this marriage, and he was utterly satisfied with this match.

However, Jiang Xiurun was more concerned about the prospective bride, Wen Niang. If she and her brother were not aligned, even a settled engagement could fall apart.

Wen Niang, who was a year younger than Jiang Xiurun, was a petite girl wearing a dark blue pleated dress that accentuated her slim waist.

Her large eyes were fixed on Jiang Zhi behind Mr. Mufeng.

Jiang Zhi’s cheeks were slightly red, and he occasionally glanced at Wen Niang.

Jiang Xiurun observed coldly and sensed there was a chance. Wen Niang seemed to shyly reciprocate, suggesting she was also interested in her brother.

After all, her brother, like herself, carried the blood of Persian ancestors, with a high nose and deep-set eyes, making him quite handsome.

After exchanging the letters and having their birth dates matched, the Liu family hosted a meal. During the meal, Master Mufeng and Mr. Liu set the wedding date.

The date was rather rushed.

Mr. Liu, eager to secure this high-status match, worried that the engagement might fall through.

Since the Jiang family had just moved to a new location and all their furnishings were new, there was no need for extensive preparations.

Thus, they advanced the date to unite the families sooner.

The Jiang siblings had no objections. Once everything was settled, they took their leave.

After leaving the Liu family, the siblings bade farewell to their master and chose to walk through the market rather than take a carriage.

Reflecting on their nearly half-year stay in Great Qi, Jiang Zhi couldn’t believe how quickly he had established himself in Luo’an City. The prospect of getting married filled him with joy.

Every day was busy with diligent studies at the academy, leaving no time for the sorrow of being abandoned by their country. However, one concern lingered in his mind—how long would his sister continue to disguise herself as a man?

But Jiang Xiurun found no inconvenience in being a man. It allowed her to study at the academy with her brother and freely converse with scholars.

As a woman, these scholars probably wouldn’t even look her in the eye.

She reassured her brother with a smile and then selected ginseng supplements, children’s clothes, rattles, and other toys to visit their half-sister, Jiang Xiuyao.

After all, she was destined for the Crown Prince’s residence and needed to be taught proper etiquette.

This was not Bo State, and she needed to curb her princess-like arrogance.

Moreover, she had been spoiled by the new empress; otherwise, she wouldn’t have engaged in such conduct with her cousin. If she behaved inappropriately at the Crown Prince’s residence, it would implicate both siblings.

Jiang Xiurun had much to admonish her sister about.

But when they arrived at the secluded residence, it was deserted, with no trace of Jiang Xiuyao.

Jiang Xiurun knew the Crown Prince’s secret guards watched over the place, making it impossible for ordinary people to enter, let alone take her sister away.

Jiang Zhi panicked, and Jiang Xiurun couldn’t fathom the Crown Prince’s intentions.

She hastily bid her brother farewell and rushed back to the Crown Prince’s residence.

The Crown Prince was in his study, reviewing new plans for the courtyard renovation.

With three new concubines joining, arranging the courtyards had become a priority.

The placement of the three concubines’ quarters required the Crown Prince’s decision, considering their proximity to his quarters. Any dissatisfaction from the concubines would be problematic for the servants.

Thus, the final arrangement depended on the Crown Prince, and the servants followed his orders.

Seeing Jiang Xiurun return, the Crown Prince casually asked if her brother’s betrothal went smoothly.

Jiang Xiurun replied, “Thanks to Your Highness’s blessing, everything went smoothly. The betrothal gifts Your Highness provided were of the highest quality, from the luxurious imported fabrics to the exquisite ceramics. It gave us great prestige and saved us from looking impoverished. My brother and I are immensely grateful to Your Highness…”

Feng Liwu knew his tutor’s flattery well but had no patience for it. He beckoned her closer.

Jiang Xiurun moved to the Crown Prince’s desk.

Feng Liwu pointed to the sheepskin plans and asked, “Which courtyard do you think is suitable for the Bo State hostage?”

Jiang Xiurun, intending to ask about this, glanced over the plans and chose the most secluded courtyard farthest from the Crown Prince’s quarters.

“This one looks peaceful and is close to the garden; it is most suitable.”