Chapter 592 - 219: Decision (1)

Chapter 592: Chapter 219: Decision (1)

Fortunately, Chen Wanqing arrived. Xu Su Ying immediately shoved the gift list into her hands for her to check. At the same time, she urged Zhao Jing to go to the East Wing Room to check on De’an and see if he was ready.

"He came out first thing in the morning wearing only his nightclothes," Xu Su Ying complained. "He completely forgot that today is the day we present the betrothal gifts. I scolded him a bit and shooed him back to his room, and he still hasn’t come out yet."

"It’s De’an’s first time visiting as a new son-in-law, so he’s definitely anxious right now," Wanqing said. "He probably doesn’t know which outfit to wear to the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office. Mother, please don’t blame him."

"He must be blind! I put the clothes he needs to wear today right at the foot of his bed and specifically told him about it last night. He most likely didn’t take my words to heart at all. That little rascal—if he weren’t my own biological son, I really couldn’t be bothered to care about him."

Although her mouth was full of complaints, she patted nonexistent dust off her clothes, got up, and headed to the East Wing Room to direct De’an to get dressed.

Standing in the front courtyard’s floral hall, Chen Wanqing could still hear her mother lecturing De’an. "Look at you! You can’t even take care of yourself, and you expect to take care of Kaiyan? You need more practice. Only when you can take good care of yourself and that young lady will I go and set a wedding date."

De’an’s voice pleading for mercy drifted over. Chen Wanqing was listening intently when she saw Xu Shiling and Xu Yanlin approaching.

She quickly curtsied in greeting. Xu Shiling caught her arm to stop her, pointing toward the East Wing Room. "Is your mother lecturing De’an?"

Chen Wanqing smiled. "De’an is being a bit disappointing, so my mother is a little annoyed."

Xu Yanlin asked curiously, "How is De’an being disappointing this time?"

Chen Wanqing explained the situation to him. Hearing this, Xu Yanlin laughed. "He’s probably just too nervous. He must have gone to bed too late last night, so his mind is still groggy this morning, and he hasn’t fully woken up yet."

"That makes sense, Yanlin. You should quickly go to the back to find my mother and tell her exactly what you just said. She might stop being angry once she hears it."

As they chatted, Xu Su Ying emerged from the back with Zhao Jing and De’an. Following right behind the three of them was a little shadow—Yao’an. ℯℯ𝑙.

The little guy had also been specially dressed up for the occasion today. He wore a dark purple long gown and a jacket, both embroidered with auspicious cloud and ruyi patterns. A sachet Jade Pendant hung at his waist in a proper manner, and a melon-ribbed cap adorned with a red ruby sat upon his head. He looked thoroughly festive, his cheeks as fair and soft as sweet white dumplings.

Looking at De’an, he wore a date-red round-collared robe with black piping today, a jade belt clasped around his waist, and a gold crown atop his head. Truth be told, getting dressed up like this made him look strikingly handsome and dignified. He looked every bit the brilliant young talent who could effortlessly steal a young lady’s heart if let out onto the streets.

Chen Wanqing nodded repeatedly and said, "Not bad! You’re put together even sharper than the last time you went to the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office. Mrs. Sheng will definitely be satisfied when she sees you."

After a few more words of casual chatter, the auspicious hour arrived. The family began to head out, some taking carriages while others walked.

Chen Wanqing and Zhao Jing trailed at the very back. Without anyone noticing, their hands had somehow clasped together again. The two walked slower and slower. Gradually, they fell more than a dozen paces behind the rest of the group.

Chen Wanqing quickened her pace to catch up, but Zhao Jing tugged at her from behind, refusing to let her go too fast.

He said, "You told me to dress modestly today, Wanqing. It turns out you just wanted me to serve as a foil to make De’an look better."

Chen Wanqing chuckled at his words. "Didn’t you already know that?"

He hadn’t said a word about it earlier, yet now he was bringing it up. Was he secretly dissatisfied because she had praised De’an but not him?

Sweet words rolled effortlessly off Chen Wanqing’s tongue. "It’s rare for De’an to stand out for once. You’re different. Even if you were wearing plain hemp clothes, you would still be incredibly eye-catching just standing there." She nodded to emphasize her point. "In my eyes, you are the best."

Hearing this, Zhao Jing let out a low, husky laugh.

Sure enough, he stopped holding a grudge over her neglecting him, nor did he point out that her praises were a bit insincere. He merely murmured in a low voice, "You really know how to coax me into a good mood, Wanqing. Though if your words are a bit more sincere next time, I’d be even happier."

Chen Wanqing smiled. "You still dare to complain? I praise you all the time, but I’ve never heard you praise me."

"I might not say it out loud, but can’t you feel just how much I adore you in my heart?" Zhao Jing replied.

Then, he softly recited a few lines of poetry. "’Her beauty eclipses all of past and present, making the lotus flowers blush before her exquisite face... The maiden by the tavern is as fair as the moon, her pale wrists as smooth as frosted snow... Her lonely face is streaked with tears, like a single branch of pear blossoms bathed in spring rain...’"

He had suddenly become completely unserious.

Exasperated, Chen Wanqing swatted him, telling him to shut up. If others heard him, even if he wasn’t embarrassed, she certainly would be!

Zhao Jing had a good temper; he didn’t get annoyed at being hit. Chuckling softly, he pulled her along as they quickened their pace to catch up with the people ahead.