Chapter 74: An Accident in the Zhong Manor
"Rijun", AoTian called his son who was busying himself with books to distract himself from throwing up, " Prepare the dowry that has to be given according to the status of a Huang daughter for Mingxia. Let’s announce the engagement after New Year and have the wedding after the Coronation".
"Father! Does this mean that you have accepted him?", Rijun was surprised but AoTian could see the happiness in his face. Since when did he started liking him?
AoTian nodded and took a deep breath, " Huang Shengli, Li ChengNuo or the Rui Wang - ask him who will marry our Mingxia in a subtle way. We’ll have to plan the wedding accordingly. We don’t have much time",he spoke decisively.
So father accepted him completely! Rijun was happy, "Yes father!", he nodded.
"Keep it under wraps for now and even from Mingxia. We cannot alert others especially with many enemies around us planning against our family. Also while at it find a girl for you too. You have crossed the marriageable age too. Don’t follow that snotty brat", AoTian commanded and Rijun nodded reluctantly.
Where will I find a woman? But my sister is going to get married!
He was ecstatic.
The Entourage of the Prime Minister’s family reached the capital city after eight days and Xing felt the city had more people than usual. She had forgotten about the fact that the Imperial Court Exams are coming up and those scholars who are attending the exams are starting to enter the city.
As they reached the Manor they were welcomed by their Uncle who was all smiles seeing her, "My niece is really good at being stupid. Who in their right mind would start a commotion in the Heavenly Flowers Palace? You must be really lucky to get back alive", he continued on to chide her and Xing rolled her eyes. Why do people even bother shouting at me? It’s not like I’ll stop doing it in the future!
That night Xing had dinner in her room and Shengli visited her with his usual smile and some sweet buns that he used to buy from an old man in a stall near the Imperial Palace. He noticed that she hadn’t eaten much and only some vegetables and less than half bowl of rice.
And so she was lectured by him for several minutes and then he fed her until she finished every thing in her bowl. Xu mama complained that her young miss does not care for her health and Shengli gave another lecture making Xing wonder that after her mother passed away, her role of scolding has been passed to many people and everyone thinks they can scold her for some reason. Do I look that weak?
Xing just shrugged off their scolding saying that she is strong and had never gotten sick before and she’ll never be sick making Shengli sigh. She never learns!