Chapter 818 Together (3)
Fortunately, Mo Qingze was gentle by nature, and even if he had some complaints about Xiao Ruiyuan’s choosing this particular day to visit, he would not show it. Xiao Ruiyuan, eager to curry favor with his future father-in-law, would not dare to offend. Thus, the atmosphere was harmonious as the two of them played chess and chatted in the study.
Mo Qingze still did not allow Xiao Ruiyuan to be alone with Mo Yan, which was fortunate, as he was unaware of the fact that not only had they spent time alone in a carriage on New Year’s Eve, but they had also slept together under a blanket for a while. Otherwise, regardless of how good-natured Mo Qingze was, he would likely have been furious to the point of chasing Xiao Ruiyuan out with a broom.
Xiao Ruiyuan was already very satisfied in his heart and felt that he was one step closer to marrying. Therefore, during their conversation, he hinted at his wish to be betrothed to Mo Yan first and to come for the wedding three years later.
Mo Qingze pretended not to understand and deftly avoided the topic in a few words, firmly not relenting.
At this, Xiao Ruiyuan was quite helpless, with a hint of anxiety barely concealed in his expression.
After returning to the city on New Year’s Eve, Xiao Ruiyuan specifically rushed to the Prince’s Mansion, only to be told by Chu Heng before he could speak that he should betroth himself to Mo Yan as soon as possible, better yet, marry her directly.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ruiyuan sensed something was amiss, but despite his inquiries, Chu Heng refused to reveal the truth. All he could guess was that Emperor Huian was against his marriage to Mo Yan, yet he could not fathom that Emperor Huian planned to betroth Mo Yan to his own cousin.
Even so, Xiao Ruiyuan could not afford to take it lightly. He was not powerful enough to defy an emperor, and even if he were, it would come at a great cost, something he was not willing to face. Since matters had not reached that extreme, the simplest strategy was to persuade Mo Qingze to settle the marriage first, then dispel Emperor Huian’s intentions.
During lunch, Xiao Ruiyuan intended to "repeat the old trick" and get Mo Qingze drunk to create an opportunity to be alone with Mo Yan and clarify everything with her.