Fang Chuning felt sorry for his mother and wouldn’t speak so harshly, "Ting Feng already has someone in his heart, so he won’t marry Junjun. Mother, don’t get your hopes up."
"He has someone in his heart?" Mrs. Fang was surprised; Ayu hadn’t mentioned this before.
The person in his heart is right in front of you, Mother!
"Is it Ruyi’s mother?"
"Don’t worry about who it is. In any case, this marriage won’t happen. Junjun doesn’t like Ting Feng either. You shouldn’t make things difficult for them," Fang Chuning said coolly. "Ting Feng values the stability of the royal family more than anyone else, and marriage alliances are the fastest way to ensure that stability. If he didn’t already have someone he loves, he would’ve sent someone to discuss a match long ago. Since he hasn’t, it’s clear he doesn’t want to marry for an alliance."
"But I haven’t heard of any women in his inner courtyard," Mrs. Fang asked curiously. "Could it be that the person he loves has passed away?"
Marshal Fang felt that if Xie Jue and Junjun were both uninterested, then not proceeding with the marriage alliance wasn’t a problem. He would slowly help Junjun find a suitable husband. "Your mother will handle Junjun’s affairs. What about you? You’re no longer young. Do you have a lady you fancy? If you do, make arrangements soon and marry early."
The autumn wind swept through the hall, yet Fang Chuning broke out into a cold sweat. He knew he wouldn’t be able to escape this ordeal, nor did he have any way to postpone his marriage. In the past, he could use the excuse of wartime disruptions to delay it, but now? How could he stall it? Most of the young noble heirs in his generation had already been betrothed. Even Zhang Boju was preparing for his wedding, and next year was shaping up to be a year full of joyful events in the capital. How would he prolong it? And even if he could stall it, how much longer could he postpone it?
"Mother, after the New Year, Ting Feng will be making a diplomatic trip to Sannan. No one knows how long he’ll be gone. Let’s wait until after he returns to discuss the marriage again," Fang Chuning could only rely on stalling tactics. He intended to delay for as long as possible. No matter what, there couldn’t be any scandals before the Empress’s grand wedding, nor by year-end. Xie Xun’s empire needed stability. Even in his confusion, Fang Chuning knew it wasn’t the right time to reveal certain truths.
"Why do you need to accompany Ting Feng to Sannan?" Marshal Fang furrowed his brow. Xie Jue’s diplomatic mission to Sannan didn’t require Fang Chuning’s escort.
"The border is stable, and Ting Feng’s journey to Sannan requires a general for protection. I’m the best candidate," Fang Chuning’s tone was resolute, making it clear that Marshal Fang preferred him not to go.
"Even if you go to Sannan, the round trip will only take about three months. You can finalize the marriage while you’re there and return to hold the wedding. It won’t cause a delay." Mrs. Fang had been reviewing many eligible women for Fang Chuning recently, and she was particularly pleased with the third daughter of the second branch of the Zhang Family. She had good looks, a fine upbringing, and harmonious relations between her branch and the main Zhang Family—truly a match of equal standing. Moreover, the young lady seemed to have the qualities of an excellent wife and matriarch. She had originally been engaged, but her fiancé fathered an illegitimate child with a servant, forcing the engagement to be called off and delaying her marriage.
Fang Chuning knew who his mother was referring to. He had encountered her a few times when visiting Zhang Boju. The young lady was indeed poised and well-mannered, but she hadn’t left much of an impression on him.
"Mother, there’s really no urgency for my marriage."
"How is it not urgent? You’re already twenty-four." Thıs text ıs hosted at N0veI.Fiɾe.net
"People are getting married later these days; even Zhang Boju is getting married next year."
"Zhang Boju’s marriage was arranged much earlier. The wedding is next year because the bride had to observe mourning. If you keep delaying, it’ll be hard to find a suitable match. Many girls of eligible age are now much younger than you, and the ones closer to your age are mostly already betrothed." Mrs. Fang was troubled. It hadn’t been easy to find a daughter-in-law she was satisfied with, and she didn’t want to miss the chance.
Moreover, the Fang Family and the Zhang Family shared close ties. Any way you looked at it, this marriage would be a perfect fit.
"It’s just a marriage. Why are you so hesitant? Your mother has been worrying herself sick arranging everything for you. If you’re not satisfied, you can tell us what kind of lady you prefer, and she’ll help you find someone suitable," Marshal Fang said, not insisting that Fang Chuning marry someone he didn’t like. Fang Chuning was old enough, and if he wasn’t interested in the young lady from the Zhang Family, he could state his preferences so the family could search for someone he’d like instead of resisting the matter entirely.
Fang Chuning understood his parents’ good intentions, but he truly couldn’t say what was bothering him.
"Tunan, do you have something you’re not telling us?" Mrs. Fang’s heart began to race. She knew her son best—his silence made her uneasy.
Fang Chuning looked into his mother’s worried eyes, hesitating before finally saying, "It’s nothing. I’m just preoccupied with the unresolved matters between Sannan and Beiman. I have no mind for marriage."
"By year’s end at the latest, your situation should be settled. If you don’t have a lady you fancy, then we’ll follow your parents’ arrangements and let your mother make the choice," Marshal Fang gave Fang Chuning an ultimatum.
Fang Chuning abruptly asked, "Father, when will you return to Jiangnan?"
Marshal Fang glanced at his wife and replied indifferently, "After the New Year."
Fang Chuning’s expression turned subtle, "Alright, I see. Then, I’ll take my leave. You should rest early."
His cryptic words left Marshal Fang and Mrs. Fang puzzled, but Fang Chuning had his own plans. The capital was reasonably peaceful for now, and his task was to persuade Dugu Jing to replace Xie Xun in the upcoming duel.
He was the one who proposed the wager, so naturally, it was up to him to face the challenge. Yet, for some reason, Dugu Jing insisted on Xie Xun taking the stage—and Xie Xun even agreed. Xie Jue had been in a sulk and hadn’t spoken cordially with him in days, leaving Fang Chuning unsure of the reason.
Tonight, he made his way to the Prince Lai Mansion again.
The Hidden Guards were no longer surprised. Fang Chuning had been visiting the Prince Lai Mansion every evening, no longer causing trouble but instead idly chatting with the guards about random topics under the corridors. Occasionally, he would deliberately call out Xie Jue’s name, trying to provoke him, but Xie Jue never allowed him inside.
Tonight, however, the guards didn’t stop him. Fang Chuning was taken aback. "Has the ban been lifted?"
Ying Er replied, "Master said that the commotion you’ve been causing has become the subject of widespread gossip in the capital. He doesn’t want to make a public spectacle of himself."
Xie Jue’s exact words were probably not so accommodating, but Fang Chuning didn’t mind. Persistence could move mountains, and he’d been sure that Ting Feng would let him in eventually. Fang Chuning had been sincere in his nightly apologies, always bringing the snacks Xie Jue loved most. As he carried the food box into the study, Xie Jue could immediately smell the enticing aroma.