EFB Chapter 312 Meeting
Chapter 312 Meeting
Wen Zongji had just entered Shuntian Prefecture and was in the process of gradually getting familiar with the place. He returned to the days of reviewing case files.
This was also the time when Wen Zongji was most free. He would go to and from work on time every day, and after work, he would go back to his residence to accompany Pei Rujing and Rui Ge'er.
After Ruige'er learned to speak, he entered the stage of being a clever learner.
Not only did they learn to speak, but they also learned to move, which led to many funny situations, all of which were recorded by Chen Dajia.
Pei Rujing couldn't help but laugh.
On another day off, Wen Zongji arranged for Wen Shuyu to meet Jiao Yansong at Xiangguo Temple.
Pei Rujing, carrying Rui Ge'er, also came with the siblings.
Throughout the journey, Wen Zongji reassured Wen Shuyu, "Don't be too nervous. You can ask him some things that interest you. If he seems satisfied, I'll help you move on to the next step. If you don't feel anything or don't like it, then refuse, and we'll find the next one."
Wen Zongji said solemnly, "Shuyu, I only hope that you can be happy in the future. So you must follow your heart and not force yourself to accept Jiao Yansong just because I have chosen him."
"This is about choosing your husband, the person you'll spend the rest of your life with. Think about the lives of those women in the mahjong club; you should know how painful it is to force yourself to live with someone who isn't right for you."
Upon hearing this, Wen Shuyu recalled how, when they played mahjong, the other players would complain about their husbands having many wives and concubines, or frequenting brothels and never returning home.
Or perhaps they are too rigid and boring, completely lacking in romantic understanding.
One woman once commented that her married life was less emotionally volatile than playing a game of mahjong.
Living such a boring life for the rest of one's life is truly despairing.
Wen Shuyu shuddered: "Brother, I understand."
She was no longer the cautious person she was three years ago. She knew that Wen Zongji and Pei Rujing would stand by her side, and she had the right to say no.
Pei Rujing said gently, "Just treat it as meeting a stranger you met by chance. Say whatever you want... Rui-ge, let's cheer your aunt up."
After saying that, Pei Rujing raised Rui Ge'er's little fist.
"Auntie~ Auntie~"
Rui Ge'er can only say one word now; two words are too complicated for him.
Wen Shuyu smiled and leaned over to kiss Rui Ge'er: "Thank you, Rui Ge'er. Auntie will play with you again after we're done."
"Play--"
Rui Ge'er understood the meaning of the word, and a smile immediately appeared on his face, his eyes as bright and lively as black grapes.
"Yes, I'll play with you."
As they spoke, the carriage gradually came to a stop.
Wen Zongji opened the car window and immediately saw the gate of Xiangguo Temple.
People came and went, creating a lively scene.
Wen Zongji helped them down from the carriage: "Let's go."
They arranged to meet at the Bamboo Heart Pavilion in the backyard of Xiangguo Temple.
Now that it was almost time, they passed through the hanging flower gate and went straight into the bamboo forest, where they could vaguely see a figure sitting in the Bamboo Heart Pavilion.
Wen Shuyu subconsciously stopped in her tracks.
Wen Zongji and Pei Rujing also stopped.
Wen Zongji encouraged him, "Go ahead. My wife and I are nearby. Come find us when you're done."
Pei Rujing instructed Qinghe, "You stay with the Second Miss."
Qinghe replied, "Yes, Your Highness."
Wen Shuyu nodded: "Then I'll go."
Wen Zongji and Pei Rujing just watched her walk away.
Wen Zongji's feelings were somewhat complicated. Wen Shuyu was just his sister, but he inexplicably felt like he was sending his daughter off to get married.
It's outrageous!
Pei Rujing looked around and said, "We're not far from the acacia tree. Shall we go see it together? Consider it fulfilling a vow."
Their first visit to Xiangguo Temple was because of the acacia tree, and they even made a wish there.
Wen Zongji nodded: "Okay."
……
Jiao Yansong arrived at Zhuxin Pavilion early, pondering how to get along with Miss Wen.
This was also his first time discussing marriage.
Jiao Yansong studied from a young age and was known as a child prodigy. His father had high hopes for Jiao Yansong and was extremely cautious about his marriage. He had no intention of having Jiao Yansong marry one of the officials in Yong'an Prefecture.
Jiao Yansong was so focused on his studies that he had no energy to deal with anything else, and he was happy to relax as long as his parents didn't bring it up.
After the provincial examination, he ranked among the top, and it was obvious to everyone that his ranking in the palace examination would not be low.
From the time the results of the provincial examination were announced until the time of the palace examination, people kept coming to the inn where he stayed, wanting to arrange marriages with him. Among them were high-ranking officials and nobles, but he turned them all down by saying that he was focused on preparing for the palace examination.
Wen Zongji was the first person to approach him after the palace examination.
This time, he had no excuse to refuse, so he couldn't refuse at all.
Moreover, Jiao Yansong was well aware that even if he rejected Wen Zongji, there would be others.
As one of the few newly appointed scholars who was neither married nor engaged, Jiao Yansong's marriage prospects were closely watched by many.
He couldn't keep refusing; he had to settle down eventually.
Understanding this, Jiao Yansong arrived at Zhuxinting early today, approaching the upcoming meeting with the utmost sincerity.
Wen Shuyu was the illegitimate daughter of the Marquis of Zhongyong, which was a low status for those high-ranking and powerful families, but for Jiao Yansong, it was actually a case of him marrying above his station.
After all, she was still the Marquis's daughter, even if she was born out of wedlock. Moreover, Wen Shuyu had a renowned elder brother.
In some ways, Wen Zongji's existence was more important than Wen Chuanhong's.
After all, Wen Chuanhong had more than one daughter, but Wen Zongji only had this one twin sister.
Judging from Wen Zongji's meticulous selection of a husband for Wen Shuyu, the siblings had an excellent relationship.
While pondering Wen Shuyu's identity, Jiao Yansong considered how to get along with her.
"Lord Jiao?"
A soft but pleasant voice rang out.
Jiao Yansong was startled and subconsciously turned around, only to see a pretty woman in a green dress standing not far away.
The spring sunshine shone on her, making her look bright and full of vitality.
Jiao Yansong quickly regained his composure and cupped his hands in greeting: "Miss Wen."
Wen Shuyu nodded and stepped into the Bamboo Heart Pavilion.
Qinghe did not go in, but stood outside the pavilion, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far, just like Jiao Yansong's entourage.
Jiao Yansong paused for a moment, then introduced himself: "My name is Jiao Yansong."
"My brother told me."
"What would Miss Wen like to know?"
Remembering Wen Zongji's words about following one's heart, Wen Shuyu asked softly, "I enjoy writing storybooks, and I will continue to do so even after I get married. I wonder if Lord Jiao would mind?"
"Storybooks?"
Jiao Yansong recalled the most famous local newspaper in Beijing: "Will it be published in *Floating Life*?"
"Exactly."
"This is Miss Wen's hobby, how could I possibly mind?"
Although he doesn't read storybooks, given the fame of "Floating Life," ordinary storybooks certainly wouldn't be qualified to be published.
Wen Shuyu's storybook was able to be published in "Floating Life" because it was obviously very well written.