Chapter 19

The group walked forward together, and the Western Prince didn’t even look at the lanterns anymore, his attention entirely on Qiao Jiaojiao.

He chatted with Qiao Jiaojiao for a while, then made funny faces, but Qiao Jiaojiao ignored him.

【Sister-in-law! My fragrant and soft sister-in-law, where are you!】

【Searching for him in the crowd, suddenly turning back, he is at the dimly lit place! But where is this dimly lit place?】

Qiao Tianjing was tensed up by Qiao Jiaojiao’s chatter. When she casually recited a verse, he couldn’t help but marvel at his little sister’s outstanding literary talent.

“Quick, quick, the event at the Caifeng Building has begun!”

“It’s said they’ve set up a big stage, and one of the famous scholars, Mr. Gu Qianshan, is presiding over it!”

“The surprise! What’s today’s surprise?”

“It’s a rare colored lantern that spins when lit!”

A burst of cheers erupted from the crowd, followed by everyone surging in one direction like mud flowing into the sea.

“Be careful! Protect the two young masters!”

The palace guards immediately became alert, forming a circle to protect the Crown Prince and the Western Prince.

The Western Prince, seeing Qiao Jiaojiao being swept away by the crowd, cried out anxiously, “Sister! I want Sister!”

The Crown Prince, seeing this, sternly ordered, “Protect the Qiao brothers and the young lady!”

Qiao Diyi was skilled in martial arts, his stance was firm. Despite the crowd’s push and shove, he held onto Qiao Jiaojiao tightly, unmoved.

Though Qiao Tianjing was a scholar, he had trained alongside Qiao Zhongguo to keep fit, and now he stood steady.

Just then, a desperate cry came from beside him, “Miss! Be careful!”

Qiao Tianjing turned to see a girl in green clothes stumbling toward a nearby lantern stall amidst the crowd’s pushing and shoving.

Without thinking too much, he decisively pushed past the two people in front of him, grabbed the girl’s wrist, and pulled her up.

The girl landed somewhat unsteadily on her feet, her eyes teary with fear.

“Thank you, thank you!”

The girl was grateful, but in the next moment, she was slightly stunned.

She didn’t expect to face such a splendid and gentle face.

With extraordinary features and grace, he was a true young gentleman.

Qiao Tianjing felt a fragrance wafting over him as he fell into a pair of watery eyes.

Though the girl’s face still held traces of fear, her beauty and calmness were undeniable.

He still held the girl’s wrist, and as the crowd pushed them closer together, Qiao Tianjing suddenly realized and quickly let go, turning his head slightly away, not daring to look.

“Young lady, in times of urgency, please forgive any offense.”

Blushing, the girl turned her head to the other side, murmuring softly, with a hint of pine scent entering her breath.

Qiao Tianjing’s heart was pounding rapidly as he couldn’t help but search the crowd for Qiao Jiaojiao’s figure.

Because he wanted to know if the person in front of him was Miss Han, and if she was his future… wife?

As the crowd slowly passed, the Western Prince suddenly felt relieved.

Qiao Jiaojiao keenly noticed Qiao Tianjing standing opposite a young girl.

Her throat tightened.

【Second Brother, hurry and go see if Big Brother saved Sister-in-law!】

Qiao Diyi, realizing the gravity of the situation, hurriedly stepped forward. 

Qiao Jiaojiao looked up and instantly exclaimed.

【Ah! Sister-in-law! It’s Sister-in-law! Big Brother, you’ve lived up to my expectations, you really saved Sister-in-law!】

【Although the hero saves the beauty trope is really cliché, but I have to say, it still makes one’s heart flutter! This is what they call fate bringing together two souls!】

“Big brother, hurry and see if sister-in-law is beautiful! Oh my, why is my silly big brother still standing there? Quickly introduce yourself! Otherwise, how will sister-in-law know it was you who saved her!” 

Qiao Tianjing’s ears turned red from Qiao Jiaojiao’s outspoken words. 

Qiao Diyi, with his impulsive nature, afraid that Jiaojiao’s admired sister-in-law might slip away, spoke up first:

“Big brother, who is this?”

Miss Han snapped back to reality and hurriedly bowed.

“Thank you for saving me, sir.”

Seeing the well-dressed man in front of her, the maid immediately announced their identities.

“Thank you very much, sir. My young lady is the daughter of the Ministry of Industry.”

Qiao Tianjing knew he hadn’t saved the wrong person, and a hint of secret joy surged within him.

He bowed to Miss Han and politely said, “Miss Han, it was nothing. I am Qiao Tianjing.”

Qiao Tianjing!

Miss Han’s heart fluttered slightly. There was only one Qiao family in the capital, and she had attended Miss Qiao’s full-month banquet not long ago.

Now, seeing Qiao Jiaojiao beside her, she indeed noticed a hint of familiarity in her expression.

“So you’re Young Master Qiao. Thank you very much.”

The blush on Miss Han’s face hadn’t faded yet, but now it seemed even more eye-catching.

Because after the full-month banquet, she overheard her parents discussing, and it seemed like Madam Qiao… had marriage in mind.

Seeing this pair of lovers blushing, Qiao Jiaojiao couldn’t help but giggle.

【The hero facing difficulties for the beauty—】

Qiao Diyi: “…”

My little sister knows a lot. Why doesn’t she speak up? When can I meet Miss Xiao from the Xiao family?

Although the Great Yong Dynasty wasn’t as strict with interactions between men and women, noble ladies still had to maintain their manners and upbringing.

Miss Han realized she shouldn’t stay too long and bowed to Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi before taking her leave.

“Thank you again for your kindness, Young Master Qiao. Farewell.”

“Safe travels, Miss Han.”

Qiao Tianjing watched with a smile.

Qiao Jiaojiao watched Miss Han’s departing figure and couldn’t help but worry.

【My shy big brother, you must hurry back and ask our parents to propose marriage to the Han family. If you’re late, there might be complications.】

Qiao Tianjing’s heart suddenly tightened at her words, then he heard Jiaojiao continue to spoil the plot.

【Miss Han is quite popular, and if you hesitate, her parents might agree to someone else’s proposal!】

Qiao Diyi heard this and quickly signaled to Qiao Tianjing.

Big brother, did you hear what little sister said? When we get home tonight, propose to our parents! You touched Miss Han’s hand! You have to take responsibility!

Qiao Tianjing’s face was burning hot at the words, but he still nodded firmly.

Little sister was right. A family with a daughter attracts suitors from all sides. Since he had decided on Miss Han, he should show courage and determination!

At this moment, the Crown Prince walked up with the Western Prince in his arms.

He had obviously seen the scene just now and now had a smile on his face as he said with a meaningful tone:

“It seems that something good is about to happen to you, Elder Brother. The Ministry of Industry is a place of integrity and diligence. This marriage is very good.”

Qiao Tianjing hadn’t expected even the Crown Prince to tease him. He couldn’t help but shake his head and smile.

“As for matters of marriage, they are up to our parents.”

At this point, Qiao Jiaojiao was no longer paying attention to the conversation between Qiao Tianjing and the Crown Prince.

【Big brother has saved sister-in-law. Today’s biggest task has been completed. We should go join in the fun!】

【Sigh, I really want to go to that Caifeng Building and see what’s happening. The female lead might be showing off like crazy!】