Madam Han had already said so much, yet Chu Changping had nothing left to say.

He turned to look at Old Master Chu. “Father, what do you think?”

Old Master Chu was clearly still in shock.

What kind of status did the Prince of Liao South have, and what kind of status did the Chu family have?

He loosened and tightened his grip on the cane, his face filled with disbelief as he asked, “Is this… to take Yi girl as the main wife?”

Not to mention that Feng Shuo was a noble from a distinguished lineage; even when the Chu family was at its peak, they wouldn’t have been able to send a daughter to become a secondary wife.

Now, with Feng Shuo becoming the most powerful among the rebel kings, his choice for a primary wife would definitely need to be a daughter from a noble family.

Madam Han chuckled, “This is all following the formalities for marriage, isn’t it to marry a main wife?”

Old Master Chu hesitated to respond.

When Chu Changping transported the coffin back to the capital, the emperor was going after the Chu family, and the King of Liao South intervened to help them.

He had felt something was off back then, and now he finally understood the answer.

The Prince of Liaonan wasn’t initially interested in Chu Changping’s abilities; he acted to protect the Chu family because of Jiang Yanyi.

Later, when the doctor from Feng Mansion came to treat Chu Yangu, the King of Liaonan had specifically mentioned Jiang Yangu’s injuries.

When the siblings left the mansion, the carriage from Feng Mansion came to escort them…

At that time, he only vaguely sensed that the Prince of Liaonan might have some feelings for his granddaughter.

He never imagined that the man intended to take her as a primary wife directly.

Old Master Chu opened his mouth and finally said, “The king has great kindness towards the Chu family. It is my granddaughter’s blessing to receive the king’s favor. Changping, you are Yi girl’s father; you can make the decision.”

Chu Changping felt quite complicated.

He was happy that the King of Liao South valued Jiang Yanyi so highly, but he was also afraid that the vast difference in status would lead to her being bullied in the future.

He said, “For matters of marriage, we should still ask their own opinions. Madam Han, please wait a moment; I will send someone to ask Yi girl what she thinks.”

“That’s only right, that’s only right,” Madam Han replied, her smile unwavering.

The Chu family’s foundation in Xizhou wasn’t deep, and their influence was inferior to that of the generals under Feng Shuo.

Being able to secure such a marriage felt like winning a lottery.

However, the Chu family didn’t rush to accept this match as if they were selling their daughter.

It was no different from a common family discussing a marriage proposal, which made Madam Han appreciate the way the Chu family handled the situation.

Soon, the servant who went to inquire returned with news: “The second miss said it’s all up to Third Master.”

For a girl to shyly say this, it was almost tantamount to agreeing to the marriage. Madam Han, entrusted with this task, was naturally eager for the match to be successful.

She smiled and asked Chu Changping, “Third Master Chu, what do you think?”

After the betrothal, if the girl agrees, they can ask for her name.

The matchmaker would take the girl’s name and birth date back to the boy’s family, who would then use their birthdates to divine compatibility at the ancestral temple.

This was known as “getting auspiciousness.”

After this step, they would then proceed to formalize the engagement by giving gifts, and the marriage would be almost finalized.

Chu Changping said, “Thank you, Madam Han, for personally coming here. I will have someone write down my daughter’s birth date and name for you.”

Madam Han smiled broadly, “I can’t wait to drink a toast at Third Master Chu’s wedding.”

---

Jiang Yanyi was also taken aback by Feng Shuo’s sudden marriage proposal, but she knew she had to face it eventually.

After the servant came to ask, Old Madam Chu instructed the sisters, Chu Shubao and the others, to go out first, leaving Jiang Yanyi to talk alone.

“Good child, tell Grandmother, did you know the Prince of Liaonan when you were at the Xizhou camp?” Old Madam Chu asked, her voice carrying a hint of guilt.

When they had just arrived in Xizhou, she had lost her beloved daughter, and it was Jiang Yanyi who cared for her daily, attending to her meals and daily needs. Occasionally, when discussing her time at the Xizhou camp, Jiang Yanyi only mentioned cooking in the kitchen.

Yang Mama, who was by Old Madam Chu’s side, had keen eyes.

Just by looking at Jiang Yanyi’s stature and appearance, she could tell whether she was a maiden.

Upon hearing from Yang Mama that Jiang Yanyi hadn’t been mistreated in the army camp, Old Madam Chu felt somewhat comforted.

However, she was also worried that discussing those experiences might embarrass Jiang Yanyi, so she rarely asked about her time at the camp, treating it all as a fresh start.

But now, with the Prince of Liaonan suddenly proposing, Old Madam Chu couldn’t help but think more deeply.

Facing Old Madam Chu’s inquiry, Jiang Yanyi nodded.

As a young girl, she couldn’t bring herself to speak about those matters unless her elders inquired first.

Jiang Yanyi said, “Grandmother, don’t worry. He is not the ruthless person described in rumors. He has always treated me with respect.”

This was to assure Old Madam Chu that Feng Shuo had never bullied her.

Old Lady Chu sighed, “Silly child, the Liaonan Wang’s family is of high status. Grandmother is worried that your lowly status might lead to difficulties in the future.”

She had seen too many instances of being the legitimate wife yet having a concubine take over and dominate.

She continued, “You’re young now, and you look good, so of course, he likes you. But when you grow old, there will be younger and prettier girls surrounding him, and then you won’t be able to compete. You must have a son by your side. Although you were adopted by your third uncle, your mother’s mourning period still has to be observed for a year. During this year, Grandmother will help you take care of your health.”

Even if Jiang Yanyi was foolish, she understood what Old Lady Chu meant by taking care of her health.

Blushing, she said, “This is only the proposal; I’m in good health and don’t need any special care.”

Old Lady Chu tapped her forehead and said, “You silly girl, what do you know? Listen to your grandmother; she will never harm you.”

As soon as Jiang Yanyi left Old Lady Chu’s room, the three sisters, Chu Shubao, surrounded her.

With six pairs of eyes staring at her, Jiang Yanyi felt a bit embarrassed, but she saw Chu Shubao looking sad. “Ayi, I heard that the reason the Prince of Liaonan doesn’t approach women is that he prefers men. Is he trying to use the Chu family’s favor to marry you as a cover?”

Jiang Yanyi: “…”

This development was unexpected for her.

Chu Jiabao also looked worried. “I heard some rumors in the capital that the Liaonan Wang is actually inhumane, which is why he is so brutal. What if he torments you after you marry him?”

Jiang Yanyi: “…”

She was curious about how bad Feng Shuo’s reputation truly was.

The youngest, Chu Huibao, nervously twisted her clothing. “He might lock you up and not give you any food!”

Jiang Yanyi: “…He’s not that cruel.”

Later that day, when she returned to the Antique Soup Shop, Jiang Yanyi sought out Feng Shuo.

Feng Shuo expected her to be surprised, but the first thing Jiang Yanyi said was, “Let’s fix your reputation a bit, shall we?”

Feng Shuo: …?

He stopped writing, lifted his head from the official documents, and after a moment of thought, understood that Jiang Yanyi was talking about his reputation outside.

He smiled and said, “Are you dissatisfied?”

Jiang Yanyi moved a cushion next to his desk, sat down, and said sulkily, “I feel heartbroken.”

His temper was indeed not great, but he was far from what the rumors suggested.

In fact, he had done many good things for the common people without ever boasting about it.

Feng Shuo gently ruffled her hair and said, “You can’t silence everyone’s opinions; those small-minded people love to spread rumors. Once I deal with them, those rumors will naturally dissipate.”

Jiang Yanyi pushed his hand away from her head, wrapped her arms around his, and nuzzled her face against him. “I don’t want you to be misunderstood like this. Feng Shuo, the waters can bear a boat and can also overturn it. The common people are easily led; they believe whoever’s voice is loudest. You disdain to create these rumors, but I will.”

Although she was dressed warmly for winter, when Jiang Yanyi hugged Feng Shuo’s arm, his elbow pressed right against her chest, which felt much softer than elsewhere.

Feng Shuo’s hand holding the brush trembled slightly, and a drop of ink fell from the tip, staining half a page.

He subtly withdrew his arm and asked, “You want to do this? How will you go about it?”

Jiang Yanyi’s mind raced. “In this cold weather, you should distribute some porridge. I’ll find someone to mingle among the crowd receiving the porridge and spread the word about your kindness to the people. Those who can’t even afford food will naturally be grateful to you; a reputation is built little by little. Also, as for the military achievements on the front lines, whether in storytelling or adapted into plays, it should be spread among the common folk.”

The stability of Xizhou today was all due to Feng Shuo’s efforts.

Many people in the south had been unable to make a living for years and were fleeing.

Sometimes, a comparison was necessary to understand how good their current lives were.

Feng Shuo said, “As you wish.”

Then he changed the subject, “I had Old Lady Han go to the Chu family to propose.”

Jiang Yanyi finally felt a bit shy and coughed twice. “I know; why so sudden?”

Feng Shuo looked at her thoughtfully and said, “I’m afraid of prolonged delays leading to complications.”

At that moment, Jiang Yanyi didn’t quite understand what he meant.

It wasn’t until later, when the teahouse was renovated and the Antique Soup Shop relocated, that she learned about the proposal from the Duke of Xing’an for Feng Shuo to marry his daughter.