"Just one pot." Elder Qin was angry, glaring at him, he said, "For such a joyous event like marriage, and youâre marrying the person on your mind, and you only offer one pot of wine? No way, itâs got to be a jar, or else this old man wonât help you propose."
And now he was even threatening.
Qin San Lang said, "Three pots at most, or else you shouldnât drink at all."
He added, "Health is a priority. If something happens to your health, how will you teach the children Xiao Yu and I will have?"
Hearing this, Elder Qin lit up with happiness, but he suppressed the joy, saying, "Youâre really greedy, not even done with the engagement ceremony, and youâre already thinking about future kids. Just like your dad."
Back in the day, San Langâs dad hadnât even set the engagement with San Langâs mom, and was already thinking about how to educate their future children.
Qin San Lang didnât answer with words, just continued munching on the salty meat sesame cake. Even though the fresh meat sesame cake was salty, it tasted sweet to him. Each bite sent sweetness straight to his heart, keeping a smile perpetually on his face.
"Tsk, you kid, wake up from your daydream, donât get trapped," Elder Qin, looking at his lovestruck demeanor, couldnât help but want to laugh. This kid is truly fond of Xiao Yu; just imagining it brings such a smile.
Qin San Lang composed himself, handing Elder Qin two sheets of paper: "These are the three dates I have in mind: one is April 29, the other May 9, and another May 19. Tomorrow you go to Xiao Yuâs house and give the dates to Uncle Dashan and let them choose one."
Elder Qin looked at him, with a mixed feeling: "Youâre really in a rush, even bringing up April 29, which is merely a few days away now."
Qin San Lang said, "Thatâs why Iâve listed May 9 and 19 afterwards."
He added, "These two dates are the most suitable. Even though itâs May, multiples of nine bring great fortune, ideal for holding an engagement ceremony. If we miss these two days in May, weâll have to wait until August."
Good Brother An needs to take the college examination in June; by the time he returns, it will be the end of June, making an engagement unlikely. July is considered unlucky, and August is when Qi Familyâs cousin is getting married, which isnât great either. May is the best option.
However, the engagement ceremony with Xiao Yu should be on May 19, leaving the earlier dates for Brother Luo Wu and my older sister.
"Alright, I will talk to Dashan about it at Xiao Yuâs house tomorrow." Elder Qin opened another sheet and found it was a list for the engagement ceremony. Carefully looking over it, he said, "Youâve put your heart into it, and the items are excellent."
Qin San Lang shook his head, saying, "Itâs not enough. If there hadnât been issues at home, she should have received more, and Iâll make up for it in the future."
The engagement gifts from noble families to the bride are all precious items, and what heâs giving now is not even a tenth of them.
"Itâs enough. Weâre in the countryside; overly expensive engagement gifts will attract gossip." Elder Qin added, "If your family were the same as before, you wouldnât have married Xiao Yu."
The youngest legitimate son of the Marquis Mansion, with a powerful father and two capable elder brothers, would naturally marry a high-class noble lady; Xiao Yu wouldnât have been involved.
Qin San Lang shook his head, looking at Elder Qin, his deep eyes reflecting a resolute determination akin to a wolfâs: "Even if things hadnât changed at home, as long as itâs my destined bond, I would never let go."
For some reason, he just felt that Xiao Yu was meant to be his wife, regardless of whether his family is wealthy or poor, Xiao Yu would be his wife, and that would never change.
Elder Qin, seeing this, paused briefly, shook his head with a smile: "You are."
Still an obstinate romantic.
He sighed again: "Back when you were born, your parents thought you were the youngest, and with two elder brothers supporting you, you wouldnât need to work hard to enjoy the luxurious life of a noble in the Capital. Yet your disposition turned out tougher than your big brotherâs."
Initially, San Langâs father felt rather harsh with their eldest and second sons. Being the youngest, San Lang should be pampered more.
Thinking San Lang had two brothers and himself to shield him, even if he spoiled him into a little tyrant, itâd be fine, so they indulged him.
But San Lang was steadfastly mature from a young age and didnât pick up any bad habits of aristocratic youth.
The Capitalâs noble offspring would send invitations for him to hang out, but he had no interest, preferring to practice martial arts, worrying his father, who complained, "Is my child a girl? Why isnât he out flaunting around? Show some aristocratic arrogance!"
Qin San Lang laughed as Elder Qin reminisced about old times, commenting, "What they play with is too childish, not suited for me."
Playing hoop-tossing, horse racing, and wrestling over and overâhow could such activities compare with the fun of archery, horse taming, and combat?
Whenever someone sent him an invitation, he was very reluctant to attend, but if it couldnât be avoided, heâd go with his big brothers.
But thereâs a benefit; fewer people in the Capital have seen his face, allowing him more freedom in future endeavors.
Qin San Lang chatted with Elder Qin about past events, then detailed the engagement ceremony items, the ironworks, and horse-rearing matters before he stood up, saying: "Grandpa, Iâll leave now. I need to rush back to the Military Office tonight."
Elder Qin knew he was busy and didnât keep him from leaving, and after discussing everything, waved: "Off you go. Once Xiao Yuâs family picks a date, Iâll have someone inform you. Be sure to return in advance."
"Got it." Qin San Lang left the main house and went to the back courtyard well to wash with cool water, changed into clean clothes, and rode away, seeing Elder Qin tidying up the table, he called out: "Grandpa, Iâm leaving, you should rest early."
Elder Qin said, "Go."
Murmuring, quite particularâwashed himself spotlessly clean before meeting Xiao Yu.
Qin San Lang circled to the back of Gu Familyâs house, mimicked bird calls for a while, then Gu Jinli emerged, jumping over the wall into the alley. No sooner had she landed than he pulled her into an embrace: "I came late, are you tired?"
Gu Jinli looked up, seeing him under the torchlight and smiling: "Not tired, I slept for four hours in the mule cart, see how lively I am now."
Qin San Lang looked down at her, noticing her bright eyes and smiling mouthâshe was truly... irresistibly enchanting.
"Yes, very lively." He said, leaning in for a kiss, tenderly and greedily savoring her taste, their breaths entwining a sweetness that warmed his heart, causing his arms to tighten, holding her firmly against him.
But it still wasnât enough...
She had bathed, carried a faint fragrance, the gentle scent mischievously disturbing his thoughts, making him feel ablaze with discomfort.
With a bang, he pinned her against the wall, like a beast hunting in the night, carrying deadly danger, devouring her.
"Mm~" Gu Jinli was nearly breathless, nudged him, but he held her tighter, kissing her and murmuring huskily: "Donât worry, you wonât suffocate."
He said as he shared a breath with her.
Gu Jinli was taken aback, thinking, where did you learn that?!