Chapter 154: Good Luck

Gu Jiu Ling received the news, hurriedly packed everything and, taking Jiu Yue, walked toward the Qian Ting.

Passing through the corridor, she had just reached the outside of the Zheng Ting when she heard Xiao Yin's extremely cheerful laugh coming from inside the Zheng Ting.

The laugh made Gu Jiu Ling's steps halt; she had been married to Xiao Yin for some time.

Although she had seen Xiao Yin's smile before, this kind of hearty, open laughter was something she had never encountered.

At that moment his grin seemed stained with the intense sunshine of a great prairie, so radiant and fierce that she felt completely refreshed.

From inside came a young man's voice, crisp and clear.

"Prince, I encountered a wild horse on the grassland; it was very hard to tame. Afterwards I, along with a few brothers, fenced off that grassland, guarded it daily, and forced its vigor to subside."

"This time returning to Shang Jing, I also brought it back, delivering it to the Prince's out‑of‑town stables; it's perfect as a warhorse, truly beautiful…"

Gu Jiu Ling didn't wait for the youth to finish speaking about the horse; eavesdropping felt improper, so she stepped into the Zheng Ting.

She looked up and was briefly taken aback.

In the Zheng Ting, Xiao Yin sat at the main seat, while a youthful guest sat opposite, a sprightly young man.

His facial features were hard and angular, starkly different from the dandy scions of Shang Jing, bearing a few hints of battle‑worn sharpness.

When facing Xiao Yin now, his smile carried a touch of rustic sincerity.

Gu Jiu Ling's first impression of him was quite favorable; the more she thought, the more she felt that a woman like Su Wanrou could not possibly match such a sunny, charming boy.

As a newcomer, Gu Jiu Ling found it hard to judge Xiao Yin's relationship with Su Wanrou.

At first she thought Xiao Yin's pampering of the delicate lady raised in the mansion stemmed from romantic affection, but after these incidents she realized Su Wanrou seemed more like Xiao Yin's creditor, having come to Rui Wang Fu to collect a debt.

Moreover, that debt would not be settled quickly; Xiao Yin appeared uneasy when the events of seven years ago were mentioned, and Gu Jiu Ling found it awkward to probe further, which was irritating.

She sighed inwardly and walked over.

Zhao Lang also saw Gu Jiu Ling, quickly rose, stepped back, and bowed respectfully toward her.

"Your servant pays his respects to the Princess Consort!"

"General Zhao, no need for formalities," Gu Jiu Ling could not accept such honors from heroes returning from the battlefield, stepped aside, and laughed, "I have heard the Prince speak of General Zhao as a true hero; now that I see you, indeed you are graceful and handsome."

Meanwhile Xiao Yin's smile faded, and he felt a hidden irritation.

"Just a few compliments would do; why such lavish praise?"

"Am I not a hero? Is my bearing not handsome?"

Gu Jiu Ling sensed the chill emanating from Xiao Yin, quickly halted her words, and ordered Jiu Yue to serve tea to Zhao Lang.

Gu Jiu Ling sat beside Xiao Yin, shifted toward him, and only then did Xiao Yin's face regain its smile.

Gu Jiu Ling couldn't help to mutter inwardly, "These days, what new flaw is Xiao Yin adding?"

From now on, she thought, better not call him Xiao Yin, but "Xiao Vinegar Jar."

Xiao Yin looked at Zhao Lang and asked with a smile, "General Zhao, may I propose a marriage alliance for you?"

Zhao Lang was startled; today he had emerged from the palace, never expecting the Prince's favor to summon him to the Wangfu as a guest, and his hands trembled slightly with excitement.

Who is Xiao Yin? He is the war god in the hearts of all soldiers, an object of their utmost reverence.

Now he actually asked about his own marriage; Zhao Lang's simple face flushed a bit, and he stammered, "Your servant… your servant has just moved to Jing Cheng; my parents are unfamiliar with Shang Jing, so they have not arranged a marriage for me."

Gu Jiu Ling nodded inwardly; being new to Jing Cheng, Zhao Lang was unfamiliar, which allowed Xiao Yin to place that prized treasure from his own mansion into this child's hands.

She did not quite agree with Xiao Yin on this point; letting Su Wanrou marry well, yet he married such a harmful spirit, and who knows what trouble might arise later.

However, with Xiao Yin present, she had no say at all, only hoping that Su Wanrou would truly change her heart this time and sincerely reform.

After all, people said Xiao Yin had never once been angry with Su Wanrou, not even uttered a rebuke; this time he directly sent her to Shang Jing, confined her in a manor, hoping she would reflect a bit.

Zhao Lang, looking plainly sincere, seemed to be the type Xiao Yin favored; his character should be decent, and his family had only one son.

There were no numerous petty issues with elder or younger sisters‑in‑law, no sister‑in‑law rivalries, and the mother‑in‑law and father‑in‑law ran a shop earning silver for the younger generation, making household affairs simple.

The key point is that Zhao Lang is a promising talent; his military merits will continue to rise, and those favored by Xiao Yin are never ordinary—future ennoblement and kingship are within reach.

As long as Su Wanrou marries over there without causing trouble and lives her simple life earnestly, it will be a sweet, harmonious life.

It must be said that Xiao Yin truly treats Su Wanrou well.

This marriage match is perfect!

Just as Zhao Lang finished speaking, Xiao Yin laughed, "I will act as matchmaker; if you are willing to form a marriage alliance with me, how about I give you my distant cousin as a bride?"

Zhao Lang was instantly stunned; he hadn't expected Xiao Yin to propose becoming brothers‑in‑law.

Xiao Yin, such a dazzling figure, his sister was surely no less, and even his simple demeanor could see the meaning; Prince Rui must be about to lift him up.

Xiao Yin smiled, "General Zhao, are you willing?"

He has always been decisive; if willing, then willing, if not, then no; he will continue to look for Su Wanrou.

Now Su Wanrou has grown up, no longer the helpless orphan she once was; continuing to support her would lead to what?

Providing her with a proper life also serves as a repayment to General An, who saved him; after all, a life‑saving debt can be repaid in any manner.

This is the best path he can find for Su Wanrou, hoping she understands his sincere intentions.

Zhao Lang had no reason to refuse; just looking at Prince Rui's appearance, he seemed handsome, and his sister was surely a beauty, though marrying her might seem a step down for him.

If Prince Rui has already agreed, another refusal would be a loss of face.

Zhao Lang quickly stood, clasped his fists, and bowed to Xiao Yin, "Your servant thanks the Prince!"

Xiao Yin rose slowly, looking increasingly satisfied as he gazed at Zhao Lang, and, smiling while supporting his arm, said, "Very well, then the matter is settled. Return and discuss it with your parents; later we will send a matchmaker to align our sister's birth chart with yours."

"If it matches, we will begin preparations."

"Thank you, Prince!"

Zhao Lang was so excited he could hardly speak, only repeatedly expressing gratitude.

Although he fought on the frontier, he was not oblivious to social customs; he knew that, as a commoner of low status, just having secured a foothold in Jing Cheng allowed him to form a marriage alliance with Rui Wang Fu.

Not everyone enjoys such good fortune.