Chapter 196

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

After entering the study, An Wang sat composedly in the seat of honor, while Yan Si likewise took a seat in the chair to one side without any reservation.

After all, there was no one else present at this moment, so Yan Si naturally had no need for formalities or restraint. He spoke bluntly and directly: "Father King, once the shop's operations stabilize in these two days, this son intends to follow Xingyan back to Dongying Guo for a trip. The shop on his end has already been prepared properly and is about to officially open."

An Wang nodded slightly, expressing agreement: "That is very good; just go quickly and return quickly." Yan Si assented, but then suddenly revealed a hesitant expression, as if he had some concern in his heart, wanting to speak but stopping. Seeing this, An Wang said straightforwardly: "You may speak freely; no need to hem and haw."

Yan Si pondered briefly, as if he had made up his mind, summoned his courage, and blurted out: "Father King, this son wants to marry!"

As soon as these words left his mouth, An Wang first froze, then could not help but laugh lightly, staring at Yan Si with great interest and asking: "Oh? I wonder which family's young lady has caught my son's eye? Father King will send someone tomorrow to propose marriage."

Hearing this, Yan Si's face instantly flushed red, and he hurriedly waved his hands to explain: "Father King, tomorrow is probably not suitable; that young lady's home is very far away, time is urgent tomorrow, it certainly won't be enough time."

An Wang did not mind, waving his hand and laughing: "A bit of distance is nothing; even if it is somewhat farther, within our Dachang borders, three days at most will surely suffice to arrive. Could it be this girl is someone you met while doing business outside? In which province and region does she reside?"

Faced with An Wang's string of questions, Yan Si appeared increasingly guilty, stammering in reply: "Father King, I'm afraid even three days is far from enough……"

An Wang nodded slightly and said slowly: "Three days not enough? Hmph, perhaps for other countries that is indeed the case. Could it be another country? What about that Western Merchant Princess Ouyang Qianyu? This King remembers you seem to have had some dealings with her."

"Although this King has always felt that Ouyang Qianyu's character has slight flaws, truly unworthy of my son. But as long as you truly like her, this King will certainly do everything to make it happen for you. However……" At this point An Wang deliberately drew out his tone, yet his gaze remained fixed on Yan Si.

Teased like this by An Wang, Yan Si's face reddened slightly, and he said anxiously: "Father King, please don't tease this son anymore. The one I speak of is Shangguan Xingyu, the Dongying Princess!"

Seeing this, An Wang laughed heartily, waving his hand: "Good, good, good, I won't tease you anymore. Actually, this King and your Mother Consort have long seen the signs." Hearing this, Yan Si could not help but let out a breath of relief, a bashful smile appearing on his face.

An Wang collected his smile, his expression turning serious, and asked: "Then what are this Dongying Princess's intentions toward you?" Yan Si hurriedly replied: "Reporting to Father King, she is naturally willing as well." An Wang nodded, then continued to press: "Does the Dongying Emperor know of this matter?"

After pondering briefly, Yan Si answered: "Currently not yet known; after this return to the country, once the small shop opens, when this son goes to report to him, I will then inform him of this matter."

An Wang nodded slightly, indicating he was now aware of the matter, and promised: "Tomorrow I will first discuss with Imperial Brother, letting him have some understanding of this matter. After you successfully win over the Dongying Emperor, I will immediately request Imperial Brother to bestow a marriage contract upon you two."

Hearing these words, Yan Si was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked him: "Many thanks, Father King!" An Wang waved his hand, smiling: "No matter; you must give it your all, perform well, and achieve the goal as soon as possible. You should know, even your Mother Consort is extremely anxious about this matter."

Yan Si replied respectfully: "Good, this son understands; then I will take my leave first." An Wang nodded lightly, signaling he could depart.

After returning to his residence, Yan Si's mood was exceptionally excited; he tossed and turned on the bed, unable to sleep. Originally, he had still worried that no matter what Father King would use reasons like the distance being too far, the two being unsuitable, etc., to obstruct it.

But he never expected things would actually go this smoothly; Father King actually agreed so readily. However, amid his delight, Yan Si thought back and forth, and ultimately still decided to go to Shangguan Xingyan's room.

Arriving at the door, Yan Si knocked lightly, and Shangguan Xingyan's gentle voice came from inside: "Come in." Yan Si pushed the door and entered, only to see Shangguan Xingyan holding a water cup drinking water, while simultaneously using his hand to lightly pound his waist, clearly due to being overly exhausted today.

Seeing this, Yan Si asked with concern: "Today really was hard on you!" Shangguan Xingyan put down the water cup and replied with a wry smile: "Yeah, really tired enough." Yan Si immediately continued: "In another two or three days, after this shop completely stabilizes, I will return to Dongying Guo together with you all, and assist you in officially opening.

At that time, the entire process will be exactly the same as here. However, the person responsible for cutting the ribbon and giving the speech will then be entirely you! After all, you are the big boss, so you must make full preparations in advance."

Shangguan Xingyan replied confidently: "Rest assured, no problem! With your great assistance, these are all just trivial minor matters."

After hearing this, a relieved smile appeared on Yan Si's face, then he changed the subject and said somewhat bashfully: "Next let's talk about private matters."

Shangguan Xingyan replied with great interest: "Sure, tell me, what exactly is it?"

Yan Si opened his mouth somewhat embarrassedly and slowly: "Actually…… it's about the matter between me and your younger sister. After the shop on the Dongying side opens smoothly, I plan to go plead with your Father Emperor, hoping he will agree to our marriage. I sincerely hope at that time you can help this brother out a lot."

Shangguan Xingyan gazed at Yan Si, the corner of his mouth curling up slightly, teasing: "Hey, you guy, actually playing the emotional card with me, huh?"

Yan Si hurriedly waved his hands to explain: "Ah, it's not like that, I really need your help! As long as it succeeds, when the two of us marry, I'll definitely give you a big red envelope as thanks."

Shangguan Xingyan deliberately teased: "Hmph, even if you give a huge red envelope, I still can't just casually 'sell off' my own younger sister like that!"

Yan Si said: "Ah, what sell or not sell, how ugly! Ours is mutual affection; you be magnanimous and help us." Shangguan Xingyan couldn't help laughing, teasing: "Haha, if I really help you, after you succeed, will you have to change what you call me and call me Elder Brother?"

Yan Si nodded without hesitation: "Okay okay okay, absolutely no problem! Not just later, even if you make me call you now, I'll do it immediately!" Shangguan Xingyan raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curling up, revealing a crafty smile, and said: "Then good, you call me once first for me to hear. If you call it to my satisfaction, I'll help you with this favor."