Chapter 322

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

As they spoke, the little maid beside them softly reported the amount of gold in this chest to An Ning. Upon hearing it, An Ning secretly marveled at the Eunuch's generosity; she then instructed the servants to move this chest of gold to the warehouse and place it together with the other betrothal gifts.

After everything was properly arranged, An Ning and Qi Yu each returned to their own courtyards.

That afternoon, the sunlight was just right, the breeze gentle. Qi Xi ended her temporary stay at her maternal grandmother's house and returned home in high spirits. Her steps were light, as if her heart were filled with joy.

The moment she entered the house, Qi Xi rushed straight to An Ning's courtyard. Walking into the courtyard, she spotted An Ning sitting at a table from afar, writing and drawing with great concentration. Qi Xi tiptoed closer, then suddenly leaned in and called out sweetly, "Mother!"

Hearing the sound, An Ning looked up and saw her daughter standing before her; she couldn't help but reveal a gentle smile. She examined Qi Xi carefully, seeing that her daughter had grown tall and graceful, becoming even more lovely. A surge of gratification rose in An Ning's heart; she thought of how Qi Xi had frequently gone to care for her mother during this period, and she felt deeply satisfied with her daughter's filial piety.

An Ning asked with concern, "Has your maternal grandmother's health improved?" Qi Xi hurriedly replied, "Mother, ginseng truly is excellent! Grandmother can already go out for walks now, and her spirit is much better than before."

Hearing this, the great weight in An Ning's heart finally settled. She said with emotion, "This time we truly have Shuang'er and Qianqian to thank." Qi Xi nodded repeatedly, then changed the subject and asked curiously, "Mother, when are you going to propose marriage?"

An Ning smiled faintly and replied, "Since you're back, tomorrow we'll go propose marriage together." Upon hearing this, Qi Xi was overjoyed and said excitedly, "Wonderful! Then I won't go find Qianqian to play this afternoon; I'll go tomorrow instead."

Looking at her daughter's expectant little face, An Ning smiled and nodded, saying, "You've had it rough these two days too; go back and rest for the afternoon, and go find Qianqian to play tomorrow." Qi Xi agreed obediently. Qi Xi looked curiously at the paper An Ning was writing on, blinking her big eyes, and asked innocently, "Mother, what are you writing?" An Ning smiled and replied, "This is the guest list for the wedding banquet." Qi Xi nodded as if half-understanding, indicating she understood.

An Ning continued, "Xi Xi, you're not young anymore; there are some things you should start learning. Like this list — you must consider who can attend the banquet, who might attend, and leave enough space so that on the day there won't be guests with nowhere to sit. And some guests might bring their whole families, children included; all of this needs careful thought. After you marry in the future, you'll certainly have to host banquets too, so you must start learning these things now."

Hearing her mother's words, Qi Xi pouted and muttered, "Mother, I'm still small; let's talk about these things when I grow up." An Ning looked at her and said earnestly, "Xi Xi, don't think you're still small. Look at Qianqian — she's the same age as you, and her martial arts have already reached an unfathomable level. You should learn more of these things too."

After being lectured by her mother, Qi Xi, though somewhat unwilling in her heart, still agreed reluctantly: "Alright, Mother, I know, I'll study hard."

Early the next morning, the sun had just risen above the horizon; a hint of dawn light appeared at the sky's edge, and weak sunlight filtered through the windows into the room. Everyone had long been unable to contain their excitement; they rose early and began busily preparing.

As it happened, yesterday An Ning had specially instructed Qi Yu and Qi Xi to set out early today for the marriage proposal, so as not to miss the auspicious hour. Thus, just as dawn broke, everyone got up in unspoken agreement and quickly finished packing.

Qi Ling, however, had to attend the early court session, so he left home earlier than the others. When he returned from court, everything was already ready; he only needed to change into a proper set of clothes, and then they could set off together for An Wangfu.

The three sat in the carriage, chatting and laughing; the atmosphere was exceptionally lively. After all, this was a great happy event, and everyone's mood was especially cheerful. Especially Qi Xi, who hadn't seen Qianqian for a period of time; the excitement in her heart was indescribable.

They chatted for a while before Qi Ling slowly arrived. He wore a magnificent long robe, his posture tall and straight, his bearing imposing.

He got in the carriage and sat properly in his seat. After everyone was seated, at Qi Ling's command, the coachman whipped the horses, and the carriage slowly set off.

Immediately after, a burst of joyous gong and drum sounds rang out; the band with blowing and beating followed closely behind, advancing all the way toward An Wangfu.

The commoners on both sides of the road, hearing this lively sound, curiously poked their heads out one after another, wanting to find out what was going on.

"I hear this seems to be the Qi family's eldest son going to propose marriage," someone discussed in a low voice.

"Oh? Really? Do you know which family's daughter it is?" another person asked curiously.

"Don't know; haven't heard any rumors before!" someone in the crowd said doubtfully.

"Indeed; looking at this formation, they really do take it seriously!" another person chimed in.

The commoners discussed the marriage proposal procession heatedly, one word from you, one from me. Some people, bored staying at home, followed along with the procession, wanting to see which young lady's family this procession was ultimately going to propose to.

Just as they left, the several of them were still chatting happily, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.

However, as the distance to the destination grew closer, An Ning's mood gradually became tense. She did not hide her emotions, but directly told Xi Xi beside her: "Xi Xi, Mother is so nervous!"

Seeing this, Xi Xi hurriedly smiled and comforted her: "Mother, what are you nervous about? Didn't you already agree with Aunt Princess Consort?"

An Ning gave a bitter smile and shook her head, saying, "I don't know what I'm nervous about either; I just can't help it!"

At this moment, Qi Yu beside them also spoke up: "Mother, I know you're nervous, but you calm down first, because I'm nervous too."

Hearing Qi Yu's words, An Ning relaxed slightly; after all, she wasn't the only one like this. She took a deep breath and slowly calmed herself down.

After all, in a moment she would still have to face it herself; if she were like Qi Ling, unable to fart even with three kicks, I'm afraid the matters previously discussed might not succeed.

Thinking this, An Ning couldn't help but glare at Qi Ling; Qi Ling touched his nose, glanced guiltily at An Ning, and dared not speak.