Chapter 361
However, Lu Yuanpeng was very worried. In the end, Xiao Rongyan sought but could not have her, and became deeply infatuated.
After all, Bai Qingyan was such a heroine, with a proud and unyielding character, and stunning beauty. Indeed, it was very easy for someone like her to captivate hearts and make them lose control.
Lu Yuanpeng was good friends with the sons of the Bai family. Now that all seventeen sons had sacrificed their lives for the country, he had long regarded Bai Qingyan as his own elder sister. To him, Xiao Rongyan was both a teacher and a friend. If they put aside their identities, he sincerely hoped Xiao Rongyan and Bai Qingyan could be together.
Sima Ping, wrapping his arm around Lu Yuanpeng’s neck, pulled the flowery youth beside him and prepared to return to the restaurant. He laughed and said: “No rush! No rush! Brother Xiao, you can escort the Commandery Princess back to the Commandery Princess’s residence and then come back. We’ll wait for you; you’ll be on time!”
Xiao Rongyan smiled confidently and nodded, ignoring Sima Ping’s playful expressions.
Once Sima Ping and Lu Yuanpeng, along with a group of youngsters, ascended the stairs, Lu Yuanpeng sighed and said: “It’s just unfortunate that Brother Xiao’s identity is that of a businessman. Although us brothers and friends don’t mind, Bai Qingyan’s family, especially the old ancestor, might mind! That old ancestor is the Eldest Princess of Jin Kingdom; she’s definitely not going to marry her most beloved legitimate granddaughter to a merchant!”
Sima Ping, sitting beside Lu Yuanpeng with his arm around his neck, reached out and knocked him on the head: “That Bai Qingyan is a proud and resolute person, who keeps her word. She has already sworn before the spirits of the King and Duke of Zhen that she would never marry in her lifetime. Do you think she will break her oath to marry?”
“Then Brother Xiao has no chance at all!” Lu Yuanpeng didn’t understand what Sima Ping was so happy about.
“Yuanpeng, I tell you, are all of your brothers at home so intelligent that they’ve left you with a wooden head?” Sima Ping sighed and raised his brows. “Bai Qingyan can refuse to marry; but who says our Brother Xiao can’t be the one to join her family?”
Lu Yuanpeng blinked: “How is that possible?! Look at Brother Xiao. Does he look like someone who would join another’s family? Even though Brother Xiao is a businessman, he is noble and unique, well-versed in the books of sages, and has a vast knowledge equivalent to that of great scholars. If not for his ancestors’ business engagements and being the only descendant to inherit the family business, he would have entered officialdom. Even if not, his talent would allow him to write books and be renowned. How could such a person be willing to join another’s family?”
Sima Ping’s eyes brightened as he looked at Lu Yuanpeng: “Oh… Yuanpeng, who would’ve thought that you could speak so elegantly?”
Lu Yuanpeng blushed and held his nose high: “Why can’t I speak elegantly?”
Lu Yuanpeng was embarrassed to admit that these words were actually his brother Lu Yuanqing’s, and he was merely repeating them.
“I’m telling you, stop worrying about Bai Qingyan and Brother Xiao. In this world, everyone has their own fate!” Sima Ping patted Lu Yuanpeng’s chest, comforting him.
On the long street, lanterns were already lit inside the restaurants and tea houses, and the red lanterns hanging high at the doors gradually began to shine as well.
The sound of children chasing and playing intermingled with the hawkers’ shouts, creating a lively atmosphere.
Bai Qingyan walked side by side with Xiao Rongyan, with Yue Shi sensibly leading a horse behind them, followed by Lu Ping.
“Mr. Xiao, if there’s something you need to say, please speak directly,” Bai Qingyan said.
“It’s not a matter of importance. I just wanted to specifically thank you, Miss Bai, for arranging the transportation of those tea goods to Mount Kongtong, allowing my caravan to smoothly and timely enter Daliang,” Xiao Rongyan said slowly as he walked with Bai Qingyan. “This matter is of utmost importance to me, and I am deeply grateful. However, I do not know how to properly thank you, Miss Bai.”
“Mr. Xiao, you are too kind.”
Both Bai Qingyan and Xiao Rongyan knew that the shipment originally belonged to Bai Qingyan.
She halted her steps and turned to face Xiao Rongyan: “If Mr. Xiao is only here to express gratitude, you may return now. Your friends are still waiting in the restaurant; there’s no need for you to escort me any further.”
Just as Bai Qingyan finished speaking, Xiao Rongyan suddenly raised his head and looked above them. He grabbed Bai Qingyan by the shoulder and pulled her into his embrace while rapidly stepping back.
“Miss Bai!” Lu Ping’s eyes widened.
The flowerpot brushed past Bai Qingyan’s back as it fell and shattered on the ground, causing people to scream.
Upstairs, the shop assistant’s panicked apologies could be heard.
“Are you alright?” Xiao Rongyan’s firm and powerful arm still held Bai Qingyan’s slender waist tightly.
Bai Qingyan’s heart was pounding fast. She looked up at Xiao Rongyan, whose brow was furrowed. The warm light of the setting sun and the bright red lanterns of the street illuminated his strong profile, making his features appear even more resolute and his eyes exceptionally profound.
The subtle and deep scent of agarwood incense wafted from the man before her as she tried to push Xiao Rongyan away with her arm. Yet, his arm only tightened, pulling them closer.
His deep gaze silently stared into Bai Qingyan’s eyes. Though he did not speak, the profound emotion in his eyes was unmistakable.
Seeing that Miss Bai was unharmed, Lu Ping let out a sigh of relief and developed an even better impression of Xiao Rongyan.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” The shopkeeper came running out, bowing repeatedly.
Bai Qingyan quickly stepped out of Xiao Rongyan’s embrace, turned to face the frightened shopkeeper, and stood with her hands behind her back. Her hands, hidden from view, were tightly clenched into fists as she tried to control her chaotic thoughts.
“It’s all this careless fool’s fault!” The shopkeeper kicked the assistant hiding behind him. “At this crucial moment, moving the flowerpot and almost hurting our esteemed guests! Truly, I am deeply sorry!”
The shop assistant, having been kicked, cowered behind the shopkeeper, his eyes red. Knowing he had caused serious trouble today with these distinguished and refined-looking guests, he immediately knelt down.
“I am sorry, respected guests! I didn’t do it on purpose! Please, have mercy and forgive me!” The shop assistant, with a sobbing voice, knocked his head on the ground in supplication.
Bai Qingyan looked at the trembling shop assistant and said softly: “Since I am unharmed, how can you be at fault? Get up. Be more careful next time and don’t hurt others.”
“Yes, yes!” The shop assistant felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. “Thank you, Miss! Thank you, Miss!”
“Thank you, esteemed guests! Thank you, esteemed guests!” The shopkeeper also hurriedly expressed his gratitude.
Bai Qingyan gave the shop assistant a deep look and, seeing his genuine fear mixed with relief, turned and walked forward.
Xiao Rongyan switched places with Bai Qingyan, making sure she walked on the side closer to the street. He said solemnly: “I will escort Miss Bai back.”
Bai Qingyan initially wanted to refuse, but upon seeing the calm determination in Xiao Rongyan’s eyes, she nodded.
Xiao Rongyan escorted Bai Qingyan to the gates of the Princess of Zhen’s residence. He took his leave with a courteous bow and committed no inappropriate behavior.