Chapter Nine: A Marriage Proposal

In the Prince Chun's manor, Zhongli Yu sat quietly in his study, his mind preoccupied with those eyes that seemed so familiar. For once, his brows were furrowed. Suddenly, a light flashed in his eyes as if something had become clear to him. That familiar aura—no matter how she changed her appearance, her eyes, her build, her very essence would never change. A smile tugged at his lips and clarity shone in his gaze.

In truth, Serene Pavilion belonged to Zhongli Yu; he was Feng Youran. Even though Zhan Yan had disguised herself today, he had still recognized her. The thought of Zhan Yan nearly being killed by the man in black filled Zhongli Yu with lingering fear. Fortunately, he had saved her in time; otherwise, his more than ten years of waiting would have been in vain. This woman truly was too much trouble—he needed to bring her home as soon as possible.

"Li Ying, prepare the betrothal gifts for me. I am going to propose marriage."

"Y-Young master?" Li Ying was so shocked that he stammered.

"Must I say it a second time?"

"No, young master."

Orchid Courtyard.

"Miss, Prince Chun has come to our manor to propose, requesting to take you as his consort." Qingyun reported to Zhan Yan, her face filled with shock.

Zhan Yan's eyelids twitched. Prince Chun? Wasn't he that rare genius? Wasn't it said that he despised women? Why would he suddenly want to marry her?

"Miss, Prince Chun also said that if you refuse, he will personally seek you out."

"Seek me out personally? Does he even recognize me?" Zhan Yan frowned deeply. She was soon to come of age—fifteen. She had grown weary of living in this house and had been planning to have Qingyun and the others help her fake her death so she could live freely as Gu Wuyou. She was tired of playing the sickly Zhan Yan.

"I do not know, miss."

"Did father agree?"

"Master said he would ask your opinion, and mentioned your weak health—he doubted you'd live to fifteen. Then Prince Chun replied that, regardless of whether you lived to fifteen or not, he would make you a member of the Zhongli family, even if only your soul. And if master refused, he would seek an imperial decree for the marriage." Qingyun's face was pale; if this man wouldn’t give up, her mistress would never be free.

Zhan Yan’s lips twitched violently. This man was formidable. When had she ever provoked such a person?

"Qingyun, move the plan up. I truly cannot bear to stay in this house any longer," Zhan Yan said calmly.

"Yes, miss. I will arrange it at once."

The next day, the news of Prince Chun coming to propose at the Southern Guardian's manor spread throughout the capital, stunning countless people. Among them, many young ladies of the inner chambers tore their handkerchiefs in jealousy and resentment.

Since the rumor spread six years ago that Prince Chun despised women, he had again become the talk of the capital. Some lamented, some sighed, but most were curious—could the supposedly frail Miss Zhan Yan survive until her coming of age and marry Prince Chun?

Many young noblewomen even secretly hoped for Zhan Yan’s early demise; now that it was clear Prince Chun did not actually hate women, their hopes were rekindled.

"Li Hun, keep a close watch on her for me. Don’t let your young master’s future wife slip away," Zhongli Yu instructed coolly in Prince Chun’s manor.

"Young master, marrying you is the dream of every young lady in the capital. Do you really think she’ll run away?" Li Hun replied nonchalantly.

"Are you questioning me?"

"I wouldn’t dare."

"Not only must you keep a close eye on her, but even if she accidentally dies, you must guard her corpse for me," Zhongli Yu massaged his forehead. He had a feeling that marrying this woman would not be easy.

"Yes, young master." Li Hun staggered in shock, nearly falling to the ground. Just how much did the young master like this Zhan Yan, that even her death wouldn’t deter him?

As the news about Prince Chun’s proposal spread like wildfire through the capital, an even more shocking rumor emerged: on the fourth day after Prince Chun’s proposal, the eldest daughter of the Southern Guardian's manor had passed away. Countless people sighed, lamented, and many even rejoiced. Of course, the ones rejoicing were those young ladies who fancied Prince Chun. Originally, Zhan Yan was an obscure noble maiden—her death would have passed unnoticed, but Prince Chun’s proposal made her instantly famous. People remarked that she was indeed ill-fated; she could have become Princess Chun, but lacked the fortune to enjoy it.

At the Southern Guardian's manor, the mood was not one of surprise. They had long known Zhan Yan’s delicate health made it unlikely she’d survive to her coming-of-age. Now, it was merely fulfilling the prophecy of Doctor Meng. It was a pity to lose the chance to ally with the wealthy Prince Chun.

On the third day after Zhan Yan’s "death," the Southern Guardian's manor buried her. The two maids who served her grieved the most, their eyes swollen from crying. After the burial, the Southern Guardian, honoring Zhan Yan’s last wishes, returned the indenture contracts of Qingyun and Xiangli, setting them free.

Qingyun went to the burial place and, with a wave of her arms, made the coffin rise out of the earth.

"Miss, you can come out now," Qingyun called softly. The coffin lid shifted aside, and Zhan Yan, dressed in white, stood lightly by the coffin’s edge.

"Phew, I thought I’d suffocate. Pretending to be dead is no fun," Zhan Yan stretched lazily, looking thoroughly relieved.

"Qingyun, put the coffin back. It’s made of pear wood—such a waste," Zhan Yan sighed and shook her head.

"Yes, miss," Qingyun replied wordlessly, wondering when her mistress had grown so greedy.

"Did you settle Yingli?"

"Yes—she was heartbroken, truly believing you had died."

"She’s a simple child; let her live a peaceful life."

"As you say, miss."

"From now on, your mistress is Gu Wuyou. Remember that," Zhan Yan declared triumphantly, so happy she failed to notice that someone in the distance was watching, stunned, having witnessed everything.

Li Hun could only admire his young master’s foresight—how had he guessed this woman would play such a trick? Good thing he hadn’t slacked off, or he’d have had to face his young master’s wrath.