The abstinent and powerful minister is cold and aloof during the day, but he adores her in his dream

Chapter 171: An Indescribable Intimacy

Zhi Wan said, "He seems alright, but I wonder what his character is like?"

“Bai Yi is a junior officer under your uncle. He’s quite honest and dutiful in the army. There are a few others outside. Take a look at them. If you find one you like, we can find an opportunity to get to know him and choose the one with the best character,” said Madam Wei.

Hearing that there were a few more, Zhiwan became interested and nodded obediently, "I'll listen to my aunt."

Madam Wei affectionately patted her head and went outside.

Soon, Granny Fang led in another young man.

This one looks rather thin, and he's not as tall as Bai Yi in front of her, so Zhiwan doesn't really like him.

As usual, Wei asked a few questions and then dismissed the servants.

Next, she looked at a few more, but Zhiwan wasn't very satisfied with any of them, until the last young man came in.

"This humble servant, Shen Longjin, greets Madam Lu."

The young man had a deep and pleasant voice, and when he bowed, he was neither humble nor arrogant.

Seeing his upright appearance and distinguished demeanor, Madam Wei was somewhat surprised. "Are you also a soldier under the Duke?"

“Yes, Madam,” Shen Longjin replied respectfully.

"How old are you this year?" Madam Wei asked.

"This humble servant is nineteen years old this year," Shen Longjin replied.

Madam Wei thought to herself, "This age is just right, only four years older than Wan'er." She nodded secretly and then asked, "Who else is in the family?"

Shen Longjin paused for a moment before replying, "I was born on the frontier. One year, when the enemy invaded, my family all died in the war. The Duke saw that I was young and had no one to rely on, so he took me under his command."

Wei felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this. "I didn't mean to bring up your painful memories. Please don't take offense."

"No." Shen Longjin shook his head, but there was an undisguised sadness in his eyes.

"What are your thoughts on the matter of marrying into the family?" Madam Wei then asked.

Shen Longjin shook his head, "I am content to live a solitary life."

Upon hearing this, Lady Wei secretly praised her.

This Shen Longjin is quite good. I wonder if Wan'er will be interested in him?

"I understand. You can go back now. I'll probably contact you again later."

Shen Longjin clasped his hands in a salute and withdrew.

With no outsiders in the hall, Madam Wei called for Zhiwan to come out.

"Wan'er, of these next few, have you taken a liking to any of them? What do you think of Shen Longjin from earlier?"

Of the several I looked at later, Zhiwan was most impressed with Shen Longjin, and he was the best.

Although Shen Longjin was just a junior officer, he was neither arrogant nor humble, knew how to advance or retreat, and was also good-looking and quite tall. Moreover, he was willing to marry into the family.

Zhiwan was very satisfied, but when faced with her aunt's question, she had to appear shy, so she said bashfully, "Wan'er will listen to Aunt."

Seeing her shy demeanor, Madam Wei revealed her feelings.

She patted her hand with a smile, "Then let's find another opportunity to get in touch with Shen Longjin?"

Zhiwan nodded shyly, "I will follow my aunt's arrangements."

Outside the door, Chen Jiu was on high alert.

The lady just summoned so many young generals; was she perhaps choosing a husband for her daughter?
How can this be good?

Miss, is there anyone you fancy?
Just as he was getting anxious, he saw his wife and cousin come out of the side hall.

"Madam, Miss Cousin." He immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"Chen Jiu?" Madam Wei looked at him with some surprise. "Why weren't you with the young master in Jiangnan?"

“Reporting to Madam, I was ordered by the Prince to escort Miss Biao back. Jiang Shi and the others are with the Prince in Jiangnan. The Prince instructed me to stay in the capital and not to go there again,” Chen Jiu replied.

"I see." Madam Wei nodded.

Chen Jiu thought for a moment and then said solicitously, "Madam, I just saw many young soldiers come to the manor. Has something happened? Is there anything I can do to help?" Seeing that he was idle, Madam Wei said, "How about this, we are going to the drill ground tomorrow. You can come with us."

"Yes." Chen Jiu suppressed his excitement and replied respectfully, while secretly thinking: I wonder which boy has caught the eye of Miss Biao. Is she going to the training ground to further observe his character and abilities?
What if that person is of good character and outstanding in ability, and the young lady really takes a liking to him? What will happen to the young master who is far away in Jiangnan?
No, no, he has been entrusted with an important task by the Crown Prince, I must find a way to sabotage it!

Unaware of Chen Jiu's sabotage intentions, Madam Wei held Zhiwan's hand and smiled, "Once your marriage is settled, I will begin arranging your cousin's marriage. This time, whether he likes it or not, I am determined to settle his marriage!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiu's brow twitched. The madam was actually going to arrange a marriage for the young master?
Should we report this matter to the Crown Prince?
"Has anyone been chosen for your aunt?" Zhiwan asked.

Madam Wei nodded with a smile, "The day you went to Yangzhou, I went to a temple. Unexpectedly, the wheels of my cart got stuck in a ditch. Unfortunately, it started raining. Just then, Miss Zheng happened to pass by and gave me a ride."

That Zheng family girl is kind-hearted and beautiful; your cousin shouldn't make excuses to refuse her this time.

Chen Jiu shook his head inwardly. No matter how good-looking she was, she couldn't be as good as Miss Biao, could she?

The young master only has eyes for his cousin.

Madam really loves to play matchmaker!

“Then I must congratulate Auntie,” Zhiwan said with a smile.

Speaking of this, Madam Wei was also very happy. "I will arrange to meet Miss Zheng another day so that you can meet her first. Miss Zheng has a good personality, and you will definitely get along well."

“Okay,” Zhiwan readily agreed.

It would be good for her to help her cousin with his eyes.

However, since my aunt said it was good, then Miss Zheng must be quite good as well.

This time, she might really have a cousin-in-law.

Back at Yaoguang Pavilion, Zhiwan sat down at the table and began to paint.

At noon, she put down her pen, ate something lightly, and went to take a nap.

When she woke up from her afternoon nap, she planned to continue painting, but at that moment, Shuang'er walked in with a happy expression.

"Miss, the young master has sent you a letter."

Zhiwan was taken aback, somewhat surprised, "Written for me by my cousin?"

"Yes." Shuang'er nodded with a smile and handed over the letter she was holding. "Chen Jiu gave it to me just now, saying it was brought back by a carrier pigeon."

Upon hearing this, Zhiwan's face lit up with joy. It must be that her cousin had received her letter yesterday and had replied to her.

She eagerly unfolded the letter and began to read it.

The handwriting on the letter was vigorous and powerful, the pen penetrating the paper with a free and elegant style.

She had seen her cousin's handwriting before.

This was written by my cousin.

cousin:

The joy of receiving the words was like seeing the person again.

I know about what happened at home. Please spend more time with your mother. I am now in Jiangning, doing well, so please don't worry about me...

Zhiwan read through it line by line.

Besides telling her about Jiangning, her cousin also described some of the city's scenery, but didn't write anything else.

She paused for a moment when she saw the two characters "谨之" at the end of the signature.

My cousin actually used his handwriting to sign his name.

She inexplicably rubbed it with her thumb.

谨、之。

Zhiwan silently recited it in her heart, and inexplicably felt an indescribable sense of intimacy.

She quickly shook her head, banishing the thought from her mind.

Her cousin and she were of the same generation. It was perfectly normal for him to correspond with her using his own handwriting; they were like siblings.

(End of this chapter)