The new emperor's first decree upon ascending the throne was to forcibly take his cousin as his

As soon as Ruan Xianrong recovered from his illness, the first thing he did was to go out of the city to the estate to pick up Cheng Qing.

Zhuangzi was serene, and Cheng Qing had been single-minded these past few days, immersing himself in the past years' examination questions from the Imperial Academy. Far from finding the time passing slowly, he found it increasingly interesting and insightful, often exclaiming in admiration at certain essays and marveling at the extraordinary vision of the students from the capital.

When Ruan Xianrong pushed open the door, he was frowning and deep in thought, staring at a page of text, completely unaware of what was happening.

"Young Master Cheng."

Hearing this, he finally looked up and asked, "Miss Ruan?"

"I'm so sorry to leave you here all alone."

He put down his book, stood up, and quickly went to help her. "You look a little pale. You need to rest for a while longer. Everything is fine here. You don't need to rush over."

"It's my fault for not being responsible. You're sick, I should have been there to take care of you."

He heard that Ruan Xianrong was ill and was anxious to go to the city, but he was afraid of causing her trouble and that he was useless.

"I'm fully recovered now. I've come today to take you to meet my parents."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Qing couldn't help but feel nervous. "Go today? But I haven't prepared anything."

"No need, just come with me. If my parents ask any questions, just tell them the truth."

Cheng Qing nodded. "When are you leaving?"

"Now."

Cheng Qing immediately became serious. "Then wait a moment, I'll go change my clothes."

Ruan Xianrong pulled him back, "No need, this outfit is fine."

Wearing a bamboo-green cloth shirt and with his hair tied up with a ribbon, he was elegant and handsome, just the kind of scholar his parents loved most.

"Let's go."

The horse-drawn carriage rumbled along the official road back to the city.

The carriage wasn't spacious; the two people sat facing each other, very close together.

Ruan Xianrong could smell the faint scent of soapberry on Cheng Qing's body, mixed with a hint of ink.

The person opposite me sat upright, their fingers unconsciously rubbing the hem of their clothes.

She asked one more time, "Are you sure you want to marry me?"

"I have very high standards. If you marry me, even if you rise to the highest position in the government, you must never take concubines or keep maids."

"Of course, if you regret it in the future and find another woman you like, you don't have to hide it from me. Just tell me directly, and I won't pester you."

Cheng Qing's initial shyness gradually dissipated upon hearing the following words, and her expression became serious.

"Don't worry, young lady, Cheng Qing will never take a concubine in his life."

His father was a man who favored his concubine over his wife, which is why his mother suffered so much. He hates ungrateful people the most, so how could he let himself become like his father?

His cheeks flushed slightly, but his gaze did not waver: "As for what you said about liking someone else... Cheng Qing only knows that if one marries a woman, one should respect and love her, cherish her for a lifetime. Since one already has a wife in one's heart, how can one have room for someone else?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he belatedly realized that his words had been too blunt. The blush that had just faded from his face instantly burned back up, and he hurriedly turned his face away, not daring to look at her again.

Ruan Xianrong chuckled inwardly, unable to resist the urge to tease him.

She leaned closer to him. "Then you'll have to get used to being with me. We're going to get married eventually. What will you do if you're so shy?"

Cheng Qing could smell the faint, sweet fragrance unique to women emanating from her, and her neck instantly flushed pink. She responded with a muffled "Mmm."

The carriage swayed gently, and Cheng Qing glanced at her every now and then. Finally, he made up his mind, slowly reached out, and gently placed his hand on hers.

Ruan Xianrong didn't hesitate, grasped his hand in return, and smiled at him.

With their palms pressed together, Cheng Qing's fingertips trembled slightly, but instead of loosening their grip, they tightened it a little.

He turned his head to look at the street scene outside the car window, leaving her with only a bright red earlobe and a slightly upturned corner of his lips.

The carriage came to a stop in front of the Prime Minister's residence.

Miaoyin had been waiting at the door. As soon as she saw Ruan Xianrong get out of the car, she immediately went up to her: "Sister Ruan, I actually managed to grow the flowers following your instructions. Do you want some...?"

Before she could finish speaking, she saw Cheng Qing following behind Ruan Xianrong, and swallowed the rest of her words.

"Who is this?"

Cheng Qing stepped forward and bowed, "My name is Cheng Qing, I greet you, young lady."

*

The atmosphere inside the main hall of the Ruan family residence was somber.

Madam Ruan sat in the main seat, her face solemn.

Standing beside him was Ruan Zhaolin, and next to Ruan Zhaolin was Ruan Zhaoyuan with a gloomy expression. Miaoyin sat to one side, her gaze fixed on Cheng Qing.

The room fell into an eerie silence. Ruan Xianrong spoke first, "Father, Mother, Cheng Langjun and I are in love. I beg you to grant us your blessing."

Unable to contain himself, Ruan Zhaolin snapped, "Nonsense!"

"Marriage is a major life event, traditionally arranged by parents and matchmakers. Niannian, do you even know what you're doing?"

"Brother, I know very well what I'm doing. Mr. Cheng is of upright character and sincere, just the right person for me."

"Snap—"

Ruan Boheng slammed his hand on the small table beside him, his face ashen, his chest heaving slightly, clearly furious: "It's all because I've spoiled you too much, that you've become so audacious, daring to engage in secret affairs with others!"

He had never spoken harshly to his daughter before, but he was truly furious today.

"Father..." Ruan Xianrong was about to explain when Cheng Qing gently grasped her hand.

Cheng Qing stepped forward, shielding her slightly behind him, and bowed deeply to Ruan Boheng. "Prime Minister Ruan, Madam Ruan, I know that I come from a humble background and am not worthy of Miss Ruan. However, my feelings for Miss Ruan are as clear as day and night. Moreover, our relationship is based on mutual respect and has never crossed any lines or damaged Miss Ruan's reputation. I beg Your Excellency to see the truth."

"You know you're not good enough for him, so why did you come? What good is it if heaven and earth bear witness?" Ruan Zhaolin wanted nothing more than to beat this kid up right now. How dare he try to steal his sister? He's practically asking for death.

Ruan Xianrong lowered her voice, "Brother, don't say that about him. Cheng Langjun may have a bad background, but mine isn't much better. Aren't we a perfect match?"

"How can they be the same? You're from our Prime Minister's residence..."

"Brother, Cheng Qing is a scholar, please speak more politely. Besides, Father and Mother aren't people who care about family background or social status, are they?"

Ruan Boheng glared at her. Who says he isn't? He is!

Even if he doesn't care about family background, he can't just find a poor guy of unknown origin, can he?

His precious daughter could marry even the crown prince, and she could choose any good man in the capital, so why did she have to fall for one...?

Cheng Qing's palms were sweating nervously as soon as she entered the room.

As scholars, Prime Minister Ruan was their role model. He was a scholar who was nothing special, and he was quite intimidated when he entered the Prime Minister's residence.

But right now, he couldn't let Miss Ruan face this alone.

"Prime Minister Ruan, I know I am not qualified to ask Miss Ruan for marriage, but I hope you can give me a chance. I will definitely pass the provincial examination this autumn and participate in the metropolitan examination next year. I will definitely win the top prize."

"At that time, I wonder if the Prime Minister would agree to this marriage?"

Ruan Xianrong tugged at his sleeve and gave him a wink.

Next year? Things could change in the meantime; she couldn't wait that long.

Getting married first and then taking the scientific expedition is the same thing.

She shouted, "No!"

"Shut up!" Ruan Boheng looked over, then at Cheng Qing. His words were more reasonable. He knew his own shortcomings and was willing to make up for them by working hard for his future, rather than just trying to climb the social ladder.

His expression softened slightly. "Come with me."

Ruan Xianrong was worried and wanted to go with them, but her father glared at her and stopped her.

Mrs. Sun quickly pulled her back to the backyard.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Ruan Zhaolin couldn't help but ask, "Sister, are you crazy? Do you even know him? What kind of person is he? Who's in his family? What do they do for a living? Do you even know?"

"Did he lie to you? I know men best. Men this age are the best at sweet talk."

Miaoyin chimed in, "Yes, Sister Ruan, how could you like him? What's so good about him? I've heard that scholars are the best at lying."

Sun stared at her without saying a word, wanting to hear her answer.

Helpless, Ruan Xianrong recounted everything about Cheng Qing.

"He is a good man. Before he came back, I made it clear to him that even if he married me, he would not be able to get any help from the Prime Minister's mansion, but he didn't care."

Sun frowned, clearly disbelieving.

But she couldn't tell the truth. Cheng Qing was someone she had paid to hire. Although they hadn't signed a written agreement, they both knew exactly what was going on.

Anyway, no matter how it started, as long as we live our lives sincerely from now on, nothing else matters.

"No, I don't agree!" Ruan Zhaolin said.

"It doesn't matter whether my elder brother agrees or not, as long as our parents agree."

"Why are you so stubborn? Your brother is doing this for your own good. What if he changes his mind in the future?"

"If he changes his mind, we can just get a divorce. What's the big deal?"

"If that's the case, it would be better to marry His Highness the Crown Prince."

"If I marry the Crown Prince and he treats me badly in the future, will I be able to ask for a divorce?"

Ruan Zhaolin fell silent.

He knew he couldn't.

"Brother, my current situation is awkward. Even if I marry someone in the capital, I'm bound to be made things difficult for myself. It would be better to find someone I like, at least then I can make my own decisions."

"You're the daughter of the Ruan family. I'd like to see who dares to make things difficult for you. I won't let them get away with it," Ruan Zhaolin said fiercely.

None of them uttered a word. Madam Sun doted on her daughter the most, and naturally, she, as her mother, would not object to anything her daughter wanted.

Not far away, Ruan Zhaoyuan scoffed, "Since she likes that poor scholar, why doesn't Mother grant her wish?"

"I feel at ease after getting married."