In a moment of impulse, I forcibly kissed my brother's best friend.

Xie Yige's breath hitched slightly.

"Madam, please take care of yourself." Seeing that Madam Liu was almost crying herself to death, she couldn't help but step forward and support her arm.

"Yige, would you be willing to call me Grandmother?" Madam Liu looked at her with teary eyes, her eyes full of longing.

Xie Yige was silent for a moment.

"Grandmother, I can call you that in private," she said softly, her tone gentle yet firm, "but on this matter, I need to hear Mother's opinion. Do you understand?"

Looking at her, tears welled in her eyes, but she finally nodded: "I understand. I'll wait for news of your mother."

When Xie Yige got back into the carriage for the return trip, she was still feeling dizzy.

What happened today was far beyond her capacity.

My mother had never mentioned the past before; it turns out there was such a hidden story behind it.

She leaned against the carriage wall, closed her eyes, and the rumble of the wheels on the cobblestone road echoed in her ears, mixed with the noisy voices of the people in the market, just like the chaotic voices of her heart.

As soon as Xie Yige entered the flower hall, she was intercepted by Zhou Xuan'an.

"You have no idea how outrageous Cui Yutang was today!" He looked incredulous. "He said he wanted to complete the subsequent procedures of asking the name, auspicious date selection, and betrothal gifts within seven days. Who's in such a hurry? It usually takes at least three months! It's absolutely outrageous!"

"Did you agree?" Xie Yige paused for a moment.

"Of course I didn't agree!" Zhou Xuan'an said matter-of-factly. "I said you need at least ten days, otherwise people will think you're pregnant and that's why they're in such a hurry."

Xie Yige almost choked on her own saliva.

"Brother Yutang also agreed with my suggestion, saying that he was indeed too hasty and had not considered everything thoroughly," Zhou Xuan'an added smugly. "He also praised me, saying that it was fortunate that I was more careful."

Xie Yige couldn't help but roll her eyes. Ten days and seven days, what's the difference? Men really are unreliable.

"He also said he wanted to invite you to the Great Ci'en Temple tomorrow to have Master Xuanling personally perform divination to set the date."

"Isn't the betrothal ceremony after the betrothal?" Xie Yige was taken aback.

He said they could do it all at once, so it wouldn't delay anything.

Xie Yige: "..."

Bichun, who was standing behind them listening to their conversation, couldn't help but laugh out loud, then quickly covered her mouth.

Xie Yige blushed instantly.

That guy is something else; he'll get what's coming to him tomorrow.

"Let's not talk about that now, brother. I have something to tell you."

So Xie Yige told Zhou Xuan'an what Liu Shi had told her at the Xie residence. He was stunned and almost dropped his teacup.

"You mean... the famous Xie family of Chenjun is our maternal family?" He blinked incredulously.

"So, Xie Wanzhou is our uncle?"

"In terms of seniority, yes."

"My seniority has suddenly dropped so much? This is so embarrassing!" Zhou Xuan'an wailed. "He's just a new friend I've come to acknowledge!"

"Zhou Xuan'an, are you missing the point?" Xie Yige angrily called him by his name.

"Yes, yes." Zhou Xuan'an quickly composed himself. "Let's write a letter to Mother right away and see what she says."

"You write it, and I'll send a gyrfalcon on a trip."

The gyrfalcon, fast asleep in the pear tree, was unaware that it had been revived.

The next day, Cui Yutang did not show up as promised.

Because he and Zhou Xuan'an were both summoned to the Ministry of Personnel early in the morning.

Their appointments have been completed.

"This year is truly extraordinary; the appointments have come down so quickly."

"And he was also required to take office within ten days."

A few people were discussing it quietly.

Cui Yutang was appointed as the Xitai Tongshi Sheren, a sixth-rank official.

This was a crucial central position, responsible for conveying imperial edicts, introducing officials, and drafting imperial decrees; the person was always by the emperor's side.

The position at the Hongwen Pavilion was prestigious and allowed one to gain the emperor's favor, making it a standard path to becoming a prime minister.

Once the appointment was announced, everyone knew that he was going to be given an important position.

The appointment was made directly by the emperor, and Cui Zhinuan was not involved in it.

When he found out, he was quite pleased. He sat alone in his study for a long time, looking at the portrait of his deceased wife on the wall and whispering, "Yue Niang, our Yu'er is very promising. He is even more outstanding than I was back then." His eyes were filled with tears, and he was filled with longing for his deceased wife.

Zhou Xuan'an, on the other hand, was promoted from the seventh rank to the position of Left Remonstrance Official of the Eastern Terrace and Academician of the Northern Gate.

This was a truly unexpected surprise.

This position allows him to enter the inner palace and participate in confidential matters—what incredible luck he has! The ninth-ranked person got this position, and he was so happy all the way from the Ministry of Personnel back to his doorstep!

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from behind. He turned around and saw Cui Yutang riding a white horse, looking quite dashing.

"Brother Yutang, congratulations!" Zhou Xuan'an cupped his hands to him. "Among all the top scorers in history, you are top-tier. You are truly amazing, worthy of being my brother!" He paused, then asked in confusion.

"But why are you at my house at this time?"

"Brother Xuan'an, I've come here specifically to congratulate you." Cui Yutang smiled meaningfully.

"Come on, let's have a drink!"

"I'll go see Yige first and tell her about changing the time at Da Ci'en Temple."

"Okay, then hurry up and come over." Zhou Xuan'an was overjoyed and went through the door first.

Xie Yige thought the appointment for today was canceled, so she changed into a comfortable dress, moved a rocking chair under the pear tree, and lay down lazily without even putting on shoes and socks.

Sunlight filtered through the dense branches and layers of blossoms of the old pear tree, casting dappled patterns that danced on her. She closed her eyes, her eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath her eyelids, as if she were bathed in a flowing golden light—sacred, yet with an unconscious allure.

When Cui Yutang entered the courtyard, this was the scene he saw.

He slowed his pace, his tall figure completely enveloping her.

He gazed intently at the sleeping girl—her soft, sweet face was serene and peaceful, her breathing even, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath. He couldn't bear to wake her.

Suddenly, her toes twitched slightly.

The rounded toes, like peeled lychees, are extremely cute.

He frowned slightly—she wasn't wearing shoes and socks; she'd catch a cold.

He reached out and gently stroked the back of her foot. It was smooth to the touch, yet so cold that it made his heart clench.

So he squatted down, gently took her two small feet, and pressed them against his burning chest. The soft touch of her soles through the fabric made his heart race.

Xie Yige was woken up by him like that.

She opened her eyes and saw Cui Yutang squatting opposite her.

He lowered his eyelashes, looking intently at the two small feet pressing against his chest.

She stood barefoot on him like that—a position that was undeniably embarrassing.

"What are you doing here?" Her voice was still soft and languid, as if she had just woken up. "Weren't you supposed to go to the Ministry of Personnel?"

"I'm back." He looked up, his gaze falling on her face, a faint light in his eyes.