Chapter 55: The Proposal of Marriage

  Xiao Fan rubbed his temples as he returned to the Chen residence, but Bao Qin had already jumped and skipped away to who-knew-where.

  In the front hall of Chen's mansion, Chen 46 was sitting and standing restlessly waiting for Xiao Fan.

  As for Chen Siliu's current feelings towards Xiao Fan, it can be said that he both loves and fears him.

  The Crown Prince arrived at Jiangpu, and his sedan chair went straight to the Drunken Immortal Building. After exchanging a few words with Xiao Fan, he returned to the capital.

  This news has now spread throughout Jiangpu, and as the father-in-law of the person involved, Chen Siliu, the master of Zui Xian Lou, how could he not know? He not only knew clearly, but also heard more gossip from his daughter's mouth.

  It was just like the grudge between the Chen family and County Magistrate Cao, it turned out that Xiao Fan and the Crown Prince were also strangers who had never met before. This son-in-law with a big temper didn't know how to describe him, actually dared to hit the current Crown Prince, I heard that the Crown Prince was crying at that time...

  Thinking of this, Chen Siliu's crotch suddenly felt a chill.

  "This is a heinous crime that would lead to the extermination of nine generations! Chen Si Liu calculated left and right, no matter how his family was calculated, they were all within the 'nine generations' that would be exterminated. In other words, Xiao Fan almost killed off his entire family again..."

  Why say "again"?

  Xiao Fan's reckless and arrogant behavior has brought disaster to the Chen family more than once...

  Chen 46 found it hard to understand, he couldn't figure out how that introverted and timid son-in-law had become a troublemaker who stirred up high-level troubles. What kind of hardships and difficulties had this son-in-law gone through to become the vanguard of revenge against society?

  Chen Si Liu even reflected, was it because he had delayed his daughter's marriage to him for four years, causing this son-in-law to have a strong desire, no place to vent, and thus underwent a change in personality...

  Fortunately, the current Taizun is kind and does not hold grudges against Xiao Fan for his offense. Instead, he has become friends with him, which is a great joy for the Chen family after their initial shock. Chen 46 feels both conflicted and delighted.

  As he saw his son-in-law climbing higher and higher, the people he knew became more and more dignified, Chen 46 felt that there was one thing that could no longer be delayed.

  That's Xiao Fan and his daughter's marriage, businessmen should know how to grasp the situation, they should understand what it means to have a rare treasure. In this regard, there is an old predecessor from a thousand years ago who can serve as a reference for Chen Si Liu, that is Lü Buwei of the Warring States period. Old Lü was also a businessman, but later on, how did he manage to hold the position of Prime Minister? Because he discovered a very valuable pearl in the dust, Qin Yiren.

  Just as Chen Siliu discovered Xiao Fan's potential, Chen Siliu, who had already tasted the sweetness of political investment, felt that a talent like Xiao Fan must be tightly grasped before he could make a big show. How to grasp him tightly? It was naturally the marriage between him and his daughter that had been arranged since childhood. Was there a better way than this union by marriage?

  This is today's Chen Si Liu Shi summoning technique, the purpose of calling Xiao Fan over.

  Get married! Must be!

  Xiao Fang had just walked into the front hall when Chen Si Liu's eyes lit up, and he sprang up from his chair with a swift movement that left Xiao Fang feeling dizzy. He once again deeply felt that his seemingly fat and clumsy father-in-law might be a hidden martial arts master, at least his lightness skill was quite impressive.

  Xiao Fan bowed solemnly with his fists clasped together: "Father-in-law, I bid you farewell!"

  Chen Si Liu subconsciously returned a fist bump: "Thanks! ...... Uh, what's this etiquette?"

  "Ah, sorry about this, let me change my greeting... Son-in-law pays his respects to Father-in-law."

  "Haha, no need for formalities, we're all family, don't be so polite."

  At this moment, Chen Siliu stood in front of Xiao Fan, looking very constrained. The current Xiao Fan was no longer the poor and humble farmer's son he had looked down on before. Although his superficial identity had not changed, the background behind him was indeed a bit frightening. Just one Cao County Magistrate who was close to him was enough to make Chen Siliu look up in awe, let alone that he had recently made friends with a new Taizi, who was the current emperor's own grandson and would inherit the throne of the Great Ming Empire in the future!

  As a humble merchant like Chen Siliu, who would have thought that this poor son-in-law could become friends with the future Emperor of Ming? Such a grand background made Chen Siliu feel very uneasy when facing Xiao Fan, neither standing nor sitting, fearing that he might offend his son-in-law due to lack of etiquette.

  After Xiao Fan sat down, Chen 46 barely sat down, and then they started with "today's weather haha" and other small talk.

  Chinese people have always been reserved and evasive, no matter what the situation is, they always start with some unnecessary talk before slowly getting to the point. This is the beauty of "holding a pipa". Chen Si Liu has been doing business for many years and is well aware of this approach.

  But today he met his match.

  When they had been talking nonsense for about the time it takes to burn two incense sticks, Chen Sisi felt impatient. He was getting old and felt that his precious time couldn't be wasted on chatting with a young man who kept saying nonsense. Considering their lifespan, Chen Sisi would probably not outlive Xiao Fan. Talking nonsense with a young man was not a worthwhile thing to do.

  Coughing twice, Chen Siliu slowly opened his mouth and said: "Xianxu ah, do you know why I called you here today?"

  Xiao Fan's eyes widened, and he immediately understood that his father-in-law was likely to bring up the topic of marriage.

  What to do? Should I promise? The other day when disaster was near, Chen Ying'er cried and called herself to hide quickly. This scene still deeply touches Xiao Fan's heart. In this era where women's status is low, Chen Ying'er did not hesitate to involve the Chen family in prison, but she wanted to protect her own life. Being able to do so is already very difficult. Xiao Fan can be sure that Chen Ying'er loves him.

  But does he love her?

  Being moved is just being moved, it has nothing to do with love. Xiao Fan needs that kind of strong, passionate love that can burn himself into ashes, unfortunately, Chen Ying'er cannot give him that feeling. For some reason, Xiao Fan's mind always flashes back to the cold and aloof expression on Chen Ying'er's face when they first met, perhaps that was her true self. The charming smile she showed later was just a result of her traditional thinking, intentionally trying to please her future husband, hiding her true, isolated and indifferent side deep within herself. But... how long can this be hidden? A couple is together for a lifetime, no matter how talented a woman is, can she keep acting for a lifetime? What happens when their personalities clash in the future? Should he divorce her? Why start this marriage if they will eventually become enemies?

  In terms of love, Xiao Fan has his own stubborn persistence. If it's not what he wants, he won't have it. In this life, if one can't even take charge of their own emotions, isn't that just too pitiful?

  Refuse then. Xiao Fan made a silent decision, he was moved by Chen Ying'er's true feelings, but being moved and love must be separated, if the two are confused, both parties will suffer in the future.

  However, refusal must be refused tactfully, after all, the Chen family has supported me for four years, this is a favor.

  "Xianxu, xianxu! What's wrong with you?" Seeing Xiao Fan sitting silently for a long time, staring blankly into space, Chen Sixiu became somewhat anxious.

  "Ah, nothing... I don't know why you called me here today, is there something you'd like to instruct me on?" Xiao Fan's attitude remained respectful.

  "Cough, son-in-law, you and Ying Er have been together since childhood..."

  "Father-in-law, the pure profit of Drunken Immortal Pavilion last month has been calculated, haha, made a thousand taels of silver in one month, congratulations to Father-in-law for his wealth..."

  "What? Really? That's great news, haha... Uh, speaking of which, you and Ying'er..."

  "Father-in-law, I heard that there are many turtles in the stone pond in the front yard. When can we catch them and cook them to eat? Turtles nourish the kidneys and strengthen yang energy. Father-in-law, if you eat them, your virility will surely be preserved, and your golden gun will never fall..."

  "Huh? This... I've been out of practice for a long time, you're young and can still learn more... Uh, let's get down to business, you and Ying Er..."

  "Father-in-law, the mother dog raised by Old Cai in Drunken Immortal Pavilion is surprisingly pregnant. This dog is already over ten years old and at an advanced age, now it's like a withered tree coming back to life and an iron tree blooming flowers, really something to be congratulated..."

  Chen 46 finally got angry: "I'm talking to you about serious business, why are you bringing up the bitch? It's pregnant, but it's not my fault, what does it have to do with me?"

  Xiao Fan was taken aback, and after a long while, he said very sincerely: "I just casually mentioned it, I didn't expect Father-in-law to react so strongly to the matter of the mother dog's pregnancy. I dare to swear to heaven that I have never doubted that the mother dog's pregnancy has anything to do with Father-in-law. I still trust Father-in-law's character..."

  Why does this sound so awkward?

  Chen Si Liu opened his mouth, hesitated for a moment and couldn't say anything. He then hummed and said: "I won't beat around the bush with you anymore. I've made up my mind. The marriage between you and Yan Er can be arranged. I asked the scholars in town, next month's eighth day is an auspicious day for weddings. You two get married next month..."

  Chen Si Liu announced the decision on his own, seeing Xiao Fan sitting silently, and suddenly felt a little guilty. Now this son-in-law is not like before, he is no longer the obedient and timid husband that he can order around.

  "You... what do you think of my decision? Tell me your thoughts." Chen Si Liu's cautious tone was even tinged with a hint of pleading.

  Xiao Fan remained silent.

  Chen Si Liu said with difficulty: "Actually... next month's twenty-third is also a lucky day according to the Yellow Calendar, or you can choose either of these two days?"

  Xiao Fan remained silent as usual.

  "Ying'er's dowry is quite substantial, including half of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Chen Ning isn't capable, so in the future, the entire Chen household will have to rely on you to manage..."

  Xiao Fan still didn't speak, as if he had turned into a wooden carving.

  Chen Si Liu urged: "Can't you say something?! You're just standing there like a mute, what's going on?!"

  After a long time, Xiao Fan finally let out a sigh, his expression becoming infinitely desolate. In an extremely melancholic tone, he slowly sighed: "The Xiongnu have not been destroyed, how can we have a home..."

  "Stop using the Xiongnu as an example! They're now called Tartars! At this rate, the Tartars won't be eliminated in a hundred years. You'll never get married in this lifetime!"

  Xiao Fan continued to sigh: "Young people should focus on their careers..."

  "You... your career is all about the Chen family, marrying Ying'er won't hinder your career!"

  "I'm still in my youth, getting married too early is bad for my physical development..."

  Chen Si Liu was speechless: "………"

  …………

  …………

  The wedding ended in disarray, Xiao Fan left the Front Hall and returned to Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

  A slender figure appeared quietly in the mountain and water screen behind the front hall of Chen's mansion, accompanied by a faint sobbing sound, echoing softly in the quiet front hall.

  Chen Si Liu didn't turn his head back, his face was icy cold as if it could scrape off a layer of frost, his eyes were gloomy and staring at Xiao Fan's back disappearing into the gate.

  "Ying'er, this Xiao Fan, I'm afraid our Chen family can't keep him."

  After Chen Si Liu, Chen Ying Er's fists were clenched so tightly that they trembled, her beautiful eyes filled with sorrow and resentment. Tears flowed down her delicate face, falling onto her cheeks. Her white teeth bit hard on her lower lip, a thin line of bright red blood slowly flowing out from the corner of her mouth, salty and bitter.