Chapter Eighteen: A Pleasant Date

  I went out for a run all day and feel a bit heatstroke-y, don't want to eat or sleep...... Time to lift the ban, by the way, advertising: Li Bai's "The Legend of the True Immortal Mage", a very unique and good book...... I'm going to sleep, my head hurts so much.....

  He thought so in his heart, but for the time being, he couldn't find an excuse to leave. Seeing a peerless beauty smiling and persuading him with a gentle tone, he was about to say "I bid you farewell" - such men are rare in this world, aren't they?

  He thought for a moment, still at a loss, and could only give Yan Qing a look, hinting that he should think of something. This move was actually quite unreliable, if it were an ordinary helper, they would probably think that the official had already become drunk and lustful, and what followed would be the "lustful" part, wouldn't they just hurry to join in and help? Fortunately, Yan Qing's mind was quick-witted, and he knew that Gao Gang's true intention for coming here was actually something else. Now that his goal had been achieved, not only had he reached a cooperation with Bai Chenxiang, but also pulled in Zhou Meicheng, such a big shot, it was time to leave. So, at the right moment, he spoke up: "Official, it's almost three o'clock, do you remember if there's anything urgent to attend to back at the mansion?"

  Gao was overjoyed in his heart, thinking that Yan Xiao Yi was such a talented person, where did he come from? He was so clever! Busy pretending to be surprised, he said: "It's okay, thanks for reminding me, my father will test the officials of this government on their knowledge of classics and military strategy every ten days. Alas, today it's Sunzi's Art of War and Wu Jing Zong Yao... headache..."

  He said that, regardless of whether it was true or false, he brought out Old Man Gao as a shield, and Bai Chenxiang, no matter how charming she was, couldn't keep the guest anymore. She could only smile and say: "Since it's Commander Gao's strict teachings, then military orders are like mountains, how dare I disobey? Please drink this cup of wine and leave." As she spoke, her slender hands poured a cup of wine and handed it to Gao Qiang.

  This farewell wine is naturally to be drunk, Gao Qiang took it over and was about to drink it down, but unexpectedly Bai Chenxiang didn't let go, instead the whole person followed the hand holding the cup and leaned in close, whispering in his ear: "The official is so eager to leave, it seems that there is no small woman's charm in his eyes, on the contrary, this Yan Xiaoge is more favored by the official!" As he spoke, he lightly pinched Gao Qiang's wrist.

  Gao Fang's wine was in his throat, and when he heard this, he couldn't help but let out a "pu" sound and spit it all out. He thought to himself that this statement was quite serious, hinting at the ambiguous relationship between him and Yan Qing! However, earlier he had used his father Gao Kui as an excuse, and now the flag was too big to be taken back. He could only force a smile, pretending that he had choked on the wine, allowing Bai Chenxiang to gently wipe his chest with her silk handkerchief while laughing and teasing him.

  Gao Qiang stood up to leave, and Zhou Bangyan also took the opportunity to bid farewell. Bai Xiangxiang didn't mind, escorting them all the way to the small garden gate. Under the lamplight, Gao Qiang saw that this courtesan had a smile that was not quite a smile on her face, and he couldn't help but feel depressed. Suddenly, he thought of something and decided to use it as a counterattack. He leaned in close to Xiangxiang's ear and whispered: "Miss Xiangxiang, I'm leaving now. Next time I come to see you, I hope I'll have the good fortune to meet that mysterious great poet Mu Zicai." The name Mu Zicai was actually a combination of two characters that formed the character Li, which was a veiled reference to Li Qingzhao.

  As soon as the words came out, Gao Gang was satisfied to see a look of surprise on Bai Chenxiang's face, and he forgot to pretend to be reluctant to part with her. He finally let out a small breath, feeling extremely pleased in his heart, and laughed three times before striding away.

  Originally, Father's examination of my homework was just an excuse, but when I returned to the mansion, the gatekeeper came up to me at the entrance and said that Commander had been waiting for me in the study for a long time. He told me to go see him no matter how late I returned. This was beyond my expectation, and I couldn't help but glance at Yan Qing, thinking to myself: You casually mentioned that Father wanted to see me, and it actually came true! Your mouth is so lucky; in the future, you mustn't speak carelessly again.

  Two men in the gatehouse used handkerchiefs to wipe off the dust and wine smell from their bodies, then washed their faces with warm water, and went straight to Gao Qiu's study. When Gao Qiang entered the house, he saw two people sitting opposite each other chatting. Apart from his father Gao Qiu, the other person was Ye Mengde. He quickly went forward to pay respects to Uncle Ye, but in his heart, he had some doubts: just a few days ago, he had made plans with Cai Jing, and this was exactly what they were going to do according to plan. Had something unexpected happened?

  But this question was soon answered, and Ye Mengde stroked his beard with a smile: "Uncle came here tonight to share some good news with Brother Gao. Gao Xian is a young hero, and Enxiang also looks at him with admiration. After you left that day, he couldn't stop praising you, saying that you have the talent to govern the world and bring prosperity to the people, and that you will surely make a name for yourself one day. Coincidentally, Brother Cai was nearby and heard Enxiang's praise, which reminded him of his own affairs."

  "What does this mean, it sounds like you're trying to be a matchmaker? Indeed, Ye Mengde smiled at Gao Yun and said: "Brother Gao, Cai Da is approaching 40 years old, and among his children, there are three sons and only one daughter. This young lady is now in her prime, with a beauty that can topple cities, and has been well-educated in poetry, music, chess, painting, and needlework since childhood. She is also extremely skilled in these areas, and is cherished by the entire household as a precious gem. Cai Da regards her as his treasured daughter and is unwilling to marry her off to just anyone. Now that he sees you, a talented young man, he intends to offer this young lady's hand in marriage to you. I've come to hear your thoughts on this matter, Brother Gao."

  When these words came out, Gao Jue naturally nodded and smiled but did not comment, only asking Gao Qiang: "Qiang'er, what do you think?"

  Gao Jian felt a little bewildered at this time: get married? He had come to this era, and although he had taken in Xiao Huan as his concubine, she was only half a servant and half a concubine. He had taken her in out of guilt due to the death of her brother Fu An, and it couldn't be said that he had invested much true feeling in their relationship. Now, however, he was supposed to marry a woman he had never met before?

  Ye Mengde looked at Gao Qiang for a moment without speaking, thinking that Cai Ying, as the granddaughter of Chancellor Cai Jing and the darling of Hanlin scholar Cai Yao, was an outstanding beauty and talented woman. Suddenly saying she would be married to this good-for-nothing as his wife, whether in terms of family background, court politics or personal choice, any one of these would be a top-notch choice. It's truly a blessing from heaven, what objections could this little eunuch have?

  He smiled and said: "Worthy nephew, just rest assured, I will be the matchmaker for this grand affair. I guarantee you a lifetime of happiness."

  When Ye Mengde said this, he was full of confidence. Considering Gao Qiang's past ignorance and misbehavior, if it weren't for Cai Jing's strong advocacy and his own efforts in front of Cai You, such a marriage would be impossible to find even with a lantern.

  It's just that, coming from 900 years later, I naturally have a resistant attitude towards arranged marriages. Even if I know this marriage is mostly a political alliance, and Cai Jing wants to use this opportunity to bind his noble family with theirs on the same track, my heart still has some misgivings. At this time, hearing the words "great matchmaker" again, Ye Mengde's elegant demeanor suddenly transformed into a matchmaker with a dog skin plaster on her temple, and I thought, can you believe what they say? Even in an era 900 years later, which newspaper matrimonial ad doesn't exaggerate? They all claim to be healthy and handsome, have a house and a car, but when you meet in person, "healthy" means short, "handsome" means dark-skinned, the house is shared with others, and the car is just an electric bike. If this Cai family's daughter is praised by Ye Mengde as being so extraordinary, I fear that when we meet, it'll be like Jurassic Park, and even if it's Amitabha Buddha, I won't be surprised!

  Gao's heart understood that this political marriage was not a market where one could pick and choose at will. Although Ye Mengde's visit wasn't to propose (this era didn't have the custom of the woman's family proposing to the man), since it was old fox Cai Jing who spoke up, he had already made up his mind to join forces with him, how could he say no? As for "let's schedule a meeting first and see if we're compatible before developing our feelings further", such words were simply unthinkable.

  He immediately smiled and said: "With Uncle Ye's great mediation, can my nephew's lifelong event still be discussed? On a good day, the big thank-you gift is indispensable."

  Ye Mengde was also overjoyed and went to the Gao family to offer his congratulations. However, when it came to discussing when to go to the Cai residence to propose the marriage, Ye Mengde said, "The noble minister's intention is that for now we should work together with one heart and mind to overthrow the Zhao faction and help the noble minister regain power as our top priority. This matter of the engagement can be delayed for the time being, and when the great affair is settled, we can report both joyful events at the same time, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

  You're a sly old fox, Cai Jing! This marriage was just a pie in the sky all along, and you only plan to reward me after it's a done deal? That's ruthless! But since you've put so much thought into this, I might as well drive a harder bargain.

  Gao nodded and smiled, and the two sides exchanged views on this matter, reached a broad consensus, and had already started talking about trivial matters. Gao hurriedly opened his mouth: "Ye Shu, my nephew has something here that is a bottle of grass-based essential oil refined from our family's ancestral secret recipe. It has the functions of calming the mind and soothing the air, nourishing the skin and removing scars, and it is a treasure in the boudoir. My nephew wants to follow the plan we discussed before, Ye Shu will go to Zheng Zhongyuan's residence to ask for his help, and beg Zheng Guifei to speak on our behalf in front of the officials. If there is something valuable that can be used as a gift, it would be even better. What do you think, Uncle Ye?" As he spoke, he took out the bottle of essential oil that Lu Qian had given him today.

  Ye Mengde took the small bottle and carefully inquired about its usage and effects, and couldn't help but feel great joy, repeatedly exclaiming: "Wonderful! Although Zheng Guifei is currently favored in the harem, those who rely on their beauty to win people's hearts will lose favor when their beauty fades. Therefore, the art of beauty preservation is most popular in the palace. Nephew Ye's precious oil has such effects, it's exactly what she likes, and coincidentally, there isn't a second household that understands its manufacturing method. This Zheng Guifei must be willing to speak beautifully on behalf of her benefactor in order to constantly use this oil, this plan is truly brilliant!"

  As the guests dispersed, Gao Fu and his son saw Ye Mengde off at the gate, bidding him farewell with a bow. Gao Qiang then explained to his father his plan to promote Bai Chenxiang as the new Flower Queen. The two had already reached an understanding on this matter when they made their plans earlier by the eastern window. However, Gao Fu asked some questions about the details, such as the location of the wine shop, the cost of renovation and construction, and who would be in charge of the business. After discussing these matters, it was already late at night, so the two men went back to their rooms, one after another.

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