Chapter 8: The Engagement

  That night, Qin Wei came to visit Hu Yong as scheduled. Hu Yong was very polite and invited him into the house. As soon as he entered, he saw a table full of sumptuous wine and dishes.

  After Qin Wei took his seat, they first exchanged some pleasantries. Later, Hu Yong asked casually, "General Qin, where are you from?" "My ancestral home is in Yanzhou, Shandong." "You have come to this distant place to serve the court and the people, General, it's truly admirable." "Lord Hu is overpraising me. The rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of every citizen. I am just doing my duty as a humble subject, how can I compare to Lord Hu, who works day and night for the state?" "General Qin is being modest! Your reputation precedes you, General. I've heard that those Western Xia bandits all tremble with fear at the mention of your name. Everyone here calls you the Brave General, it's clear that you are a hero!" "I am ashamed, these are just false praises from outsiders." "General, how old are you this year?" "Thirty-five" "Oh, did you bring your family with you when you came?" "To be honest with Lord Hu, I am still unmarried." Upon hearing this, Hu Yong was overjoyed. He said, "This is great! To be honest with General Qin, the reason I invited you here today is for a matter. I have a daughter who is now twenty-eight years old and has not yet been married. She will arrive from the capital in half a month. My daughter has been spoiled by me and insists on marrying only a heroic figure. Now that General Qin and I are both serving the court, I respect your heroism and intend to marry my daughter to you. What do you think?" Only then did Qin Wei understand the reason for Hu Yong's invitation today. He said, "I dare not deceive Lord Hu. At present, there are strong enemies outside and traitors within, the country is still unstable, how can we discuss personal matters? I appreciate Lord Hu's good intentions, but I have sworn an oath that as long as Western Xia remains a threat, I will not marry. Please forgive me." Hu Yong's face was very awkward, but he still forced a smile and said, "General Qin is truly a hero! But a good man should first manage his household before governing the country and bringing peace to the world. How can one govern the country without first managing one's own household? The prosperity of the state depends on the strength of its people, how can the state prosper if its people are not strong? General Qin must think about this for the sake of our great Song dynasty!" It was clear that Hu Yong still held out some hope. However, Qin Wei insisted, "Lord Hu's good intentions I appreciate, but as a military general, I have made up my mind to protect my country and its people. In the future, even if I die in battle, I will be content with having fulfilled my duty to the court. But I fear that I would be wasting Miss's youth, this is something I absolutely cannot agree to." Hu Yong coldly smiled and said, "General Qin, one must leave a way out for oneself! I am being kind by offering my daughter to you, but you are pushing me away with both hands. Are you looking down on me, Hu?" "Lord Hu, please calm down, that's not what I meant!" "Fine! I won't rush General Qin into making a decision. I will give you three days' time, and when the time comes, you can give me your answer." Qin Wei wanted to say something else, but Hu Yong had already indicated for him to be sent off, so he could only leave.

  After Qin Wei left, Hu Yong slammed his hand on the table, "Hmph! Truly a thing that doesn't know how to show respect!" "Master, please calm down!" Hua Yun walked out from behind the screen with a gentle smile, "Master, you can't really be angry over such a small matter, be careful not to hurt your body!" "Hmph, just wait a few days, if he doesn't accept my toast, I'll make him drink a penalty toast!" "Master, why do you insist on making him your son-in-law?" "Ah, madam, you don't know that the other day when Western Xia invaded, he made great contributions. The Grand General is extremely appreciative of him. Now whatever he says goes! Moreover, he has been leading troops here for many years, and most of his soldiers are from his own hands. His prestige is extremely high, if I want to stay here for a long time, how can I not take the initiative to get along with him? But I didn't think this person... Alas!" "Master, master don't worry, I'm willing to go out and resolve this difficulty for you!" "You?" "Master, sometimes women's words are more effective. Although I'm not Miss's birth mother, I can be considered her stepmother. For her lifelong major event, can I not show my face? I'm willing to go persuade Qin Wei again, let him be used by master!" "Oh?..." Hu Yong was silent for a moment before saying "Alright, it won't hurt to try!" Hua Yun's face showed a smile as she leaned into Hu Yong's arms, but in her heart, she had her own plans.

  The next day, Qin Wei received another invitation, which was from Hu Yong to meet at a villa outside the city. Qin Wei knew that this villa was a house bought by Hu Yong after his arrival, but he rarely stayed there. He thought that it might be about last night's matter again, and hesitated whether to refuse or not, fearing that there might be other things. After some deliberation, he decided to go and see what it was about.

  They rode to the outside of the Hu Yong Zhuangyuan, but this place was surprisingly quiet. A young boy led Qin Wei through the manor, and it happened to be early summer. The manor was lush and green, with small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and artificial mountains standing tall, truly a great place to live. Inside the house, there were pleasant sounds of the guqin coming from inside, which made Qin Wei suspicious. When he entered the hall, he only saw a beautiful woman sitting in the middle of the room, with an ancient guqin in front of her. Although Qin Wei didn't understand music, he knew that she played exceptionally well. The woman saw Qin Wei enter the hall but didn't stop playing until the end of the song. Then she picked up the round fan beside her and gently fanned herself a few times before slowly saying: "General, please!" She also ordered the servants to prepare wine for the general.

  Qin Wei looked down and saw that Hu Daren was not in the procession, but this woman seemed to have been seen somewhere before, yet couldn't quite recall. However, the invitation letter was indeed written by Hu Yong himself, so it's still unclear what kind of trickery is being sold here.

  Hua Yun said: "General, do you still remember me?"

  "Your humble servant's eyes are dim, and it seems like we've met before! Please instruct me, madam!"

  Hua Yun's face showed a hint of displeasure, but soon she giggled lightly. Her white and delicate teeth complemented her rosy cherry lips, truly beautiful. However, Qin Wei only glanced at her lightly, unmoved.

  Hua Yun said: "I'm Hua Yun! General, you'd better remember my name!"

  Qin Wei did not respond, but instead asked: "I don't know where Lord Hu is?"

  Another burst of laughter, "General, how come you only found Lord Hu? General, haven't you figured out yet that I'm the one who invited you here today?"

  Qin Wei was taken aback, and he carefully looked at the woman. She seemed to be someone he had seen before at the Hu manor. On that day, he had gone drinking with Xun, Hu Yong, and three others. When they dispersed and returned home, he seemed to have met a woman who looked very similar to this one - beautiful and alluring. That night was dark, and he was also drunk, so he hadn't gotten a clear look. However, since there was an invitation from Master Hu, and yesterday Miss Xu had spoken of it beforehand, this woman must be a member of the Hu family without a doubt. But judging by her age, she should be around 25 or 26 years old - how could she have an 18-year-old daughter?

  Although he was suspicious in his heart, etiquette could not be lost. Qin Wei hurriedly paid his respects, "It's actually the lady, I'm blind and couldn't recognize you, please forgive me!" He thought that it might be about the marriage arrangement again, so he'd better leave early with an excuse.

  No one knew that Hua Yun would not mention the engagement, but instead gazed at Qin Wei with her charming eyes. Qin Wei was unaware of what this woman meant, but he felt uneasy all over under her gaze.

  At this time, the child brought up wine and dishes. Huayun and Qin Wei sat down in order of precedence. Huayun sent the child away and said to Qin Wei: "Thank you, General, for coming to meet me. I'll toast you with a cup." "Madam is too kind!" Qin Wei was always straightforward and drank the cup at once. Huayun was even more delighted and also drained her cup in one gulp, her cheeks' rouge becoming even redder.

  "General, no need to be so polite! From now on, let's just consider each other as family."

  "How dare I be presumptuous."

  "Yesterday, the adults said that they were not hospitable enough to General Qin, and today they are busy with official duties, so I was specially sent to apologize to General Qin!"

  "Milady is being serious! The master treats his subordinates with kindness, how can he mention the words 'apologize'?"

  "The general's demeanor is extraordinary, I had long wanted to make his acquaintance, but unfortunately, as a mere woman, I only got the chance to share a meal with the general today. I truly feel that it's my good fortune in three lifetimes! I offer another toast to the general!"

  Qin Wei drank another cup. Hua Yun also drank another cup.

  They had each drunk several cups, Qin Wei was fine but Hua Yun already showed a few hints of intoxication.

  Qin Wei saw that Hua Yun was already slightly drunk and didn't mention the marriage, so he thought to himself that he still had important things to attend to and wanted to bid farewell and leave.

  Hua Yun stood up and said: "General, slow down!" As she spoke, she held a wine cup in her hand, swaying slightly as she walked towards Qin Wei, with a hint of intoxication and charm. She handed him the cup and said, "General, please sit! Let me dance for you!"

  As she spoke, she danced and posed, truly a thousand times more charming and alluring.

  Qin Weiyue felt something was off and bid farewell again to leave.

  Hua Yun grasped Qin Wei's arm, and even through his clothes, she seemed to feel the solidity of his muscles. Hua Yun's heart fluttered with excitement. "General! Don't you think I'm beautiful?" She leaned into Qin Wei's chest as she spoke, but he pushed her away. Hua Yun lost her balance and fell to the ground. "I have feelings for you, General. Are you really not interested?" "Please compose yourself, madam," Qin Wei said coldly. Hua Yun retorted, "Are you afraid of my husband? He's out today, and I've dismissed all the servants in the house. Right now, it's just us two. What are you afraid of?" Qin Wei grew even angrier at her words. He turned to leave, but Hua Yun suddenly got up and hugged him from behind, seeking a romantic encounter. Qin Wei pushed her away with great force, "This woman truly has no shame! If you continue like this, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Qin Wei stormed off, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Hua Yun was heartbroken, tears streaming down her face. She secretly vowed that if she couldn't make him hers, she would make sure he died without a burial place.

  That night, Hu Yong returned home and heard from his family that Hua Yun had attempted to take her own life several times. Hu Yong was shocked and rushed into Hua Yun's room, only to find her trying to hang herself again. After rescuing her, he asked about the situation, and Hua Yun tearfully said, "I'd rather die! Master, if it weren't for that young boy who followed me today, I wouldn't be a chaste woman anymore!" "Oh?! Isn't it...?" "Master, I'd rather die! Today, I was supposed to propose to Miss again and had prepared wine and food, inviting Qin Wei. Who would have thought that after three rounds of drinks, he would have ulterior motives towards me? If the young boy hadn't intervened, I..." She choked back tears and continued crying uncontrollably.

  At that time, when Hua Yun proposed to see Qin Wei alone about the marriage contract, Hu Yong felt a bit uneasy in his heart, but since she was half a mother to her daughter and her biological mother was not around, he agreed. He didn't expect Qin Wei to be so shameless and dare to touch his woman! At that moment, he was furious and scolded Qin Wei for being hypocritical, thinking that he had almost married his daughter off to such a beastly person. He vowed to make Qin Wei pay the price for this.