Chapter 20: No Lier, Only Ling'er

  After Fang Yilove returned to the small courtyard, he couldn't help but think of that Lier. Since he came to the Tang Dynasty and didn't know anyone, he had a good impression of Lier. If he really had to find a noble lady to marry, Fang Yilove would rather choose Lier, whom he knew, than someone else he didn't know at all.

  "Second Master, if you can't put your mind at ease, then go talk to the old master about it." Fang Yi'ai looked at Linglong with great interest, this little girl really didn't match her words. "Linglong, do you really think so?"

  "Second Master, Linglong knew from the start that it would be like this. However, I think Lier is a very good person. If you marry Lier, at least she can tolerate me, and you won't have to worry about me in the future." Linglong nodded slightly, and Fang Yilove patted her hand. He was thinking the same thing - if he brought home a shrew like his mother, Lu Shi, Linglong's life would be miserable. If Linglong wasn't happy, could he tolerate that shrew? He wasn't like his father, Fang Xuanling, who feared Lu Shi because he loved her. But he was different; if someone dared to provoke him, he would just divorce them and send them back home with a single letter. That's why Fang Yilove was so concerned about Lier, whom he had just met - first, he really liked Lier's noble bearing, and second, because of her gentle personality.

  "En, Linglong, then I'll ask Old Master tonight, hoping to get some news from him." Fang Yiai smiled at Linglong. Linglong nodded, he also knew that if Second Young Master could bring Lier back home, it would be a happiness for both Lier and himself.

  At dinner time, Fang Yi'ai thought for a long time before asking with a thick face: "Father, can I ask you something?"

  "Huh, Second Brother, you're really being unusually shy today. When did you become so modest?" Fang Yizhi said with a puzzled expression, looking at Du Shi. Lu Shi scolded Fang Yizhi with a smile: "Jie'er, don't make sarcastic remarks. Your brother probably has some unspoken difficulties!"

  After hearing Lu's words, Fang Yi'ai was about to cry. This mother is really good at kicking people when they're down. Is she that happy to see her own son make a fool of himself? Anyway, this person is finished today. Fang Yi'ai said bluntly: "Father, I'd like to ask, among your colleagues, is there anyone who has a daughter named Lier?"

  "Lier? Oh, so our family's Jun'er has reached puberty, old man, Jun'er is asking you a question, hurry up and answer him!" Lu Shi heard that Fang Yu'ai was asking about this, and suddenly smiled with joy. During this time, she was very clear about the situation between Fang Yu'ai and Linglong, and she was worried that Fang Yu'ai's bad temper would marry Linglong as his legitimate wife. Now that she heard Fang Yu'ai ask this question, Lu Shi felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. As long as Linglong didn't become the legitimate wife, it was fine, and she wouldn't have to watch her son argue with the old man again.

  "Madam, why the hurry? Let me think carefully." House Xuanling was very dissatisfied with Lu's interruption of his train of thought and only spoke up after half a day: "Jun'er, I really can't recall who this Li'er is. Alright, tomorrow I'll ask around among my colleagues. Don't worry, since you've finally taken a liking to someone, I'll definitely help you bring her home." House Xuanling and Lu shared the same thoughts - they didn't mind if House Yiai took in Linglong as a concubine, but she absolutely couldn't be the official wife. Even if House Xuanling agreed, the Emperor wouldn't agree to it; this would simply be making a laughingstock of the imperial court.

  On the second day, after having breakfast and arriving at the Shangshu Province, Fang Xuanling called over Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, and Cheng Yaojin. Du Ruhui stroked his beard and smiled: "Xuanling, what's this about? You've summoned us with such gravity?"

  "Ke Ming, nothing big, I just want to ask if anyone knows which family has a girl named Lier?" Fang Xuanling said straightforwardly, revealing his purpose. Wei Zheng furrowed his grayish white eyebrows and thought for half a day but couldn't think of anything. Seeing Li Ji's shadow, he shouted: "Mao Gong, come over here."

  Li Ji was puzzled, wondering why several big shots were gathered together today. Li Ji smiled and bowed his hands to the crowd: "Brother Xuan Cheng, what's the matter with calling me?"

  Wei Zheng simply repeated what Fang Xuanling had said, and Li Ji furrowed his brow, scratching his head for half a day before saying: "Brother Xuanling, I really don't know whose daughter Lier is, but isn't Zhijie here? He's the all-knowing one in our Chang'an City, can't you just ask him directly?"

  "Director Mao, if Old Cheng knew he still needed you, I'll tell you the truth, as far as I know, none of us old guys have a daughter named Lier." Cheng Yaojin said with a flourish of his big beard. This made all the big shots stunned, and Fang Xuanling was somewhat confused, "Zhi Jie, did you make a mistake? My son Jun'er said that Lier herself said her father is an official in the same hall as me!"

  Who would have thought that after listening to Fang Xuanling's words, Cheng Yaojin's eyes rolled around randomly and he patted his chest, chuckling: "Brother Xuanling, so you were actually trying to find a daughter-in-law for Junxian! Let me tell you, there is no girl named Lier in Chang'an City. But there is a Ling'er. Brother Xuanling, I think very highly of Junxian, how about we arrange a marriage between our children?"

  Fang Xuanling was almost choked to death by Cheng Yaojin's words, and he stuttered for half a day without saying a word. It wasn't until Li Ji laughed and scolded him that he spoke up: "You old thing, do you still want to save face? Who has ever seen anyone like you who is so eager to arrange a marriage? Besides, can the talented and handsome nephew of the Jun family possibly take a liking to your family's tigress?"

  "Director Mao, what are you talking about? My daughter Ling is a beauty, and it's not like she can't compare to those with beards. And who says my daughter isn't pretty? Maybe Jun Xian will take a liking to her. Others have asked for her hand in marriage but were rejected, I'm only saying this because I think highly of Jun Xian." Cheng Yaojin's face was thicker than the city walls of Chang'an, and Li Ji and others wisely chose not to respond to this old man. When he saw Fang Xuanling remain silent, Cheng Yaojin burst out laughing: "Haha, Brother Xuanling, your silence means you agree! Alright then, it's settled. I'll go home and tell Ling about it right now, and let the two young people get to know each other better!" With that, Cheng Yaojin turned around and left the Ministry of War, not caring about his job at the Golden Armor Guard. He was probably the only one in the Tang Dynasty who dared to be so blatant.

  Fang Xuanling heard Cheng Yaojin's words and his beard was shaking with anger, "Keming, Maogong, when did I ever agree to this old scoundrel?"

  Li Ji smiled wryly and patted Fang Xuanling's shoulder, saying: "Xuanling, this old fellow has never been reasonable. Does he need your consent for the things he's determined to do? Even His Majesty can't control him. I think you'd better let Junxian be more careful, if we can't provoke him, at least we can avoid him!"

  Fang Xuanling thought to himself, "This is the way it is. Originally, I wanted to find a virtuous daughter-in-law for my son, but if I were to marry him off to Cheng Yaojin, wouldn't that be like pushing my son into a fiery pit?"

  Several big men were chatting, and then saw Li Shimin walking in with big strides. At a glance, he saw several big men in the corner and asked curiously: "Hey, it's really strange, are you gentlemen discussing something extraordinary?"

  Several big shots saluted Li Shimin, and then Wei Zheng recounted the events. After listening to what had happened, Li Shimin was furious and scolded loudly: "This old man Cheng is really too much! I've heard of forced buying and selling, but not forcing someone to marry a daughter-in-law. Xuanying, don't worry, I'll take care of this Lier for you. As for the old man, you don't have to be afraid, if he dares to make trouble, see how I deal with him." Fang Xuanling quickly thanked Li Shimin, but in his heart, he was not convinced. Li Shimin had said these words more than a dozen times before, but unfortunately, every time they quarreled, he never won. The group of big shots were also very annoyed, this emperor seemed to have never won an argument with the old witch, if it were a contest of looks, the emperor would win, but if it were a contest of tongues, three emperors couldn't match the old witch Cheng.

  Fang Yi Ai arrived at the Imperial Academy today, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He had been resting for over a decade and it was time to show his face again. As soon as he entered the academy, he saw Little Li Ming Da running towards him, tugging on his sleeve with an unhappy expression, saying: "Yi Ai brother, where is my big doll? It's been so many days, you still haven't brought it over for me."

  After listening to Li Mingda's words, Fang Yiai patted her forehead, how could she have forgotten this? She had no choice but to pick up Li Mingda and comfort him, saying: "Little darling, don't worry, I'll help you get the doll today, okay?"

  "Hmph, Yí ài Gēgē, you're deceiving me, you've said this many times before!" Li Míngdá turned her small face away, not even looking at Fáng Yí ài. Fáng Yí ài hastily coaxed: "Little rabbit, I'm telling the truth, I actually ordered the doll for you a long time ago, it's just that the doll is a bit big and needs more time, but I think it should be ready today."

  "Really?" This little girl is so easy to fool, she was just pouting a moment ago and now she's beaming with joy. It would be great if this kid stayed 7 or 8 years old forever. Fang Yiai hugged Li Mingda and laughed happily: "Little silly, don't worry, I'll definitely help you bring the doll tomorrow, but it's a bit big, how about I help you send it to your mom's place?"

  Li Mingda nodded his little head happily and patted the small palm, "Mm, that's fine. You can send it to my mother's place, I'll go pick it up later."

  It wasn't easy to get rid of Li Mingda, but after sitting down in his own seat, he saw Li Xueyan turn around and say mysteriously: "Fang Jun, be careful, Cheng Ling'er is probably eyeing you, she asked me several times today?"

  "Cheng Ling'er? Are you referring to the old demon's daughter?" Fang Yiai asked with some concern.

  "Hmm, so you're the old demon's daughter." Li Xueyan hadn't even finished speaking when she heard a shrill cry: "So you're Fang Yili? You don't seem like much either. How could my father have taken a liking to you? Tell me, do you want to engage in a battle of wits or a physical fight?"

  After hearing this, Fang Yiai was taken aback. This indeed had the style of an old demon, doing things without reason. Fang Yiai looked at Cheng Ling'er, who was wearing a red tight-fitting martial arts uniform, with small leather boots on her feet, and a curvaceous figure that was accentuated by her delicate face. She was obviously a beautiful young woman, so why did she have such a violent temper? Fang Yiai knew he couldn't avoid it today, so he reluctantly asked: "What is Wen Dou, what is Wu Dou?"

  "It's very simple, the literary duel is just us each reciting a poem and letting everyone judge, whoever's is better wins. As for the martial arts duel, it's even simpler, whoever's fist is harder wins." Cheng Ling'er said straightforwardly. Fang Yi'ai naturally chose the literary duel, as it wouldn't be proper for a girl to engage in physical combat.

  Cheng Ling'er said confidently: "Well, since you chose to fight with words, then let's have you go first. Otherwise, my father will say I'm bullying you!"

  Fang Yiai was so angry that she almost vomited blood. How could this father and daughter from the Cheng family have such thick skin? However, since they were being so humble, why be polite anymore? Fang Yiai stood up and loudly shouted: "Qin Shi Ming Yue Han Shi Guan, Wan Li Chang Zheng Ren Wei Huan. Bu Shi Long Cheng Fei Jiang Zai, Bu Jiao Hu Ma Du Yin Shan. Miss Cheng Ling'er, what do you think of this poem?"

  "Good, good!" Cheng Ling'er hadn't even responded yet when Kong Yingda walked over and loudly said, "This poem is of such grandeur, even I, a scholar, feel like drawing my sword and riding into battle after hearing it. How much more so for others! Fang Jun, just based on this poem, you deserve to be considered one of the greatest men of our time. Please accept my respects!" After finishing speaking, Kong Yingda actually bowed to Fang Yu'ai, which shocked Fang Yu'ai silly. He quickly supported Kong Yingda and said, "Mr. Kong, how can this be? Isn't this humiliating me?"

  "Haha, Fang Jun, no need to be polite. As the saying goes, 'three men walking together must have my teacher among them.' I'm inferior to you in poetry, so it's no big deal for me to bow to you." Kong Yingda smiled freely, while Fang Yilove shook his head with a bitter smile. Although this Kong Yingda was somewhat pedantic, he didn't lose his true nature. It seemed that Li Shimin had always valued him, and not without reason.

  Cheng Ling'er thought for half a day, then bowed to Fang Yu and said: "Fang Jun, I admit defeat. I confess that I can't compose such magnificent poetry. From today on, I, Cheng Ling'er, am yours."

  After hearing this, Fang Yi'ai directly sat on the table, and he didn't know what to say anymore. He felt like he was dreaming, absolutely dreaming!