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It's barely light, and the breaking dawn has not completely penetrated the thick smoke, but the sound of drums is already echoing lively in the Zhao Family Courtyard. The procession, guards, and officials, like a magnificent picture, indicate that an important event is about to unfold.
Chao Qinglan was awakened by the sudden drumming, and as she opened her still dazed eyes, she felt a bit dizzy. In an instant, she realized that today was no ordinary day. Still in her nightclothes, she hurried to the window and, peering through the paper, could only see a bustling and noisy scene.
"Young master, something has happened! Lord Xiao Yan has come to propose marriage!" The attendant Beyue ran in gasping for breath, her face unusually pale.
Chao Qinglan was taken aback, then her heart suddenly started racing. "Propose marriage? Now?"
"It is true, he came early in the morning. What do you think we should do?"
Chao Qinglan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. This was not only because of Xiao Yan's sudden move, but also because of the complexity added by her existence as a male soul.
She sat up nervously. At this moment, should she appear as a man or a woman? This question left her in a state of constant turmoil. She touched her forehead and realized that her whole body was trembling slightly.
After some consideration, Chao Qinglan decided to appear as a woman.
"Hurry, bring me the casual clothes, the white silk handkerchief, and don't forget to bring my jade pendant and gold ring."
"Yes, miss."
Beyue swiftly found the clothing and accessories she needed and quickly changed into them. After a simple hair adjustment, she appeared slightly more formal. Standing in front of the mirror, she examined her image—she was still the same Chao Qinglan, whether male or female, possessing independent thinking and a strategic vision.
Suppressing his inner unease, he allowed the maidservant to carefully dress him, apply rouge, arrange his hair, fasten the gorgeous hair ornaments, and gently veil his face. Wearing a magnificent silk gown, the ribbons trembled slightly, resembling lotus flowers in the wind. Zhao Qinglan carefully examined himself in the bronze mirror, confirming the flawlessness of his female identity.
"Let's go," Zhao Qinglan instructed the maid. "Go out and see what's going on."
The living room of the Zhao family is a very grand room. A screen painted with dragons and phoenixes stands in the center, with intricately carved sandalwood chairs and tables on either side, giving the whole space an elegant and dignified atmosphere.
In the hall, the head of the Zhao family, Zhao Zhangyuan, and Xiao Yan are sitting at the top, with their respective family members and children on either side. The atmosphere is very solemn, and the matriarch of the Zhao family, Wang Cuiyun, is kind but also very dignified.
Chao Qinglan walks slowly into the hall, dressed in an elegant moon-white casual outfit, paired with intricate but not overly ornate gold rings and jade pendants. Her steps are firm, and her expression is calm.
When she walked into the hall, she saw Xiao Yan standing there, wearing a crimson brocade robe, looking elegant and refined. His eyes were bright, and when he saw Zhao Qinglan, a strange light flashed in his eyes.
As for Xiao Yan, when he saw Zhao Qinglan, his eyes lit up slightly. He immediately stood up and gave Zhao Qinglan a gentle bow.
"Miss Zhao, you are so courteous."
Zhao Qinglan bowed and said softly, "After many hardships, I finally have the honor of meeting you. My brother often mentions you, saying that you are brave and compassionate."
"Currently, my brother is still drunk and unable to come out to greet guests, so he instructed me to convey his greetings to you."
Xiao Yan smiled knowingly, "The talented and beautiful members of the Zhao family are truly as renowned as rumored. Your brother is also a hero whom I have long admired."
Xiao Yan smiled slightly, but his eyes revealed a hint of confusion. He always felt that the Zhao family's daughter in front of him was somewhat different from the young lady he met last night.
Xiao Yan gave a slight smile to Zhao Qinglan's parents and politely said, "General Zhao, Madame Wang, your daughter is the pride of the Zhao family. I greatly admire her talent and grace. That's why I have come today to propose marriage."
Zhao Zhangyuan and Wang Cuiyun exchanged a glance, clearly showing their appreciation for Xiao Yan. They were well aware that this young man not only came from the royal family, but also possessed outstanding talent and excellent character.
After sitting down, Zhao Qinglan took a deep breath and said, "I am very grateful for Mr. Xiao's kindness, but to be honest, my body has always been weak and is not suitable for marriage."
Xiao Yan After listening, his brow furrowed slightly, but he still smiled and said, "A talented man and a beautiful woman are truly a match made in heaven. If you are feeling unwell, I will definitely do everything in my power to protect you."
Zhao Qinglan After listening, her heart trembled slightly. Although these words seemed romantic, they also made her feel a hint of doubt and danger.
Zhao Zhangyuan and Wang Cuiyun exchanged a glance, both recognizing the appreciation in each other's eyes. Wang Cuiyun said Xiao Zhan ly, "Lord Xiao, you are truly an outstanding figure, but Qinglan is always in poor health, and we are very worried about her."
Zhao Zhangyuan furrowed his brow slightly and turned to look at the person beside him, Chao Qinglan. She was carefully savoring the Qionglu tea in her cup, seemingly unsurprised by Xiao Yan's words. She slowly set down her teacup and calmly said, "Lord Xiao, your intentions are lofty, but what else is there?"
Xiao Yan couldn't help but glance at Chao Qinglan and smiled slightly, "A woman so beautiful and wise is truly hard to find in this world. This is not just my personal feeling, but also a consensus I have reached with many scholars."
Chao Qinglan couldn't help but feel a little curious in her heart, "While Lord Xiao's description is indeed beautiful, I have heard that the situation of the Southern Qi royal family is not stable. Are you sure you want to propose marriage at this time?"
Xiao Yan listened and his eyes sharpened like an eagle's, "The Zhao family is also a prominent family. How could they not understand the variables and opportunities that come with the two families becoming in-laws?"
Zhao Zhangyuan interjected, "Although Lord Xiao's words are good, my eldest daughter has always had her own views on marriage, which we cannot impose. Qinglan, what do you think?"
Chao Qinglan The balance in her heart tilted slightly. She stood up and looked firmly at Xiao Yan: "Lord Xiao, I have heard of your talent and virtue, and I am well aware that becoming relatives with you would undoubtedly elevate the Zhao family. However, I must say that I do not have much consideration for marriage at the moment. Unless there is a compelling reason that moves my heart, I will not make a decision lightly."
After hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel more curious and respectful. He smiled and said, "Well, perhaps we should find an opportunity to give you a compelling reason."
Chao Qinglan smiled and said, "I will reconsider when that day comes."
Xiao Yan nodded earnestly, seeming quite satisfied with Chao Qinglan's response. He thanked her again and took his leave.
the Zhao family Everyone watched as Xiao Yan gradually walked away from the gate, each with their own thoughts. Zhao Zhangyuan secretly muttered to himself, finding Xiao Yan to be charming but also elusive. Chao Qinglan was more concerned about the implications of becoming related to such a man.
"Perhaps all of this can only be left to fate." Chao Qinglan thought to herself, then turned back to her chamber to contemplate the various situations she might encounter in the future.
In the distance, Xiao Yan stood in a secluded corner, silently thinking, "Chao Qinglan, you are truly extraordinary. I will definitely find a reason to make your heart flutter. Just wait for me."
He tightly grasped a seemingly jade ornament in his hand, took a deep breath, then turned and walked slowly towards the uncertain future.
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