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The Zhao family Residence's side hall is spacious and grand, with carved beams and painted rafters, and hanging curtains. The jet-black rosewood chairs are adorned with leopard skin, displaying the power and wealth of this family. On the wall, there are running script calligraphy works by famous masters, the ink still fresh as if just written. The various delicate porcelain pieces displayed in the hall seem to narrate different historical stories.
Zhao Zhangyuan holds a teacup with a solemn expression. Wang Cuiyun sits elegantly beside him, her gaze shifting towards their daughter Chao Qinglan. However, Chao Qinglan is not feeling very clear in her heart, as she searches the face of the maid Beyue with her eyes. Beyue smiles at her, as if reassuring her that everything will be fine.
"Zhang Yuan, how do you see this matter?" Wang Cuiyun asked slowly.
Zhao Zhangyuan put down the teacup, his brow furrowing even more. "This Xiao Yan, although he comes from an extraordinary background, his current status is not yet stable. Now that he has come to propose marriage, should we accept?"
"Cuiyun, as a mother, I think Yan Lang is obviously an extraordinary person. He will definitely have a bright future. But our daughter..." Zhao Zhangyuan glanced meaningfully at Chao Qinglan.
"Father, mother, I think this matter needs careful consideration. Although Xiao Yan appears gentle on the surface, he is quite scheming and should not be underestimated," Chao Qinglan slowly expressed her opinion as she picked up her teacup and took a sip.
"Is that so? How much interaction have you had with him to come to such a conclusion?" Wang Cuiyun's tone carried a hint of doubt.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became more solemn. Chao Qinglan set down the teacup, cleared his throat, and continued, "Not only does he possess outstanding knowledge at the academy, but he also demonstrates extraordinary strategic insight in chess. If this person truly has good intentions towards our Zhao family, it would be a perfect match. However, if there are ulterior motives, I fear that our family may fall into unnecessary difficulties."
Beyue immediately added tea for Chao Qinglan, looking at her with admiration and support in her eyes.
Wang Cuiyun smiled at her daughter, " Qinglan, how did you see that Xiao Yan is scheming? What evidence do you have?"
"In a game at the school, he made a move that 'shocked the world' and won the entire game. The entire audience was amazed. However, I noticed that he had already foreseen this move during the layout, but deliberately pretended to be in a losing position in order to lure the opponent into a trap. This not only showed his intelligence, but also revealed his deep cunning and strategic character." Chao Qinglan described her observation in detail.
Zhao Zhangyuan pondered for a moment, "If such a person could become our son-in-law, it would indeed be advantageous for the Zhao family. But I understand your concerns. If he has other motives, then we the Zhao family would be the first to suffer."
"So, should we conduct more investigation before making a decision?" suggested Wang Cuiyun.
Chao Qinglan continued, "After the battle of Yiyang City, I have a better understanding of him. He has great ambitions, and if I marry him, I'm afraid I won't have much freedom."
Beyue Upon hearing this, couldn't help but speak up: " Qinglan, didn't you used to say that marriage in this era is just a political game?"
Chao Qinglan After listening, quietly placed the teacup back on the coffee table, "Indeed, that's the case, but I would rather not participate in this game."
Zhao Zhangyuan waved his hand, interrupting Beyue, "Since Qinglan has said so, let's hold off for now and wait to see how things develop."
Wang Cuiyun smiled and nodded, "Well, our daughter naturally needs to find someone who can match her. If Xiao Yan is really as Qinglan said, then we might as well test him again to see if he is worthy of matching with our Qinglan."
Chao Qinglan thought for a moment, "I suggest secretly sending someone to investigate Xiao Yan's recent activities and plans. Only then can we make the most favorable choice for the future of our family."
Beyue listened quietly on the side, feeling surprised by her master's calmness and careful consideration.
Zhao Zhangyuan waved his hand, "I will arrange for someone to handle this matter. However, time is running out. Xiao Yan may come back at any moment, so we must make a decision quickly."
"Given that, let's observe in secret first, and once we are sure he is not up to anything suspicious, then we can make a decision," Wang Cuiyun said slowly.
Zhao Zhangyuan looked deeply at Chao Qinglan, "This time, I will act according to your suggestion. I hope we are just overthinking, and he really is a trustworthy person."
Chao Qinglan slightly smiled, "If he is really like that, then he deserves the support of our whole family. Otherwise, we need to be more cautious."
Beyue quietly left the side hall and found a figure standing in the corner of the corridor, who was the old retainer of the Zhao family, Tie Xin. Tie Xin nodded at Beyue, indicating that he would take care of what Chao Qinglan had instructed.
Several days later, in an inconspicuous small tavern, Tie Xin disguised himself as a passerby and drank with some attendants of the Xiao Family. In their drunken state, they revealed that Xiao Yan had been quite peaceful recently, seemingly without any ambition to claim the throne, and only hoped for the Southern Qi Dynasty to prosper and resist the invasion of the Northern Wei.
After reporting this information to Chao Qinglan, Tie Xin fell into contemplation. He thought to himself, "So Xiao Yan didn't marry Chao Qinglan to become emperor? Then how did he become emperor later on?"
" Beyue, what do you think I should do?" Chao Qinglan suddenly asked.
Beyue couldn't help but smile, "Master, your relationship with Lord Xiao Yan has long surpassed that of ordinary friends. Whether it's the intellectual competition in the academy or the joint battle in the decisive battle of Yiyang City, it's clear to everyone that the two of you have an extraordinary bond. If anyone understands Xiao Yan the most, it must be you, Miss Chao Qinglan."
Chao Qinglan slightly closed her eyes, as if savoring those days. After a brief silence, she opened her eyes and said to Beyue: "In that case, I think I will give Xiao Yan a chance. I will observe his behavior and attitude carefully. If everything is as he said, then I will support him without hesitation." But she absolutely did not think of marrying him, Qinglan thought to herself.
Before long, in a side hall of the Southern Qi palace, Xiao Yan was discussing state affairs with an elderly minister. This minister, surnamed Liu and named Zi Yi, was an important official in the second year of the revival of Southern Qi (502 AD) and a trusted assistant of Xiao Yan.
"Lord Xiao, rumors abound that you recently visited the Zhao family, seemingly for the purpose of marriage. Is there any truth to this?" Liu Zi Yi asked with a stern face and sharp eyes, seemingly revealing a hint of displeasure.
Xiao Yan smiled and replied calmly, "It's not a rumor, Zi Yi Lord. In fact, I have had several pleasant exchanges with Miss Chao Qinglan. In my opinion, she is not only intelligent but also capable. Our Southern Qi is currently in a volatile situation, and her assistance would undoubtedly become a powerful force for our country."
Upon hearing this, Liu Zi Yi slightly furrowed his brows, seeming somewhat displeased, but still maintained his usual seriousness. "Lord Xiao, you are a young talent of our Southern Qi court, and marriage is a matter of great importance that cannot be decided hastily."
Xiao Yan calmed down and looked firmly into Liu Zi Yi's eyes. "Lord Zi Yi, rest assured, I always act with caution, and this time will be no exception."
At the same time, Chao Qinglan was in her study, just opening a letter personally written by Xiao Yan. The letter not only expressed deep respect for the Zhao family and affection for her personally, but also hinted at his desire to join forces with her to combat the current threat posed by Northern Wei.
Chao Qinglan After finishing reading, a slight ripple rose in her heart. She took a deep breath and then slowly turned to the maid Beyue beside her and said, "Get ready, we will go find Xiao Yan tomorrow."
Beyue listened, and a flash of anticipation and excitement passed through her eyes, "Yes, my lady."
Chao Qinglan smiled and thought to herself, "Xiao Yan, since that's the case, let's step into this ever-changing game within a game together.
No matter how it ends, at least we have wholeheartedly walked this path, facing countless challenges and obstacles.
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