Chapter 88 Marriage Proposal
Chapter 88 Marriage Proposal
Butler Yan Shou paused for a moment.
Then, the most crucial sentence was added:
"I also heard that this Constable Yin Ruyu is the eldest daughter of the Yin family, a prominent clan in Shazhou. It seems that she has come to Yueya County for training."
"What?!"
Yan Lie, Yan Gang, and Yan Yong were all shocked at the same time, their faces showing disbelief.
The Yin family of Shazhou is a truly colossal entity.
These were truly powerful and influential families in Shazhou City and even the imperial court. They were not to be confused with a small, local family like the Yan family.
It's astonishing that such a noblewoman would come to a small county like Crescent Moon County to become a constable.
Moreover, this head constable, despite solving the case, did not publicize it extensively; he kept a very low profile, which is why they only learned about it from Uncle Shou.
Could this behavior truly be that of a scion of a prominent family?
As Yan Lie pondered, he lightly tapped the armrest with his fingers. After a moment of contemplation, he clenched his fist.
"It's worth a try! Maintaining order in this area is the duty of a constable. Uncle Shou, send someone... no! Send Zhan'er, with gifts. He's a young master of the Yan family, his status is high enough, his presence will show our respect. Invite Constable Yin to the mansion for a chat, and tell her we've invited her to uphold justice!"
"Yes, I'll arrange it right away."
Butler Yan Shou bowed in agreement and quickly walked out of the hall.
Inside the hall, Yan Lie looked at his two younger brothers and said in a deep voice, "Whether it succeeds or not, this is at least one path. Go back and think it over carefully. Behave yourself in the meantime and don't cause any more trouble."
Yan Gang and Yan Yong each responded.
They withdrew, each with their own thoughts.
The butler then went directly to Yan Zhan, who was still practicing martial arts in the backyard, and whispered some instructions to him.
Upon hearing this, Yan Zhan perked up, patted his chest, and promised to bring the person over.
After arranging this matter, Butler Yan was about to return to the front hall to wait when he saw Liu Sheng coming to find him with a smile.
"Butler Yan."
Liu Sheng bowed respectfully, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face:
"There's something I'd like to ask for your help with, or... I should say, please help me pass on a message and ask for your instructions."
"You're too kind, Mr. Liu. Please feel free to speak."
Yan Shou smiled warmly.
Seeing the steward's expression, Liu Sheng explained that he was practicing the "Flying Shuttle Technique" and needed to observe the fast-moving, regularly moving "flying shuttles" to train his eyesight.
He had heard that the Fifth Miss Yan Sixian possessed the finest looms and shuttles in Crescent Moon County, and that her weaving skills were exquisite.
Therefore, I would like to ask Miss Wu for help, and ask her to allow me to watch her operate the loom for an extended period of time.
Having explained it in such detail, Liu Sheng was afraid that it might not be thorough enough and could cause misunderstandings, so he emphasized again that he had absolutely no intention of offending anyone.
If the purpose is purely for practicing martial arts and the location is not in the boudoir, the loom can be moved elsewhere.
Yan Shou listened patiently, his eyebrows twitching slightly.
He was knowledgeable and knew that there were indeed some hidden weapon techniques that required observing regularly moving objects, so he was not surprised.
But when he looked at Liu Sheng in front of him again...
A certain thought suddenly came to mind.
But he still didn't say it aloud:
"I see. Practicing martial arts is the proper thing to do, and it is only right that I help. Master Liu, please wait a moment. This old servant needs to report to the master first, as it involves the young lady's reputation."
Liu Sheng quickly replied that it was only natural.
The butler hurried back to the council hall where he had just been, and saw Yan Lie still sitting in the main seat, resting with his eyes closed.
He quickly moved closer and whispered the whole story of how Liu Sheng wanted to watch Yan Sixian operate the loom to help him practice his skills.
After listening, Yan Lie opened his eyes and waved his hand:
"I don't know what's going on. Since it's for practicing martial arts, and it's a legitimate reason, and Liu Sheng is a good boy, we should help him. You can ask Fifth Brother and Sixian themselves. Sixian is a sensible girl, she shouldn't refuse."
"Master, I came back specifically to report this because I was thinking of the Fifth Miss."
The butler lowered his voice even further:
"In my observation, although Liu Sheng's natural talent is only of the lowest rank, his character, comprehension, and courage are all extraordinary. He has only been in the Bajiquan Academy for a very short time, yet he was accepted as a true disciple by the academy's master, Gao Huang; he has only reached the ninth rank, yet he dared to break through the encirclement alone, send a message to the righteous army, and rescue the people of Yejia'ao; last time the caravan was attacked, it was he who assassinated the wolf leader and made a great contribution. This child's future is probably limitless."
"Uncle Shou, you mean...?"
Yan Lie seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing this.
"Indeed, this old servant dares to say that the Fifth Miss is growing up and often 'bumps into' Liu Sheng at the training ground. Although Liu Sheng borrowed the loom this time to practice his skills, it might also be an opportunity. If we can establish this marriage, Liu Sheng will surely be a great help to our Yan family in the future!"
Upon hearing this, the patriarch Yan Lie leaned forward slightly, and his drowsy eyes gradually brightened.
The Yan family caravan has suffered several attacks recently, resulting in heavy losses. It's time to recruit more talented young people like Liu Sheng.
"Hmm... Uncle Shou, you always have a good eye for people. If this really works out, it will be a wonderful thing. You will handle this matter. First, ask Fifth Brother's opinion, and then sound out Liu Sheng's feelings. Remember, it's a marriage alliance, not a son-in-law move!"
The butler nodded in agreement, bowed again, and withdrew.
He first approached Master Yan, who naturally did not object. He had met Liu Sheng several times and was very satisfied with him.
After receiving Fifth Master's approval.
Yan Shou felt much more at ease and then turned back.
With an even warmer smile, she returned to see Liu Sheng.
When Liu Sheng saw the butler's somewhat incongruous smile, his heart skipped a beat.
Butler Yan asked with a smile:
"Master Liu, borrowing the loom is a small matter, but... Master Liu, what do you think of my fifth young lady, Yan Sixian, as a person?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Sheng politely replied:
"The Fifth Miss is gentle and quiet, well-educated and reasonable, and skilled in weaving. She is a model of a well-bred lady."
It's not always about needing someone's help.
Indeed, Yan Sixian had left a good impression on him, so he didn't hold back his praise. However, when he heard the butler mention it, he had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, Butler Yan's smile deepened:
"Our fifth young lady has reached the age for marriage... I wonder if Master Liu is interested?"
"???"
Liu Sheng thought about it carefully and realized that he had come to borrow a loom.
I just need to borrow a loom.
Are you really going to risk your life?
Things from these aristocratic families are a bit hard to borrow!
"Master Liu, please don't misunderstand. It's just that the head of the family thinks that Master Liu and the Fifth Miss are of similar age and appearance, and there was a chance encounter, so he asked this question."
Seeing the uncertain expression on Liu Sheng's face, Butler Yan seemed to have anticipated his reaction, and his smile remained unchanged:
"Moreover, this marriage arrangement is entirely beneficial to Master Liu. With the Yan family's wealth, wouldn't his future studies be much smoother?"
He's living off a woman!
That's good enough. The head of the household thinks highly of himself.
This person hasn't even reached the standard of an eighth-rank guest minister yet, and they've already arranged a marriage for him.
Liu Sheng's heart fluttered for a fleeting moment.
But after much thought, I politely declined.
"If I were to say that I feel I am still young and wish to focus on martial arts, and not consider marriage for the time being, then... then could I still borrow this loom?"
Butler Yan burst into laughter upon hearing this.
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