At daybreak the following morning, Xiao Qi was already up, busy preparing the betrothal gifts.
With Lin Heng and the steward in tow, he went over the gift list again and again, checking every item one by one.
Watching his barely contained excitement, the Marquis and Madam Xiao could only shake their heads helplessly.
Ah… Let him have his way.
“Father, Mother, take a look at the list. Doesn’t it seem a little too modest?” Xiao Qi said, pulling his mother over to inspect it with him.
“Too modest?” the Marquis snorted. “Our manor’s betrothal gifts are already among the finest in the capital. What, are you planning to empty out the entire Marquis Manor?”
“Father, it’s my first time proposing marriage. I don’t have any experience.”
“You make it sound as though your old man is some kind of expert.”
After barking at his son, the Marquis no longer felt like standing around getting himself worked up. With a flick of his sleeve, he strode out of the manor.
“Qi’er, that’s just your father’s temper. Don’t mind him,” Madam Xiao said with a smile. “Let’s go through the list one more time.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Mother, Xiang’er is truly a wonderful girl. Once she marries into the manor, you’ll understand.”
“I believe in your judgment.” Madam Xiao smiled warmly. “Now hurry and head to the Mo Family.”
She then instructed the steward to bring several servants and accompany the Heir, along with Lin Heng, to the Mo Family to formally propose marriage.
Because the Marquis and Madam Xiao considered the Mo Family beneath the status of Ding’an Marquis Manor, neither of them intended to visit personally. Instead, they sent the steward and Lin Heng to accompany the Heir.
Filled with anticipation, Xiao Qi mounted his horse and rode toward the Mo Family with Lin Heng.
…
“Master! Master!”
The Mo Family’s steward came running into Mo Dongming’s courtyard in a panic.
“The Heir of Ding’an Marquis Manor has come! He says he’s here to propose marriage to one of our young ladies!”
“A marriage proposal?”
Mo Dongming sprang to his feet.
“Did he say which daughter he’s here for?”
“No, Master. He only asked to see you. You’d better come quickly! The betrothal gifts alone have filled the entire front courtyard.”
“W-What…”
Madam Mo immediately grabbed her husband’s sleeve.
“Master, let’s hurry and see!”
“Madam… Slow down…”
Meanwhile, in another courtyard, the eldest daughter, Mo Qin, had been tending to the flowers.
Seeing her parents rushing away in such haste, she stopped a nearby maid.
“What happened? Why are Father and Mother in such a hurry?”
“Miss, I heard from the steward that the Heir of Ding’an Marquis Manor has come to propose marriage.”
“A proposal?”
Mo Qin’s eyes widened.
“Did they say to whom?”
“No, Miss. No one knows.”
“Cai’er! Cai’er!”
She called urgently.
“Come help me get changed. We’re going to have a look.”
Hearing the summons, Cai’er hurried over and helped Mo Qin back to her room.
…
The front courtyard was filled from end to end with large red lacquered chests.
The lavish betrothal gifts occupied nearly the entire courtyard.
Looking at the handsome young man standing before him with a smile on his face, Mo Dongming was so stunned that he forgot to bow.
Madam Mo quickly tugged on his sleeve before stepping forward herself.
“This humble woman greets Heir Xiao.”
Only then did Mo Dongming snap back to his senses.
“My respects, Heir Xiao.”
“Please, there’s no need for such formalities, Uncle Mo.”
Xiao Qi returned the greeting politely.
“I’ve come today to ask for Xiang’er’s hand in marriage. I sincerely hope Uncle Mo will grant us his blessing.”
“Xiang’er?”
Both husband and wife stared at him in disbelief.
“Yes, Xiang’er.”
“Ever since I met her at the villa outside the capital, I’ve been deeply in love with her. I’ve already obtained my parents’ consent, so I’ve come today to formally ask for her hand.”
“Good… Good…”
Mo Dongming was overjoyed.
“For my daughter to catch the Heir’s eye is truly a blessing earned over three lifetimes. Please, have a seat.”
He immediately turned toward the steward.
“Go tell Second Miss that the Heir has arrived. Have her freshen up and come to the reception hall.”
“Yes, Master.”
The steward hurried away.
…
“Miss,” Nanny Chen said as she cut fabric for a new dress, “judging by the time, the Heir should be arriving to propose very soon, shouldn’t he?”
“He said he’d speak to his parents as soon as he returned home.”
Mo Xiang smiled softly.
“Let’s wait a little longer.”
“Miss! Miss!”
A young maid came running into the courtyard.
“Master sent word! The Heir has come to propose marriage!”
“Qingqing! Qingqing!”
Mo Xiang immediately dropped the embroidery in her hands and hurried toward her room.
“Come help me get dressed! The Heir is here!”
Qingqing had been busy in the kitchen.
Hearing the excited shouts, she quickly made her way to the main room.
Just as in her previous life…
Xiao Qi had persuaded his parents and had come to the Mo Family to propose.
Her freedom was drawing ever closer.
After helping Mo Xiang finish dressing, Qingqing had Nanny Chen accompany her mistress to the front courtyard.
As for herself, she found an excuse to remain behind.
If she could avoid seeing Xiao Qi, then so much the better.
It would spare them both unnecessary complications.
…
Mo Xiang and Nanny Chen hurried all the way to the front courtyard.
Just before entering the reception hall, Mo Xiang stopped and nervously grabbed Nanny Chen’s hand.
“Nanny, is my hair all right? Are my clothes neat?”
“My dear Miss.”
Nanny Chen smiled reassuringly.
“Everything is perfect. Our Miss is the most beautiful of all. Come, don’t worry.”
Supporting her gently, she led Mo Xiang into the hall.
The moment Xiao Qi saw the young woman walking toward him, his heart skipped a beat.
Her pale pink dress accentuated her petite, graceful figure.
Gentle and elegant, she approached him one measured step at a time, throwing both his heartbeat and his breathing into disarray.
Mo Xiang looked at the man whose eyes were filled with tenderness.
“Xiang’er greets the Heir.”
Xiao Qi immediately rose and strode toward her.
Taking her delicate hand into his own, he spoke softly,
“Xiang’er… I’ve come to marry you.”
“I know, Heir.”
Her eyes glistened.
“I’ve finally been waiting for this day.”
The others in the room quietly withdrew, leaving the two lovers alone together.
“Xiang’er, it’s only been a few days, yet I’ve missed you terribly. Did you miss me as well?”
“Heir… I… I did…”
Before she could finish speaking, Xiao Qi lowered his head, gently cradled the back of her head, and kissed her.
“Mmm… Heir…”
He slipped an arm around her waist, lifted her effortlessly into his arms, and carried her to a nearby chair before continuing the kiss.
Only after a long while did the two reluctantly separate.
“Xiang’er, I’ve missed you so much,” Xiao Qi whispered, gazing into her eyes. “I’ve missed you so much that I even dream about being together with you…”
“You’re so naughty, Heir.”
Blushing furiously, she shyly patted his chest.
To Xiao Qi, her bashfulness only made her all the more irresistible.
Unable to help himself, he leaned in and kissed her once again.
They remained wrapped in each other’s embrace until a knock sounded at the door.
The steward’s voice came from outside.
“Master and Madam have prepared lunch. They invite the two of you to join them.”
Only then did the pair reluctantly part.
“Xiang’er, just wait a little longer.”
Xiao Qi smiled warmly.
“Once I’ve married you into the manor, we’ll have all the time in the world. Then your husband will cherish you properly.”
“Heir…”
Face burning crimson, Mo Xiang fled toward the door.
Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Qi threw back his head and laughed.
…
By the time they entered the dining hall, Mo Dongming, Madam Mo, and Mo Qin had already been waiting for quite some time.
“Uncle Mo, Aunt Mo, my apologies for keeping you waiting.”
Xiao Qi smiled sheepishly.
“I became so excited after seeing Xiang’er that I completely lost track of time.”
“Not at all, Heir.”
Mo Dongming laughed heartily.
“Please, take your seat. Let’s begin the meal.”
He immediately instructed the steward and the maids to lay out chopsticks, bowls, and dishes for their honored guest.
“Xiang’er, eat a little more.”
Xiao Qi continuously picked food into her bowl.
“You’re much too thin.”
Mo Dongming and Madam Mo watched the handsome young couple with satisfied smiles.
Only Mo Qin sat quietly to one side, resentment burning in her eyes.
That little wretch…
How could she be so lucky?
Why should the Heir favor her?
I’m the legitimate eldest daughter, yet I’ve been completely overshadowed by a mere concubine-born sister.
How infuriating!
“Please eat as well, Heir,” Mo Xiang said gently. “Our humble dishes may not compare to the delicacies served at Ding’an Marquis Manor, but they have their own homely charm.”
“Thank you, Xiang’er.”
Xiao Qi smiled.
“You should eat too. Uncle Mo, Aunt Mo—you as well.”