Chen Wei unsteadily got up and moved her screen aside. Whatever she might have been thinking, she reached over and suddenly tugged Chen Rong’s sleeve.
She held her cousin’s hand and pleadingly looked at her. “Ah Rong, let’s go together.”
Chen Rong freely nodded and got up.
They moved the screens and followed Chen Gongrang.
Amid the merry conversations and streams of people, Chen Gongrang unhurriedly walked toward the front.
By the time they got out the door and went down the steps where it was less crowded, Chen Gongrang shook his head and sighed to Chen Wei: “Marriage is something that should be discussed by the elders. It’s harmless for you youngsters to meet, but Ran Min belongs to the battlefields, and is in a hurry to leave again. As your uncle, I can only accommodate him and cannot keep to traditions.”
As he spoke, Chen Wei’s face turned so red that it could have bled. Her legs buckled, and she had to lean against Chen Rong while replying in a timid voice: “Aye, I leave everything in your hands, uncle.”
Chen Gongrang didn’t turn around, merely nodding at her words.
A dozen steps later, he made a turn toward the row of houses on the left.
The room was brightly lit, with people coming and going. The servants all gave Chen Gongrang a bow when they saw him.
He leisurely stepped inside.
In the empty room, Chen Wei went from being nervous to not even breathing. When she saw that the room was empty, she couldn’t help from exhaling in disappointment.
At her exhalation, Chen Gongrang turned to give her a glance while unhurriedly remarking: “A gentlewoman should conduct herself with grace and poise no matter the situation.”
This was an admonition.
Chen Wei quickly gave a bow. “Aye.”
She appeared to be obedient, but her yearning and zeal could not be concealed.
Chen Gongrang could not help frowning upon seeing Chen Wei like this.
However, he quickly relaxed his brow and Chen Wei did not notice the change.
He strode to the seat on the left side, slowly sat down, waved his sleeve and said, “Invite General Ran over.”
“Aye.”
When the servant stepped away, Chen Gongrang sighed again. While Chen Wei looked at him in perplexity, he helplessly remarked, “How absurd, is this marrying a wife? I guess a Hu has no sense of priority.”
Chen Wei was happy as long as Chen Gongrang didn’t change his mind. She immediately heaved in relief. She glanced to see that Chen Rong was standing in a corner, and so she called: “Ah Rong, come and accompany me.”
Chen Rong hummed a reply and walked over.
Chen Wei’s call made Chen Gongrang turn around. He studied Chen Rong and then suddenly asked, “Are you Ah Rong?”
“Aye.”
Chen Rong gave him a curtsy.
“Come here.”
“Aye.”
Chen Rong neared, stopping when she was three paces from Chen Gongrang. She kept her head bowed and nervously let him appraise her.
After perusing her for a length of time, Chen Gongrang warmly said, “Ah Rong.”
“Aye.”
“Have you and Wang Qilang decided on your future together?” Both his eyes and expression were exceedingly benevolent.
“Nay,” Chen Rong immediately said.
Sensing she had answered too coldly, she bowed deeper and softly added, “How can a man like Qilang decide his future with me?”
Chen Gongrang nodded and kindly said, “I’m glad you know this. Then let me ask you, Ah Rong. Had he done anything to you?”
Had he done anything? He meant to ask if Wang Hong had taken liberties with her.
Chen Rong’s face colored. She couldn’t help thinking about that kiss and their two embraces, nevertheless carefully replying: “Qilang is a man of honor, how could he have done anything?”
Chen Gongrang maintained his expression and only smiled.
“Then are you willing to serve him?” he then asked.
Upon the utterance of his words, Chen Wei could not prevent herself from a small gasp. She covered ver mouth, rounded her eyes, and intently watched Chen Rong and Chen Gongrang.
Chen Rong’s expression remained unchanged. She only lowered her head and dutifully replied, “Though Qilang is a very good man, I do not want to be anyone’s concubine.”
Hearing her reply, Chen Wei couldn’t help herself from scoffing.
Chen Gongrang’s long-time aid also turned and seriously regarded Chen Rong.
Her uncle sat in silence for a while before sighing: “You’re too naïve, child!”
He shook his head, having lost interest in speaking with her. Shortly after he waved at her to step down, a clear voice from the door relayed: “Master, General Ran is here.”
Chen Gongrang chuckled, rose from his seat and said, “Invite him in.”
No sooner had his voice sounded than Ran Min quickly strode in.
The second he entered, Chen Rong withdrew to the back and hid herself in the shadows.
It was apparent that Ran Min had become thinner. Even so, his features were still handsome, and his acute eyes still exuded an intimidating chill. His entrance seemed to have sucked the air out of the room, ushering in a threatening deadliness.
Chen Rong knew he was only emitting this vibe unintentionally. I