allonlinenovel Chapter 332
Chapter 332
"I wonder what brings Your Highness to my humble abode today?" Cheng Tianyuan thought that since he couldn't figure it out, he might as well just ask directly.Prince Lanhuai also hadn't expected that Grand Preceptor Cheng would actually be at home today.
He cursed inwardly, realizing he really must have forgotten to check the almanac before leaving the house.
After all, it might have been easier to discuss what he wanted with Madam Cheng. But with Grand Preceptor Cheng...
Prince Lanhuai found it somewhat difficult to speak his mind.
Looking at the silent Prince Lanhuai, Cheng Tianyuan felt a bit impatient.
What did he mean by this?
He came to their residence, so didn't he have some business to attend to?
Otherwise, the Cheng family and Prince Lanhuai's estate had no relationship to speak of.
Moreover, it stood to reason that Prince Lanhuai should be avoiding suspicion by keeping his distance from their family.
Otherwise, wouldn't people suspect his motives?
"I have made a fool of myself before Grand Preceptor Cheng," Prince Lanhuai smiled somewhat uncomfortably.
Then, thinking of Princess Fuan's marriage, he had a sudden, impulsive thought.
He actually came up with the idea of forming a marriage alliance with the Cheng family.
"If Your Highness has something to say, please feel free to speak," Cheng Tianyuan said. Seeing Prince Lanhuai's expression, he knew the man genuinely had business here.
He sat up straight, thinking to himself that if it were a trivial matter, he might as well agree. But if it was something unjust, he would absolutely never consent.
"I've heard that your estate's Fourth Young Master is exceptionally handsome and possesses outstanding literary talent. I wonder, is the Fourth Young Master already betrothed?" Prince Lanhuai asked, looking at Cheng Tianyuan with a grinning face.
Cheng Tianyuan, who had a smile on his face, instantly lost it.
Where did he get a fourth son?
Could it be that Prince Lanhuai wanted to propose marriage to Qingli?
"Prince Lanhuai wishes to propose a marriage?" Cheng Tianyuan was stunned by this thought.
As far as he knew, Prince Lanhuai had one daughter, which was Princess Fuan.
Thinking of this, Cheng Tianyuan looked at Prince Lanhuai with some trepidation, wondering, could it be that Prince Lanhuai wanted Princess Fuan to marry his troublesome 'son'?
"I happen to have a daughter in my estate who is currently unbetrothed..." Prince Lanhuai smiled flatteringly.
If he could have Fuan marry the Cheng family's fifth son, he would ostensibly be showing goodwill to the Emperor.
When the time comes, having Fuan whisper in Fifth Young Master Cheng's ear would be even more beneficial for him to achieve great things, wouldn't it?
Grand Preceptor Cheng had countless disciples. Thinking of this, Prince Lanhuai felt that this marriage alliance was truly wonderful.
So much so that he forgot to mention the matter of buying the Qin Brothel.
Cheng Tianyuan's mouth twitched continuously.
Originally, when his wife told him someone was proposing marriage to Qingli, he hadn't believed it.
He never expected that today, someone would come asking him directly.
Thinking of this, Cheng Tianyuan felt a bit guilty and picked up the teacup on the table to take a sip, covering up his inner guilty conscience.
"Grand Preceptor Cheng, think about it. Your eldest daughter is my niece-in-law. Now, my little daughter has a destined connection with your noble son. Shouldn't we add another layer of familial ties?" Prince Lanhuai said, looking at Cheng Tianyuan with a smile.
He felt in his heart that Cheng Tianyuan definitely wouldn't refuse.
After all, in the entire capital, one couldn't find a noble lady more precious than his own daughter.
"Do you think it's suitable?" Cheng Tianyuan looked at Prince Lanhuai, who was smiling as if his heart was fluttering with spring romance.
He thought to himself, Prince Lanhuai really had terrible eyesight. No wonder the late Emperor hadn't done anything to him; with his level of intelligence, he couldn't possibly stir up any trouble.
"Suitable, why wouldn't it be suitable?" Prince Lanhuai failed to hear the teasing tone in Cheng Tianyuan's words.
"Go call the Second Miss," Cheng Tianyuan waved his hand and instructed a nearby maid.
He wondered if Prince Lanhuai would still say the same thing after seeing Qingli in a moment.
When Cheng Qingli arrived at the reception hall, she saw Prince Lanhuai sitting to the side. She felt a bit puzzled; why would her father call her over when discussing matters with an outside man?
"Greetings, Father." Cheng Qingli obediently bowed to Cheng Tianyuan, feeling a bit guilty. Could it be that her father knew about her taking Li Zhiwei to the Qingfeng Brothel?
After all, as an unmarried young lady, she logically shouldn't even know about the Qingfeng Brothel.
Thinking of how strict her father always was, she usually went out disguised as a man, trying her best not to smear her father's reputation.
Today, her father had called her over. Could someone have been gossiping in front of him?
But shouldn't her father handle this kind of thing behind closed doors in private?
Why was there an outsider here?
"Qingli is here. Have a seat." Cheng Tianyuan first let Cheng Qingli sit to the side.
Cheng Qingli was somewhat confused. Wasn't her father going to scold her?
Prince Lanhuai looked at Cheng Qingli sitting there and couldn't help but sigh in admiration. The daughters of the Cheng family were truly exceptionally beautiful. However, he didn't dare entertain any improper thoughts.
After all, if he wanted to marry a daughter of the Cheng family, the Empress would be the first to object.
Moreover, today he was here for his daughter's marriage.
Cheng Qingli sat to the side, looking at the man in front of her with some confusion. He looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn't immediately recall his identity.
"Qingli, greet Prince Lanhuai," Cheng Tianyuan said shortly after.
"Greetings, Prince Lanhuai." Cheng Qingli didn't know what her father was planning, but she still stood up and obediently bowed.
"The Second Miss of the Cheng family is truly a rare beauty. Grand Preceptor Cheng, you are truly blessed," Prince Lanhuai praised upon seeing Cheng Qingli.
Cheng Qingli just looked curiously at Cheng Tianyuan, not understanding why her father had called her over. Was there something important?
"Qingli, Prince Lanhuai wants to act as a matchmaker for Princess Fuan and your 'fifth brother'. What do you think of this matter?" Cheng Tianyuan looked at Cheng Qingli and asked sarcastically.
Cheng Qingli, who had originally looked calm, widened her eyes in disbelief upon hearing this and looked at Prince Lanhuai.
Did she hear that right? Prince Lanhuai wanted that domineering Princess Fuan to marry her?
Setting aside the fact that she was a woman, even if she were a man, she wouldn't want to marry Princess Fuan, alright?
"Father, do you really need to ask your daughter about this?" Cheng Qingli deliberately emphasized the word 'daughter'.
She felt in her heart that her father could have just refused directly.
Making her answer this?
How could she possibly answer?
"Haha, it must be because the Second Miss and the Fourth Young Master have a deep bond. I suppose Grand Preceptor Cheng feels that Miss Cheng knows the Fourth Young Master's thoughts," Prince Lanhuai said with a smile, voicing his self-righteous assumption.
Inwardly, he was a bit displeased, wondering if Grand Preceptor Cheng was crazy. Otherwise, why would he need to consult the Second Miss about his own son's marriage?
If Cheng Tianyuan had gone to ask the Empress, he would have thought it was fine.
But why on earth did Cheng Tianyuan have to ask this incapable Second Miss Cheng?
Cheng Tianyuan didn't say anything. He just glanced at Cheng Qingli without explaining why he wanted her to answer.
The silent exchange of looks between father and daughter left Prince Lanhuai completely bewildered.
Cheng Qingli was exasperated, but she couldn't exactly declare that she was a woman in front of an outsider!