Dandy Escapes From Marriage - Chapter 55

Shen Ke whispered a few words in Shen Yanqing’s ear, causing Shen Yanqing’s expression to change slightly. He quickly stood up and led his wife out to greet them.

 

Master Liu was curious, but before he could ask, Liu Shu said, “It seems General Yan and Mr. Zhao have arrived.”

 

If someone just mentioned “Mr. Zhao,” Master Liu might have asked which Mr. Zhao it was. But once “General Yan” was mentioned along with it, he immediately knew exactly which Mr. Zhao they were referring to. He hurriedly went out, “Are you kidding me? General Yan and Mr. Zhao coming to our mansion? Are they here to help deliver your token?!”

 

As they walked out of the gate, they saw a friendly-looking man standing in front of a carriage approaching them. He asked, “Who is Madam Liu?”

 

“I am.” Lu Yueju stepped forward.

 

The man handed the amber pendant to her and conveyed, “Your son is in trouble. Quickly take this silver to save him.”

 

Lu Yueju: “??”

 

Others were also puzzled, all looking at Liu Shu. Liu Shu asked curiously, “Who are you? Where’s General Yan? Where’s Mr. Zhao?”

 

At this moment, the curtain of the carriage was lifted, revealing the distinct profile of Yan Mingting. He turned his head and smiled, “Oh, you two are already back?”

 

“Big brother, long time no see!” Liu Shu walked up to the carriage without any hesitation, asking with a smile, “Why did you just arrive?”

 

“We played around on the road for a while.”

 

“Rare to meet again. Can you teach me martial arts this time?” Liu Shu eagerly rubbed his hands.

 

Master Liu was shocked and quickly bowed, “This, this humble one greets General Yan.”

 

“No need for formalities, we’re just here to help deliver something,” Yan Mingting smiled.

 

Liu Shu asked again, “And Mr. Zhao?”

 

Yan Mingting moved aside a bit, and only then did Liu Shu see Zhao Yelan leaning on his shoulder, asleep. He sighed regretfully, “What a pity, I was thinking of inviting you two to Jinling to have a look around. Jinling has so much good food and fun. We’re about to have a meal. Would you like to join us and taste the delicacies of Jinling?”

 

At that moment, the sleeping person suddenly opened his eyes, “Since Young Master Liu sincerely invited us, let’s try it.”

 

Yan Mingting: “”

 

Master Liu never expected that his place could accommodate three big figures at the same time. He smiled like a Buddha and quickly welcomed them inside, then gathered the servants to prepare for lunch.

 

After sitting down, the other sons got the news and hurried over, bowing nervously while secretly observing the two dignitaries. Sitting on the side, they dared not make a sound and behaved very respectfully.

 

“Mr. Zhao, General Yan, how have you been recently?” Shen Yanqing asked.

 

“Pretty good. Is everything going smoothly in the court?” Zhao Yelan asked.

 

Shen Yanqing nodded with a smile, “The Emperor has been mentioning you recently, wanting you to return sooner.”

 

“No rush, let him be anxious,” Zhao Yelan said, then looked at Shen Ke and smiled lightly, “Your whole family has come to the Liu family, isn’t it because you already know that Fifth Brother is engaged to you?”

 

“Exactly.” Shen Ke looked at him with some surprise, “Did Mr. Zhao already know?”

 

Zhao Yelan nodded, not hiding his amusement, “Yes, I was quite curious about how things would develop between you.”

 

Shen Ke: “”

 

“So, are your two families here to discuss canceling the divorce or the engagement?” Zhao Yelan asked.

 

“Of course it’s for the engagement.” Shen Ke smiled lightly, “Since we are so destined with Mr. Zhao, would Mr. Zhao be willing to be our matchmaker?”

 

Everyone was stunned. Shen Yanqing secretly signaled him not to speak recklessly. The other people had different expressions, but Liu Shu, carefree as ever, echoed, “Yes, it’s fate that brought us together. Mr. Zhao and General Yan are so affectionate, let us also share in this good fortune.”

 

The four brothers glanced at each other, each with a look of watching a good show. They never expected that a son born of a concubine could dare to ask the Regent Prince to be their matchmaker.

 

Zhao Yelan pulled the corner of his mouth, “I don’t do things that are not beneficial to myself. If I act as your matchmaker, what will I gain?”

 

“You will gain our love and respect.” Liu Shu said sincerely.

 

Zhao Yelan: “”

 

Yan Mingting: “Sounds quite good.”

 

Zhao Yelan glanced at him before turning to Shen Ke for a normal conversation, “Your Shen family is hosting a wedding. Why worry about finding a matchmaker?”

 

“But no one is more suitable than Mr. Zhao for this.” Shen Ke said frankly.

 

Zhao Yelan chuckled ambiguously, “Because I once had a same-sex marriage?”

 

“Because you deserve happiness.” Shen Ke said sincerely.

 

Zhao Yelan paused, then suddenly turned his head, scanning the surroundings, especially the young people from the Liu family who looked disdainful. After a moment, he looked at Liu Shu. Liu Shu’s eyes were sincere and expectant, seemingly unaware that Shen Ke had hidden more important reasons. But perhaps it was this kind of gaze that gave Shen Ke the courage to make such a request in front of everyone.

 

“I have a condition.” Zhao Yelan said.

 

“Please go ahead.”

 

“On the wedding night, and when you achieve fame. After starting a family, you must not forget to establish a career. In the imperial examination three years from now, I want you to achieve top honors in all three categories. Do you dare to promise?”

 

The hall suddenly fell silent, even Shen Yanqing showed a difficult expression.

 

Liu Shu whispered to Yan Mingting, “Big brother, is achieving top honors in all three categories very difficult?”

 

“Extremely difficult. These three honors refer to being the top scholar in the local exam, provincial exam, and the palace exam,” Yan Mingting muttered to him, “In our dynasty over the past three hundred years, only one person has achieved top honors in all three categories, and that was Shen Ke’s father, Shen Yanqing, who only achieved two. It’s already rare talent. The topics and examiners in the local exam, provincial exam, and the palace exam are all different. It not only requires real talent and learning but also luck. It tests both physical and psychological aspects. Every factor must be at its best to have a chance to achieve top honors in all three.”

 

This was a bit daunting. Although he believed Ke was very clever, it should still be very difficult to do this. He turned his head and quietly said to Shen Ke, “Let’s not let him be the matchmaker, and find another one.”

 

Shen Ke held his hand under the table, turned his palm up, and clasped his fingers together. The warmth passed between them seemed to give him infinite strength.

 

“I promise.” Shen Ke replied firmly.

 

Zhao Yelan raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at him with interest. There was a hint of admiration in his eyes as he reminded him, “I don’t just need a verbal promise. If you can’t do it, I will publicly announce to everyone that your marriage with him has nothing to do with me.”

 

“Alright, it’s a deal.” Shen Ke said.

 

After the food was served, the others sat stiffly, still immersed in the shock just now. Shen Yanqing and his wife were surprised that Shen Ke dared to agree to such conditions. The brothers of the Liu family found it unbelievable that Mr. Zhao had agreed to his request, followed by a moment of fear —

 

Now that Fifth Brother has the backing of the Shen family and the Regent Prince and General, who would dare to bully him in the future?!

 

After the meal was prepared, the servants filed out, and the table was filled with delicious food. Master Liu enthusiastically introduced them to these delicacies. The distinguished guests from the capital ate with relish.

 

“Ke, try this fish. It’s tender and without any fishy taste. It’s marinated using a special secret recipe that you can’t find elsewhere.” Liu Shu picked up a piece of fish for Shen Ke.

 

Upon hearing this, Yan Mingting also picked up a piece and offered it to Zhao Yelan, “Try it.”

 

“A’Ke, taste this salted duck. I guarantee you’ll want more after you taste it.” Liu Shu scooped some duck meat into his bowl.

 

Seeing this, Yan Mingting also picked up a duck leg and said, “Try it.”

 

Liu Shu glanced at him and continued to serve, “Ke, here, try this.”

 

Yan Mingting also picked up a piece and put it in Zhao Yelan’s bowl. Zhao Yelan picked up the piece of fatty intestines and threw it into his bowl, “I don’t eat that.”

 

“Then I will.” Yan Mingting quickly ate it.

 

After the meal, in order to fulfill the duties of the host, Liu Shu took them to visit the sights of Jinling. This group of people were all striking in appearance and temperament. Some recognized Liu Shu but didn’t know the others, so they enthusiastically inquired about them.

 

Liu Shu simply said they were friends to avoid unnecessary trouble.

 

When they passed by a large gambling house, Zhao Yelan suddenly stopped in his tracks.

 

Yan Mingting: “”

 

“I wonder if the games here are the same as in the capital,” Zhao Yelan said calmly.

 

This gambling house was the largest establishment in the city, with an interior that was impressively decorated. Liu Shu asked, “Shall we go in and take a look?”

 

“Let’s go.”

 

Shen Yanqing wasn’t interested in this and found an excuse to take his wife back home first.

 

Once inside the gambling house, Zhao Yelan looked around and then sat down at one of the tables. After playing for a while and collecting the winnings in front of him with waning interest, he said to Yan Mingting, “Something’s not right. It seems like the house deliberately let me win.”

 

Saying this, he turned to look at Liu Shu. Liu Shu asked, “Are you done playing?”

 

Zhao Yelan noticed the dealer nodding and bowing to Liu Shu and asked, “Is he from your household?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“No wonder you don’t play here. Let’s change to another place.”

 

“Let’s go! I’ll take you to another place where we’ll lose!” Liu Shu immediately responded.

 

“Okay.”

 

Shen Ke and Yan Mingting looked at these two who seemed intent on losing, exchanged a glance, and followed helplessly.

 

After losing all their spare cash at another gambling house, Liu Shu and Zhao Yelan finally came out feeling unsatisfied. They realized it was already nearing dusk. Liu Shu took them to a painted boat to sail on the lake. From a nearby boat, beautiful singing could be heard, gradually fading away as it moved farther from them.

 

They didn’t stop the boat or invite the singers over to sing. It was just such casual eavesdropping that left a lingering aftertaste.

 

“Here, let’s drink.” Liu Shu poured wine for them, but only Yan Mingting enjoyed drinking. So the two of them started to drink together, while the other two went to the bow of the boat to enjoy the evening breeze.

 

As night fell, Liu Shu originally wanted to invite them to stay overnight at the Liu family’s residence, but they declined, saying they would stay at an inn. So he and Shen Ke accompanied them to the inn.

 

On the way, when they saw someone making sugar figures, Yan Mingting walked up to the stall. He noticed Shen Ke following him and asked, “What are you following me for?”

 

“I’m not following the General. I want to buy this.” Shen Ke replied.

 

The two stood at the stall waiting. Seeing that Zhao Yelan didn’t come over, Liu Shu stood beside him and, looking at Shen Ke’s back, asked quietly, “Mr. Zhao, may I ask, do people in the capital have any obsession with matchmakers?”

 

Zhao Yelan chuckled softly, glanced at him sideways, and assessed him with a few glances, “Do you really have no idea?”

 

“Are you insulting me, or complimenting me?” Liu Shu shrugged and asked again, “Why did you ask him to achieve top honors in all three exams? If you didn’t want to agree, why didn’t you just refuse him directly?”

 

“Just to see how determined he is,” Zhao Yelan said. “Why do you think he asked me to be his matchmaker?”

 

“Why?”

 

“For you.”

 

Liu Shu was slightly taken aback.

 

“You live in Jinling, carefree and unrestrained, unfamiliar with the class distinctions of the capital. There are many noble families there, often intermarrying to consolidate their family influence. I don’t know why the Shen family chose to betroth to your family, but if you truly follow him to the capital, you will undoubtedly face criticism. A scion of a prestigious family with limitless prospects marrying a merchant’s illegitimate son— the public opinion you’d face is beyond your imagination,” Zhao Yelan explained slowly.

 

In truth, even in Jinling, Liu Shu had faced his share of disparagement. He remembered when he first attended school, children of power and privilege had called him derogatory names, but he had grown accustomed to it and no longer cared.

 

“I don’t care,” Liu Shu said.

 

“But Shen Ke cares. That’s why he asked me to be the matchmaker, to legitimize your marriage,” Zhao Yelan paused, continuing, “He has the backing of the Shen family. Even if there’s criticism, others won’t dare say much against him. But you, without power or influence, not even from the capital— it would be as easy as crushing ants to bully you. He’s asking me to stand up for you. By having me as the matchmaker, even if others want to criticize, they’ll have to think twice.”

 

These twists and turns were unexpected to Liu Shu. Upon reflection, he realized the depth of Shen Ke’s intentions towards him.

 

“He also promised me to achieve top honors in all three exams, not just for the matchmaker’s sake. After all, we’ve only just met by chance. I’m not your father; I can’t guarantee your lifetime security. If he wants you worry-free for a lifetime, he must have enough strength to shelter you from storms,” Zhao Yelan glanced up at the approaching person, smiled briefly, and quickly added, “You can also look forward to see what steps he can take for you.”

 

“What are you talking about?” Yan Mingting walked over with two sugar figures, handing one to him.

 

Zhao Yelan had just taken it when Liu Shu strode towards the stall in front of them. Taking a bite of the sugar figure, he replied, “Nothing. Aren’t you paying?”

 

“Shen Ke said he’d come.” Yan Mingting stood shoulder to shoulder with him, taking a big bite.

 

“Yeah.” Zhao Yelan ate calmly, “This is what we deserve.”

 

Shen Ke was reaching for money when someone hugged him from behind. He turned around and said gently, “What’s wrong?”

 

Liu Shu rubbed against his back and then turned to face him, unable to resist kissing his lips, “How can I make you understand that I truly, really love you?”

 

“I already know, I’ve known for a long time.” Shen Ke smiled, touched his cheek, and whispered in his ear, “The shopkeeper is about to be shocked silly.”

 

Liu Shu couldn’t care less about the shopkeeper’s reaction, smiling as he embraced his neck, saying, “Let’s not go home tonight.”

 

“Where to?”

 

“The inn.” Liu Shu hinted.

 

Shen Ke lowered his eyes, staring at his now reddening neck, and smiled faintly, “Aren’t you afraid your parents will find out you didn’t come home tonight?”

 

“They’re used to it.”

 

“And my parents?”

 

“To make a good impression, Liu Shu decided to endure it, frowning and saying,” Then let’s go home. “

 

“Okay, remember to leave me a door.” Shen Ke casually reminded.

 

Liu Shu: “!!!”

 

Hehehehe