novelaction Chapter 1435 Marriage
Chapter 1435 Marriage
Mo Ziyu personally served it to Zhan Miao, stirred it with a silver spoon, blew on it to cool it down, and then held it to her lips: "Auntie, try it. It's freshly stewed and good for replenishing qi and blood. You must have been tired today, so eat more."
Zhan Miao originally wanted to do it himself, but his movements were natural and his eyes were full of anticipation, so he couldn't bear to refuse and took a bite.
The sweet taste of red dates mixed with the soft and glutinous texture of longan slid down my throat and into my heart, spreading warmth layer by layer, dispelling most of the fatigue and chill from before.
She ate spoonful by spoonful, while Mo Ziyu sat quietly beside her, occasionally adding some honey water for her. He was relieved to see that she had eaten half a bowl.
He then took out the box of donkey-hide gelatin cake, unpacked it, and handed one piece to her: "This donkey-hide gelatin is top-notch. Auntie, eat one piece every day to nourish your body. You've gotten so thin lately."
Zhan Miao took the donkey-hide gelatin cake. It was warm to the touch, sweet but not cloying, and the warmth in her heart deepened.
After Zhu'er cleared away the dishes, only the two of them remained in Tinglan Courtyard. The crackling charcoal fire in the stove cast a warm glow throughout the room.
Seeing that the weariness in her eyes had faded a bit, Mo Ziyu took her hand and patted it gently: "Auntie, please rest well today. I still have homework to finish, so I'll go back and do it first. I'll come see you again tomorrow!"
As he spoke, he remembered something and added, "Also, I have instructed the guards in the manor to stand guard outside Tinglan Courtyard every day from now on. If Aunt wants to go out, they will accompany her. I will make sure that Aunt will not be put in danger again."
Zhan Miao looked at his serious expression. The little guy still had a childish look in his eyes, but he already had the sense of responsibility to stand on his own.
She was filled with joy and reached out to pat his head: "Our Ziyu has grown up and can protect his aunt now."
Mo Ziyu blushed slightly, feeling a little embarrassed, but still stubbornly said, "I should protect Auntie. Auntie loves me, so from now on, it's my turn to protect Auntie."
After saying that, he got up and pulled the thin blanket around Zhan Miao: "Auntie is tired, so lie down and rest for a while. If there is anything, Auntie, just tell someone to call me and I will come immediately."
Zhan Miao nodded, watching him tiptoe to the outer room, not forgetting to close the door to the inner room for her, his movements full of meticulous care.
She lay on the cushioned bed, feeling completely at peace.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside again; it was Zhan Yan and his wife who had heard the news and rushed over.
Lin Yiwan's anxious voice came from outside: "Where's Miao'er? Is she inside?"
When she lifted the curtain and came in, her gaze instantly fell on Zhan Miao on the bed. She quickly stepped forward, reached out and gently stroked her cheek, her fingertips carrying a slightly cool temperature.
Her voice trembled as she asked, "My Miao'er, did that scoundrel Liu Chengze hurt you? I just heard from the servants that you ran into him on the embankment. It scared your mother to death!"
Zhan Yan followed behind, still dressed in his everyday clothes, his usually composed face showing worry.
He stood by the bed and asked in a deep voice, "Is there anything wrong? The guard came to the manor just now and only said that you saw through Liu Chengze's trick, but he didn't explain the process in detail. If you were frightened, I'll have your mother take a look at you."
Zhan Miao tried to sit up, but Lin Yiwan quickly pressed her down, saying, "Lie down, don't move around, or you'll tire yourself out."
She tucked the blanket around Zhan Miao and carefully examined her. Seeing that her face was slightly pale but she had no injuries, she breathed a sigh of relief.
But her brows were still furrowed: "You child, how can you be so bold? Liu Chengze is already a wanted criminal. When cornered, he's capable of anything. You only brought Zhu'er with you. What if something happens to her?"
Zhan Miao leaned against the soft pillow and said softly, "Mother, don't worry, I'm fine. I was prepared and didn't let him get the slightest advantage. Besides, the guards arrived in time, so it was just a false alarm."
Zhan Yan nodded and said in a deep voice, "This time it was fortunate. From now on, when you go out, you must bring enough guards and never be so careless again. Although Liu Chengze has been captured, his accomplices may not let it go. The manor will send more people to guard Tinglan Courtyard. You can rest and recuperate in the manor these days."
Just then, the sound of a palace servant announcing came from outside the courtyard, accompanied by a gentle voice: "Miao'er, have you returned? Your aunt has come to see you."
Everyone turned their heads and saw the Grand Princess, dressed in a brocade dress, walking in with the help of a maid. Her eyes were filled with worry. She stepped forward and took Zhan Miao's hand: "I heard the news in the palace just now and rushed here immediately. I'm so glad you're alright, otherwise your aunt would be heartbroken."
The Grand Princess had always doted on Zhan Miao, treating her like her own daughter. Now that she saw that Zhan Miao was safe and sound, she finally felt relieved. However, looking at Zhan Miao's appearance, she couldn't help but sigh, "You child, you are too stubborn. You always bear everything on your own. If it weren't for your good luck today, what would have happened?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Yiwan nodded in deep agreement, took the Grand Princess's hand, and said with a tone full of worry: "Sister, you should also talk to her. She's so old now, and she still can't make us worry. Unfortunately, she doesn't have anyone who cares about her or can share her burdens. If there were someone by her side today, we wouldn't be so worried."
Upon hearing this, Zhan Yan raised an eyebrow but remained silent. The Grand Princess's eyes flickered, and her gaze towards Zhan Miao held a deeper meaning. She gently patted Lin Yiwan's hand and said, "Sister is absolutely right. Miao'er has long since reached marriageable age, and her appearance and talent are both outstanding. As the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Zhanyi's mansion, she should find a good man to accompany her and protect her for a lifetime, so that we elders won't have to worry about her every day."
Upon hearing this, Zhan Miao's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Mother, Aunt, I have no such intention at the moment. I only wish to stay in the manor and stay by Father and Mother's side."
Lin Yiwan gently tapped her forehead, her tone tinged with reproach yet full of tenderness: "Silly child, what young lady doesn't get married? You've been intelligent and resilient since you were little, and your mother is reluctant to let you get married, but eventually we need to find a reliable person who can protect you for the Zhan family in the future, so that you don't have to do everything yourself anymore, and you don't have to face those wicked people alone. Only then can your mother be at ease."
The Grand Princess chimed in, "Miao'er, your aunt has seen many noble families in the palace, and knows quite a few of them well. Now, I'll take this opportunity to carefully select one for you. I must find someone with good looks, a gentle and kind nature, and a sense of responsibility, who is worthy of the Marquis of Zhanyi's family and can truly treat you and protect you."
As she spoke, the Grand Princess began to count on her fingers, her tone full of seriousness: "Take the eldest son of the Minister of Personnel, Shen Yanci, for example. He is only twenty years old, and he has achieved the third-highest rank in the imperial examination. He is exceptionally talented, gentle in nature, and handsome. The key is that the Shen family has always had strict family rules and does not have the custom of having multiple wives and concubines. The Minister and his wife are also reasonable people, so you will definitely not suffer any grievances if you marry into their family."