Fortunately, Mo Qingze was gentle by nature, and even if he had some complaints about Xiao Ruiyuan’s choosing this particular day to visit, he would not show it. Xiao Ruiyuan, eager to curry favor with his future father-in-law, would not dare to offend. Thus, the atmosphere was harmonious as the two of them played chess and chatted in the study.
Mo Qingze still did not allow Xiao Ruiyuan to be alone with Mo Yan, which was fortunate, as he was unaware of the fact that not only had they spent time alone in a carriage on New Year’s Eve, but they had also slept together under a blanket for a while. Otherwise, regardless of how good-natured Mo Qingze was, he would likely have been furious to the point of chasing Xiao Ruiyuan out with a broom.
Xiao Ruiyuan was already very satisfied in his heart and felt that he was one step closer to marrying. Therefore, during their conversation, he hinted at his wish to be betrothed to Mo Yan first and to come for the wedding three years later.
Mo Qingze pretended not to understand and deftly avoided the topic in a few words, firmly not relenting.
At this, Xiao Ruiyuan was quite helpless, with a hint of anxiety barely concealed in his expression.
After returning to the city on New Year’s Eve, Xiao Ruiyuan specifically rushed to the Prince’s Mansion, only to be told by Chu Heng before he could speak that he should betroth himself to Mo Yan as soon as possible, better yet, marry her directly.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ruiyuan sensed something was amiss, but despite his inquiries, Chu Heng refused to reveal the truth. All he could guess was that Emperor Huian was against his marriage to Mo Yan, yet he could not fathom that Emperor Huian planned to betroth Mo Yan to his own cousin.
Even so, Xiao Ruiyuan could not afford to take it lightly. He was not powerful enough to defy an emperor, and even if he were, it would come at a great cost, something he was not willing to face. Since matters had not reached that extreme, the simplest strategy was to persuade Mo Qingze to settle the marriage first, then dispel Emperor Huian’s intentions.
During lunch, Xiao Ruiyuan intended to "repeat the old trick" and get Mo Qingze drunk to create an opportunity to be alone with Mo Yan and clarify everything with her.
However, when they sat down at the table, he ultimately did not do so. As a result, Mo Qingze got drunk on his own, just like the first time, and was helped back to his room by Mo Yan and Xiao Ruiyuan.
...
Under the still verdant vines, Mo Yan and Xiao Ruiyuan sat facing each other.
After hearing Xiao Ruiyuan’s words, Mo Yan was not at all surprised, "Bro Xiao, regarding the betrothal, I had planned to bring it up with my father. I only delayed it because I was worried about spoiling his New Year spirit. I intended to wait until after the holidays! Now that even Your Highness is saying this, it’s clear that it’s no simple matter. Once my father wakes up, I will persuade him."
Xiao Ruiyuan felt a relief wash over him. Seeing Mo Yan’s reaction, how could he not understand her feelings?
A pleased smile touched the corners of his mouth as he reached out to grasp the hand of the woman who sought to draw away, his deep and resonant voice, like a refreshing spring, entering the woman’s heart, "Yanyan, thank you!"
Upon hearing this, Mo Yan rather than blushing, spoke earnestly, "This is a matter for the both of us, we should both strive together. Saying ’thanks’ is too much."
Xiao Ruiyuan felt warmth in his heart, and rising to his feet, he held Mo Yan tightly in his embrace, not speaking for a long time.
Leaning against the man’s chest, Mo Yan listened to his steady and strong heartbeat, instinctively closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his waist.
The two held each other for a while before separating, conjecturing about Emperor Huian’s motives for separating them and strategies to counteract them. Yet, after much speculation, they didn’t consider the possibility of luck playing a role.
Xiao Ruiyuan had guessed that Emperor Huian was wary of him, but in that case, the emperor should have been happier if he married a powerless girl rather than be given a high-born noble lady.
Not understanding, they simply stopped guessing and began discussing countermeasures. There were few in history who defied an imperial decree, and even fewer who lived to tell the tale afterward.