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The next day, Su Fu went to court as usual. After breakfast, Su Li accompanied her mother to the courtyard for a leisurely stroll before returning indoors to chat and craft small trinkets together.
As the ti approached mid-morning, the household steward rushed in with urgent news.
"Madam, please co to the main hall quickly—soone has arrived to propose marriage!"
Su Mu was startled and glanced at her daughter.
Su Li inwardly mused, Jun Mo certainly didn't waste any ti.
She helped her mother rise from her seat.
"Mother, there's no need to rush. Let's take our ti."
Though reluctant to part with her daughter, this was the first ti soone had formally co to their door to propose. Now that her daughter's face had healed and her reputation improved, more suitors were bound to co knocking. Still, she couldn't help but feel curious—how had word spread so quickly without her hearing anything?
When they reached the main hall, they were greeted by the sight of an entire courtyard filled with crimson wooden chests. At the forefront stood a young nobleman dressed in fine robes, accompanied by an official matchmaker. Outside the gates, crowds of onlookers gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
Su Li froze.
Isn't that... Ji Huaiyan, the eldest son of the Ji family?
Why would he co to propose? Could he be acting on behalf of Jun Mo?
A flurry of questions raced through Su Li's mind.
Upon seeing Su Mu erge, Ji Huaiyan bowed deeply. "Eldest son of the Marquis of Wuyang, Ji Huaiyan, greets Madam Su and Miss Su."
Su Li returned the courtesy.
Su Mu, taking in the sea of crimson chests, asked cautiously, "Young Master Ji, what is the aning of all this?"
Ji Huaiyan spoke clearly and confidently. "Madam Su, I have long admired Miss Su, and thus today I have brought an official matchmaker to formally propose. I humbly ask for your blessing and approval."
Su Mu glanced at her daughter, who looked equally bewildered.
This Ji family heir is proposing to her? But when did they ever cross paths?
Seeing the confusion on their faces, Ji Huaiyan realized they likely hadn't yet heard about the Southland Prince's request.
"Madam Su, Miss Su, may we speak privately?"
Su Mu snapped out of her daze. Regardless of whether or not they intended to accept the proposal, it was only proper to invite him inside for tea.
"My apologies for my oversight, Young Master Ji. Please, co inside and be seated."
Once settled in the reception hall, servants brought in tea and refreshnts before discreetly retreating. Ji Huaiyan finally explained, "Madam Su, Miss Su, I understand my sudden proposal might seem presumptuous, but there is a reason behind it."
Su Mu nodded. "Young Master Ji, please speak freely."
He continued, "Yesterday, the Crown Prince of the Southland offered two cities as a dowry and requested the Emperor to grant him permission to marry Miss Su."
Su Mu gasped in shock. "What?! Such a thing actually happened?"
Ji Huaiyan nodded solemnly. "Madam Su, please remain calm. Her Majesty the Empress intervened, citing that Miss Su already has a prior engagent, thereby rejecting the request."
Relieved, Su Mu exclaid, "We owe such gratitude to Her Majesty!"
"The Empress and Crown Prince suggested that the engagent should be formalized promptly. That is why I have co today to propose, albeit sowhat abruptly. Rest assured, once the Southland envoys depart, your family can decline my proposal if you wish."
Su Mu's expression softened with gratitude. Just as she was about to respond, the steward burst in again.
"Madam, the young master has also arrived... to propose!"
Su Mu shot up from her seat.
"What... What is going on here?"
Su Li and Ji Huaiyan exchanged puzzled glances.
When they arrived at the main hall, they found it overflowing with betrothal gifts, spilling all the way to the entrance gates. Wei Yuanling, upon discovering soone had beaten him to it, appeared stunned.
Spotting Ji Huaiyan standing behind Su Mu, his eyes widened further.
"Ling'er, what is the aning of this?" Su Mu asked.
Wei Yuanling stamred, "I... I've co to propose."
Su Mu looked back and forth between Ji Huaiyan and Wei Yuanling.
Could they have coordinated this? Which family should they choose?
For now, she invited both n into the reception hall for tea and sent soone to inform Su Fu at the palace, urging him to return ho imdiately.
Outside the Su residence, a throng of curious onlookers had gathered.
"Miss Su is truly sought after now! Two proposals in one day—and from prestigious families like the Marquis of Wuyang and the Duke of Wei! What fortune for the young miss!"
"But wasn't Miss Su's face disfigured? Do these noblen not care?"
"The Su family has two daughters; perhaps the proposals are for the younger sister!"
"You're behind on the news. Word is that Miss Su Er fell gravely ill recently..."
"Is that true? How unfortunate! She used to be so radiant. It seems the elder sister is the one blessed with good fortune."
...
anwhile, Jun Mo rode atop his horse, a faint smile playing on his lips. Behind him trailed a procession of soldiers carrying crimson-bound chests.
"What's going on? Is today so auspicious occasion? So many marriage proposals?"
A street vendor muttered under his breath. In less than an hour, four separate bridal processions had passed by.
"Wait—isn't that Prince Jing? Looks like he's proposing too! I hadn't heard he was betrothed!"
"It is Prince Jing! Whose daughter could be so lucky?"
"Let's follow and see!"
...
At a crossroads, Jun Mo's entourage encountered another bridal procession. The scene was strikingly similar: rows of crimson-bound chests carried by robust soldiers, led by a distinguished man on horseback. Both riders—mounted on black and white steeds respectively—were visibly taken aback upon spotting each other.
"Seventh Brother?"
Jun Mo frowned slightly. "Sixth Imperial Brother, what brings you here?"
Jun Hui smiled. "I'm heading to the Minister of Revenue's residence to propose. And you, Seventh Brother?"
"Fate works in mysterious ways. I am here to propose to Miss Su, as we share mutual affection. May I ask which Minister's daughter has caught your eye, Imperial Brother?"
Jun Hui's gaze sharpened montarily before he chuckled. "The Minister of Revenue. It seems today will test our resolve."
Jun Hui had been confident in securing the proposal but hadn't anticipated interference. Thus, a peculiar sight unfolded in the capital: two princes leading their respective bridal processions toward the sa destination.
Onlookers trailing behind were astonished to discover that neither group deviated—they were heading to the sa household!
Already crowded with spectators, the Su residence erupted in disbelief as two more processions arrived. This was a once-in-a-century spectacle!
Young won in the vicinity twisted their handkerchiefs, tears welling in their eyes.
Are the n of the capital blind? Or do they all suffer from so strange aesthetic preference, favoring those with marred features?
Both Jun Hui and Jun Mo dismounted simultaneously, frowning slightly at the sight of betrothal gifts spilling beyond the gates.
Who dares compete with us?
The street outside the Su residence was clogged with gifts. Inside, Su Mu and the others sipped tea while awaiting Su Fu's return. Suddenly, the steward hurried in.
"Mad... Madam, two more suitors have arrived!"
Good heavens! Their young miss was truly in high demand—a hundred households vying for one girl! And these were the very n every maiden in the capital dread of marrying!
Su Mu leapt to her feet, startling Su Li.
"Mother, slow down!"
Su Mu hastened toward the entrance, leaving Ji Huaiyan and Wei Yuanling exchanging awkward glances.
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