"A bracelet?" Feng Jin's voice rose slightly. The bracelet was indeed curious.
"Yes, young madam, it's a bracelet. This servant thinks the bracelet is quite valuable, perhaps Lord Lu gifted it?" Chu Qing finally voiced her guess. She was increasingly certain the bracelet must have been from Lu Shi. If it were from someone else, Sister Cai Qing wouldn't be so secretive, she would have told her who it was from long ago. Moreover, she had personally seen Sister Cai Qing smiling foolishly while looking at the bracelet.
After Chu Qing's words, Feng Jin vaguely understood. It seemed these two were on the verge of a secret engagement.
"It seems their wedding is fast approaching." Feng Jin's lips curved into a faint smile. These two had been procrastinating for so long, and finally, there was some progress. It was good that Lu Shi had performed well this time and taken the initiative.
After a moment's pause, Feng Jin suddenly remembered something and exclaimed, "Could they be... could they be here to pressure me into agreeing to their marriage!"
Chu Qing was also slightly startled. It did seem like a possibility. "Young madam, I... I do think they have been interacting for quite some time, and it is indeed time they got together. Isn't there a saying that prolonged delay breeds trouble? The longer it drags on, the worse it will be."
"Listen to you, do you think Lu Shi has found someone else?"
"No... no, young madam, this servant did not mean that. Please don't tease this servant." Realizing her words had been misinterpreted, Chu Qing hurriedly explained. She had absolutely no such intention as the young madam implied. Her words were entirely well-intentioned and held no other meaning whatsoever.
"Alright, I know what you mean. I was just trying to tease you, I didn't expect you to be so easily frightened. That's my fault." It was just a whim to playfully tease Chu Qing, but she hadn't expected her to be so timid.
"They have been standing outside for quite some time. Chu Qing, go and call them in." Considering the time, it wouldn't do to have them standing outside. It would also be unseemly if people saw them. So, out of great kindness, she would let them come in.
"Yes, young madam. This servant will go call Lord Lu and Sister Cai Qing in right away." After receiving permission, Chu Qing hurried out the door and quickly called the two inside.
"Sister Cai Qing, Lord Lu, the young madam says you can come in." Cai Qing's lips were already pale from the cold, and her legs were about to go numb. Finally, with Chu Qing's support, she entered the room.
"Young madam, Lord Lu and Sister Cai Qing have arrived." After Chu Qing announced their arrival, the two stepped forward in order and bowed slightly to Feng Jin.
"You may rise." Feng Jin put down her teacup and looked at them, speaking calmly. "What is it that brought you two here? Speak." Cai Qing glanced at Lu Shi beside her. She didn't know why Lu Shi was here either.
All eyes turned to Lu Shi. After a moment's hesitation, he directly knelt before Feng Jin. This action stunned everyone.
"What are you doing!" Feng Jin was also taken aback. What was he up to? He suddenly knelt down, confusing her. What was this playacting?
"Young madam, your subordinate has a request. If you do not agree, your subordinate will remain kneeling and will not rise." Lu Shi's attitude was resolute. No matter what, he had to achieve his goal today.
Feng Jin was getting a headache from him. She rubbed her temples helplessly. "Just say what you need to say. Don't beat around the bush." When had Lu Shi become so hesitant? As a man, why couldn't he just speak directly instead of putting on such a performance?
With matters reaching this point, he had no room to retreat. He might as well go all out. With no more reservations, Lu Shi's tone involuntarily intensified. "Young madam, I wish to marry Cai Qing. Please agree to our marriage!"
This statement exploded like a timed bomb among the few of them. The most surprised and bewildered was Cai Qing. Cai Qing stared blankly at Lu Shi, completely taken aback by his actions today. How could he say such a thing? Wasn't he putting her... putting her in the spotlight? How would she be able to face the young madam in the future?
"Don't talk nonsense, let's go quickly." Cai Qing hurriedly tugged at Lu Shi's sleeve, trying to pull the kneeling man up and drag him out. However, with all her strength, she couldn't move Lu Shi even an inch.
"Young madam, my mind is made up. In this life, I will not marry anyone else besides Cai Qing. Please grant our marriage, young madam." Lu Shi continued, his voice filled with unwavering determination, as if he would not give up until his objective was met.
"Is that all?" Feng Jin asked calmly. She wasn't particularly shocked. These matters were well within her expectations. As a modern person with an open mind, such public proposals were commonplace, and there was nothing shocking or strange about them. She just hadn't expected Lu Shi to be so proactive this time, stimulated by something, and knowing to do such things. He was truly a promising student, showing considerable progress.
"Is that all..." Lu Shi replied, somewhat dazed. Even being able to say this much was his greatest effort. He truly didn't have the courage to say anything more.
"Young madam, please don't take him seriously. He... he's got a screw loose. He's talking nonsense." Cai Qing was terrified and quickly denied it. This Lu Shi was truly something, saying such embarrassing things in front of the young madam. If this got out in the manor, how would she be able to face anyone in the future?
"Young madam, what I said is true. Young madam, Cai Qing is no longer young. Please, for the sake of Cai Qing's diligent service to you, agree to her marriage!" Lu Shi had always felt that Cai Qing hadn't married him sooner because the young madam hadn't given her consent, and she had reservations, which was why she had been hesitant.
Feng Jin watched them argue and pull at each other like a spectator, her head starting to ache from the commotion. "Enough, both of you, stop arguing and be quiet."