Impératrice douairière Xiaoxuan

Chapitre 87

Upon hearing this, Zhan Zhao stopped and turned to look at her, half helpless and half amused: "On such a cold day, why did you think of drinking something so cold?"

"...I just happened to see someone selling them."

Zhan Zhao smiled and shook his head, unable to bear to say anything to her. He simply said, "Since you feel unwell after drinking it, don't drink it in cold weather next time."

She nodded obediently.

"Then hurry up and go patrol the streets."

She didn't move, her gaze fixed on him, her expression one of utter grievance.

"What's wrong?"

"Brother Zhan, no matter what that guy surnamed Ding says to you, don't agree, okay?" she said slowly.

He asked curiously, "What exactly is going on?"

"Don't ask anymore, you'll find out soon enough anyway." She looked at him expectantly. "No matter what he says, don't agree, okay?"

Zhan Zhao chuckled: "But I need to know what it is about. I can't just refuse someone without a reason."

Mo Yan hurriedly replied, "In short, I guarantee that I will not violate the code of chivalry, nor will I break the laws of the Great Song Dynasty."

"..."

“Brother Zhan, if you agree to his request, it will be too late if you regret it later.”

"..."

Zhan Zhao was completely at a loss as to what to do about her absurd request.

Seeing that he still wouldn't agree, Mo Yan became a little anxious: "Anyway, if you agree to him, I... I will never talk to you again."

Zhan Zhao was at a loss as to what could be so serious that she would say such a thing, so he could only nod with a wry smile and say, "As long as it does not violate the code of chivalry, I will not grant it lightly."

She immediately beamed with joy: "Really?"

He nodded: "Of course it's true."

“A gentleman’s word is his bond…” she held out her palm.

"...A journey of a thousand miles cannot be overtaken."

He also reached out his hand and gave her a high five as a pledge.

"Then I'm going to patrol the streets." She turned and left with light steps, leaving Zhan Zhao standing there, smiling bitterly for a long time before turning back to Zuixianlou.

Upon returning to Zuixianlou, Ding Zhaohui had already ordered wine and dishes and invited Zhan Zhao to sit down. The two were old friends and had not seen each other for a long time, so they chatted happily. It wasn't until after several rounds of wine and dishes that Ding Zhaohui subtly brought up the matter of Zhan Zhao's visit to Jasmine Village three years ago.

"At that time, my mother praised Brother Zhan highly, saying that you truly deserve the title of 'a gentleman of modesty and gentleness, as warm and refined as jade,'" Ding Zhaohui said with a smile.

"You flatter me, Madam. I am unworthy of such praise." Zhan Zhao asked with a smile, "How has Madam's health been these past few years?"

"It's alright, it's alright," Ding Zhaohui laughed. "She just likes to worry unnecessarily, thinking about her children all day long. You know, old people only feel happy when they see their sons, daughters-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandsons, and granddaughters all gathered around them in a happy family."

Zhan Zhao smiled and nodded in agreement.

Ding Zhaohui changed the subject: "I wonder if Brother Zhan still remembers my younger sister?"

Zhan Zhao was only slightly taken aback. He was so clever that he immediately understood his purpose and why Mo Yan was so desperate to prevent him from agreeing. Thinking of her appearance just now, he couldn't help but smile slightly.

Seeing his smile, Ding Zhaohui immediately misunderstood and laughed, "It seems Brother Zhan still remembers."

"No, no, no..." Zhan Zhao quickly said, "To be honest, I really don't remember your sister. I guess I was too busy sparring with Brother Ding at the time and didn't pay attention."

Ding Zhaohui was slightly disappointed, but immediately smiled and said, "Little sister, do you still remember Brother Zhan? You always praised your kung fu skills. You practiced martial arts diligently at home, which made even us older brothers feel ashamed."

"Your younger sister is diligent; she will surely achieve great things in the future."

"Hey! I always tell her, what's the point of a girl being so skilled in martial arts? Finding a good husband is what really matters," Ding Zhaohui laughed. "Brother Zhan, don't you agree?"

Fearing that Ding Zhaohui would clearly reveal her intentions and that refusing at that time would only make everyone feel awkward, Zhan Zhao quickly said, "With your sister's skills, the old lady will surely choose an outstanding husband for her in the future before she can rest assured. There are many talented young men in the capital. If Brother Ning has someone he likes, and if Zhan Zhao knows anyone, he can also act as a matchmaker."

Hearing that he seemed to be trying to distance himself, Ding Zhaohui asked with suspicion, "Brother Zhan, I'm not good with words. Please don't blame me if I say something wrong. You... you're not young anymore. Don't you have any thoughts of settling down?"

Zhan Zhao shook his head: "I know my own limitations. As a public servant, I can't even control my own life and death, so how can I protect the people around me?"

"What are you saying! Who wouldn't want to have both a son and a daughter? Are you going to stay a bachelor your whole life?" Ding Zhaohui asked curiously.

Zhan Zhao smiled faintly and did not answer.

Ding Zhaohui remained silent for a while, then suddenly said, "That little girl just now, she..."

Zhan Zhao thought he was referring to what had just happened, and laughed, "She can be a bit reckless at times, but she doesn't mean any harm. If she has offended Brother Ding, I apologize to you on her behalf."

What I meant to say is that you treat her a little differently.

Zhan Zhao was taken aback, and after thinking for a long time, he slowly said, "She is indeed different. I would be more worried if she were not by my side."

Author's Note: I will give points to any reviewers who can, as long as time permits!

Chapter Twenty-One [VIP]

Upon hearing this, Ding Zhaohui was stunned for a long time, then suddenly clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "No wonder that girl tried to deceive me and do everything she could to make me go back, so that's how it is." He patted Zhan Zhao's shoulder hard several times.

Zhan Zhao also felt somewhat embarrassed.

"If you had been there, that girl's sharp tongue..." He shook his head and laughed, "She could have made the Seven Star Pagoda fall down two stories."