Chapter 427: Chapter 414: Shooting Oneself in the Foot

“Son, how about I stay by your side for a few more years, accompany you and respect you, is that okay?”

Chu Shengrui did not respond to Chu Yunzhao’s words immediately.

Chu Yunzhao, having failed to act cute and win over, straightforwardly said, “Father, how about this?”

“Since Jinnian and I were born in the same year, why not follow Jinnian’s lead? When he gets engaged, I will no longer delay. I will get married within the same year.”

“What do you think, Father?”

Because of the matter between King Qi and Princess Qi, Chu Jinnian has always been indifferent to marriage, even to the point of having a strong intent of never marrying. At his age, it seems that he hasn’t had any conversation with the daughters of honorable families.

The words that Chu Yunzhao said imply that he wants to use Chu Jinnian as a shield.

“Are you sure?” Chu Jinnian hooked his lips, glancing sideways at Chu Yunzhao.

There was a slight suggestion of mockery in his eyes.

Chu Yunzhao was taken aback.

Really…

All the changes in their expressions fell into Chu Shengrui’s eyes. He smiled lightly, “Since you have said so, wouldn’t I, your father, be too inhuman if I don’t agree?”

“So as you said, when Jinnian is married, you must be married too.”

“Wait, Father…” Chu Yunzhao now somewhat regretted his earlier proposal.

Looking at Chu Jinnian’s expression earlier, it was clear that he already had a sweetheart. If he was to get married soon, wouldn’t he have much less time to solve the problem of the incompatibility of the eight-character horoscope between Luo Shishan and him?

“That settles it.” Seeing Chu Yunzhao seem to regret his earlier statement, Chu Shengrui decisively ordered, “Otherwise, it will be settled soon.”

Given the two choices, Chu Yunzhao did not hesitate and drooped his head in resignation, “Yes, I obey. I will get married no later than Jinnian.”

After saying that, he glanced at Chu Jinnian.

You are going to be the death of me.

Chu Jinnian responded impudently.

This was your own doing for inadvertently hindering yourself, how could you blame others?

Chu Yunzhao understood this truth fully well, so he could only rest his chin in his hand and heave a long sigh of despair in his heart.

Chu Jinnian, on the other hand, seemed quite indifferent and simply enjoyed the array of delicacies in front of him.

The imperial concubine Hui, upon seeing this scene, smiled knowingly to herself.

It has to be said, her own son, although intelligent, still falls short compared to this nephew.

However, it was better that he did not see through the trick, it made him seem genuine and less of a spectacle.

Imperial concubine Hui kept her thoughts to herself, simply laughing and reprimanding Chu Shengrui for indulging Chu Yunzhao.

New dishes were continuously being served. Chu Shengrui, upon seeing a dish composed of black and white elements that he had never seen before, asked curiously, “What is this?”

“Your Majesty, this is what your concubine mentioned earlier, the novel delicacy that Jinnian brought back. It is called century eggs, and it tastes extremely good when cold mixed with tofu. Would you like to try a piece?”

Imperial concubine Hui picked a piece of century egg for Chu Shengrui.

“Then I really must taste it.” Chu Shengrui put that strange chunk of food into his mouth, chewed it, and exclaimed, “It’s indeed good, looks unusual but tastes good.”

The taste was rich and lingered in the mouth.

Chu Shengrui took two more pieces himself to enjoy.

“I’m glad Your Majesty likes it.” Seeing that Chu Shengrui greatly enjoyed the dish, Concubine Hui smiled slightly.

With Chu Shengrui present, Chu Jinnian and the others were not as relaxed in their conversation as earlier, they just followed Chu Shengrui’s lead and talked about trivial matters in the palace and interesting things happening among the common people.

After they finished their lunch, Chu Shengrui, who had a habit of siesta, went back to the palace to rest. Concubine Hui, who was also tired, wanted to take a short nap as well, so Chu Jinnian and Chu Yunzhao excused themselves and left for Qingan Garden.

“Jinnian, we need to sort this out first. You’re not allowed to arrange this marriage within two years.” On the way, Chu Yunzhao worriedly discussed with Chu Jinnian.

“That’s hard to say.” Chu Jinnian stroked his chin and looked at Chu Yunzhao with amusement, “Unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless the Fourth Prince promises me one thing.” Chu Jinnian said with a smile.

“Just say it….”

At this point, Chu Yunzhao would certainly go along with whatever Chu Jinnian said.

“As long as it’s something I can do, I’ll definitely not be ambiguous.”

“I remember you have a shop in the west of the city, the shop’s location is good, and quite spacious, how about giving it to me?” Chu Jinnian unabashedly made a request.

Chu Yunzhao was suddenly taken aback, “Really? I thought you were going to say something else, is it just this?”

“How come I remember that the Prince of Qi has countless assets, logically there should be no shortage of a shop, why would you want one from me?”

“If the Fourth Prince is reluctant, then this matter…” Chu Jinnian gimped at Chu Yunzhao.

“I’m willing, I’m willing. How could I not be willing? It’s just a shop, I have two shops in the west side of the city, which one do you want?”

Chu Yunzhao immediately showed a fawning smile, “One is slightly bigger and is a cloth shop, the other is slightly smaller and is a jewellery store. I remember their business seems pretty good.”

“How about this, I’ll give you the Jewellery store, even though it and is a bit smaller, the business is better. Besides, the craftsmen hired there are not lacking in retired artisans from the palace, their craftsmanship is excellent, and their reputation in the capital city is quite outstanding. Let’s not talk about making a lot of money every day, but it is…”

“The cloth shop.” Chu Jinnian interrupted Chu Yunzhao.

Well, he was wrong again.

But since Chu Jinnian was doing this, he must have his own reasons. Since he didn’t intend to reveal the reason and purpose, Chu Yunzhao didn’t keep asking.

“Wait a moment. I will arrange for someone to send the deeds, account books, and other documentations of the shop to your mansion.” Said Chu Yunzhao.

“Thank you, Fourth Prince.”

Having obtained such a big shop, Chu Jinnian was not too stingy to express his thanks indirectly.

“But you have to promise that you won’t get married for at least two years.”

“Don’t worry.” Chu Jinnian nodded slightly.

Considering her age, even if in a hurry it would take at least two years.

Also, she likes doing business so much, so just prepare more shops and so on. Then, whatever she wants to do at that time, she can do.

Chu Jinnian’s mouth curled up in a smile, and he walked a little lighter.

Leaving Chu Yunzhao behind, chasing Chu Jinnian while feeling utterly depressed.

—-

The days were as busy as ever, and the northern wind blew day by day.

And the wind was getting colder by the day.

The amount of work in the fields was decreasing every day.

One day it was corn and another it was peanuts and sesame, then it was soybeans and sweet potatoes…

The heavy crops in the fields, bit by bit, were transported back by the hard-working farmers, sun-dried, threshed, and stored in the granary.

In these days, Enji Village was steeped in joy.