Chapter 610: Chapter 609: Promise Me
"Then I can trust you!" Liu Ling said sweetly with a smile, "But you have to promise me that you won’t bully other women in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Qing couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, thinking to himself, "This little witch is really stubborn and wilful!"
"I will definitely do as promised!" Liu Qing nodded firmly.
"Hmm, that’s more like it!" Liu Ling nodded and then added, "Since that’s the case, you have to marry me as your wife in the future."
"Cough cough..." Liu Qing almost choked on Liu Ling’s remark.
At that moment, there was a knocking sound from outside the door.
Liu Zheng entered, carrying breakfast and said respectfully, "Miss, it’s time to eat!"
Liu Qing looked at the lavish breakfast in Liu Zheng’s hands and was momentarily stunned.
Liu Zheng brought in a bowl of bird’s nest porridge, a small dish of side dishes, and a plate of pastries.
"What is this?" Liu Qing asked.
"Miss, this is the Liu Family’s exclusive tonic bird’s nest porridge, along with pastries. These items have cost the Liu residence several thousand silvers, so please don’t dismiss them," Liu Zheng explained.
"Fine, I’ll just eat a little," Liu Qing said.
"Miss, please enjoy your meal. I will go and prepare the washing up items," Liu Zheng said, bowing before leaving.
Only after Liu Zheng had left did Liu Qing ask, "Ling’er, what is this bird’s nest porridge?"
Liu Ling replied, "It’s a unique type of bird’s nest porridge from the Liu Family, refined with gold, and it tastes exceptionally delicious. This porridge is also the treasure of the Liu Family."
"Made with gold?" Liu Qing frowned in thought, murmuring, "The Liu Family really does things on a grand scale. Ordinary families can’t afford to use gold, and even if they could, they wouldn’t be willing to spend the money."
"Of course!" said Liu Ling, "The Liu Family is the wealthiest in Jiangnan; their fortune is immense, and even in the Capital City, they are highly ranked!"
After Liu Zheng left, it was the turn of Liu Zheng’s personal guard. Liu Qing had been staying at the Liu residence for a few days, after which they had arranged for Liu Zheng to stay in a courtyard in the side wing of the estate. Though smaller and relatively plain, the courtyard where Liu Zheng stayed was also quite comfortable.
Upon entering the room, Liu Zheng saw Liu Ling leisurely sipping the bird’s nest porridge and couldn’t help but say with concern, "Ling’er, you must not have rested well last night. Lie down and rest for a while."
Though Liu Zheng was Liu Zheng’s personal guard, he was not Liu Zheng’s biological brother. Liu Zheng had looked after him since childhood, cared for him deeply, which was why he affectionately called him Ling’er.
"No need, I’m not sleepy!" Liu Ling shook her head, declining.
Liu Zheng sighed, sat on the edge of the bed, and said, "Ling’er, you have suffered a lot for my sake. After Qing’er’s matter is settled, let’s go home. Your parents must be looking forward to seeing you, and they miss you very much!"
Upon hearing the words ’your parents,’ Liu Ling’s expression changed slightly, and then she regained her composure.
"Uncle Liu is right!" Liu Ling said, looking down.
Seeing this, Liu Qing felt a sharp pang in his heart.
He knew that Liu Ling had never forgotten her parents.
At that moment, Liu Zheng suddenly stood up and said, "Ling’er, I’ve prepared breakfast for you. You should sleep after eating."
"Okay, good!" Liu Ling nodded.
After breakfast, Liu Zheng helped Liu Qing wash and dress in clean, tidy clothes and then accompanied Liu Zheng to the Liu Family’s council hall.
At that moment, in the council hall, in addition to Liu Qing, there was Liu Ling’s father, Liu Zhong.
"Ling’er, you have been wronged these past few days!" Liu Zhong looked at Liu Ling, his expression somewhat apologetic.
Liu Ling waved her hand and said, "Father, I know you are doing this for my good, I understand it all!"
"Hmm!" Liu Zhong nodded, then turned to Liu Zheng and asked, "How do you plan to deal with this matter?"
After a moment of contemplation, Liu Zheng said, "Father, I think Qing’er is right! Princess Chen Yuqi from the Chen Family is just too spoiled and arrogant. If we let her marry into the Liu Family, it would be a disaster for us!"
Having said this, Liu Zheng paused and then continued, "Therefore, I suggest that we inform His Majesty the Emperor about this matter!"
"Hmm, that’s a good idea!" Liu Zhong’s eyes brightened, and he quickly nodded, saying, "However, this matter must be kept secret and not be known by other noble families or officials! Otherwise, it would surely bring trouble!"
"Rest assured, Father, I will be careful with this matter," Liu Zheng nodded in response.
Liu Zhong nodded in satisfaction and said, "I am at ease with your handling of affairs. If this gets out, it would greatly damage the reputation of our Liu residence. You must be cautious and not act rashly."
Liu Zheng replied, "Yes, I understand, Father."
...
Three days of cultivation had swiftly passed by.
In these three days, Liu Zheng had remained by Liu Ling’s side, not taking a single step away.
Today was their last day before setting off for the Liu Family.
Early this morning, a luxurious carriage was parked within the city.
Liu Zheng and Liu Ling sat in the carriage, speeding towards the Liu Family.
At this moment, inside the carriage, Liu Zheng was fidgety, appearing extremely nervous.
As a direct descendant of the Liu Family, and the sole heir to the main lineage, his status within the family was exceedingly noble. This marriage proposal to the Liu Family was, thus, one of the most important events of Liu Zheng’s life. Moreover, it was also a matter that concerned the honor of the Liu Family. Naturally, Liu Zheng couldn’t remain calm.
"Ling’er, I’m feeling quite nervous!" Liu Zheng said.
Upon hearing this, Liu Ling smiled slightly and said, "Relax, with me here, no one will dare to bully you!"
"But I’m worried that those bastards from the Liu Family will take this opportunity to deal with me," Liu Zheng said with a worried frown.
Liu Ling laughed and said, "Those people from the Liu Family wouldn’t dare to touch you. After all, you are their only lineage and hope. Thus, no matter what mistakes you make, they would not dare to do anything to you!"
Liu Zheng nodded and said, "Ling’er, this time, I represent the Liu Manor in this marriage. If the Liu Manor is destroyed, then so am I. You must ensure your safety and preserve the glory of your Liu Family!"
"Mhm!" Liu Ling nodded solemnly and said, "I understand!"
With that, the carriage slowly entered the city gate.
Liu Zheng lifted the curtain and peeked out.
At this time, the streets were bustling with an endless stream of people. Liu Zheng was also filled with restlessness in his heart. As a direct descendant of the Liu Family, he naturally placed great importance on his marriage. Therefore, on this trip to the Liu Manor, he was filled with anxiety, nervousness, anticipation, and excitement...
Liu Ling was also nervous, but because she was a girl, it wasn’t so apparent.
Soon, the carriage arrived outside the Liu Manor. A crowd of guards scattered to make way, halting the carriage.
"We have arrived!" Liu Zheng took a deep breath and stepped down, saying, "I, Liu Zheng, am finally set to step onto the altar of marriage. It’s truly thrilling!"
"Young Master, please disembark!" Two maidservants approached and bowed.
Liu Zheng stepped down from the carriage, then, holding Liu Ling’s hand, they both exited.
A group of guards immediately dispersed, forming a protective circle around the two of them.
Liu Ling glanced up, seeing before her an ancient residence, its walls adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings.
To the left and right of the main gate, there were two stone lions.
On the back of the stone lions, there were several big characters, ’Liu Manor.’
In front of the Liu Manor gate was a pathway about two meters wide, carpeted with red fabric. Along the pathway stood maids, handmaids, and servants, all watching the two with bright eyes, filled with admiration.
Under the scrutiny of these gazes, they both felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Just then, a middle-aged man dressed in a black silk robe hurried over and said, "Zheng’er, you have finally returned."
"Father!" Liu Zheng looked at Liu Zhong, respectfully saying, "Your son has been unfilial, worrying you."
Liu Zhong patted Liu Zheng’s shoulder and laughed, "Silly child, this has nothing to do with you!"
"Father!"
At this moment, two more maidservants quickly approached, one of them saying, "Master, the second lady is waiting for you. She asks that you come inside!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Zheng’s face showed an awkward expression.
"Ah, Father, then your son will go in first!" Liu Zheng quickly said.
"Good! You go on in, and don’t keep your mother waiting," Liu Zhong nodded and instructed.
Afterward, Liu Zheng, holding Liu Ling’s hand, slowly walked towards the interior of the mansion.
The Liu Manor was vast, with countless courtyards, gardens with ponds, artificial mountains, pavilions, and towers... all were exquisitely splendid.
Liu Zheng, leading Liu Ling, entered one of the courtyards.
