Chapter 504: 504. I want to give it a try

Wen Ran saw that Yan Shiba was determined, so she could not persuade her otherwise and had to give up and leave her room. As soon as she went out, she saw Cheng Yun sitting in the courtyard, who stood up as soon as he saw her.

“How’s it going?” Cheng Yun asked.

Wen Ran shook her head helplessly, “She insists on marrying Sheng Yue, and won’t listen to any persuasion. But she doesn’t like Sheng Yue at all, Sheng Yue… ”

“That guy is crazy, I don’t know if he will like Yan Shiba or not, but I feel today’s event is too childish.” Cheng Yun frowned, “I suspect that he has ulterior motives.”

“This kind of thing…” Wen Ran sighed, “It’s out of our control too. They are both willing for now. It’s up to Su Liang and the prince if they’ll interfere. If they think there’s no need to interfere, then there really is no need.”

When the two walked out of the courtyard together, Cheng Yun said that he must have a talk with Sheng Yue to find out what his true intentions were. Although Cheng Yun didn’t recognize his elder brother, they were in fact siblings. Sheng Yue was more concerned about Cheng Yun, and Cheng Yun also considered it his duty to keep a close eye on him.

By the time of sunset, the whole family, young and old, knew about Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba’s intention to marry, and they clearly understood how this strange thing had happened.

Old Bai thought it was simply nonsense. Qiao Cong said that Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba were taking advantage of the fact that they had no elder to restrain them, and made a lifelong decision so casually.

Old Mu, on the other hand, held an optimistic attitude, “Let the young people decide for themselves, they have been living independently since they were young, and can bear the consequences, good or bad. I think you all are overthinking it.”

Cen Man sighed softly, “As long as they decide to get married, I hope they can treat it seriously.” After all, the younger generation around her had smooth and happy relationships, and this was the first time they had encountered something so peculiar, which left the elders at a loss.

Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu, two little ones who were already good at matchmaking, were also shocked by Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba’s weird tactics. They had tried to persuade Yan Shiba, but since she insisted, there was no need to say anything to Sheng Yue either. After all, they were on Yan Shiba’s side.

When dinner was served, Yan Shiba appeared, dressed up in a new dress with light makeup. She had never worn makeup before, but had recently learned from Wen Ran and Su Liang.

“Aunt Yan looks so beautiful today!” Ji Xiaoshu praised, smiling.

Yan Shiba touched the golden hairpin on her head, smiling brightly, “After all, there’s a happy event, so I’m in a good mood.” She looked around and asked, “Where’s Sheng Yue? Has he chickened out and run away?” Her eyes lit up as she spoke.

Everyone understood: Yan Shiba would rather have Sheng Yue be a “deserter” than marry him. That way, she could save both face and dignity.

However, the next moment, a faint male voice came from the doorway, “I’m late.”

Sheng Yue entered, wearing clothes that Zhu Zan had given him. He had always worn black, but this time he wore a blue brocade robe, which added an air of nobility.

Yan Shiba, who usually wore blue, also had a new blue dress. At a glance, it seemed as if the two were wearing matching outfits, and they looked quite fitting together in appearance.

When their eyes met, Sheng Yue looked calm, while Yan Shiba’s eyes narrowed slightly, filling the air with a strange and eerie “fighting spirit”.

Zhengzheng broke the brief awkward moment, calling out “Uncle Sheng” and urging Sheng Yue to sit down quickly.

The only empty seat was next to Zhengzheng. Just as Sheng Yue was about to sit down, Yan Shiba suddenly got up, “Change seats.”

And then, Yan Shiba and Sheng Yue sat next to each other, like all the other couples or loved ones in the family.

Yan Shiba was very calm, “Stop staring at us and eat!” She then picked up a steamed bun and offered it to Sheng Yue.

Sheng Yue looked at the plump white bun and recalled the first time he came to Su Mansion. After leaving the dungeon, he was in Yuanming Pavilion, when Yan Shiba threw a bun at his face. He caught it and ate it, and it was delicious.

He liked the buns in Su Mansion… He had been thinking about them for a long time. In this respect, he was quite similar to Emperor Duanmu Chen in the palace.

In the spirit of reciprocity, Sheng Yue also picked up a bun for Yan Shiba.

With that, the two displayed a polite demeanor toward each other.

So, a strange scene unfolded at the dinner table: throughout dinner, Yan Shiba and Sheng Yue took turns offering dishes to each other, eating only what the other had picked, and giving everything they had picked themselves to the other…

Ji Xiaoshu leaned in to whisper to Gu Ling, “Are they competing in an alternative way?” Just like their swordsmanship during the day, each one taking turns, neither willing to stop first, as if stopping meant losing. So childish…

Gu Ling’s expression remained indifferent, “They just like each other’s bowls.”

Old Mu couldn’t help but chuckle, “Little Yan, why don’t you and Sheng Yue swap bowls?”

The atmosphere suddenly changed from strange to lively, people who wanted to laugh did, and even those who found it speechless didn’t cover it up, like Cheng Yun. He really wanted to take Sheng Yue out for a fight immediately.

Yan Shiba calmly reached out and really swapped her bowl with Sheng Yue’s, and then continued to serve Sheng Yue dishes, smiling gently, “You guys misunderstood, I actually just wanted Sheng Yue to taste the delicious dishes I like.”

Sheng Yue nodded, “So do I.”

Zhengzheng sighed with emotion, “This is really fun.” From martial fights to cultural fights, it’s truly harmonious, so harmonious that it’s hard for people to watch!

After dinner, Yan Shiba asked Sheng Yue in public, “When do you want to get married?”

“Up to you,” Sheng Yue said.

“We should have everything we need for a wedding. You should prepare the betrothal gifts and the mansion first,” Yan Shiba snorted lightly.

Weng Ran breathed a sigh of relief, fearing that Yan Shiba would say something like getting married immediately, and Sheng Yue would not refuse. As a friend, Weng Ran still thought this matter was somewhat unreliable and wanted to persuade Yan Shiba again.

“Okay,” Sheng Yue nodded.

Everyone dispersed, and Cheng Yun stopped Sheng Yue, who was about to leave, “I have something to say to you!”

The two went to the pavilion by the lake. There were no lights in the pavilion, but the light from the Yuanming Pavilion shone on the surface of the lake, along with the bright moonlight, making it not dark.

“What do you really want?” Cheng Yun got straight to the point.

Sheng Yue’s expression was calm, “You don’t even like Yan Shiba, so you don’t need to meddle in our affairs.”

Cheng Yun frowned, “I don’t like her, but she’s my friend.”

“Is she? I am your real brother, and marrying your friend, is there anything wrong with that?” Sheng Yue countered.

Cheng Yun was a bit annoyed, “I know you don’t really mean it!”

Sheng Yue chuckled, “How do you know if I am sincere or not? Because we are brothers, and you understand me? But you don’t even admit that I am your brother.”

“Then tell me straight, what are you thinking?” Cheng Yun asked coldly.

“If I must explain, when I came to Su Mansion and saw all of you paired up, I was envious. Yan Shiba suddenly came over and asked me to marry her, and I thought it was a good idea. She knows what kind of person I am, and I did not deceive her. I only said I would marry her, not that I liked her, nor that I would spend my whole life with her. She thinks the same way. What’s wrong with that?” Sheng Yue said calmly.

Cheng Yun was stunned for a moment, “Knowing that she doesn’t really want to marry you, why don’t you refuse?”

“Cheng Yun, I am not the same as you, and Yan Shiba is not Weng Ran. You ask me why I don’t refuse, it’s because you hope I refuse. But why can’t I not refuse?” Sheng Yue said, “As for our matter, neither of us has any objections, so you don’t have to worry about it. You ask me what I will do, why don’t you first ask your friend, what is her purpose in marrying me?”

In fact, Cheng Yun probably knew Yan Shiba’s purpose, but couldn’t say it out loud. Weng Ran’s persuasion was useless, and his own would be even more useless.

Sheng Yue stood up and looked at Cheng Yun, “You don’t really believe that I would settle down.”

Cheng Yun nodded, “I really don’t believe it.”

Sheng Yue smiled faintly, “I don’t believe it either, and I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I have to try to find out. My father forcibly kept my mother back then and eventually killed her by mistake, maybe you don’t remember. I will never force anyone in matters of men and women, nor am I interested in pursuing anyone. Now that someone is actively offering themselves, why not be happy?”

“You two are… simply…” Cheng Yun couldn’t find a proper description.

Sheng Yue walked out of the pavilion with a leisurely pace, “If you don’t understand, don’t think so much, it’s not good for hair growth.”

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yun realized that Sheng Yue was clearly mocking his short hair! He instantly became angry, having been holding in his anger, he had wanted to fight with him for a long time, and now he was even more ruthless. He jumped up and chased after him, and his palm immediately aimed at Sheng Yue’s back.

Sheng Yue still showed no surprise, evading to the side, the two of them engaged in a hand-to-hand fight by the lake with their bare hands.

Weng Ran was originally on the first floor of the Yuanming Pavilion, watching the pavilion on this side, waiting for Cheng Yun to come back, but suddenly saw them fighting, he quickly ran out, and just as he was about to come over, he ran back to the Yuanming Pavilion to look for Su Liang.

Su Liang was on the second floor watching Gu Ling make Chinese knots – this year there were too many friends getting married, and they all wanted Gu Ling’s personal hand-made Chinese knots.

Hearing Weng Ran say Sheng Yue and Cheng Yun were fighting, Su Liang looked out the window and told Weng Ran to calm down, “It’s fine, they both know each other’s limits, Sheng Yue won’t hurt Cheng Yun.”

“Cheng Yun always wanted to fight him.” Weng Ran sighed.

“I know.” Su Liang nodded, “Among men, fighting can help resolve conflicts and enhance relationships.”

Weng Ran rubbed her forehead, “I’m afraid it’s still difficult for those two.”

“It depends on Sheng Yue.” Su Liang smiled lightly, “Because of past events, Cheng Yun has a deep prejudice against him. It will take time to change that, but if Sheng Yue can truly make some positive changes, Cheng Yun will accept him.”

Weng Ran couldn’t help but laugh, “The first thing Sheng Yue did when he came home was to suddenly propose to Sister Yan… Not only does Cheng Yun think it’s absurd, but I do too.” If it were someone else, Weng Ran might choose to respect her and bless her, but her relationship with Yan Shiba is not ordinary.

Su Liang patted Weng Ran on the shoulder, “Don’t think too much. Even if it was impulsiveness at that moment, they have both calmed down now and know what they are doing.”

After Weng Ran left, Su Liang said to Gu Ling, “Another couple, and we’ll need to add another Chinese knot.”

Gu Ling shook her head, “They didn’t ask me for one. I won’t give it.”

“They didn’t ask you, but Yan Shiba told me early on that when they get married, they’ll want everything others have, and not a single thing less.” Su Liang said, “Although there’s a chance they’ll break up on the wedding night, it’s not certain. What if they sleep together and find it enjoyable? Who knows?”

Ji Xiaoshu’s curious voice came from the entrance, “What did Mrs. say is enjoyable?”

Su Liang coughed lightly, “Eavesdropping isn’t nice, you know.”

Ji Xiaoshu pushed the door open, “We didn’t mean to eavesdrop. We just happened to hear it.”

Zhengzheng behind him agreed.

In order to divert their attention and avoid further questions about their previous conversation, Su Liang had them go outside to watch the fight.

The two little guys hurriedly ran out.

Once out of the Yuanming Pavilion, Ji Xiaoshu said to Zhengzheng, “Actually, I heard it clearly, but I don’t quite understand. Mrs. said that if they sleep together and find it enjoyable, who knows? It must be about Sister Yan and Sheng Yue.”

Zhengzheng frowned, “Mrs. didn’t want us to hear, so let’s pretend we didn’t.”

Ji Xiaoshu nodded, “Come to think of it, if Sheng Yue snores and grinds his teeth while sleeping, Sister Yan would definitely find it unbearable and kick him out.”

Zhengzheng: …That’s definitely not what Mrs. meant.

Weng Ran didn’t go to the other side of the lake with the two children to watch the fight.

“They need weapons.” Ji Xiaoshu said.

Weng Ran quickly stopped them, “We can’t add fuel to the fire!”

Men fight, and without weapons, the fight turns into close combat.

As they watched, Cheng Yun threw Sheng Yue to the ground. The next moment, Sheng Yue straightened up, reversed the situation, and pinned Cheng Yun down, raising his fist.

Weng Ran frowned, but she saw Sheng Yue get up and smoothly pull Cheng Yun up from the ground, the two of them separating.

Weng Ran breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Zhengzheng say, “After all, they are brothers.”

Sheng Yue and Cheng Yun didn’t speak again, but leaped over to the other side of the lake one after the other.

“Little sister, don’t worry. He’s fine,” Sheng Yue said to Weng Ran, always gentle.

Cheng Yun snorted, “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“We’ll be family soon.” Sheng Yue smiled and looked at Zhengzheng, “Didn’t you want to learn my swordsmanship? Would you like to learn now?”

“Sure!” Zhengzheng immediately nodded.

Ji Xiaoshu said that although he didn’t like Sheng Yue, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn swordsmanship. So he quickly brought out three wooden swords from the Yuanming Pavilion, which they used for practice.

Cheng Yun stood not far away, watching Sheng Yue teaching the two kids swordsmanship in the moonlight, frowning slightly, “He’s winning people’s hearts.”

Weng Ran nodded, “But there’s nothing wrong with that. He made mistakes and wants to be accepted by everyone. Besides, I think he truly likes children, not just pretending.”

“He has taken children hostage more than once,” Cheng Yun said, which was why he thought Sheng Yue was scum.

“After all, it’s in the past, and he hasn’t really harmed any child.” Weng Ran held Cheng Yun’s hand, “Not long ago, he rescued many women like Sister Peng and their children. You can be friends with Sister Yan, who also has an unglamorous past. Have you ever thought that you might be more critical of Sheng Yue precisely because he is your older brother?”

Cheng Yun was taken aback, “Is that so… I didn’t think about it.”

“If he really has changed, we should give him a chance,” Weng Ran said.

Cheng Yun shook his head, “I still can’t imagine what it would be like if he really gets married to Yan Shiba.”

Sheng Yue taught the sword techniques Zhengzheng wanted to learn and told them to practice together tomorrow.

“Thank you, Uncle Sheng,” Zhengzheng said.

Ji Xiaoshu said seriously, “Thanks. But don’t think about becoming our master. We only have one master.”

Sheng Yue nodded, “I really thought about it, but it seems there’s no such honor. However, I already have disciples.”

Zhengzheng smiled, “Are they Axin and Ale? We are very familiar with them. But…”

Ji Xiaoshu continued, “Axin and Ale have mentioned you before, but they all think you’re a bad person. Besides, they’ve already recognized Uncle Qiao Jing as their master.”

Sheng Yue sighed lightly, “It’s a real pity. Actually, I mostly wanted to be Nuannuan’s master.”

Ji Xiaoshu immediately turned around and shouted towards the second floor of the Yuanming Pavilion, “Master, Sheng Yue said he wants to take Baby Sister as his disciple!”

Gu Ling’s figure appeared at the window, speaking two words, “In your dreams.”

Ji Xiaoshu mimicked Sheng Yue’s tone and said, “Ah, what a pity indeed. It’s getting late, so we should all go back to our dreams.”

As Sheng Yue was about to leave, Zhengzheng stopped him again, “Uncle Sheng, are you really going to marry Sister Yan? You won’t run away before the wedding, will you?”

Sheng Yue shook his head, “No.”

“Sister Yan is actually quite nice, straightforward, and loyal. Since you two have decided to get married, it would be better if you could come to like Sister Yan. Give it a try! I believe you will discover Sister Yan’s good points, and feelings can be cultivated,” Zhengzheng said sincerely.

Sheng Yue, however, asked back, “Would you say the same to Yan Shiba and ask her to give it a try to like me?”

Zhengzheng hesitated, never having thought of that before, but he nodded firmly, “I will! I hope Uncle Sheng and Sister Yan can be happy, whether they’re together or not.”

Ji Xiaoshu hugged Zhengzheng’s arm, “Big Brother, you really have a Bodhisattva’s heart.”

Sheng Yue nodded slightly, “Alright. I’ll consider your suggestion.”

“There’s one more thing,” Ji Xiaoshu said to Sheng Yue, “Your blood can resist all poisons, and we want to see if it works against every poison. If you don’t want to…”

“Okay.” Sheng Yue agreed before hearing the whole sentence, “If you need me or my blood, just ask.” As he was about to leave, he turned back, “I want to see Axin and Ale, but going to the Peng family might get me beaten. Can you have them come over to play tomorrow?”

“Alright, since you agreed to our request so readily.” Ji Xiaoshu said it was no problem.

Looking at Sheng Yue’s retreating figure, Ji Xiaoshu suddenly asked, “Are you really determined to be a good person from now on?”

Without turning around, Sheng Yue answered Ji Xiaoshu’s question, “I want to give it a try.”