There is a god in the sky

Chapter 405 Recruitment

After finishing his official duties that day, Xiao Ji went to the residence of the Marquis of Pingyang.

When the Marquis of Pingyang returned to his residence, he heard that his son was being taught by Xiao Ji, and he felt very comforted.

“Xiao Ji is a top scholar in the imperial examination. With his guidance, that silly boy might have a chance to pass the imperial examination.”

At this moment, Fu Qingyan was standing in the courtyard reading a book with a basin of water on his head.

If you mispronounce a word, you'll get a spanking.

"Cousin, you're going to the examination hall tomorrow. Shouldn't you relax today? Did you do this when you took the provincial examination?"

Xiao Ji's ruler fell on his back. "Stand up straight... If you were as good as I was back then, you wouldn't need to do this."

Fu Qingyan immediately shut up.

If he had Xiao Ji's skill level, he could pass the imperial examination with his eyes closed.

Xiao Ji listened to him recite several passages of scripture and asked him a few questions. If he couldn't answer any of them, he would be punished with a ruler.

After dark, he was kept at the Pingyang Marquis's residence for a meal, and then he said to the Pingyang Marquis and his wife, "It's time to find a suitable match for Qingyan."

Lady Pingyang had always been in poor health, especially after her daughter's death, and had not left the house for a long time.

She only came out to dine with Xiao Ji after he arrived.

"Yes, while I still have the energy, I should get his important business done. Otherwise, when I close my eyes, there won't even be a woman in charge of this mansion."

Fu Qingyan almost spat out his food.

"Why are you suddenly bringing up my marriage? My cousin isn't even married yet."

Everyone could see that Fu Qingyan was forcing a smile; even if he didn't say it, others could guess what he was thinking.

Xiao Ji simply thought that perhaps if he found a girl who was compatible with him, he could gradually forget his sorrow.

Lady Pingyang asked curiously, "I heard from the ladies who came to visit that your brother has already arranged a fiancée for you? Which family's daughter is she?"

Xiao Ji blushed slightly and smiled, "It's not settled yet, it's just an excuse to appease the matchmakers."

Fu Qingyan may know that Xiao Ji likes Shen Lan, but he doesn't think Shen Lan can marry into the Xiao family.

"I see. But you're not young anymore, it's time to start making preparations."

Xiao Ji is older than Fu Qingyan, and it's not a good idea for him to stay single forever.

Moreover, now that the political situation has stabilized, people are more aware of what kind of families are suitable for marriage.

Xiao Ji steered the conversation back to the main topic and recommended several families to them, all of whom had daughters of marriageable age.

Fu Qingyan has no intention of getting married; all he wants to do now is get into high school.

He countered Xiao Ji's question: "Since you know so much about these families, why don't you marry them yourself?"

Xiao Ji raised an eyebrow. "My heart already belongs to someone else."

Marquis Pingyang glanced at him, thinking: If my son had said that, I would have had to resort to family discipline.

"With your current status in the Xiao family, isn't it just a matter of you saying the word when you want to marry someone?"

Despite the fact that Xiao Zhengyang is still the head of the Xiao family, Marquis Pingyang can guarantee that even Xiao Zhengyang cannot stop Xiao Ji from doing what he wants.

Xiao Ji said helplessly, "I can't convince her to marry me with just one sentence."

Marquis Pingyang was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

He roughly guessed who Xiao Jixin liked, and after thinking it over, he actually thought it was pretty good.

He glanced at his own simple-minded son and thought to himself: If Shen Lan marries into the Fu family, she will definitely be able to support the family.

Lady Pingyang is too impulsive, and the concubines are incapable of managing the household; they can only rely on their future daughter-in-law.

The following day, the Marquis of Pingyang personally escorted his son to the examination hall, and then went to Shen Lan's residence with the matchmaker and betrothal gifts.

The loud banging and clanging attracted a large crowd of onlookers.

"Who's offering betrothal gifts? With so many dowry items, which family's pheasant has managed to climb the social ladder and become a phoenix?"

"Tsk, this is really a wealthy family. I wonder who is so lucky."

"I haven't heard of any great beauties coming out of this area."

"Go and see for yourself."

A group of people followed behind the procession.

When they arrived at the alley where Shen Lan was, the entrance was blocked by carriages, making it impossible for anyone to enter.

"Did you see her? Whose daughter is she?"

"The family that's offering the betrothal gifts seems to belong to the Marquis of Pingyang."

"Impossible, right? How could someone of the rank of Marquis Pingyang come here to marry? Could it be that Marquis Pingyang is taking a concubine?"

"Or perhaps it's the heir of the Marquis of Pingyang taking a concubine?"

"If taking a concubine can be such a grand affair, what would it be like to marry a wife?"

Shen Lan was about to leave.

A murder occurred outside the city. Ji Zeqian was supposed to perform the autopsy, but he had been vomiting and having diarrhea all night and couldn't get up yet, so she had to go instead.

Hearing the noise outside, she thought it was a wedding celebration next door.

When the door opened, she was confronted by a heavily made-up face.

"Oh... could this girl be Miss Shen? She's really pretty."

Shen Lan looked at her suspiciously, "Who are you? Who are you looking for?"

The steward of the Marquis of Pingyang's residence squeezed through, revealing a beaming smile.

“Miss Shen, this old servant has come on orders to arrange a marriage between you and my young master. This is the official matchmaker, surnamed Zou. We have even brought the betrothal gifts, but this is only one-tenth of the total.”

Our Marquis said that as long as Miss Shen agrees, the household affairs will be managed by her after you marry into the family.

Shen Lan was both annoyed and amused.

The Marquis of Pingyang is not looking for a daughter-in-law, but more like he is looking for a steward.

"Did your lord consult the heir apparent before making these arrangements?"

The butler paused for a moment, then replied uncertainly, "They must have already spoken about it, right? It seems that during dinner last night, Young Master Xiao mentioned the matter of the heir's marriage."

"Lord Xiao? Xiao Ji?"

"Yes, Miss Shen is familiar with both our families and knows the young master's character very well. Our young master is impeccable—kind, upright, and generous..."

"Wait, no need to say anything more, I disagree."

Shen Lan pushed them aside and came out carrying her suitcase.

"I have to go out on business, please return."

The matchmaker stood aside without saying a word.

The main problem was that she didn't know how to bring it up, since it was the first time she had proposed to a girl in front of her.

I thought it was already a strange thing for a marquis's son to ask to marry a commoner woman, and that she would definitely be grateful and agree.

Unexpectedly, the girl refused outright.

She couldn't help but ask, "Miss Shen, would you like to take a look at the betrothal gifts sent by the Marquis's mansion?"

Which girl could resist boxes and boxes of such good stuff?

However, Shen Lan had no interest in these things. "No need to look at them. Take them back. Don't let them interfere with my important business."

The matchmaker was truly amazed.

"Is there anything more important than a life-changing event?"

"I am not suitable for the Crown Prince, please leave."

"What's wrong with it? The two families aren't a good match, but the Marquis doesn't mind. Besides, once you marry into the family, you'll be in charge of the household affairs. This is a good thing that many young ladies would dream of. Don't be foolish."

The matchmaker looked at Shen Lan with disappointment. If this were her daughter, she would tie her up and put her in the bridal sedan chair of the Marquis's mansion!