Chapter 271: Chapter 271, Ruan Wanrong’s Betrothal
Although he had many things he wanted to say to Yun Jinnian, he was afraid of being too abrupt with the lady, so he could only say to Dai Hanmi, "Play as you like, and I will come pick you up later!"
Dai Hanmi’s eyes curved into smiles, "En en, I’ll listen to Third Brother, Third Brother is the best!"
After Dai Hanbo politely bowed with his fists clasped, he got up and left Huiquan Tower.
As he prepared to leave in his carriage, he saw Ruan Sicheng from the Ministry of War Residence alight from his carriage first to assist Ruan Wanrong down, which made Dai Hanbo smile.
There were many brothers in the Ruan family but very few girls; by Ruan Wanrong’s generation, she was the solitary precious pearl of several households.
"Brother Ruan!" Dai Hanbo stepped forward with a bow and clasped fists in greeting.
Ruan Sicheng laughed, "Are you escorting your sister to her appointment?"
"Indeed!"
The two young men looked at each other and laughed, and after Ruan Wanrong gave her respects to Dai Hanbo, she went upstairs with her maid.
Ruan Sicheng shook his head, "This temperament of hers-- still not steady even though she’s about to get married!"
"Your sister is engaged?"
"Hmm!"
Ruan Sicheng nodded but did not disclose which family it was.
Dai Hanbo did not ask further, "Let’s go, since we have to wait for my sister anyway, we might as well get a private room upstairs and have some fun!"
"That’s great!"
The two went back up the stairs, took a private room, and chatted over tea.
Once Ruan Wanrong entered the private room, it immediately became lively.
Even though it was strange to see Yun Muyou and the others there, since Yun Jinnian had brought them, she wouldn’t trouble them on purpose.
The atmosphere was quite good.
Yun Jinnian handed the prepared coming-of-age gift to Ruan Wanrong. "Sister Ruan, I’m truly sorry for not keeping my promise and not showing up!"
Ruan Wanrong glared at Yun Jinnian, "If it were someone else, I would have definitely taught her a stern lesson, but with you being so endearing, I just can’t bear it. Now that I’ve accepted your gift, I can’t be too demanding of you!"
As she spoke, Ruan Wanrong laughed first.
Yun Jinnian also presented the amulet and the embroidered purse she had requested for Ruan Wanrong.
Ruan Wanrong became even more delighted and took Yun Jinnian’s hand. "I’m going to be married in a few days. Can you come visit me at the residence more often when you’re free?"
"Ah..."
Yun Jinnian was utterly stunned.
"Ah what, I’m of age now, so naturally, I must get engaged!" Ruan Wanrong said with a smile.
It was quite obvious that she was pleased with the marriage arrangement.
"Isn’t this a bit rushed?" Yun Jinnian asked.
Dai Hanmi felt the same.
"My future grandmother-in-law is not well. I must marry over soon!"
One reason was to bring joy to offset sorrow, and the other was the fear that if the old lady suddenly passed away, there would be a need to observe three years of mourning.
Moreover, since she and Duan Qimeng had been childhood sweethearts and both families had this intention, she naturally wouldn’t oppose.
Thinking of the old lady, Ruan Wanrong stopped herself.
Yun Jinnian looked at her with a smile, "Is something the matter?"
"It’s a bit presumptuous to say, so I won’t mention it," Ruan Wanrong hesitated, quite unlike her usual self.
Dai Hanmi then teased her, "Wow, it’s going to rain red from the sky, the sun is going to rise from the west—it’s opened my eyes to see Sister Ruan hesitating!"
Ruan Wanrong then went to pinch Dai Hanmi, and the teasing escalated into playful scuffles.
Dai Hanmi dodged everywhere, but coming from a prestigious military family, Ruan Wanrong wouldn’t let her escape that easily.
It wasn’t long before Dai Hanmi was begging for mercy.
Yun Muyou, Yun Zihan, Yun Musi, and Yun Mulan were all laughing uncontrollably.
Once the laughter and teasing subsided and Ruan Wanrong and Dai Hanmi sat down, Yun Jinnian smiled and asked, "Sister Ruan, if you have something to say, please do; as the saying goes, ’Three humble cobblers make a great Zhuge Liang.’ Maybe I can help!"
Ruan Wanrong was about to speak but still hesitant, yet Yun Jinnian had guessed it already.
Ruan Wanrong had been kind to her, so she naturally wanted to reciprocate the favor. If the Duan Family were in Capital City, even if it tired her, she would go to see the old lady overnight—only if Ruan Wanrong and the Dai Family trusted her, of course!