Chapter 38: A Kiss

If that was really the case, then Shen Xiuyan’s character still needed to be reconsidered.

Then he thought further: even if Shen Xiuyan promised eternal devotion, what use was it if his parents insisted on taking a concubine for him?

After all, in this age where filial piety ranked above all virtues, the words of one’s parents were like imperial edicts.

So he kept pressing for answers.

When Madam Zhou heard this, she immediately perked up. She finally had a chance to show her worth.

With a bit of apprehension, she spoke, “You can rest assured on that matter. Xiuyan’s father has already passed away. Other than me, his mother, there are no elders above him. As for me, I’ve always despised concubines, so I would never let him take one. If he ever dares to wrong Miss Su, I’ll be the first to break his legs!”

Shen Xiuyan gave Madam Zhou a silent thumbs-up in his heart.

That’s my mom—awesome!

What a beautiful answer. Surely Master Su would be satisfied with that.

Feeling her son’s approving gaze, the tension Madam Zhou had felt upon entering the Su household finally eased a little.

She returned a look to Shen Xiuyan that said, Leave it all to your mother.

Hearing this, even Master Su couldn’t find any faults. Sure, they were a bit poor, but with such a promising future, what did it matter?

If the boy really passed the provincial exam and became a scholar, then his daughter would be a scholar’s wife—surely a more respectable title than just the daughter of a merchant.

So he asked the question he was most curious about: “As far as I know, you and Mingyue haven’t met more than a few times. What made you decide to propose?”

Thanks to Shen Xiuyan’s reminder yesterday, Madam Zhou was ready for this one.

She quickly stepped in and answered, “Ah, this was all my doing. Xiuyan’s aunt once came to your home for business, didn’t she? She caught a glimpse of Miss Su then, and she praised her endlessly—said she looked just like a fairy descended to the mortal world. That’s when the thought first came to me.”

“But back then, you know our circumstances. We didn’t dare approach—didn’t want to ask for humiliation. But now it’s different. Xiuyan passed the provincial exam top of the list, so the thought came back to me. I discussed it with him, and although he’s only met Miss Su briefly, he also thinks she’s truly exceptional. So here we are today, thick-skinned as we are, coming to ask for her hand.”

Hearing this, Master Su finally relaxed completely.

“So that’s how it is.” The smile returned to his face.

He smiled more kindly than ever as he said to Madam Zhou, “Come, come—let’s go over here and talk, in-laws.”

Madam Zhou’s heart leapt with joy. What did Master Su just say?

In-laws!

That meant it was settled!!!

Her son was really going to marry Miss Su!

The ancestral tombs of the Shen family must be emitting not just lucky smoke, but fireworks by now.

She beamed and said, “Yes, yes, let’s go talk.”

Master Su glanced at his daughter, whose cheeks were still blushing, and shook his head with slight annoyance.

Still blushing? All this fuss over a vow of eternal love?

Was it really something to be so thrilled about?

Well… maybe it was…

Because even he couldn’t make such a promise. So, yes—it was worth being happy about.

Master Su gave a light cough. “Mingyue, stop lingering here. Take Young Master Shen for a walk in the garden.”

“Alright.” Su Mingyue nodded obediently.

Madam Zhou’s eyes followed Su Mingyue as she walked by, utterly captivated.

Oh my goodness—her sister-in-law wasn’t lying. Seeing Miss Su up close, she truly looked like a celestial maiden come to earth. So delicate and lovely—just looking at her made one adore her. No wonder her son refused to marry anyone else. He really hit the jackpot.

In the garden, Su Mingyue bashfully stared at the tips of her shoes, saying nothing.

Seeing this, Shen Xiuyan quickly spoke, “Mingyue, why aren’t you talking to me? Are you unhappy with the engagement? If you have any concerns, just tell me—I’ll do anything you ask.”

Su Mingyue looked at him affectionately. “Silly, how could I be unhappy? You made a vow of lifelong devotion… I just hope you’re not lying to me.”

Su Mingyue had never expected Shen Xiuyan to say something like that during his proposal.

In her view, men would always end up with multiple wives and concubines. Even her father, a good man who truly loved her mother, still had plenty of concubines and chambermaids.

She didn’t ask for much—only that Shen Lang would treat her sincerely and not favor concubines over the wife.

But now, he had made such a promise.

In Su Mingyue’s heart, it was clear that Shen Xiuyan truly loved her deeply.

Shen Xiuyan clenched his fist and vowed, “How could I lie to you? I like you so much. I would never let anyone come between us!”

“Shen Lang, you’re so sweet.”

The delicate beauty glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then tugged on Shen Xiuyan’s sleeve, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him.

Shen Xiuyan: “!!!”

There’s a bonus like this too?!