With these words, the two finally quieted down a bit.
Feng Jin's gaze swept over them, then after a pause, she spoke softly, "Lu Shi, marriage is not a trifling matter. Do you know the impact your words today would have on Cai Qing if they were to spread? Have you truly thought this through?"
She wasn't necessarily preventing Cai Qing from marrying, but the woman had a difficult life from birth, and in a patriarchal era, it was even harder for women.
Lu Shi's grand proposal, if heard by others, would lead to gossip. If Lu Shi were to mistreat Cai Qing later, she would face public condemnation. This was no small matter, and they all needed to think carefully before making a decision.
"Young Madam, I have thought it through long ago. I will treat Cai Qing well my entire life, and I will protect her with my life, ensuring she never suffers the slightest bit of grievance."
Lu Shi said earnestly, his tone uncharacteristically firm. He had decided that Cai Qing was his wife, and it would be for life, never to change.
"Cai Qing, what are your thoughts?"
Cai Qing's opinion was paramount. If she was unwilling, then no matter how long Lu Shi knelt there, Feng Jin would absolutely not agree.
"I... I..."
Cai Qing was also hesitant. She glanced at Lu Shi, then quickly turned her head away, lowering her gaze and remaining silent for a long time.
This silence made Lu Shi frantic, his heart pounding relentlessly, afraid Cai Qing would refuse him.
After a full cup of tea's worth of time, Cai Qing slowly raised her head, looked at Lu Shi, and finally at Feng Jin, saying with a heavy tone, "Young Madam, I... I am willing..."
The last three words were spoken so softly that unless one had exceptionally keen hearing, it would be difficult to make out Cai Qing's words.
This barely audible whisper, like a fly's buzz, agitated Lu Shi greatly. For a moment, he thought Cai Qing had refused or said nothing at all, and he eagerly pressed on, "What did you just say? Are you willing to marry me or not?"
Being questioned so indiscreetly by Lu Shi in front of everyone, Cai Qing's small face flushed crimson, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into and never come out.
"You... you are truly a blockhead!"
Cai Qing said, exasperated, and slapped Lu Shi directly, pushing him away and running off.
"No, you... you haven't finished explaining!"
Without a clear answer, Lu Shi chased after Cai Qing, anxiously questioning her. What did this mean? After all that, she still hadn't made it clear whether she was willing or not.
Lu Shi stomped his foot heavily in annoyance, his expression resentful, and sighed mournfully.
"Cai Qing is absolutely right. You are a complete blockhead!"
Feng Jin chided him. After all, he was a martial artist. Hadn't he heard what Cai Qing just said?
"I... I..." Lu Shi's mouth opened slightly, but he swallowed the words back. He didn't know what to say first.
"Blockhead, you're so stupid!" After saying this, Feng Jin prepared to leave. This time, Lu Shi hurried forward and stopped her, asking the question that had been bothering him for a long time.
"Young Madam, just now... just now, what did Cai Qing say?"
He desperately wanted to know what Cai Qing had said, so he would have a clear understanding and know what to do next.
Feng Jin rolled her eyes, looking at Lu Shi with disdain. Had he truly not heard a single word, or was Lu Shi simply too foolish to understand?
"Cai Qing said... said she is willing, willing to marry you."
Not wanting to trouble Lu Shi any further, Feng Jin, in her benevolence, told him to stop dwelling on it.
Otherwise, with Lu Shi's intelligence, he might break his head trying to figure things out. It was only her kindness that helped him.
"Really!"
Lu Shi exclaimed instinctively, his face blank with disbelief. He couldn't believe what his ears had heard was true.
This was simply a surprise! Now that Cai Qing had agreed, his priority was to arrange the wedding as soon as possible.
"Look at your silly face. If you keep smiling like that, your mouth will stretch to your ears."
Unable to bear looking at Lu Shi's foolish expression any longer, Feng Jin pointedly reminded him, "Is getting married really something to be so happy about?"
Lu Shi sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. It was his first marriage, after all. Excitement was inevitable and normal.
"Young Madam, since Cai Qing has agreed, when do you think would be the most suitable time for our wedding?"
Feng Jin's hands, fiddling with a candlestick, paused. She turned to look at Lu Shi behind her and said with a hint of confusion, "Your wedding is something you two should discuss and decide yourselves. What use is it to ask me?"
Her opinion couldn't represent their own. Marriage was their affair. If they had to rely on others for such an important matter, what else could Lu Shi accomplish?
"It's my first time too, and I have no experience. Besides, both Cai Qing and I are orphans. For our wedding, we will need Young Madam and Young General to officiate."
He had been an orphan since childhood, with no relatives to speak of. For such a momentous occasion as marriage, only the Young General and Young Madam could bear witness.
Feng Jin rolled her eyes. He said it was his first time. Judging by his tone, did he intend to get better with practice and have a second marriage?
"Everyone's first marriage is their first. What you're saying is rather awkward."
Lu Shi realized then that he was nervous again and didn't know how to speak.
"Young Madam, I misspoke. Please don't hold it against me. Be magnanimous and teach me what preparations are needed."
In the entire room, besides him, only Young Madam and Chu Qing were present.
Chu Qing was just a young girl and wouldn't understand such matters, so he could only ask Feng Jin.
"First, you need to prepare the betrothal gifts. You have to propose formally before the young lady can enter your sedan chair and your home!"
"Alright, I'll go prepare them now. Does Young Madam need anything else?"