"Young Master, the Second Young Master and the Third Young Master have come to see you," the servant announced from outside the door.
"Put all these things away, then let the brothers come in." I rubbed my aching wrists, feeling that today's activities were finally over.
I've become decadent; I actually find this kind of simple life quite pleasant.
Before my brothers came in, I randomly picked up a book and opened it.
"What brings you brothers over?"
"I came to see you and also to let you know that Father said he'll be taking you on a tour in two weeks. You can bring back any of them you fancy to form a bond, or you can choose one you like, cultivate a relationship with them first, and then form a bond later."
No, is your Marquis's mansion really not a bandit's place?
"What if the other party is of high status and we can't bring them back?"
"Then we'll pack you up and send you to our door. You can return to the Marquis's mansion after the marriage."
In ancient times, even if brothers who were not related by blood did something, it was considered unethical. Therefore, I did not intend to harm my brothers, because I could not bring the Marquis's mansion into an unjust situation.
But I can't stay quiet any longer; it's easy for me to become mentally exhausted. Even with the Marquis's medicine, it will take a very long time to recover, which is also a kind of torment.
Realizing I was daydreaming again, I snapped out of my reverie and gave my brothers a slight smile.
"Anyway, you don't need to worry about anything else. With your father around, and him being a general, it won't be difficult for him to bring you a handsome man." Xie Qinglan said, then suddenly leaned close to my ear and whispered, "If all else fails, your brothers will take care of it for you!"
"Alright, second brother, third brother, neither of you should do anything outrageous because of me."
After my second and third brothers went back, I looked in the mirror and saw that the young master's face was somewhat similar to mine, but with a more aloof and cold look.
Actually, I've seen too many beautiful women, and I'm starting to get a little dizzy.
The older brothers are so handsome, it's made my standards even higher...
Someone really needs to be extremely handsome, assertive, and have a great physique to keep my wandering eye.
Two weeks later, all the white cloths hanging in the residences of ordinary people and officials were removed.
Because a prince was dying every few days, the previous regulations were abolished, and all that was needed was to stop entertainment and celebrations for half a month.
The Marquis and I boarded a boat on the lake, and of course, we saw a group of officials who had been tricked by the Marquis into coming to discuss important matters.
I sat beside the Marquis, looking at the officials who had been summoned, and secretly marveled at the Marquis's methods.
These men were all dashing and imposing, clearly carefully selected.
I felt like a villain again, trying to abduct a man.
The Marquis patted my shoulder and chuckled softly, " Zhou'er, see if there's anyone you like. I'll make the decision for you."
I smiled helplessly, about to speak, when I heard a teasing voice. "My lord, you're putting us in a difficult position. The young master is of extraordinary talent; how could we mere mortals dare to presume to be worthy of him?"
When the officials realized they had been deceived, they were not angry; instead, they were very curious about what big thing the Marquis was planning.
Could this be a plot to rebel? But it doesn't seem like it; why would a rebellion choose only the most attractive people?
The Marquis sat in the main seat, and I sat beside him, calmly observing the handsome men present.
The group consists of both civil and military officials, and everyone is eager to see who the young master will choose—it's a battle of wits among men.
I heard that this banquet on the boat was held with the Emperor's permission.
Being stared at like a monkey, I felt like I was doomed!
Am I just getting tired of the same old looks?!
I'm surprised that I don't feel any attraction to handsome men. Is it because my body is weak, or is my heart rate too slow...?
Could this be karma for being too picky?!
Just as I was lost in thought, a voice rang out from the end of the banquet. "My lord, are you choosing a son-in-law to bring good fortune? I remember a few days ago there were rumors in the palace that the young master of the Marquis's mansion was about to die again."
Me: "..." That's not wrong either.
I looked up and saw a man in a crimson brocade robe standing at the end of the banquet. He had a faint hint of sarcasm on his lips and stared at me without any attempt to hide his gaze, as if trying to pierce through my soul.
I narrowed my eyes slightly and sized him up as well.
As everyone knows, among the civil officials, this man is the most troublesome. The Marquis originally did not want to call him, but this guy was also a top scholar in the imperial examination, and he was excellent in both physique and appearance.
"Then do you want to have a lifespan contest with me?" I had already given up on choosing anyone, but in that instant, I felt like I was a weirdo who liked to force people to do things against their will.
The biological father of this body is the Emperor, and the adoptive father is the Marquis who currently holds military power. What do I have to fear!
The man was taken aback. He had originally intended to leave a bad impression on the young master, but now it seemed to have backfired.
I suddenly chuckled and said, "Father, I think this gentleman is quite nice. Both his height and appearance are exactly my type."
Upon hearing this, the Marquis's eyes flashed with a complex emotion, before he burst into laughter. "Excellent! As expected of my son, your judgment is indeed discerning. This is Sang Ruoying, the Ministry of Revenue. At such a young age, he has already attained a high official position. He is both talented and handsome, truly a remarkable person."
Sang Ruoying was clearly taken aback by my sudden mention of him. He paused for a moment, then a smile tinged with anger appeared on his lips, "Young Master, you flatter me. How could I, Sang, presume to be worthy of the Marquis's mansion?"
I propped my head up with my hand, swirling the teacup in my hand, and smiled slightly, my tone indifferent. " Lord Sang, there's no need for you to be modest. What I've chosen is naturally of the highest quality. Father, what do you say?"
The Marquis nodded, giving Sang Ruoying a meaningful look. "Since Zhou'er has put it this way, is Minister Sang willing to forge this marriage alliance with the Marquis's mansion?"
When Minister Sang looked at me, he raised an eyebrow slightly, his lips parted slightly, and he replied, word by word, "Sang... I... am... unwilling."
How dare this mere illegitimate son be so arrogant? Isn't it said that illegitimate sons in a marquis's household are not favored?
Is this a sign of being out of favor?
The emperor actually agreed to this absurd banquet on the boat.
And I had anticipated that he would say this, " Lord Sang, there's no need to rush. The Marquis's mansion will not force anyone. It's my business that I like Lord Sang. As long as Lord Sang has time to take a walk with me, that's enough. I won't insist on anything else."
Perhaps because of the contrast with the Marquis's relentless pressure, the choice I made at this moment seemed incredibly easy.
Sang Ruoying looked into my eyes, thought for a moment, and finally nodded slowly.
He thought to himself that he wanted to see what kind of trouble this illegitimate young master was up to.
The onlookers were watching the show, some of them furious. What gave this kid the right to think they weren't as harsh as the most scathing Sang Ruoying, the most ruthless official in the court?!