Why Did She Refuse the Marriage Proposal?

She had seen Fu Yunkai's calligraphy before. When Fu Yunkai became friends with Zhao Yuanxun, his calligraphy appeared on the visiting cards and gifts. Because it had a military style, Zhao Ruxi had asked her father about it and learned that it was written by Fu Yunkai himself.

She opened the letter, puzzled.

The letter was simple; it asked her to meet at a nearby teahouse to discuss something.

After thinking it over, Zhao Ruxi decided to go see him anyway.

However, just to be on the safe side, and to prevent someone from impersonating Fu Yunkai and luring her to the teahouse to harm her, she first sent Qingfeng to take a look.

The reason for sending Qingfeng instead of someone else was that Qingfeng had met Fu Yunkai and his servant Chang'an in front of the Court of Judicial Review with Zhao Ruxi.

The teahouse was not far from Green Plantain Courtyard. Qingfeng returned shortly after arriving and reported, "We couldn't go up to the second floor, but I saw someone come down from the second floor and instruct the waiter. I recognized the person as General Fu's servant. I also inquired with the waiter, and he described the guest upstairs. I think that person must be General Fu."

Fu Yunkai's soldierly demeanor, cultivated while fighting enemies on the border, was quite different from that of the civil and military officials and young masters in the capital.

Zhao Ruxi nodded, stood up and said, "Okay, let's go then. Let's call Uncle Ma and Mama Luo."

After thinking for a moment, she put on her cloak, hat, and veiled her face.

She didn't head straight for the teahouse after leaving home. Instead, she rode her horse around the alley and then arrived at the teahouse entrance from the other end.

The reason she didn't ride in a carriage was because her carriage bore the insignia of the Earl of Suiping's Residence.

Back when Zhao Ruxi was learning to ride a horse, Qingfeng and Dianjiang also learned to ride. However, Zhao Ruxi learned it very quickly, while Qingfeng and Dianjiang took almost a month to learn before they could ride freely in the city.

Fu Yunkai arranged to meet in a private room on the second floor.

When Zhao Ruxi went upstairs, Chang'an, who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, saw them. Although Zhao Ruxi was wearing a veil, Chang'an had seen them before and could recognize her from her figure.

He quickly stepped forward, bowed to Zhao Ruxi, and confirmed, "Fifth Miss Zhao?"

Zhao Ruxi nodded.

"Please come upstairs, young lady."

He led Zhao Ruxi and her entourage upstairs.

She had discussed business with Xiao Ruotong at this teahouse before, and she often passed by it afterward, knowing that the teahouse was quite popular. Not to mention that it was right after the New Year, and the place must be bustling with activity.

But at this time, the second floor was quiet and there was hardly anyone there. It was probably because Fu Yunkai wanted to avoid people seeing her meeting him there, so he booked the second floor.

She's quite thoughtful.

A man dressed as a guard stood guard at the door of a private room on the second floor.

When Chang'an led the people up, the guard went into the private room to report.

Fu Yunkai then emerged from the private room and bowed to Zhao Ruxi, saying, "Fifth Miss Zhao."

Zhao Ruxi returned the greeting but remained silent.

Fu Yunkai gestured towards the private room. "Please, miss."

Zhao Ruxi did not refuse and led Lady Luo and Qingfeng into the private room, while Ma Sheng stayed outside.

Fu Yunkai did not object to the entry of the Lady Luo and Qingfeng.

Chang'an didn't call for a waiter, but after Zhao Ruxi sat down, he acted as the waiter, quickly pouring tea for Zhao Ruxi and standing behind Fu Yunkai.

Five or six plates of snacks were already laid out on the table.

Zhao Ruxi lowered the hood of her cloak and removed her veil.

She didn't touch the tea, but looked at Fu Yunkai and asked bluntly, "General Fu, what do you want to say to me?"

Fu Yunkai wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but this time, less than half a year after their last meeting, he felt that Fifth Miss Zhao's appearance seemed even more radiant, and her temperament even more outstanding, exuding a scholarly air while also displaying a dashing and spirited demeanor.

He composed himself and began with his prepared opening remarks. "Yunkai saw your painting at the auction and has been admiring it ever since. These past few days, he's been admiring your paintings in front of the Imperial Academy."

"Thank you." Zhao Ruxi lightly ate the pastry, her face expressionless. "General Fu is a soldier, I suppose he enjoys this. I'm not one to beat around the bush either. Let's skip the pleasantries, I have to go to class at the academy soon. General Fu, please feel free to speak your mind."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yunkai felt a tightness in his throat; despite the cold weather, his palms were sweaty as he held the teacup.

He had completely forgotten the words he had prepared.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, "I wonder if you know that I proposed marriage to your family last time?"

Zhao Ruxi nodded.

Fu Yunkai's heart sank. He stared into her eyes and said, "I want to ask, why are you refusing?"

If it were just his parents' arrangement, he might still have hope. But if not...

Zhao Ruxi couldn't very well call him cannon fodder; his mother, younger brother, and future sister-in-law were all people she wanted to avoid at all costs. Besides, why would she agree to a marriage with a complete stranger with whom she had no feelings, and why was she desperate to get married?

She hesitated for a moment, then instead of answering the question, asked, "Since General Fu wants to ask this question, then I would like to ask General Fu first, why do you want to propose marriage?"

Hearing this, Fu Yunkai became Gao Xing instead.

He was worried that he wouldn't be able to express his true feelings, but unexpectedly, Fifth Miss Zhao gave him the opportunity directly.

He said, "The young lady is a broad-minded, ambitious, and extremely talented person."

As he pondered what else he could say to praise, he noticed the person opposite him frowning at him.

His heart skipped a beat, and he continued, "The young lady is straightforward and sincere, not the type to resort to tricks; she is also extremely intelligent..."

At this point, he stopped talking, racking his brains but unable to think of anything else to say.

He actually wanted to say that Zhao Ruxi was beautiful, and that this kind of beauty was exactly what he liked.

But you can't say that; it would sound like flirting. Although, perhaps, a woman would be very Gao Xing to hear it.

As he was lost in thought, he heard the person on the other end ask, "That's it?"

Fu Yunkai was truly at a loss for words, so he could only nod. "I haven't had much contact with you, young lady, and my understanding of you is limited. If you had more opportunities to speak with Yunkai, Yunkai learn more."

He pointed to the snacks on the table. "For example, if the young lady can try the snacks and tea on the table, the pastries on the table next time will suit her taste better."

Zhao Ruxi couldn't help but glance at him.

He's quite the charmer, isn't he? Is he trying to show off how thoughtful and considerate he is? No wonder he managed to win over Zhao Yuanxun so easily after only a few interactions, making him shower him with praise.

"General Fu, you don't understand me. I'm not what you say I am," Zhao Ruxi said. "For example, I'm not broad-minded, I'm petty, and I don't like to forgive others. I also like to use underhanded tricks. If someone offends me, I'll use any means necessary to bring them down."