Overdo

He Xu'an pondered for a moment and said, "There is one method that might work, but..."

Murong Qingyi quickly responded, "Please speak plainly, sir."

He Xu'an replied, "It's far too risky, with at most a thirty percent chance of success. And the outcome is uncertain—I fear it might backfire."

Yet Murong Qingyi countered, "Desperate times call for desperate measures. How can we know it won't succeed without taking the risk?"

He Xu'an smiled faintly and said, "Third Young Master is resolute and decisive, truly bearing the spirit of a military family."

Murong Qingyi also laughed and urged, "Enough of that—quickly, tell me what this method is."

But He Xu'an insisted, "You must promise me that you will not question why I arrange things as I do, and regardless of success or failure, you must not reveal anything to anyone before or after." Eager to succeed, Murong Qingyi simply said, "I will follow your instructions in all matters."

He Xu'an thought for a moment before finally saying, "Tomorrow is the twenty-seventh of the twelfth lunar month. The master will be going to Qing Lake."

The Qing Lake official residence was situated beside the Scenic River, nestled against the mountains and facing the expanse of Qing Lake's emerald waters, offering a tranquil and secluded landscape. Murong Feng had a habit of taking a stroll after meals. Following the cobblestone path down to the foot of the mountain, a breeze happened to blow by. In the plum grove below the hillside, sparse plum blossoms bloomed among the trees, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air. His attendants followed at a distance as he walked slowly with his hands clasped behind his back. Under one of the plum trees, he spotted a figure in pale green, wearing an old-style cheongsam, graceful and slender like a branch of green calyx plum blossoms. The wind lifted the hair from her forehead, revealing eyes as clear as autumn water, with two small jade butterfly earrings softly brushing against her collar.

He stood there dazed, as if in a nightmare, murmuring under his breath, "It's you—"

But Murong Qingyi stepped forward from behind and said, "Father, this is Susu."

Murong Feng glanced at his son, and Murong Qingyi noticed a trace of confusion in his eyes, mixed with a strange, complex expression he couldn't decipher. It seemed like anger, yet not quite; for a moment, his gaze appeared pained. Remembering He Xu'an's words, Murong Qingyi simply said, "I beg for your approval, Father."

Murong Feng looked at him expressionlessly, remaining silent all the while. Murong Qingyi sensed trouble but dared not speak. It felt like an eternity had passed before he heard Murong Feng let out a long sigh and say, "Marriage is a serious matter, not to be taken lightly. Have you truly thought it through?"

Overjoyed, Murong Qingyi still restrained himself and replied respectfully, "Yes."

Murong Feng nodded slowly. Murong Qingyi had not expected such easy consent and was ecstatic. Taking Susu's hand, he beamed with delight and said, "Thank you, Father."

His joy was so overwhelming it seemed as if all the plum blossoms in the garden were bursting with fragrance at once. It was as though the heavens and earth had suddenly opened up, making him feel like leaping straight to the highest clouds—his heart brimming with happiness, spilling over into the world.