Love Blossoms

Wen Die gazed at Xu Wenwu, who was now standing close to her: "What brings you here, Big Brother Xu?" she asked softly.

"May I call you 'Die'er'?" Xu Wenwu asked, his eyes fixed on the woman before him. Her bright, expressive eyes and the blush on her cheeks added to her charm.

Taken aback, Wen Die's heart skipped a beat. She nodded with a smile: "That's fine!"

Xu Wenwu took a deep breath: "Die'er, I know how you feel about me, but..."

Wen Die's heart clenched. She quickly covered his mouth with her hand, afraid of hearing words she didn't want to.

Xu Wenwu gently held her hand: "Die'er, let me finish. I've thought this through. You are in my heart too!"

"There's also me??" Wen Die asked, stunned.

"Yes!" Xu Wenwu answered affirmatively.

Realization dawned on Wen Die, bringing waves of joy flooding through her. Her heart felt like it was floating on spring waters. Her eyes widened as she gazed at her gentle, handsome lover. All she could see and feel was him, filling every corner of her thoughts, leaving no room for anyone else.

"Die'er, would you despise me for being a poor man born in the countryside?" Xu Wenwu asked.

Wen Die quickly shook her head: "It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from. I like you!" She no longer hesitated, boldly expressing her feelings for the first time.

Xu Wenwu said: "Die'er, don't worry, I will never let you suffer any injustice. I want to give you the best of myself. When I pass the imperial examination, the first thing I will do is to ask Uncle Wen to marry you to me!"

Tears welled up in Wen Die's eyes. These were undoubtedly the most beautiful words of love she had ever heard.

"Brother Xu! Regardless of whether you can pass the exam or not, I have already chosen you! Even now, I will agree to marry you without hesitation!"

Xu Wenwu touched Wen Die's head and chuckled: "Silly girl."

Wen Die mustered her courage and, for the first time, embraced Xu Wenwu around the waist. She pressed her face against his chest, listening to his strong, rhythmic heartbeat. She felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

Taken aback, Xu Wenwu looked down at the head resting on his chest. He instinctively wrapped his arms around that slim waist, barely able to encircle it with his hands.

Feeling his warm hands on her waist, Wen Die's cheeks flushed even more. She closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips, wishing this moment would last forever.

This moment only strengthened their feelings for each other.

By now, the Wen Manor dining hall was filled with a spread of colorful and aromatic dishes, everything was ready except for the guests.

"Yuan'er, go quickly and invite all the young masters to dinner." Madam Wen said.

Yuan'er smiled: "Right away, Madam!"

Madam Wen shook her head with a grin, wondering what had made the girl so excited.

Once Yuan'er escorted everyone to the dining hall, she realized Wen Die and Xu Wenwu were nowhere to be seen.

Madam Wen was puzzled: "Where did these two go? It's almost mealtime. Why haven't they joined us?"

Wen Yuan smiled: "Mother, my sister is probably still whispering secrets with Xu Wenwu! Let's eat first and save some food for them later!"

"Yuan'er, if your sister catches you gossiping behind her back again, she'll ignore you for days!" Madam Wen laughed.

No sooner had she spoken when Xu Wenwu and Wen Die walked in, standing very close together. Their love-struck gazes struck everyone in the room as they shared a private moment.

Madam Wen noticed her daughter's bashful behavior, her eyes often lingering on Xu Wenwu with affection, and his open returns of smiles. In that instant, she understood everything.

Madam Wen's joy was palpable. Her daughter had finally achieved her heart's desire. Now, when she looked at Xu Wenwu, her eyes expressed a mother-in-law's growing delight with her chosen son-in-law.

"Wenwu, Die'er, come join us! We've been waiting for you two." Madam Wen said eagerly. She and her daughter, both thin-skinned individuals, made contact their eyes. Madam Wen clearly understood the unspoken thanks in her daughter's gaze without needing to ask further.

Seeing this scene, Magistrate Wen, now recovered enough to move around, nodded approvingly. He gestured to Su Chenyu and Jing Chen with a warm smile: " Master Su, Master Jing, please join us. Let's see if the food meets your tastes."

Su Chenyu and Jing Chen took their seats.

Once they had both sat down, Magistrate Wen finally took a chair himself, saying: "Wenwu, Qibao, join us too. These have all been carefully prepared by your Aunt Wen in the kitchen."

"Yes, Uncle Wen!" Xu Wenwu replied.

As everyone settled in, a servant brought up a jug of wine.

"This is from old Xu himself." Magistrate Wen said: "I couldn't bear to open it until now. And since my wound isn't fully healed yet—my doctor says wine isn't good for me—I'll just offer you gentlemen instead."

Wen Yuan poured wine into everyone's cups.

Jing Chen spoke up: "No worries!" and downed his cup of wine.

Madam Wen watched this exchange and realized her husband must know the identity of these two young masters. She didn't plan on asking though, if her husband hadn't told her, he had his reasons.

Xu Wenwu stood up, holding his cup with both hands: "Uncle Wen." He said: "I'd like to toast you!"

Magistrate Wen smiled: "'Cheers, cheers, cheers!'"

He drained his cup of tea contentedly. After all, this was a toast from his future son-in-law—what a difference it made!

"Uncle Wen, Aunt Wen." Xu Wenwu continued respectfully: "Die'er and I are deeply in love. I've promised her that if I become top-ranked in the imperial exams, I'll marry her in a grand procession. From then on, she'll be my only wife. Please, Uncle and Aunt, I hope you'll allow this!"

Wen Die hadn't expected Big Brother Xu to make such a public declaration in front of her parents. It showed how real his feelings were, filling her heart with sweetness.

Madam Wen and Prefect Wen's smiles stretched so wide it seemed they'd reach their ears.

"Excellent! My heart is finally at ease!" Magistrate Wen said: "I agree!"

Madam Wen, equally delighted, asked: "Wenwu, do you want to talk it over with your mother first?"

Qibao beamed: "Aunt Wen, don't worry! My mother loves Sister Die'er so much she'd gladly take her as her future daughter-in-law!"

Wen Die's face twisted as she gently tugged on Qibao's sleeve, giving him a playful glare. Yet inwardly, she was overjoyed. Which young woman wouldn't hope to be sought after by their future family? Besides, she truly adored the Xu family's atmosphere.

Madam Wen smiled: "I'm glad to hear that. I agree! Whether you pass the exams or not, I want you two to be engaged first. It's not fair to Die'er's reputation to wait any longer."

After hearing this, Xu Wenwu felt that he had indeed been inconsiderate. He had not expected that Die'er, a woman, would be waiting for him without any status or reputation. It was not fair to her. If Die'er became his fiancée, it would be different.

"Aunt Wen, you're right! It was thoughtless of me. As soon as I get home, I'll have my parents choose a good date and send a matchmaker to propose." Xu Wenwu promised.