14.

The air was crisp in the wilderness as Ji Zhiyu arrived at Shen Manor, his caravan carefully making its way through the forested path. The newly built Shen family home stood proudly against the backdrop of trees, its stone walls and spacious yards a testament to how far the family had come.

Ji Zhiyu dismounted his horse, looking around with a faint smile of approval. He had always admired Shen Yuan's ambition, but seeing the manor in person only deepened his respect.

As he was greeted by Shen Jiuyuan, who led him toward the main hall, Ji Zhiyu's mind wasn't entirely on business today. There was another matter, far more personal, that he intended to address.

Inside the main hall, Shen Yuan stood waiting, his face lighting up when he saw Ji Zhiyu enter.

"Master Ji," Shen Yuan greeted, bowing slightly. "It's good to see you. Welcome to our home."

Ji Zhiyu smiled warmly, returning the greeting. "The pleasure is mine, Shen Yuan. I've heard much about this manor of yours, but seeing it in person—it's impressive."

Shen Yuan chuckled, motioning for Ji Zhiyu to sit. "We've worked hard to build it, but there's always more to do. Speaking of which, I wanted to discuss expanding our business."

Ji Zhiyu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm listening."

Shen Yuan sat across from him, his expression thoughtful. "The soap and pencils have been a success here, but I'm thinking of opening a shop in the capital, in the Yun Dynasty. If we can establish a presence there, it will give us access to a much larger market."

Ji Zhiyu nodded, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "That's a smart move. The capital's market is competitive, but with your products, you'd stand out. I know a few prime locations that might suit your needs."

Shen Yuan leaned forward, his excitement barely contained. "That's exactly what I was hoping to hear. If you could help me scout out a few shops or introduce me to someone who manages property, it would be a huge help."

Ji Zhiyu smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Consider it done. I'll take you to see the best places next time you visit the capital. But," he paused, his tone shifting slightly, "there's something else I wanted to discuss today."

Shen Yuan tilted his head, sensing the change in atmosphere. "What is it, Master Ji?"

Ji Zhiyu straightened in his seat, his expression becoming more serious. "It's about Shen Lingyun."

At the mention of his uncle's name, Shen Yuan's interest deepened. "Uncle Lingyun?"

Ji Zhiyu nodded, taking a deep breath. "I've come to ask for his hand in marriage."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Shen Yuan's eyes widened in surprise before a broad smile spread across his face. "You're serious?"

"Yes," Ji Zhiyu said, his tone steady and respectful. "I've come to admire him greatly, not just for his dedication to your family, but for his kindness, his intelligence. I believe he would make a wonderful partner, and I've already spoken with my mother about this."

Shen Yuan couldn't hide his happiness. His uncle had been the one to care for them after their parents' death, and at 28 years old, Shen Lingyun had never married. The family had worried about his future, but this proposal from Ji Zhiyu felt like a blessing.

"Master Ji," Shen Yuan said, his voice full of warmth, "I'm overjoyed to hear this. But of course, you'll need to ask Uncle Lingyun himself. I can't speak for him."

Ji Zhiyu nodded in agreement. "That's exactly what I intend to do."

Shen Yuan stood up, motioning for Ji Zhiyu to wait as he went to find Shen Lingyun. He quickly located his uncle, who was in the courtyard with Shen Qingge, discussing household matters.

"Uncle Lingyun, Uncle Qingge," Shen Yuan called, approaching them with a smile. "Could you both come to the main hall? We have a guest, and there's something important to discuss."

Shen Lingyun looked at him curiously, exchanging a glance with Shen Qingge before following Shen Yuan back inside.

As they entered the main hall, Shen Yuan gestured toward Ji Zhiyu, who had risen from his seat out of respect.

"Uncle," Shen Yuan began, his voice filled with excitement. "Master Ji is here, and he has something important to say."

Shen Lingyun blinked in surprise, turning to face Ji Zhiyu. "Master Ji? What's this about?"

Ji Zhiyu stepped forward, his usually composed expression softening. He bowed deeply before Shen Lingyun, speaking with clear sincerity. "Shen Lingyun, I've come here today to ask for your hand in marriage."

Shen Lingyun's eyes widened in shock, and he instinctively glanced at Shen Yuan, who nodded encouragingly. Shen Qingge, standing nearby, looked equally surprised but smiled warmly.

Ji Zhiyu continued, his voice steady and respectful. "I know this may come as a surprise, but I've admired you for some time now. You've dedicated your life to your family, but I believe it's time for you to have someone by your side. I would be honored if you would consider me."

Shen Lingyun's face flushed slightly, clearly overwhelmed. He had never imagined this, least of all from someone as prominent as Ji Zhiyu. "I… I don't know what to say."

Ji Zhiyu smiled gently. "There's no rush. Take your time to think about it, but know that I am sincere in my intentions."

Shen Lingyun looked down for a moment, his thoughts racing. He had never seriously considered marriage—his life had always been focused on raising his nephews and nieces after their parents passed. But now, as he stood in front of Ji Zhiyu, he realized that he did want something more for himself. A future, a partner.

After a long pause, Shen Lingyun looked up, meeting Ji Zhiyu's gaze. "If you truly mean what you say… then yes. I accept."

Ji Zhiyu's face lit up with joy, his calm demeanor breaking for just a moment. "You've made me the happiest man today, Shen Lingyun. I promise I'll do everything I can to make you happy."

Shen Yuan clapped his hands, beaming. "This is wonderful news! Uncle Lingyun, I'm so happy for you."

Shen Qingge nodded in agreement, placing a hand on Lingyun's shoulder. "You deserve this, Lingyun."

Ji Zhiyu bowed once more, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll bring a matchmaker and formally propose the marriage in two days. We'll begin the preparations as soon as possible."

That evening, at the dinner table, the Shen family gathered for their usual meal, but the air was filled with excitement. Shen Yuan couldn't wait to share the news with everyone.

As they settled in, Shen Mingxiu, who always had a keen eye for her brothers and sisters, sensed that something was different. "Yuan, you seem unusually cheerful today. What's going on?"

Shen Yuan grinned, looking around at the eager faces of his siblings and uncles. "I have good news to share. Today, Master Ji came to visit and—" he paused for dramatic effect, "—he asked for Uncle Lingyun's hand in marriage."

There was a stunned silence for a moment, and then the room erupted with joyful exclamations.

"Really? Uncle Lingyun's getting married?" Shen Zhen asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

Shen Mingxue, who had always worried about her uncle, was the first to react. She rushed over to Shen Lingyun's side, hugging him tightly. "Uncle! I'm so happy for you. I've been worried about you for so long. You deserve this happiness."

Shen Lingyun, still blushing from all the attention, smiled warmly at his niece. "Thank you, Mingxue. I never thought this day would come, but I'm glad it has."

Shen Jiuyuan raised his cup of tea in a toast. "To Uncle Lingyun and Master Ji! May their marriage be filled with joy and prosperity."

The family raised their cups in unison, echoing Jiuyuan's toast. "To Uncle Lingyun!"

As the evening continued, the conversation was filled with talk of the upcoming marriage, the preparations, and the future. Shen Yuan watched his family with pride, knowing that this union was not just about love but about strengthening the bonds between their families.