Chapter 202: A Belated Proposal

At dusk, the family had a quiet dinner.

Ziji was back to her old antics, sneaking food again, but this time Gu Yuena didn't scold her.

Dan Heng noticed Gu Yuena spacing out occasionally and figured it might've been the marriage proposal they'd witnessed on the way that had stirred something in her.

Back in the day, he never would've considered making up for the lack of a proposal to Gu Yuena.

But now, their relationship was deep, and they had truly accepted one another.

If others had such things, he didn't want her to go without.

Ziji darted her chopsticks into Biji's bowl and snatched a piece of meat.

"..." Biji looked at her silently, shook her head in resignation.

Gu Yuena didn't pay attention to them. Ziji's eyes widened.

After a moment, she reached toward Zhu Zhuqing's bowl, but Zhu Zhuqing wasn't having it. She picked up her bowl and glared at Ziji.

Ziji bared her teeth like a food-guarding puppy.

Zhu Zhuqing ignored her entirely.

Ziji glanced toward Gu Yuena again.

Gu Yuena merely gave her a side glance—no emotion, no scolding like she usually would.

"!!!"

Ziji's mouth dropped open in shock, staring at Guxuena.

This was too weird!!!

Usually, the slightest misbehavior at the table would earn her a sharp reprimand from Gu Yuena.

But today, she had snatched food and caused trouble with Zhu Zhuqing right under Gu Yuena's nose—and wasn't punished at all?

Ziji blinked, then sneakily reached her chopsticks toward Dan Heng's bowl.

Before Dan Heng could react, Gu Yuena suddenly let out a cold snort.

"Ziji! What do you think you're doing? Want a beating?" Guxuena said, eyes narrowed.

Ziji froze instantly, shaking her head rapidly. "No, no…"

Guxuena then turned to Dan Heng and asked, "Husband, what's your favorite color?"

"Blue-green, I guess," Dan Heng answered offhandedly.

"Oh."

Gu Yuena fell silent again.

Ziji bit her chopsticks, watching the scene with a deeply conflicted expression.

Soon, dinner ended, and Zhu Zhuqing and Biji took care of cleaning the table.

…

That night.

In the room shared by Ziji and Biji.

Ziji suddenly sat on the bed, arms crossed and looking dead serious, gritting her teeth.

"Biji! Did you notice? Something's wrong with the Master!"

Biji was cleaning up the room—they shared it, but she was the one who always did the housework. Ziji never lifted a finger.

Hearing Ziji's voice, Biji turned around, looking confused.

"What is it?"

"The Master didn't scold me!" Ziji said gravely.

"Eh?"

Biji blinked. What was this woman talking about?

Ziji spoke as if making a formal case, "If this were before, the way I behaved at dinner would've gotten me punished for sure. But today—even when I reached into the pervy old man's bowl—Master only barely scolded me!"

"Brother-in-law isn't a pervy old man…"

Biji quietly corrected her.

"That's not important!"

Ziji jumped up and grabbed Biji's shoulders, her seductive face now more serious than ever.

"What's important is—Master has changed!"

"Do you know what that means? It means the pervy old man might be falling out of favor! Our status in her heart is definitely on the rise! That old man might get kicked out any day now! When that happens, heh heh…"

The more Ziji thought about it, the more her grin widened as she started fantasizing.

Biji frowned and shook her head. "I don't think that's right, Ziji. You're probably overthinking it. And besides, if Brother-in-law isn't around, would you really be happier? You always complain when you don't get his cooking in the morning."

"!!!"

Ziji froze. She'd completely forgotten about that!

Her expression shifted dramatically before she gritted her teeth. "Fine! But when he comes crawling back, he better beg me first! Otherwise, I won't let him back into this house!"

"I'll make him… hmm… make him lick my… mm mph!"

Before she could finish, Biji quickly clamped a hand over her mouth.

Looking worriedly at Ziji, Biji sighed. "Ziji, don't say things like that, okay?"

Seeing her like this, Biji could only think one thing:

Ziji totally deserves the punishments Masters gives her!

Ziji slowly nodded, calming down.

She had indeed gotten carried away. At this distance, if Master overheard her, she might end up sleeping outside.

Biji watched her for a moment, and once she confirmed Ziji was back to normal, she finally released her hand.

"Biji, I think we should figure out why the Mistress is acting like this. Then we can help bring her back to normal!"

Biji thought for a bit, then nodded. "Alright. I'll help you."

…

The next day.

Dan Heng returned to the library, frowning.

Last night's "married couple time" had been cut short by half an hour. Gu Yuena was clearly preoccupied with something.

"Looks like I'll have to move things forward…"

He murmured, then checked with the purchasing department to confirm the fireworks and flowers would arrive at the planned location.

But then another issue arose—he was broke!

The family finances were all managed by Gu Yuena.

He'd never even touched gold soul coins—he had no interest in them.

Since this was supposed to be a surprise for Gu Yuena, he couldn't use their shared funds. Otherwise, she'd know.

Just as he was lost in thought, a veiled figure gracefully approached.

Dan Heng looked up and frowned slightly.

It was Tang Yuehua!

This extremely clever woman was the only one who ever made Dan Heng feel a trace of "threat."

Tang Yuehua stepped up beside him and gave a courteous nod.

"Mr. Dan Heng, forgive me for the sudden visit. I simply must ask—what path should we take next? As you likely already know, I'm from the Clear Sky Sect…"

She then explained the current situation of the sect in detail.

She gave Dan Heng no chance to refuse her.

"..." Dan Heng listened passively until the end.

Sure enough, she was too smart—she didn't even leave room to say no.

Tang Yuehua spoke plainly, revealing everything, even her entanglement with Emperor Xue Ye. She didn't hide a single detail.

Then, she bowed again. Her reddened eyes full of sorrow, exuding charm and femininity.

It was as if refusing her would be the cruelest act in the world.

"Mr. Dan Heng, I know I'm being unreasonable. But we're out of options… If you want to punish me, I'll accept it willingly."

She spoke softly and meekly.

"..." Dan Heng rubbed his temples—being kind really does make people take advantage of you.

He responded bluntly, "The best route for the Clear Sky Sect right now is for you to accept Emperor Xue Ye's proposal and become the imperial consort. If possible, have the sect fully support the Heaven Dou Empire and become one of its top noble families…"

"???" Tang Yuehua stared at Dan Heng in stunned silence.

Excuse me? I'm standing right in front of you—a literal stunning beauty.

And you're seriously okay with sending me off to some wrinkly old emperor's harem?

What kind of answer is that from a normal man?

Tang Yuehua looked at Dan Heng with disbelief and softly asked, "Isn't there another way?"

"This is the optimal solution for the Clear Sky Sect—unless…"

"Unless what?!"

"Unless the Clear Sky Sect produces the strongest person in the world within the next ten years. Or someone becomes a god. Otherwise, there is no better way."

"..."

Tang Yuehua's mouth twitched slightly. The Clear Sky Sect's most glorious era was probably during Tang Chen's time.

But that was decades ago!

She sighed and shook her head, saying, "Mr. Dan Heng, is there really no other way?"

Dan Heng thought for a moment and replied, "There is, but it also involves close cooperation with the Heaven Dou Empire, and it would require action on your part..."

As for the specifics, Dan Heng couldn't give any advice.

He could only provide a direction.

Tang Yuehua pursed her lips and nodded helplessly.

Well, after all that, she ended up not getting any truly valuable guidance.

And she was absolutely not going to marry Emperor Xue Ye!

With a faint sigh, Tang Yuehua took her leave. As she left, she cast a deep glance at Dan Heng.

A man completely unaffected by her charm , she still liked that. A kind of "close male friend" type.

Evening.

Just as Dan Heng returned home and was preparing dinner in the kitchen, two figures suddenly flashed inside.

It was Bi Ji and Zi Ji — or rather, Zi Ji had dragged Bi Ji in.

"Brother-in-law! You have to answer me honestly! Did you upset my sister? Like that time you upset me?!"

Zi Ji grabbed Dan Heng's clothes and glared at him with her beautiful eyes, putting on a fierce act.

Bi Ji tugged at Zi Ji's sleeve and said in a small voice, "Zi Ji, you're going too far…"

Zi Ji glared at Bi Ji and whispered, "It has to be this way!"

Dan Heng brushed off Zi Ji's hand and shook his head. "No… but your sister's mood should improve tonight."

As he spoke, the corners of Dan Heng's mouth couldn't help but curl up.

Everything was already prepared!

Tonight, he was going to give Gu Yuena a big surprise!

Zi Ji eyed him suspiciously. "Why are you smiling like that? Are you plotting something? You're not thinking of selling off two gorgeous beauties like us, are you?"

"..."

Dan Heng just shook his head.

Bi Ji quickly dragged Zi Ji away. "Don't bother brother-in-law anymore…"

Elsewhere, in the Spirit Hall.

Even with supreme authority in hand, Bibi Dong was not happy. The quieter it was, the more she couldn't help but think of Dan Heng.

Those happy moments with "Dan Heng" were something she deeply missed.

Her subconscious even tried to convince her that those fake "memories" were real.

She stood by the window, gazing in a particular direction.

The home in that direction — was where Dan Heng lived… She had long since found out his residence.

And many other details — when it came to knowing Dan Heng, she definitely ranked among the top on the Douluo Continent!

"I… I'll just take a look… just a secret glance."

Bibi Dong comforted herself with a trace of wishful thinking. "They say Dan Heng and Gu Yuena's marriage was ridiculous — it ended in a day, and it was all a setup by Gu Yuena…"

"Their feelings may not be real. Tonight, I'll just take a look, and tomorrow night… tomorrow night too…"

Pumping herself up, she had even investigated all the details of Dan Heng and Gu Yuena's marriage.

Once the thought came, she acted on it. She changed into form-fitting clothes suitable for movement and slipped out the window in a flash.

Not long after, there was a knock at the door — "knock knock knock."

Hu Liena came in from outside, checked a few rooms, and called out for Bibi Dong, but didn't find her.

She walked over to the window Bibi Dong had left from.

Just as she passed it, she suddenly thought of something, turned back to the window, and her eyes widened. "Ah! Isn't that… isn't that Mr. Dan Heng's residence? Could it be that teacher couldn't resist her longing and went to…"

Realizing this, Hu Liena quickly chased after her.

At the Crown Prince's residence.

Qian Renxue was discussing Dan Heng with Qian Daoliu.

Although Qian Daoliu repeatedly promised that he would respect Dan Heng's wishes, Qian Renxue was still uneasy and kept asking again and again.

Qian Daoliu could only continue to reassure her, not losing his patience.

"…Xue'er, don't you trust Grandpa? I definitely won't make Mr. Dan Heng uncomfortable. I value him even more than you think!"

Qian Daoliu said seriously.

Qian Renxue looked at him, thought for a moment, and nodded lightly, no longer questioning him.

"…Grandpa, why do you value Mr. Dan Heng so much, anyway?"

Qian Daoliu smiled faintly and shook his head. "Xue'er, that's a secret for now! But if you're capable of making him my grandson-in-law, then I'd have no objection…"

"Grandpa! What are you talking about? Mr. Dan Heng already has a wife!"

Qian Renxue immediately blushed and stomped her foot in protest.

Qian Daoliu, on the other hand, didn't mind. Back in the day, when he and Tang Chen were pursuing Bo Saixi, neither of them were exactly single!

In the eyes of strong individuals, whether someone had been married didn't matter much.

Qian Renxue was left speechless, blushing fiercely.

"I… I'm not talking to you anymore!"

She practically stormed out — even forgetting this was her own Crown Prince's residence.

Only when she exited through a side gate did she realize it.

And at that moment, she still maintained her original appearance.

Looking at the quiet street, Qian Renxue bit her lip, with her grandfather's words still echoing in her ears.

She… couldn't help but imagine.

Was it really impossible?

Lost in thought, she subconsciously began walking toward Dan Heng's home.

Dan Heng's family had just finished dinner.

"Husband, I want to take you somewhere…"

"Na'er, I was just about to take you all to…"

Dan Heng and Gu Yuena spoke at the same time, then looked at each other in surprise.

Gu Yuena smiled sweetly and nodded. "You go first, husband."

Dan Heng said, "Nana, I want to take you all outside the city — there's a place with a beautiful view I want to show you. It's really stunning right now."

Zi Ji, still holding her bowl, chimed in out of nowhere, "What's so great about the scenery? Can you eat it? Old—"

"Shut up! Can't even keep your mouth closed while eating?"

Gu Yuena snapped coldly at Zi Ji, immediately making her shrink back.

Zi Ji practically buried her face in her bowl, not daring to make a sound.

Gu Yuena then turned to Dan Heng, her tone instantly flipping to sweet and affectionate, her eyes curling like crescent moons.

"Husband, where are we going? Are we leaving now?"

Dan Heng nodded. "Yes, right now. Shall we go together?"

"Sure!" Gu Yuena answered cheerfully.

And so, the whole family headed out of the city together.

(End of Chapter)