Chapter 138: Holding it Back

A thought flashed through Mi Zhu's mind, but he knew it was just wishful thinking.

Even if the rumors about this Yuan family scion about to marry the Zhen family girl, who supposedly possessed the countenance of great wealth and nobility, were untrue, Mi Zhu wouldn't dare to marry Mi Zhen to Yuan Xi. Wouldn't that be tantamount to openly betraying Liu Bei?

But what if the other party used the peace talks between Yuan and Liu as leverage, demanding Mi Zhen as a concubine?

Would he dare to refuse?

Leaving aside Mi Zhu's wild thoughts, Yuan Xi was rendered speechless by Mi Zhu's words. What had his reputation become on the outside?

It seemed that arranging for Madam Huan and her daughter to live in his mansion was still somewhat ill-considered.

Seeing how frightened Mi Zhu was, regarding him as if he were Cao Cao, Yuan Xi was currently preoccupied with opening up commercial routes in Xu Province and wouldn't go so far as to offend the Mi family, ruining his entire plan.

He immediately said with righteous indignation: "Brother Zizhong, where are your thoughts wandering? How could I be that kind of person!"

Upon hearing this, Mi Zhu felt a weight lifted from his heart and quickly bowed, saying: "It was Zhu who misspoke. Please forgive me, Young Master!"

Yuan Xi waved his hand: "I also had my indiscretions. Let's consider this matter over."

Mi Fang and Mi Zhen were somewhat stunned. The person Mi Zhu was so wary of must have a very important status!

Mi Zhu took the opportunity to propose a banquet to apologize. Liu Bei had been stood up by Yuan Xi for three days, but he couldn't bring himself to lower his face, so both sides were competing in patience.

As a result, bad news arrived this morning. Spies in Dong Commandery of Yan Province reported that Cao Cao and Lu Bu's armies had ceased fighting for several months.

Even worse news was that Cao Cao's soldiers were still preparing for war, indicating that they were still planning to fight!

In the short term, Cao Cao's army would not fight Lu Bu again, so the most likely target was still Xu Province!

This alarmed Liu Bei. He had just suffered a defeat in Qing Province, and the two commanderies had been severely ravaged by Ze Rong. If Cao Cao launched a large-scale attack, he was unsure if he could withstand it!

Therefore, upon hearing that a conflict had arisen at home, Mi Zhu was relieved, finally finding an excuse to back down!

Yuan Xi smiled slightly, not exposing him. He had long anticipated the news of Cao Cao's preparations for war. After all, Cao Cao would never let go of any opportunity.

Mi Zhu arranged a banquet and sent someone to find Mi Fang, asking him to come and accompany them and apologize.

At this time, Mi Zhen was in the back hall with Mi Fang. After hearing the servant's report, she advised Mi Fang: "Brother, you should go. The other party is a distinguished guest of Liu Yuzhou. Even if you can't establish a relationship with him, it's not good to offend him."

Mi Fang hesitated for a moment, then asked, "What about you, little sister? Will you not go?"

Mi Zhen was somewhat ashamed and angry, "What would I go there for?"

Mi Fang whispered: "I heard that this person is from the Yuan clan of Runan and is not yet married!"

"Don't you think it's a good match?"

Mi Zhen stomped her foot, "Brother, how can you say such things?"

"How could I be so shameless as to come forward and engage in such obsequious behavior?"

Mi Fang said dejectedly: "Anyway, you've already been seen. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try."

Mi Zhen became angry as Mi Fang's words became more and more outrageous, and she turned to leave: "Brother is becoming increasingly absurd. If you hadn't been beaten today, why would I have come out to show my face?"