Chapter 114: I Will Speak Publicly

Previously, when Tenth Noble Son Ning became the top scholar, the news returned and the county celebrated, but for the people of Yangcheng, Tenth Noble Son Ning becoming a top scholar was expected, lacking a certain surprise.

However, another piece of news slowly spread.

Tenth Noble Son Ning got engaged to Miss Jun in the capital.

"What does engagement mean, they already had a marriage arrangement anyway," someone said.

That was true.

Initially, when the orphan from Funing came to Yangcheng, she directly declared her engagement and threw herself at Tenth Noble Son Ning.

Tenth Noble Son Ning, the treasure of Yangcheng, many women longed for him but felt unworthy and dared not to defile.

The shallow and bizarre acting girl actually becoming the wife of Tenth Noble Son Ning was unbearable.

The Ning Family could not bear it, Tenth Noble Son Ning could not bear it either, and after much fuss, the engagement was broken off, and they had nothing to do with each other ever since.

How come they are suddenly engaged again?

"It's because of the Fang Family's affair."

"Miss Jun's marriage to Young Master Fang was fake, so the annulment of her engagement with Tenth Noble Son was also fake."

"Otherwise, why would they go to the capital one after the other."

"Miss Jun was accompanying Noble Son Ning in the capital for the top scholar exam."

"After becoming the top scholar, the two of them could get married."

This truly sounded like a story of lovebirds.

However, some people expressed disagreement.

"You speak as if you witnessed it yourself."

"Miss Jun was actually in the capital to open a medical hall, to make Jiuling Hall famous, it just so happened to be in the capital."

"Right, Tenth Noble Son doesn't need Miss Jun's company in the Imperial College."

In short, it was noisy and no one could really make it clear, even the Ning Family couldn't clarify anything, although Tenth Noble Son Ning had returned, but the Eldest Madam Ning was ill, Tenth Noble Son Ning confined himself to care for the sick and did not see visitors, no one could directly inquire him.

Now, Miss Jun has come back, she just returned yesterday, and today, the reclusive Tenth Noble Son Ning showed up at the Fang Family's front door.

What does this mean?

Is this just a coincidence?

The little maidservant calling out "son-in-law" and asking if it was for Miss Jun, how would Tenth Noble Son Ning reply?

Everyone's hearts were raised to their throats as they watched Tenth Noble Son Ning intently.

The long-standing mystery was about to be solved! About to be unveiled!

With such fiery gazes, Xiaoding couldn't help but shrink his neck, and behind him, Ning Yunzhao smiled, stepping forward.

"Yes," he said, looking at Liu'er, "Is Miss Jun here?"

Before Liu'er could answer, the surrounding people erupted into noise.

He's here for Miss Jun!

Tenth Noble Son Ning came looking for Miss Jun!

Top Scholar Ning came looking for his fiancée Miss Jun!

Xiaoding was so scared by the noise he nearly sat on the ground.

He knew that wherever his young master went, it would inevitably cause a commotion, so he had suggested his master to avoid, to have Miss Jun come out and talk quietly away from the crowd, to avoid being watched.

But despite all precautions...

"Son-in-law, my Miss is here," Liu'er said in the commotion, still loud, "She is waiting for you."

This statement made the crowd even nosier.

Hold back a bit, young lady, Xiaoding couldn't help but facepalm.

At this point, there was no need to ask Miss Jun to come out for a quiet meeting, that wouldn't be quiet anymore, look at these people, probably the entire Yangcheng would come to watch.

Ning Yunzhao followed Liu'er's enthusiastic lead under the excited gaze of the people and entered the Fang Family's main door.

The gatekeeper of the Fang Family was also scared by this scene, staring blankly as Liu'er led the people inside.

"Report this, please," Ning Yunzhao said.

Liu'er exclaimed.

"What need is there to report, son-in-law, you come to report what?" she said, "Come in quickly."

She then looked forward and exclaimed.

"Look, they've also come to greet."

The approaching Old Lady Fang and Lady Fang looked dark.

Greet a ghost!

You reckless girl, you haven't improved at all after so long, and are about to embarrass yourself and the Fang Family again.

Ning Yunzhao stepped forward to pay respects.

"Old Lady Fang, Lady Fang, nice to meet you for the first time, sorry for the disturbance," he said, his demeanor solemn, his attitude respectful, and yet graceful and unstrained.

The first meeting.

Indeed, it was the first meeting, although they were fellow villagers, as a money business, the Fang Family and Ning Family naturally had interactions, he had seen the Eldest Master Ning, but after all, due to their different status as officials and merchants, Ning Yunzhao, always studying, did not have other interactions.

Then there was Jun Zhenzhen's marriage arrangement, indeed he had met the Eldest Madam, but it was not a pleasant meeting, Ning Yunzhao did not come out to greet the elder.

Later, the Ning Family and De Sheng Chang even cut off business dealings, clearly deciding not to intersect anymore.

Unexpectedly, after no more interactions, here was Ning Yunzhao coming to offer the courtesy of a junior.

Isn't this fate turning full circle?

If this had happened a year ago, she might have been happy, but now...

"Son-in-law, son-in-law, go see Miss." Liu'er urged from the side.

Son-in-law, son-in-law, isn't it fake? Why call so intimately.

In that case, her grandson is also a son-in-law.

Old Lady Fang didn't need to hide her emotions, and she looked at him with a stern face.

Lady Fang, however, concealed her emotions and returned the smile politely.

"Noble Son Ning." she said.

"You can go see..." Liu'er continued.

Her words were cut off by Old Lady Fang's displeasure.

"Why are you still here? Go fetch your Miss." she said, and then turned to Ning Yunzhao, "Oh, I forgot to ask, who are you here to see, Noble Son Ning?"

Ning Yunzhao seemed not to notice Old Lady Fang's unpleasant face, his expression still gentle and unrestrained, and he smiled when he heard her.

"I came to see Miss Jun." he said frankly.

"Oh, please come in." Old Lady Fang said, glaring at Liu'er again, "Go fetch your Miss now."

Liu'er glared back rudely.

Why so fierce?

She snorted and briskly walked inside.

"Noble Son Ning, please this way." Lady Fang said gently with a smile.

Ning Yunzhao bowed again before following her.

......................................

In De Sheng Chang, Manager Gao, now the second manager, received the account book passed by the managers and then handed it to Fang Chengyu.

Sitting in front of the desk, Fang Chengyu, resting his chin on his hand, did not look at the account book but was lost in thought.

He had been in that pose for quite some time.

Why is Young Master preoccupied? This is quite rare.

The managers in the room looked at each other, but Manager Gao seemed to understand somewhat.

"Young Master, I have reviewed today's account books." he said, "There are some not yet delivered. Why don't you go home first, and I'll send them over after noon."

Fang Chengyu responded with a grunt and sat up straight.

"That sounds good." he said, his eyes brightening, and then he stood up.

Two servant boys hurriedly followed him.

"Did you buy it?" Fang Chengyu asked.

The two servant boys nodded repeatedly.

"It's been sent for already," they said.

"Deliver it immediately once bought; it won't taste good once it gets cold." Fang Chengyu said.

As he spoke, he quickly walked out.

The people in the room exchanged glances.

"What is the Young Master trying to buy?" someone asked, puzzled.

"Who knows," someone shook their head, "but Young Master seems distracted and low in spirit."

This comment brought some worry.

"Is he not feeling well again?"

Although Fang Chengyu's condition had improved, he had been sick for so many years that people were still somewhat anxious.

Hearing this, Manager Gao laughed.

"How could that be, Miss Jun has returned," he said, his smile carrying a deeper meaning, "With Miss Jun around, the Young Master has nothing to worry about."

Those present seemed to understand yet not completely grasp it.

Is it that with Miss Jun's return, Young Master doesn't need to worry about his health, or that with Miss Jun's return, Young Master doesn't have to worry anymore?

Fang Chengyu stood at the street corner, watching as the two servant boys, sweaty, ran up and handed him the paper-wrapped package.

"Young Master, it's still hot," they said, "We bought four as you instructed."

Fang Chengyu took the package, blowing on it to cool it in his hands.

"Young Master, let us hold it," the servant boys busied themselves, attempting to take it.

Fang Chengyu did not hand it to them but instead, turned and briskly mounted his horse with one hand.

"Hurry back and let her taste it," he said, urging the horse forward. He had not gone far when he saw the crowd in the street suddenly increasing, all moving in one direction, causing some noisy commotion.

What's happening?

Fang Chengyu had to slow down his horse; he wasn't interested in what had occurred but was concerned about how slowing down would delay his return home.

"Hurry, let's go see."

"Tenth Noble Son Ning really went to see Miss Jun."

"He personally visited."

"That means their engagement is true!"

What!?

Fang Chengyu reined in his horse, a look of grievance on his face.

Why would Ning Yunzhao make such a house call to see Zhenzhen, causing such a bad influence!

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