kvmb Chapter 324 Engagement
Chapter 324 Engagement
One day, Song Ming, carrying carefully prepared betrothal gifts, arrived at the Gu residence full of anticipation. He first invited the Medicine King, who then led him to Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu's courtyard. Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu, seeing the Medicine King and Song the Second Master outside, hurried out to greet them. They were wondering what the Medicine King and Song the Second Master had come for. Just as they were about to ask, the Medicine King spoke first with a smile. "Manager Gu and Madam Gu, this old man has come today to discuss a joyous occasion with you on behalf of my disciple."
These words completely baffled Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu. What kind of person was the Medicine King? He was the Emperor's teacher, an elder respected by both the Emperor and the Emperor Emeritus. Now, he had come to their courtyard in person, along with Second Master Song, and several disciples of Medicine King Valley. What was going on?
Song Ming took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He looked up at the sky; the sunlight shone warmly through the thin clouds, but it couldn't dispel the unease in his heart. His master gently patted his shoulder in encouragement. The two of them led everyone into the courtyard. With Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu looking puzzled, they led the group carrying the boxes into the main hall.
Song Ming and his master sat down in the living room, which was elegantly and grandly furnished. Several landscape paintings and calligraphy hung on the walls, and exquisite porcelain pieces were displayed on the table. Song Ming's gaze swept over these objects one by one, trying to ease his inner tension. Only then did Song Ming have time to take a closer look at Fu Ling's parents.
Fuling's father was tall and imposing, with a dignified face and a calm, shrewd look in his eyes; her mother was gentle and dignified, with a faint smile and a hint of confusion on her face. The Medicine King first exchanged pleasantries. He had never done this before, so he didn't know how to get to the point. Then he stated his purpose, directly expressing Song Ming's admiration for Fuling and his hope to facilitate the marriage.
Upon hearing this, Fuling's parents were instantly shocked. Their daughter was already in her twenties, yet someone still wanted to marry her. They had both thought she would be alone for life, and they exchanged a glance. The father frowned slightly and said, "We've heard of Master Song's handsome appearance. However, our daughter has been spoiled since childhood, and we are of lowly status. We're afraid we're not good enough for Master Song. Besides, the news of her refusing marriage has spread throughout the capital, which is why she's been waiting until she's in her twenties. Doesn't Master Song mind?"
Song Ming's heart tightened, and he quickly stood up, saying, "Uncle and Aunt, rest assured, although I live in the martial world, I have always maintained a clean reputation and have my own career. Miss Fuling must not have found a suitable man before, just like me, and thus her marriage was delayed. Now that we share the same feelings, I will do my best to give Fuling a stable and happy life. My feelings for Fuling are as clear as day, and I hope you will grant my request." As he spoke, he took out the treasured jade pendant from his pocket, presented it with both hands, and said, "This jade pendant was passed down from my ancestors. I hope it can serve as a testament to my feelings for Fuling."
Fuling's mother took the jade pendant, examined it carefully, and a hint of appreciation flashed in her eyes. But her father remained solemn. He slowly said, "Marriage is a major event, and we still need to consult with Fuling and discuss it together. How about this, you two go back first, and we will discuss it with Fuling and give you an answer in a few days."
Song Ming rose and bowed, handing the gift list to Aunt Gu, Fu Ling's mother. He understood that this couldn't be rushed. The Medicine King walked out of the courtyard and said to Song Ming, "You, usually so composed, are in such a hurry today. Why didn't you ask Fu Ling herself?"
Song Ming said, "I asked her directly, but she didn't answer directly. But I think she meant for me to come and propose marriage soon." The Medicine King smiled and then said, "Alright, I think you're fine too. Take this old man to Ye's courtyard. You can go and see Fuling."
Song Ming escorted the Medicine King to Ye Qingchen's courtyard, glanced at Fuling once, and left. Back in his own courtyard in Medicine King Valley, Song Ming was filled with anxiety and restlessness. He didn't know what Fuling's parents would ultimately decide, nor did he know Fuling's own thoughts. He began to regret his impulsive actions, his decision to ask his master to propose marriage without careful consideration.
As for Fuling, after Song Ming left, she hurried back to find Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu, her heart pounding with anxiety. She had overheard the Medicine King telling Ye Qingchen about arranging the marriage between Song Ming and her, and she had also heard the conversation between Fuling's parents and Song Ming. She felt a mixture of anticipation and fear. She was afraid her parents wouldn't approve of the marriage, yet she also hoped they would agree quickly so she could marry Song Ming.
Fuling hurried to the courtyard, opened the door, and said loudly, "Father, Mother, I like Song Ming. Although he is a person of the martial arts world, he is upright and kind, and he is very good to me. I am willing to face everything in the future with him."
Fuling's mother looked at her daughter with an expression of utter disbelief and said, "We know that Young Master Song is a good man, but we were afraid that your lowly status would make you unworthy of him. Besides, this Master Song is always aloof, why would he treat you so well? And you, didn't you say you didn't like anyone? So you like someone as aloof as Master Song?"
Fuling said firmly, "He's not aloof, he just doesn't like talking to so many people. I think he's a very nice person and very gentle."
Fuling's father sighed and said, "Since you've made up your mind, we won't say anything more. Marrying you off will put our minds at ease. But this marriage is way too good for us. It's the Song family head!"
Fuling said, "So what? Once you both agree, he will be your son-in-law!"
Every minute of that day felt like an eternity to Song Ming. An hour had passed since he returned, but he still hadn't received any news. This caused even someone as confident as him to begin to lose confidence. He wanted to drink tea, but found it tasteless; he wanted to concoct medicine, but felt no motivation. So he took a sword and went out to practice martial arts to relieve his boredom.
Finally, two more hours passed, and someone came to the Gu residence with a message that Fuling's parents had sent her birth date and time, asking Master Song to find someone to choose an auspicious date for their marriage.
Song Ming was overjoyed and immediately flew to find the Medicine King, asking his master to help him find an auspicious date. Looking at his impatient disciple, the Medicine King suddenly felt he had misjudged the boy for almost 30 years. However, he had no choice but to set a date that wasn't too rushed, nor too unhurried. It was set for September 26th of that year, a very auspicious day. The weather was also pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold. And there were still a few months to prepare. Furthermore, the date was compatible with the two children's birth charts, so he told Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen about it. Fuling, who was nearby, naturally heard it and agreed. Thus, their engagement was finalized. Now that they were engaged, they could freely visit each other. Song Ming asked Fuling if she would be willing to escort him back to Medicine King Valley. Fuling looked shyly at Ye Qingchen, who said, "Since Master Song has spoken, Fuling, you should go." After they left, Ye Qingchen revealed a slight smile; Fuling was finally no longer so eager to marry.