Eternal Years - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Before I had even drunk half a cup of tea, my wish to sit quietly until the Flower Appreciation Banquet ended came to nothing.

The girl in green at the head of the group looked at me curiously. “I heard Elder Sister broke off her engagement with the Top Scorer of the Imperial Examinations?”

Her posture and appearance were both gentle and refined, but most of the noble young ladies I associated with were already married, so I truly had no impression of her. Hearing this, I said softly that it was so.

“Why? The Top Scorer of the Imperial Examinations is extraordinarily talented, and he comes from Marquis Anding’s Estate.” The girl smiled. “Could it be that Elder Sister already has someone in her heart?”

The moment she opened her mouth, she was not so gentle after all. I set down my teacup. “No. I merely know I was reaching above myself.”

“That is how it was to begin with. After Lord Lanxiang’s disguise as a man was exposed, the Top Scorer of the Imperial Examinations knelt for three days straight in Jianzhang Palace to plead for her.” Another girl in yellow said, “Their affection is sincere and moving. Elder Sister breaking off the engagement can also be considered helping them achieve a beautiful union.”

My heart felt as if it had been pricked by needles, but it was still within the range I could endure. I smiled to myself and said nothing.

Unfortunately, the noble young ladies did not seem inclined to let this amusement go, and asked with smiles:

“Only, I wonder why Elder Sister is already eighteen, yet the Top Scorer of the Imperial Examinations still has not married you?”

I abruptly tightened my grip on the teacup, the scabbed-over scar suddenly ripped open without warning.

“Elder Sister is actually already eighteen?” The girl in green covered her mouth with a handkerchief, looking extremely surprised. “If I were Elder Sister, I would be too embarrassed to come today.”

The familiar low laughter of the girls spread once more, very crisp, mingled with teasing voices: “How is she already eighteen and still coming to the Flower Appreciation Banquet?”

I took a deep breath and was just about to speak when I suddenly heard a low voice say, “Who is already eighteen?”

The crisp laughter instantly fell silent. I raised my head and saw the Little Commandery Prince walking into the pavilion.

The man was handsome, noble as if carved from gold and stone, his hair bound with a golden crown, a silver belt around his waist, wearing a pale-blue brocade robe embroidered with subtle patterns.

I froze in place, but not because of the man’s appearance or aura. Rather, several strings of words had suddenly appeared before my eyes.

[LOL, he finally caught an adult.]

[Who understands the feeling of salvation when you spot an eighteen-year-old high school girl among a bunch of fourteen- or fifteen-year-old middle schoolers?]

[This one’s super pretty. Our male lead is definitely going to fall for her now. We’re going to have a daughter-in-law.]

The Little Commandery Prince raised an eyebrow and looked at me. “You are already eighteen?”

Amid fear and disbelief, I subconsciously nodded.

“My Heir Consort will be you.”

The entire garden fell silent. Only the murmuring of flowing water could be heard.

The Little Commandery Prince before me had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, tall and coldly handsome, truly standing there like a jade tree.

The oppressive presence of an unfamiliar man rushed toward me. I blinked sluggishly, stunned in place.

The Commandery Princess Consort hurried over, and only then did everyone wake as if from a dream and hastily bow.

I had just followed them and crouched down when the Little Commandery Prince gently supported my arm with the folding fan in his hand.

“I ask you-” The Little Commandery Prince paused, and when he spoke again, his tone was much gentler. “Are you willing to be my Heir Consort?”

The suppressed gasps of the girls rose and fell. The Commandery Princess Consort clutched her brocade handkerchief and looked at me full of hope.

I raised my head. Those unknown lines of text were still flashing continuously.

[I really can’t take it. This super-straight guy’s proposal has completely stunned her.]

[Family, I’m dying laughing. This is the first time I’ve heard that bastard soften his voice like this.]

[I came to read a male-oriented webnovel genre medical genius power-fantasy novel, and now I’ve suddenly been shoved into the romance channel.]

[Wasn’t this no-CP? Why did a scene like this suddenly pop up?]

The Little Commandery Prince was still looking at me, his features cold and stern, but his gaze focused and gentle.

The noble young ladies were either frightened or indignant, all waiting for my answer.

Only I, as my thoughts turned, reached a conclusion from everyone’s reactions: I was the only one who could see those lines of text.

I lowered my eyes and saw the man’s hand holding the folding fan, pale and slender, its lines cool and elegant. Softly, I said, “…This official’s daughter is willing.”

Behind me came the sounds of the girls gritting their teeth and sighing. At the side, the Commandery Princess Consort excitedly stepped forward and took my hand. “Which family’s daughter is this noble young lady?”

The Commandery Princess Consort’s enthusiasm left me somewhat unable to cope. Maintaining the bearing and upbringing I had cultivated over many years, I answered as properly as I could: “My father is the Vice Minister of Rites.”

“So you are Lord Shen’s daughter.” The Commandery Princess Consort smiled. “Then today, I shall come to your door to propose marriage.”

Me: “…”