Traveling back to the Northern Song Dynasty: Picking up a princess as my wife

Upon hearing this, Yue Ying said to Wang Changdao in an annoyed tone, "Don't ask me, Chief. You should ask Big Brother Wang instead!"

Li Zhen: "Wang Changdao, you are the elder brother, you speak."

Seeing this, Wang Changdao sighed and said, "Fine, then I'll explain."

After listening to Wang Changdao's vivid narration, an extraordinary destiny quietly unfolded during Li Zhen's absence. Yue Ying, a man of straightforward and sharp character, unexpectedly encountered Cui Yingying, the apple of Cui Dake's eye, at a turning point in his life. Her appearance was like the gentlest breeze in spring, unwittingly blowing into Yue Ying's rugged yet resilient heart, stirring up ripples.

This sudden affection was both a surprise and a challenge for Yue Ying. Although he was not the kind of person who would pester someone, the indescribable feelings made him frequently visit the Cui residence, hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful woman.

However, Yue Ying was also well aware that Cui Dake, that famous and unpredictable figure in the city, was by no means an easy person to approach.

Wang Changdao, as Yue Ying's close friend, was well aware of the risks involved and couldn't help but feel worried. He tried to use his experience and wisdom to pave a safer path for Yue Ying, his advice tinged with concern for the unknown risks. However, matters of the heart are rarely bound by reason. Yue Ying's heart had already drifted away with that beautiful figure, causing a disagreement between the two, and a subtle rift quietly began to grow in their once inseparable friendship.

Yue Peng spoke in a deep voice, his tone carrying an undeniable gravity: "Yue Ying, the daughter of the Cui family is not someone you or I can easily curry favor with. Never forget the responsibilities and status you now bear. If it weren't for Brother Wang's timely intervention, you might have already fallen into the abyss, causing irreparable regret."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhen felt a surge of indignation. He gently put his arm around Yue Ying's shoulder, looked firmly at Yue Peng, and laughed, "Are the Cui family women some kind of celestial being descended to earth, requiring us to keep our distance? Love in this world only requires mutual affection. If it is true love, even a woman of noble birth is just an ordinary woman. What is there to fear in marrying her?"

Yue Ying's eyes, which had been lowered, gradually lit up after Li Zhen's impassioned words. His expression regained its vitality and determination, as if he had found the strength to move forward again.

A hint of anxiety flickered across Yue Peng's brow. He sighed softly, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, "However..."

This scene caught Li Zhen's eye, causing him to frown slightly. His tone carried an undeniable resolve: "Why say more? Tomorrow I will personally lead Yue Ying to Anyang City to confront Cui Dake. Is my brother Yue Ying's status not enough to match a mere merchant's daughter? Such trivial matters are not worth mentioning!"

Li Zhen's words conveyed both comfort for Yue Peng's concerns and pride in Yue Ying's identity, as well as an air of unyielding arrogance.

The following morning, Li Zhen, dressed in official robes, walked steadily and personally led Yue Ying through the vermilion gates of the Cui residence in Anyang City. Inside, ancient trees towered, stone paths were quiet and secluded, and the scene was elegant, making it hard to believe that this was a merchant's home.

Upon hearing the news, Cui Dake came out to greet them, his face beaming with a sincere smile that warmed hearts like the spring sunshine.

He strode forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and then led Li Zhen toward the living room, laughing as he went, "Hahaha, Magistrate Li is so busy with his affairs, it is truly an honor for Anyang. Your presence at my humble abode today is an honor indeed! Please, please come in!"

Having said that, Cui Dake waved his hand gently, and a maidservant from the manor came gracefully like a spring breeze, carrying an exquisite blue-and-white porcelain teapot and a white jade teacup. The teapot contained carefully selected Longjing tea from the top of West Lake, its color emerald green and its aroma intoxicating. The tea was poured into the cup, the soup clear and green like jade, instantly filling the room with fragrance.

"Magistrate Li, please have some tea. I prepared this tea especially to ease your burden of official duties."

As Cui Dake spoke, he gently handed the teacup to Li Zhen, his eyes full of sincerity and respect.

Li Zhen took the teacup, took a small sip, and immediately felt the aroma of the tea fill his mouth, making him feel refreshed. He couldn't help but praise, "Good tea! Master Cui is truly a refined person; even his way of appreciating tea is so particular."

After exchanging pleasantries, the two sat down on carved pear wood chairs, and the conversation naturally turned to the recent grain trade. Their words affirmed past cooperation and looked forward to future development, creating a harmonious and pleasant atmosphere.

After a moment, Li Zhen's words, as direct yet gentle as a breeze, swept through the air: "To be honest, this visit is for the sake of my younger brother Yue Ying's lifelong happiness. Since the day I had the good fortune to see your daughter's beautiful face, he has been overwhelmed with joy, unable to eat or sleep. As his elder brother, seeing his deep affection, I could not stand idly by. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of coming to your door to discuss this auspicious occasion with my virtuous brother and sister-in-law."

His words conveyed both deep understanding and protection for his younger brother, and a gentle, tactful politeness, much like a soft, gentle spring rain that nourishes silently.

Upon hearing Li Zhen recount his story, Yue Ying blushed slightly, her demeanor becoming shy and bashful, like a newly blossoming petal swaying gently in the breeze, exuding an unnatural beauty.

Cui Dake smiled gently as his gaze swept over Yue Ying, his smile revealing a worldly wisdom and a tender affection for the younger generation.

He parted his lips slightly and laughed heartily: "Hehehe... As the saying goes, a girl should marry when she comes of age. If she can win the favor of Magistrate Li's brother, it will truly be a blessing for my daughter. Men, quickly invite the young lady here so we can share this wonderful story."

As he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall became even warmer and more solemn, as if the air itself was filled with the joy and anticipation of witnessing a beautiful marriage.

In a short while, Cui Yingying's figure moved lightly through the interplay of light and shadow, and slowly entered the room.

Her steps carried an unintentional elegance, like willow branches swaying gently in the spring breeze, soft yet rhythmic. Her gaze inadvertently swept over Yue Ying standing tall beside Li Zhen, and her eyes narrowed slightly. That momentary stunned look was like morning dew trembling on the tip of a tender leaf, fleeting in an instant.

She quickly composed herself, her usual gentle smile returning to her face. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, like the gentlest rosy cloud on the horizon at sunset, adding a touch of warmth and reverie to the tranquil scene.

"I wonder why Father summoned me here today?"

Cui Dake smiled gently and said slowly, "Lord Li from Tangyin County has come to our house to propose marriage for his brother Yue Ying. This is a joyous occasion for our family and no small matter. As your father, I will carefully consider your intentions so as not to fail this perfect match."

After speaking, his gaze softened and fell on the person in front of him, as if the whole house had been warmed by this heartwarming scene.