Armed with a machete and a gun, armed with a system, they fled the famine.

Chapter 445 Consistent

Dou Qingran was accompanied to the farm this time by only six close guards. He did not bring any of his former subordinates, such as Yu Hao and Zhang Liang.

When the six bodyguards saw Dou Qingran and her brother come out of the house and walk towards the backyard, they immediately followed them.

Dou Xingyan led them to the last courtyard.

"Brother, there's everything inside. You guys take a nap first, and when you wake up, we'll go find Uncle Yuan and Uncle Su."

Dou Qingran nodded slightly.

"it is good."

noon.

Yang Sanlang, Shen Yu, Chen Qingjiao, and Zhao Yunchen busily prepared two tables of food at Yuan Bo's place.

Although it couldn't compare to what a chef in a restaurant would make, the freshness of the ingredients made it a unique and delicious meal for Dou Qingran and the others.

After the meal, everyone went to the study to sit down and drink tea.

Su Yanzhi looked at Dou Qingran and casually asked, "Qingran, you're not getting any younger. Aren't those old ministers in the court urging you to get married soon so that the royal family can continue its lineage?"

Why not?

A hint of helplessness flashed in Dou Qingran's eyes.

Ever since he ascended the throne, the old ministers in the court would bring up the seriousness of the royal family having no descendants in front of him every few days.

Their meaning is self-evident.

Your Majesty, you are getting on in years; it's time for you to marry and have children.

Dou Qingran sighed inwardly and thought to himself: He did want to get married and have children, but he was busy as a dog every day, so he had no time or mood to appreciate beautiful women.

He didn't answer Su Yanzhi's question until he finished his cup of tea.

"There are a few old ministers, but the Great Nguyen Dynasty has just gotten on the right track, and there are many things that I still have to do personally. So, I'm not in the mood to think about those trivial matters right now. Let's talk about them later."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Zhao Yan: Hehehe, I knew Brother Dou was a straight man. If a woman really pounced on him, he'd probably slap her unconscious.

Yang Sanlang: Luckily, he listened to his Yan'er and didn't go to the palace, otherwise he would be the one looking pale and sickly now.

Su Yanzhi: I can see that Qingran is simply not interested in women; being busy with official duties is just an excuse. This won't do; I'll have to keep a close eye on him from time to time.

Yuan Yutang: As the emperor, it is indeed a good habit not to indulge in women, but to not touch any meat at all can easily lead to an imbalance of yin and yang. I'll secretly find some suitable women for him later.

Dou Xingyan: Her brother is such a blockhead. If one day she hears her brother say that he likes so-and-so, that would be like a thousand-year-old iron tree finally blooming.

Shen Yu: My brother-in-law is always so reserved. He's too embarrassed to mention his relationship with Xingyan. Getting married is so difficult.

Chen An and Tian Xiu'e, among others: ...

As for what's happening up there, honest people like them dare not speak up or interfere.

"Cough cough."

Su Yanzhi brought up the topic, but seeing everyone sitting there drinking tea with blank expressions, he coughed twice and changed the subject.

He asked Dou Qingran, "When do you plan to return after leaving the palace this time?"

The emperor has too many things to manage every day. He can be away for a day or two, but if he stays away for too long, things can easily get out of control.

Dou Qingran suddenly raised her hand and pinched the bridge of her nose, saying to everyone, "We'll go back in a bit."

Upon hearing this, Dou Xingyan immediately exclaimed in surprise, "No, brother, didn't you just arrive at the farm? Why are you going back this afternoon? Why don't you stay here for a few more days before leaving?"

Dou Qingran glanced at him casually.

"You think I'm usually idle? If you hadn't secretly left the capital, I wouldn't have come out to look for you?"

"So, tell me, when are you planning to go back this time?"

Dou Xingyan immediately lowered her head and quietly moved a little closer to Shen Yu.

"I...I don't know either. I was just bored in the capital and wanted to get some fresh air."

Those young ladies from wealthy families were so boring; she'd rather go hiking than stay with them.

Every day, she's either comparing clothes or fighting over a man.

In comparison, staying at the farm is much more comfortable.

When the weather is sunny, Sister Zhao will take them to climb the mountain behind the house.

There are wild rabbits and pheasants on the mountain, as well as all kinds of fun and delicious wild vegetables and fruits.

She lives here and is happy every day.

Seeing this, Shen Yu quickly said from the side, "Don't worry, big brother, I will stay here with Xingyan and make sure nothing happens to her."

He could clearly sense that Xingyan was much happier here than in the capital.

Dou Qingran's thoughts swirled silently for a few moments before finally turning into a long sigh.

"Alright, since you're willing to stay here, then stay until you're willing to return to Beijing. Remember, take good care of yourself and don't cause trouble for Brother Yang and Sister Zhao."

Upon hearing this, Dou Xingyan's face immediately lit up with a smile.

"No problem, bro, I know what I'm doing."

At this moment, Zhao Yan secretly gave Su Yanzhi a look, her gaze shifting back and forth between Shen Yu and Dou Xingyan.

Her point was that since everyone was here today, they should take this opportunity to finalize the marriage between Dou Xingyan and Shen Yu.

This can't go on forever.

However, only Su Yanzhi was able to bring it up to Dou Qingran at the scene, since he had watched the two siblings grow up since they were little, and they were closer than family.

Su Yanzhi followed Zhao Yan's gaze and immediately understood what she meant.

So, after a moment's thought, he opened his mouth and said to Dou Qingran, "By the way, Qingran, when do you think would be a good time for Xingyan and Shen Yu's wedding? Are you planning to postpone it for a few more years? Or should we just give them a betrothal now?"

"If you ask me, you should just go back and arrange their marriage. Xingyan is getting on in years; if this drags on any longer, she'll become an old maid."

Upon hearing this, Dou Xingyan, the person involved, was immediately speechless.

"Uncle Su, how could I be an old maid?"

That made her feel really embarrassed.

Zhao Yan, standing to the side, gave a speechless smirk.

In ancient times, life expectancy was short, and women married and had children in their teens. If Dou Xingyan were at that age, she would have been a mother of two by now under normal circumstances.

Su Yanzhi chuckled and said, "Aren't you an old maid yet? You'll be twenty next year. In the past, your kids would be running all over the place by now."

These words made Dou Xingyan even more embarrassed, and her fair face instantly flushed red.

"Uncle Su, please stop talking."

Seeing her shyness, Su Yanzhi waved his hand helplessly, "Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Then he turned to look at Dou Qingran and asked, "Qingran, what do you think?"

What can Dou Qingran do?

He really wanted to keep his sister for a few more years, but seeing her grow older year by year, he couldn't keep her no matter how much he wanted to.

He frowned slightly and glanced at Shen Yu.

"I only ask you, Brother Shen, if Xingyan marries you, can you remain steadfast in your love for her and protect her no matter what?"