“Father, you have me, Jin Mulan. As long as I breathe, the Jin Family will not fall.”
She’s not boasting. In fact, this matter held certain truths. She was indeed the pillars of the family and her parents greatest pride under the heavens.
But women had to marry eventually. Jin Mulan’s already twenty-two years of age.
“Your daughter will never marry in her lifetime, father. I’ll stay at home, assist my little brother, and protect the hundreds of years of the Jin Family’s foundation,” Jin Mulan said, her voice steady cold. “Whoever wishes to marry me surely wants to see our Jin Family destroyed. They are the enemy of our family!”
The atmosphere grew solemn and heavy. Their daughter’s sacrifice for them made them sad.
Even words of comfort could not slip from their mouth.
After a while, Count Jin changed the subject. “When you came back from your journey, I heard of one your cavalry injured a young man?”
“Yes.”
“Do your best to treat him then send his family a sum of money. Especially in these difficult times… our family needs a good reputation.”
Suddenly, the voice of an attendant echoed from the other side. “Master, Doctor An wished to be graced in your presence if you would allow it so.”
“Let him in!”
An elderly man soon came to view. He’s one of the three physicians in the Earl’s Palace. After Jin Mulan brought Shen Lang back to her home, it was this physician who was commanded to treat him.
“Master,” Doctor An bowed. “The young man had just awoken. His injuries aren’t a big of a problem. Master and Miss Jin can rest at ease.”
Jin Mulan’s lips parted slightly.
Wasn’t he hit quite hard…?
“That’s good,” Count Jin replied unexpectedly.
Was such a small trivial thing necessary to report to him? This situation was more than enough for the housekeeper or butler to handle.
“Master, soon as the young man awoke, he explained his need to see the Count of Xuanwu.”
“See me?” Count Jin raised his brows.
Was the young man ignorant of the laws of the heavens and earth? The officials of Xuanwu City dared not to act brazen and rush to see him, let alone an ordinary man.
“He said there was something imperative he needed to tell Master regarding the marriage of Miss Jin.”
Soon as the words slipped, Count Jin frowned. “If he isn’t in a serious condition, bring him here.”
… … …
Shen Lang wasn’t really injured to the point of collapsing on the brink of death. Sure, his bones and muscles ached and walking was a little too difficult at the moment but that was because he stayed up all night. It’s why his face looked a little pale and white. The stress from last night came to him.
Hehe… it’s just a fated coincidence.
Upon arriving at the study room, Shen Lang bowed deeply. “This student greets the Count of Xuanwu.”
He was a civilian born in Xuanwu City and possibly the Count’s future son-in-law. It’s only right that he kneels out of respect, but he’s from the modern world. He wouldn’t just kneel down to anyone even if the man he should show respect to was his future father-in-law.
Count Jin’s face wasn’t too amiable but he did not admonish Shen Lang’s disrespect.
The countess’ eyes fell on the youth’s face. To her surprise, she was amazed by his otherworldly beauty.
What a beautiful young man! Such a face is rare to find…
“Student?” Count Jin questioned. “What is your rank? I know all of the martial artists in Xuanwu City but I’ve never heard of the name Shen Lang.”
“This humble student hails from Hanshui Town School.” Shen Lang’s cheeks flushed a rosy wine.
Hanshui Town School was the beginning stages of education equivalent to primary grade levels in modern earth. He felt ashamed to speak of this grim past of his. The key point was that he never graduated. He was expelled and bluntly so.
Count Jin frowned. “Your parents must be very fond of your delicate and tender skin that they spoil you too much. However, you still haven’t graduated? What a disappointment. How unfilial!”
He looked down at Shen Lang in contempt from the depths of his heart. His son was already ignorant and useless but at least he fared better than this young man.
Shen Lang smiled softly. He suddenly had a little good feeling for the Count. He can clearly feel that the Count truly regarded the people of Xuanwu City as his own. When he heard Shen Lang had yet to graduate, the Count immediately admonished him on behalf of his parents.
“You’ve been hit and injured by one of our cavalries. Is your health alright?”
“This student’s body is all right but the muscles and bones are bit painful.”
“Right… you said you wished to speak to me regarding the matters of my daughter’s marriage.”
Shen Lang nodded. “This student heard that the Zhu Family wants to align with the Jin Family. Zhu Hongxue will marry Miss Jin from Xuanwu City.”
It’s a secret.
Nobody knows it yet.
Suddenly, the Countess’ face changed dramatically and placed her hand over her mouth.
Zhu Family? The top dignitaries of Yue State? The relatives of the monarch? Moreover, the governor and general of the south belongs to the Zhu Family! Once Jin Mulan marries, who will guard the Count’s Palace? Who will command the Jin Family’s private army?
Count Jin grew ired.
Someone wants to undermine the roots of my Jin Family and break the pillars of our foundation!\n