By the time Zhang Yunyun returned to the Meng Mansion, the Third Prince had already left. Meng Ruyi was discussing with Song Huaizhi how to handle the matter. Mid - conversation, they heard Lian Qiao standing at the door announcing that Zhang Yunyun was waiting outside.
"Quickly invite her in."
Meng Ruyi immediately stood up, her eyes fixed intently on the door where Zhang Yunyun would enter.
She had been gone for quite a while, so she must have met Li Yun. Meng Ruyi wondered what had happened between them. Today's events were so coincidental, just like a plot from a play.
What kind of scene had it been when they met?
"Well, you two can chat. I'll take my leave."
Song Huaizhi left tactfully, not wanting to intrude on the private conversation between the two girls.
Zhang Yunyun entered the room, her face flushed with excitement.
Looking at her bright, sparkling eyes, Meng Ruyi knew something must have happened. She excitedly slapped the table and said, "Quick, sit down. Tell me what happened!"
Seeing Meng Ruyi's eager expression, Zhang Yunyun suddenly felt shy. She sighed, sat down, and began to slowly recount what had just happened...
Li Yun saw Zhang Yunyun out of the door. A strange sense of loss welled up in his heart. He stood at the door for a long time, watching her figure fade away through the crack of the door.
Only when Zhang Yunyun was out of sight did he take a deep breath. As he turned around, he saw his younger sister, Li Nan, looking at him with a big smile on her face.
"Brother." Li Nan teased, "You're smiling."
Only then did Li Yun realize that he couldn't suppress the smile on his lips. He reached out to wipe it away, but seeing the amusement in his sister's eyes, he let his hand drop.
"Do you need something?"
Li Yun tried to change the subject. Looking at Li Nan, he said, "When the doctor comes later, if you're not feeling well, make sure to tell him."
"Thank you, brother, for your concern." Li Nan nodded and said, "Brother."
Hearing her call him brother, Li Yun immediately noticed her hesitant expression. He asked, "Nan Nan, do you have something to say?"
The words were on the tip of Li Nan's tongue. She looked at her brother's face, hesitated for a moment, and finally asked, "Brother, if you like Miss Zhang, will she become my sister - in - law?"
Li Nan was both happy and worried that this was just a dream. First, when their father was alive, her brother had been held back by him. Just when he finally got engaged, their father passed away. Then, her own poor health had become a new burden on her brother.
It had been difficult for Li Yun to find a suitable match. Miss Zhang came from a noble family. Li Nan had heard that she was on good terms with Miss Meng and was the daughter of County Magistrate Zhang. Her speech and manner were elegant. She was clearly a well - bred young lady with outstanding looks. She was so beautiful that she seemed like a fairy stepping out of a painting just sitting there.
Would she really choose to marry her brother, who was still penniless? Li Nan knew her brother's talent, but for now, he was just a low - level steward.
Looking at his sister, who had been dependent on him, a sour feeling welled up in Li Yun's heart.
Life had been tough for his sister. Their father had favored sons over daughters. Although Li Yun had tried his best to protect her, he still had to go to the county school for half a month at a time.
Li Nan was sensible and well - behaved. She never complained about the pain even when she was sick. Li Yun felt that he owed her a great deal, so he tried his best to make it up to her. But Li Nan had still grown up to be so cautious.
"I'm not sure yet." Li Yun gently stroked his sister's head, bent down to look her in the eye, and said gently, "Miss Zhang... Yunyun seems to have feelings for me too, but this is not something we can decide on our own."
Zhang Yunyun was the daughter of the county magistrate. It was unlikely that County Magistrate Zhang would marry his only daughter to a penniless young man.
Hearing this, a thoughtful look appeared in Li Nan's eyes. She said to Li Yun, "Don't worry, brother. I'm sure we'll find a way."
Li Yun's expression darkened slightly. He straightened up and looked at the closed door...
As Meng Ruyi listened to Zhang Yunyun's story, she also glanced at the comments on the online discussion. She was amazed at how quickly the relationship between the two was progressing.
[Li Yun next door is so shy right now. He's feeling sad that he's not good enough for Yunyun.]
[The proud young lady and the gentle poor scholar. And the scholar is not ordinary. Song Huaizhi approves of his ability. Oh my god, this couple is so cute!]
[Li Yun really meets Yunyun's aesthetic standards. He's good - looking, gentle, and obedient. Who wouldn't be attracted to him?]
[Hahaha, Li Yun's sister made him blush!]
"Isn't that a good thing?" When Zhang Yunyun was almost done with her story, Meng Ruyi handed her the tea she had poured earlier, motioning for her to moisten her throat. Then she continued, "So what's next? Tell your father directly?"
"Li Yun also has feelings for you. This is the best news these days."
Meng Ruyi couldn't help but sigh. Then she saw Zhang Yunyun's face flush again. She looked so cute that Meng Ruyi couldn't resist reaching out to pinch her cheek.
"Sigh!" Zhang Yunyun took a sip of tea to moisten her throat. She subconsciously rubbed the place where Meng Ruyi's hand had touched. Her eyes unconsciously turned towards the Zhang Mansion as she said, "I've been thinking about this."
"I know that although he doesn't say it, he's secretly arranging my marriage. After all, I'm his only blood relative. He can't just abandon me."
Thinking about what County Magistrate Zhang had done, Zhang Yunyun's eyes turned cold. She frowned, feeling ironic.
Blood relationship was so strange. It couldn't be cut off, yet it caused mutual harm. Even though he had once abandoned her, he was still the person closest to her by blood in this world.
"Don't worry." Seeing the worry on Zhang Yunyun's face, Meng Ruyi comforted her, "If you really like him, Brother Song and I will think of a way. If all else fails, we can wait until the next imperial examination and see how Li Yun fares."
"Yes." After hearing this, Zhang Yunyun looked at Meng Ruyi gently and said, "I'll think about it some more."
Marriage was a major event in life. Was Li Yun really the right person for her? After the initial excitement faded, Zhang Yunyun began to think more deeply. If they really got married, what would their future be like?
Li Yun only had a younger sister. Li Nan was easy to get along with, although a bit introverted. Zhang Yunyun had even saved her. Li Yun was very gentle. Even if they had a disagreement, he probably wouldn't say harsh words. And he clearly had feelings for her.
Thinking about it this way, Zhang Yunyun felt that Li Yun was indeed the most suitable person for her. After marriage, with her dowry, their life would surely be comfortable. Moreover, without the interference of elders, they could just focus on living a happy life.
Seeing the hesitation in Zhang Yunyun's eyes, Meng Ruyi knew that she was really thinking hard.
It seemed that she had to find a way to investigate Li Yun. If he was really a good person, maybe she could attend Zhang Yunyun's engagement banquet before she left this place.