CHAPTER 304: CHAPTER 304: CONFLICT

"Aren’t you childish? Even nagging about this," Le Zhao rolled his eyes at Duan Yunfei before turning to Chu Wuqu and saying, "It’s perfect timing for Senior Chu’s return, could you guide me with my swordsmanship?"

"Since it’s Young Master Le’s request, there’s no reason to refuse," Chu Wuqu smiled and said, "Come find me at the back mountain tomorrow morning; I won’t be going out anytime soon."

Le Zhao felt a surge of joy and hurriedly bowed, "Then I thank you in advance, Senior!"

Chu Wuqu nodded and smiled without replying.

On the other side, Yan Yijie said, "I also wanted to seek guidance from you, Senior, but there’s something in the Capital I need to attend to; I have to leave tomorrow!"

"How is the Prime Minister?" Chu Wuqu asked.

"Grandfather is well," Yan Yijie smiled and said, "In three months, it will be my wedding day. Senior, if you have time, please do come to the Capital with Yunfei for a celebratory drink!"

"It’s been years, and all the young lords are getting married!" Chu Wuqu laughed and said, "Rest assured, Young Master Yan, since you have invited me in advance, I will certainly attend!"

"That’s settled then!" Yan Yijie laughed, bowing to him, and then turned to Shen Qinglan and said, "And Miss Shen, please be sure to attend!"

Shen Qinglan looked troubled and responded, "I’m afraid I might disappoint you, Young Master Yan."

"Why?" Yan Yijie was puzzled.

Shen Qinglan was about to explain but Duan Yunfei spoke up, "Because the sixth day of August is Brother Qingzhu’s wedding day, and the tenth of September..."

He looked at Shen Qinglan, smiling as he said, "Is Qinglan’s coming-of-age ceremony!"

From Jinxi Town to the Capital, the journey takes at least half a month; if we leave in August, we might make it, but September seems unlikely.

"This..." Yan Yijie looked at Duan Yunfei, "Then will you not be able to attend either, Yunfei?"

How could that be? These two are his dearest friends, Le Zhao and Duan Yunfei. If either were absent, it would be a lifelong regret.

"He’s going," Shen Qinglan said, "It’s my coming-of-age, not his. Why can’t he go?"

"No way!" Yan Yijie shook his head, "A girl’s coming-of-age ceremony is the most important day; Yunfei, as your future husband, can’t be absent!"

Le Zhao said, "Actually, I have a suggestion that could solve both concerns; it’s just that I don’t know if Miss Shen would agree."

Everyone looked at him, and Shen Qinglan said, "Please, do elaborate Young Master Le!"

"Miss Shen’s ceremony is on the tenth, and Yijie’s wedding is on the eighth," Le Zhao said, "So, after Brother Qingzhu’s wedding, Miss Shen can take her family to the Capital, treat it as a trip, and hold the ceremony there, how about it?"

"This is a great idea!" Chu Wuqu agreed, "And then the Prime Minister’s wife can preside over the ceremony for the bride!"

Yan Yijie quickly turned to Shen Qinglan and said, "Miss Shen, Wan’er doesn’t have many friends, she really likes you. She’d be very upset if you’re not at the banquet!"

"Well...," Shen Qinglan hesitated and said, "May I consult with my family first?"

Honestly, the coming-of-age ceremony is not important to her, but being in Rome, do as the Romans do. For women of this era, it’s a significant event. She can’t just disregard such a tradition.

"Of course!" Yan Yijie said, "Rest assured, Miss Shen, once I’m back in the Capital, I’ll make sure to arrange accommodations for your party!"

"There’s no need for you to arrange accommodations," Duan Yunfei snorted, "Do you think our Yongning Manor is just for show?"

"Look at me!" Yan Yijie lightly slapped his forehead, "Overwhelmed with wedding joy, I momentarily forgot the Duan Mansion is near my home!"