There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 175 Beat the drum

I'm sure my father won't have any conflicts with Shuxue. If they do disagree, I'll definitely stand by Shuxue and support her.

Li Shuchen's lips twitched upon hearing this.

He miscalculated, he miscalculated; he lost his mother.

Forget it, forget it. Anyway, she'll just postpone it until her brother Ru'er knocks on the petition drum.

"Young Master Zhu's answer was truly excellent. Out of ten points, I give it nine. I deducted one point because I was afraid Young Master Zhu would become arrogant."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Haose flicked his fan away and said confidently.

"And what is Miss Li's second question?"

"As for the second question, let me think about it."

After Li Shuchen finished speaking, he paced back and forth, occasionally glancing at the doorway.

Think about it

Think about it

Think about it, think about it.

One second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds... twenty-nine seconds, thirty seconds

Why hasn't the person who notified us arrived yet?

Zhu Haose was losing patience. Was this Miss Li out of her mind? She said she wanted to ask him questions, but then she wouldn't. All this pacing back and forth was making him dizzy.

"Miss Li, you've thought about it for so long, haven't you made up your mind yet?"

Li Shuchen chuckled.

"I've thought it through. So, the second question is, what does Young Master Zhu consider to be the most important thing in marriage?"

"I work outside to support the family, while my sister Shuxue stays home to take care of the husband and children. The most important thing in marriage is that the husband and wife are of one mind. As long as my sister Shuxue and I work together, we will live the happy life we ​​want."

Li Shuchen raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

Tsk, this kid came prepared, not bad.

Look how well he's been coaxing the Prefect; the corners of his mouth haven't left his lips.

"Has Miss Li finished asking her questions?"

"Young Master Zhu, what's the rush? Good things come to those who wait. I have one last question: If you and Shuxue have a disagreement, how will you handle it?"

Upon hearing this question, Zhu Haose spoke with even greater confidence.

"First of all, I will never neglect Shuxue. Even if we have disagreements, she will always be my wife, and I will fulfill my duties as a husband."

Secondly, I will try to find the reasons for our disagreements, try my best to understand each other, and ultimately reach a result that satisfies both parties.

Finally, I will apologize to Shuxue. It's all my fault; I've made her feel wronged.

Li Shuchen frowned inwardly after hearing Zhu Haose's answer.

Good for Zhu Haoshe! He's prepared so thoroughly. Judging from the Prefect's satisfied expression, he's about to agree.

Murong Shuxue could tell that her father was very satisfied with Zhu Haose's answer, and she was afraid that her father would agree to the marriage immediately. She tugged at Li Shuchen's sleeve in her anxiety.

"What should I do?"

I will definitely not let you marry him.

Li Shuchen looked towards the door. Why hadn't the yamen runner arrived yet? She was getting impatient.

Zhu Haose smiled, confident of victory.

"How was it, Miss Li? Are you satisfied with my answer?"

Li Shuchen said slowly

"Young Master Zhu's answer is correct, but it doesn't necessarily mean he can keep his word."

Zhu Haoshe closed his fan and said seriously.

"I, Zhu, have always kept my word. I will never let Sister Shuxue suffer after our marriage. I will only marry Sister Shuxue and will never take a concubine. Your Excellency, please grant my wish to Sister Shuxue and me."

After Zhu Haose finished speaking, he knelt down and kowtowed to the Prefect.

The prefect was so happy he couldn't stop smiling.

"Young Master Zhu, please rise quickly. Your marriage..."

"Father, no!"

Murong Shuxue tugged at the prefect's sleeve, shaking her head anxiously.

"My darling, what else could you possibly be dissatisfied with about Young Master Zhu? He has promised to marry only you for the rest of his life. Tell me, what other man in the world could do such a thing?"

Li Shuchen stepped forward to persuade him.

"Your Excellency, although marriage is supposed to be arranged by parents and matchmakers, since you love Shuxue so much, you should also consider whether she is willing."

The prefect asked patiently

"Xue'er, why are you unwilling?"

Xue'er wants to stay with her father for a few more years.

"How long is too long to stay with Father? You're of marriageable age now. I think Young Master Zhu is a good person, so..."

"Your Excellency, I have important matters to report."

Li Shuchen saw the yamen runner and whispered to Murong Shuxue

Don't worry, your marriage is off.

The prefect straightened his expression and said...

"Why are you so panicked?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, someone is beating the petition drum in Shuntian Prefecture."

Upon hearing this, the prefectural governor stood up abruptly.

"Brother Zhu, I'm so sorry, I... I..."

General Xuanwei was good at understanding people's thoughts.

"The sounding of the petition drum indicates a grievance has been heard. Brother Murong, official business is important; what harm is there in Zhu Mou waiting a little longer?"

Thank you for your understanding, Brother Zhu.

A yamen runner stepped forward and whispered a few words in the prefect's ear. The prefect then looked at General Xuanwei and Zhu Haoshe and said...

"General and your son, why don't you come with me?"

Upon hearing this, General Xuanwei stood up and said

"I didn't expect Brother Murong to be so eager for my child's marriage. In that case, let's go together."

Li Shuchen pulled Murong Shuxue along

"Let's go too!"

"Shall we go too?"

"Yes, let's go see what that bastard looks like when his mask is ripped off."

"it is good"

Before long, the group arrived at Shuntian Prefecture.

The Prefect sat on the high throne, General Xuanwei sat below, and Zhu Haose stood to the side.

Li Shuchen led Murong Shuxue to the front of the crowd to watch the excitement.

"Ascension"

"Wow~~~"

"Martial arts~~~"

Who beats the drum to appeal to the emperor?

"This humble subject, Liu San, pays his respects to Your Excellency the Prefect."

"Tell me your grievances quickly."

"My humble sister, Liu Ru was kidnapped by Zhu Haose, the son of General Xuanwei, several months ago and has not returned."

These words caused everyone inside the hall to change their expressions, while the crowd outside began to murmur amongst themselves.

General Xuanwei rebuked

"How dare you! Stop making baseless accusations!"

"Whether the common people are making baseless accusations or not, Zhu Haose knows best."

"Se'er, did you do this?"

Zhu Haose remained completely calm when questioned; he had concealed his true intentions so well that no one would notice. He then replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Father, Heaven and Earth bear witness, I absolutely did not do this. Although I do not know what Liu San's purpose is, his accusations against me are truly hateful. I implore Your Excellency to arrest this man and interrogate him thoroughly."

"Liu San, do you have anything else to say?"

"Your Excellency, I know where Zhu Haose has hidden my sister. A simple search will reveal the truth."

Zhu Haose's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. Could it be that he had been exposed? Impossible! He had been hiding for years without anyone noticing. How could a poor, destitute commoner like him possibly be discovered?

Hmph, whether he truly knows or pretends, this person absolutely cannot be allowed to live.

"Your Excellency, this man is treacherous and cannot be trusted. He stirs up trouble, spreads rumors, and misleads the public. He should be dragged out and given fifty strokes of the cane as a warning to others."

The moment the prefect saw Zhu Haose's expression change, he knew he was up to something. Ignoring Zhu Haose completely, he turned to Liu Sandao...

Tell me where the people are hiding.

"In the backyard of the gambling den on East Street"

"Someone come and search."

"Yes, my lord"