Chương 268: Zhao Yun and Xiahou Qingyi, Hero Saves the Beauty

That day, in the backyard of the Prince of Yan's mansion, several reclining chairs were placed under the shade of trees. Ten ladies, including Cai Yan, Zhang Ning, Ren Hongchang, and Zhen Jiang, lay on them, while maids fanned them.

Liu Ce sat next to Cai Yan, holding a palm-leaf fan in his hand, gently fanning her.

"Husband, there's no need to fan me, I'm not hot," Cai Yan said softly.

"That won't do. There are two of you now, and you'll get hot," Liu Ce insisted.

Just then, a servant came to report: "Your Majesty, General Zhao Yun requests an audience."

"Zilong? Let him in."

A short while later, Zhao Yun arrived.

He wasn't wearing armor today, just casual clothes, but he stood up straight and walked with a brisk pace.

Upon seeing Liu Ce and his wives, he clasped his hands in a respectful greeting and said:

"Elder brother, and all my sisters-in-law."

"We're family, no need for formalities," Liu Ce waved his hand and said, "Sit down. What's the matter?"

Zhao Yun didn't sit; he stood, his expression a bit... awkward?

Liu Ce looked at him strangely: "Zilong, what's wrong?"

"Um... Brother..." Zhao Yun rubbed his hands together, his face actually turning a little red.

"Yun... has a favor to ask."

"Go ahead and say it," Liu Ce said with a smile.

"Why are you being so polite with me?"

The ladies also looked over curiously.

Cai Yan said gently, "Zilong, just tell us what's wrong, and your sisters-in-law will stand up for you."

Zhang Ning said cheerfully, "That's right! Zilong, what's wrong? Tell me!"

Zhao Yun took a deep breath, as if gathering his courage, and said:

"Yun wishes to ask her elder brother... to grant her a marriage."

"An imperial marriage?" Liu Ce's eyes lit up, and he laughed, "That's wonderful! Which family's daughter is it?"

The ladies also perked up:

"Does Zilong have someone he likes?"

"Tell me quickly, I'll help you find a match!"

"Which family's young lady is she? Is she pretty?"

"There are plenty of beautiful girls in Youzhou, Zilong must have excellent taste!"

Zhao Yun blushed even more at the question and whispered:

"Yes... Xiahou Qingyi, daughter of Xiahou Jie, the Prefect of Changshan."

Xiahou Qingyi, illustration.

He paused, then lowered his voice even further, saying, "Yun and Qingyi... we knew each other back in Zhen Ding County, Changshan Prefecture..."

Liu Ce and his wife exchanged a glance and smiled.

"Wow, Zilong, that's impressive!" Liu Ce patted him on the shoulder.

"You've already found your future wife without making a sound!"

Cai Yan smiled and said, "The daughter of Prefect Xiahou... a perfect match. Zilong, how did you two meet?"

Zhao Yun said somewhat embarrassedly...

Back when he was in Changshan County, he once rescued Xiahou Qingyi from being harassed by bandits... The two fell in love at first sight. But at that time, Zhao Yun was still a commoner and dared not presume to marry the daughter of the prefect, so he promised, "When I have achieved great merit, I will surely come to marry you." Later, after following Liu Ce and achieving merit and being ennobled, he finally gained the confidence to do so.

Although it was explained briefly, Liu Ce and his wives understood: it was a classic "hero saves the beauty" trope, but it was beautiful.

"What a beautiful tale of a hero rescuing a damsel in distress!" Zhang Ning clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Zilong, leave this to your sister-in-law!"

Zhen Jiang smiled and said, "I have met Miss Xiahou. She is well-educated, gentle, and virtuous. She and Zilong are indeed a good match."

Ren Hongchang also laughed and said, "Our Zilong is a handsome man and a marquis, so Prefect Xiahou will definitely agree."

Zou Yu also said, "Leave this to your sisters-in-law! We'll definitely make sure your wedding is a grand success!"

Zhen Tuo smiled and said, "We need to prepare betrothal gifts. Zilong, just tell your sister-in-law what you need, and she'll get it for you."

The other sisters in the Zhen family also chimed in.

Liu Ce looked at Zhao Yun and said seriously:

"Don't worry, Zilong, leave this to me and your sisters-in-law. Go back and wait. In a few days, I will personally take you to Changshan County to propose marriage."

He paused for a moment and then smiled, "While I'm at it, I'll also take a look at the military situation in Changshan County. I'll handle both official and personal matters at the same time."

Zhao Yun was so excited that he knelt on one knee and said, "Thank you, brother! Thank you, sisters-in-law!"

"Get up, get up." Liu Ce helped him up.

"We're brothers, no need to be so polite."

After Zhao Yun left, Liu Ce smiled at his wives and said:

"Ladies, please help our fourth brother prepare the betrothal gifts. Choose the best, don't be stingy. It should be respectable and grand, so as not to embarrass Zilong."

The ladies responded in unison, "Yes!"

Their eyes lit up; matchmaking was their favorite thing to do.

"Don't worry, my husband," Cai Yan said gently, "we sisters will take care of this."

For the next few days, the backyard of the Prince of Yan's mansion became the "betrothal gift preparation center".

The ten ladies, though all pregnant, were in high spirits and directed their servants to prepare all sorts of gifts: silk, jewelry, jade, gold and silver... filling the entire room.

Looking at the mountain of betrothal gifts, Liu Ce muttered, "This is quite a spectacle..."

Cai Yan chuckled and said, "Zilong is my husband's sworn brother, and this is his first marriage, so naturally it should be a grand affair."

...

A few days later, Liu Ce set off in a grand procession, accompanied by Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Xu Chu, the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun, and eight hundred members of the Dragon Cavalry. A dozen or so large carts, loaded with betrothal gifts, followed behind the procession.

On the way, Dian Wei couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, "Fourth Brother, tell me, what does Fourth Sister-in-law look like? Is she pretty?"

Zhao Yun said, "Qingyi... has eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn water, a gentle temperament, and is well-educated and reasonable..."

Dian Wei scratched his head and said, "Fourth Brother, tell me something I can understand! Like... is it good or not?"

"It looks good." Zhao Yun said, his face flushing again.

Xu Chu also chimed in: "Zilong, how did you and your sister-in-law... meet?"

Zhao Yun briefly explained how he saved her from the bandits and how they developed feelings for each other.

Dian Wei listened with great interest, and finally smacked his lips, saying, "That's great... Fourth Brother already has a wife..."

He turned to Liu Ce and said, "Brother, when we get back, please ask your wives to introduce me to a wife! I want one too!"

Xu Chu also said, "I want one too!"

Liu Ce was amused and laughed, "Alright, alright! I'll have your sister-in-law look for one when we get back. There are plenty of good girls in Youzhou; I guarantee I'll find you a virtuous one!"

"Thank you, brother!" Dian Wei and Xu Chu were overjoyed.

...

A few days later, the group arrived at Yuanshi County, the seat of Changshan Prefecture.

Outside the city, Changshan Prefect Xiahou Jie and his officials had been waiting for a long time.

Upon seeing Liu Ce's carriage arrive, Xiahou Jie quickly stepped forward and bowed in greeting:

"Your humble servant, Xiahou Jie, Prefect of Changshan, pays respects to Your Highness, Prince Yan!"

Liu Ce got out of the carriage and offered a helping hand, saying, "Prefect Xiahou, there's no need for such formalities."

Xiahou Jie's hands trembled with excitement. The King of Yan himself was here! This was an immense honor! He secretly glanced at Zhao Yun behind Liu Ce, thinking to himself: Young and promising, with outstanding achievements...

"I have come here for two reasons: first, to inspect the military affairs of Changshan County; and second... to take care of some personal matters."

Xiahou Jie respectfully replied, "Your Highness, please give your instructions, and I will do my best to fulfill them."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiahou Jie led Liu Ce and the others into the city and to the prefect's residence.