Madam Yan's Matchmaking Pavilion for Men

52 Early, Humble and Well-Behaved

This time, Yu Huang Rong had no chance to escape his mother's nagging. Well, as long as that could ensure that he would be able to see Zhang Shi Lan tomorrow, looking the best he could and fulfilling the task Madam Yan had given them, it was alright.

He merely listened halfheartedly and nodded every now and then but didn't explain anything. Well, at the very least, he didn't if it was something of importance. After all, if he slipped up even slightly, his mother would certainly figure out what was the matter. He didn't want to risk that.

Thus his answers merely consisted of some vague sentences: Yes, he had gone to train his sword arts. No, he saw nothing wrong with that. Madam Yan would take care of the matters regarding his wedding so he just had to wait for now. And anyway, he was a soldier. He should be expected to also train while he had the opportunity to stay in the capital city. If he didn't, wouldn't he be letting the emperor down? That guy happened to be his best friend from childhood days. He'd be embarrassed if he did.

Madam Yu didn't want to hear any of that but she didn't manage to get anything else out of her son. In the end, she could only give up with a huff and threaten that she'd get back at him. He shouldn't think that she would allow him to treat his mother like this when she was just acting in his best interest!

Yu Huang Rong merely nodded, indicating that he would deal with whatever she would be able to come up with. Then, Madam Yu finally left him alone, silently promising herself that she would definitely find out who that girl was. And when she did, she wouldn't make it easy for her to get into their family!

Yu Huang Rong had no idea what kind of reaction his halfhearted answers had caused. All of his thoughts were on the very important question of what he was supposed to wear tomorrow. He felt that a dark robe made him look more imposing but then again, this was a gathering of scholars. Maybe he should try to seem a little tamer?

He went through his robes and finally picked a green one. The color was still rather dark but it wasn't as oppressive as the blue or black robes he had. Most likely, this should fit with the scene? Well, he could only hope so.

He put the robe to the side and finally went to sleep, imagining how Zhang Shi Lan and he would see each other again tomorrow. Ah, it was a pity they would be surrounded by a lot of people. They definitely wouldn't be able to have a moment just to themselves to say what they wanted or hold each other's hands.

In that manner, the next day finally arrived. Yu Huang Rong jumped out of bed, washed up and put on the green robe he had chosen. Then he rushed to find his father. They definitely couldn't be late!

The older General Yu looked at his son and raised his brows. "What's with you? Even if they start early, there's no need to rush this much, is there?"

Yu Huang Rong clicked his tongue. "There wouldn't be any to rush if this was just us going to some gathering. But this is about giving Zhang Shi Lan and his family face. So since we're going, we should go early." After all, he wanted to spend as much time with his lover as he could. Why would he give up on some precious seconds if he could have them all to himself? No, it was much better to be there as early as possible. Ah, right, and then there was the fact that they had to make their fathers get along. Naturally, that was important as well ...

The General still looked at his son full of doubt but finally did him the favor to hurry up and followed him over to the Academy.

The scholars' Academy had been founded three generations ago. The emperor at that time had had a high interest in elevating the knowledge available to his people and had thus put much effort into letting the young people thrive. He had been of the opinion that only if talents were nurtured early, receiving the necessary guidance and opportunities, they would be able to become capable individuals worthy of helping to move their Chen country in the right direction.