In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the Jiangs make a strategic move to secure a marriage alliance with a late bloomer, Jiang Ying, and the crown prince, Lan Xichen. However, their plans are disrupted when Jiang Ying is abducted before the meetin...
Jiang Ying waits anxiously behind the curtain for his mother to announce him. He runs his fingers through his black bangs, trying to straighten them out. He knows he looks fine, having been getting ready since early morning with his servants, but he has never been the center of attention before. Jiang Cheng is always the one getting fawned over, and that is fine. His twin brother is good at dealing with attention, but he, on the other hand, is not used to it.
He is ripped away from his thoughts by his mother's voice starting her announcement. "Thank you all for coming to my son's engagement party. Unfortunately, Crown Prince Lan Xichen is unable to make it today due to unforeseen circumstances, but we are still holding a celebration due to the short notice. Now to keep you from waiting, I present our pride, the beautiful treasure of the Jiangs, Jiang Ying!"
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If it hadn't been for Jiang Yanli holding the curtain open and giving him a gentle push on the small of his back, Jiang Ying might not have been able to step into the main hall. As his eyes land on the mass of lords and ladies, his stomach starts churning.
He puts on a fake smile and walks confidently despite his inner turmoil. The clapping coming from the crowd makes his heart beat faster, and when the noise settles down and he takes a seat, his heart slows down.
He only has a moment to himself before people start coming up to him to offer their congratulations on his engagement. He takes them all with a kind smile and politely converses with those who speak with him. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices his mother's satisfied smile when things go according to her wish.
Everything is getting a bit repetitive by the time an hour has gone by. People congratulate him, he thanks them, and then makes small talk for a little before doing it all over again. Jiang Ying is almost tempted to ask his mother for a break, but before he can even ask Nie Huaisang, General Nie's younger brother steps in front of his seat.
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They exchange a bow in greeting before Nie Huaisang speaks with a tone that appears almost as if he had rehearsed those words for quite some time. "Congratulations on your engagement, A-Ying. I'm happy to see you with the prince the next time," he says with a smile.
