Chapter 724  : Who’s Talking?

Back at home, Chu Xujin immediately changed into fresh clothes, then headed to the swing pavilion, planning to peel lotus seeds while sharing tender moments with Ge Lihua.

However, upon returning, Ge Lihua called her three young disciples to the courtyard for their daily martial arts training, a routine unskipped except under special circumstances.

The three disciples had mastered their agility skills. Chu Xuyuan was practicing spear techniques, Chu Xuyao was honing his swordsmanship, and Chu Qingyan was perfecting her use of the embroidery needle as a hidden weapon. At this stage, teaching was tailored to each of their interests and talents.

At this stage, teaching was tailored to each of their interests and talents.

Their keen interest led to serious dedication, and they were making commendable progress. Under these circumstances, Chu Xujin found it impossible to have a romantic conversation with Ge Lihua. He decided to wait until the three young ones had finished their martial arts training.

Training lasted a fixed hour, after which the children returned to their rooms for personal activities.

Chu Xujin pulled Ge Lihua to the swing pavilion and presented her with a plate of peeled lotus seeds, “I’ve removed the bitter parts. They’re really tasty. Go on, have some.”

Ge Lihua smiled at Chu Xujin, picked up a lotus seed, and tasted it. The seed was sweet, slightly astringent, and crunchy, with a unique refreshing aroma- delicious.

She paused, then fed Chu Xujin a seed.

Chu Xujin was overjoyed, savoring the lotus seeds as if they were candy, his gaze burning with affection for Ge Lihua, “I’ve never tasted lotus seeds this delicious before.”

Ge Lihua, being a lady, blushed under Chu Xujin’s intense gaze, “The lotus seeds are indeed tasty.”

Chu Xujin sped up his peeling, “Tomorrow, I’ll use the remaining seeds to make you a lotus seed soup.”

Ge Lihua looked up into Chu Xujin’s eyes, “Thankyou for always being so kind tome.”

Chu Xujin promised earnestly, “I will treat you even better in the future. As long as you don’t disdain me, I’m willing to do my utmost to make you happy.”

Ge Lihua fell silent, then after a while, she spoke, “Xujin, you still don’t know about my family background and what I’ve been through. Shall I tell you?”

“Of course, tell me, and I’ll listen,” Chu Xujin thought to himself. He had been waiting for this day for a long time, knowing Ge Lihua had a story but also knowing it wasn’t a happy one, so he never dared to ask.

Ge Lihua organized her thoughts and shared her family history, the tragedy that befell her family, and why she came to the capital, “I might be an unlucky person, you…”

Chu Xujin quickly took Ge Lihua’s hand, saying earnestly, “Don’t talk nonsense. There’s nothing unlucky about you. In my heart, you’re the best person.”

Ge Lihua smiled, perhaps it was Chu Xujin’s consistent kindness that warmed her heart, allowing her now to voice the sorrow she had kept buried, “Xujin, thank you.”

Chu Xujin felt a deep empathy, “Lihua, I couldn’t change the past or be there for you, but from now on, I will always be by your side, sharing all burdens with you.” He pursed his lips solemnly, “Lihua, marry me. From now on, I’ll be your family. Is that okay?”

Ge Lihua was momentarily stunned.

Chu Xujin looked at her cautiously yet full of hope, “Lihua, will you marry me?”

The sudden proposal made Ge Lihua nervous, “I, I…”

Chu Xujin was nervous too, but his desire to marry Ge Lihua outweighed his nerves, “If you’re willing, tomorrow I’ll ask my parents to propose to you. I won’t let you suffer. And, since you’re from the Northern Border, we’ll follow the customs there. Whatever you say, we’ll do. Okay?”

Ge Lihua nodded under Chu Xujin’s earnest gaze. “I promise to marry you.”

“That’s great, that’s great…” Chu Xujin shouted happily, startling his family.

Li Qingyu walked out and was shocked to see her son in a deranged state. “Xujin, what happened?”

Rushing towards her like a firework, Chu Xujin exclaimed, “Mother, Lihua has agreed to marry me!”

After sharing the news, he dashed to the village entrance, announcing with excitement, “Lihua has agreed to marry me! I’m getting married! Everyone’s invited to the wedding feast…”

The village erupted into lively barks in response, buzzing with excitement.

Li Qingyu was also happy. Seeing her son’s crazy actions, she was forgiving.

She walked towards Ge Lihua. “Is what Xujin said true?”

Ge Lihua smiled and nodded. “It’s true.”

“Good, good, good…” Li Qingyu was both delighted and excited, “I’ll start preparing the betrothal gifts tomorrow. You’re from the Northern Border; please let me know if there are any particular customs we should be aware of…”

Ge Lihua reassured her, “There’s no need; local customs will do just fine.”

Li Qingyu, taking Ge Lihua’s hand, felt overjoyed at the thought of such a wonderful girl becoming her daughter-in-law, “I’ll start the preparations then. We can always adjust if necessary.”

Ge Lihua nodded.

Chu Xujin returned, spinning Ge Lihua around in joy, “Lihua, I can finally marry you. I’ve waited so long for this day.”

Ge Lihua’s smile was radiant.

Li Qingyu left the swing pavilion, allowing the couple more time together.

That night, the elders found it hard to sleep, eventually deciding to sit together and discuss the betrothal gifts, eager to welcome the bride as soon as possible.

When Chu Qingzhi heard the commotion outside, she smiled and congratulated them on their relationship.

She suddenly thought of Tang Jinghong. She raised her arm and waved the golden-feathered phoenix twice before telling Tang Jinghong about this.

Tang Jinghong’s pleasant voice was heard very quickly. “If you want to get married, I’ll rush back immediately.”

Chu Qingzhi lowered her head and looked at her 16-year-old body. She was still too young. “Dream on. We’ll talk about it in two years.”

Tang Jinghong was also joking. “I’ll listen to you.”

After they finished speaking, the parrot flew over and landed on the table. It asked in an interrogative tone, “Who is that man? Who is that man?”

When Chu Qingzhi heard the parrot’s words, it was as if she had cheated on it. It sounded too funny.

When Tang Jinghong heard the parrot’s voice, he quickly asked, “Qingzhi, who’s talking?”

Chu Qingzhi poked the parrot’s head with her finger and smiled. “It’s a parrot I brought back today. It seems to be jealous of you.”

” Who are you? Who are you?” The parrot asked Tang Jinghong directly. It really looked like a jealous person.

Tang Jinghong was also bored. He actually started chatting with the parrot. “I’m Qingzhi’s fiance. Who are you?”

The parrot tilted its head and blinked, looking puzzled. “What do you mean, fiance?”

When Tang Jinghong heard this, he was curious. “Qingzhi, it can actually talk to me. Is it that smart?”