Xia Jingfeng heard this, his face flushed red, and he awkwardly refused.
"Elder sister, I cannot!"
Xia Ruqing was a bit puzzled.
"Why not? You’re already twenty-three, it’s time to discuss marriage!"
"Even if Father is not in a hurry, if Mother knew in the afterlife, she would also..."
Xia Jingfeng thought for a moment, then solemnly clasped his hands and replied.
"What Elder sister said is indeed reasonable!"
"But marriage is no child’s play, how could it be selected lightly? Naturally, there should be destiny and connection, that is the first reason."
"Secondly, I have nothing to my name, I even live under Brother’s roof! Marrying a wife would only wrong her, even if the woman was willing, I certainly would not be!"
"Thirdly, my line of work is extremely challenging, it might be one or two years or as long as three to five years, if all is well then fine, but if something were to happen... wouldn’t that delay the other party?"
His expression was solemn and he analyzed the situation in a well-organized manner.
Xia Ruqing slowly walked to his side and looked at him inquisitively.
After a while, she asked with a half-smiling expression.
"Jingfeng, are you rejecting so strongly because... you have someone in your heart?"
Xia Jingfeng was startled when he heard this, and his expression became even more embarrassed.
"Elder sister, you... you mustn’t speak carelessly!"
Xia Ruqing raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Then... what’s the reason?"
"The young lady isn’t a ferocious animal, you could have just said you don’t want to, why find so many excuses!"
"Or do you not trust your elder sister’s judgment?"
Xia Jingfeng: "..."
He was somewhat amusedly helpless, he was just explaining the situation.
How did elder sister think he was making excuses?
Oh well!
Anyway, no matter what, he was unwilling to marry now.
He knew.
Elder sister is the queen of a nation, with a high status and authority, she could easily arrange everything for him.
A grand mansion, rapid advancements, and beautiful wives and concubines, all these.
As long as he was willing, someone would come forward, but is this really what he wants?
Perhaps not!
A wife is a lifetime companion, regardless of her appearance, their hearts must be in harmony.
He does not need a grand mansion.
As long as the heart has a place to rest, even a humble abode with simple meals can be extremely cozy.
As for rapid advancements.
He has his own ambitions; he wants to do something for the people and wants to protect his loves dearly.
Therefore, he wants to become a truly towering tree.
With his own abilities, deeply rooted in the soil, absorbing nutrients, and growing branches and leaves profusely.
Rather than relying on external forces, pulling the seedlings to grow.
Becoming a rootless, flimsy paper tiger that topples with a gust of wind.
Having thought all of this, Xia Jingfeng clasped his hands and solemnly said.
"Elder sister’s kind intentions, I appreciate them!"
"But the matter of marriage cannot be rushed, I ask for elder sister’s understanding!"
Xia Ruqing pondered for a long while, unable to understand what was going on in his mind.
She could only laugh and say.
"Very well! Since you are unwilling, how could elder sister force you!"
Xia Jingfeng’s expression relaxed as he smiled and said.
"Thank you, elder sister!"
...
After Xia Jingfeng left, Xia Ruqing went to the inner courtyard.
Lady Ni came out to greet her with a light smile and said.
"The Little Princess and Chenghui are playing in the garden in the backyard, Your Highness can rest assured!"
Xia Ruqing nodded.
"Let’s go there together then!"
"Yes!"
Lady Ni responded and followed behind.
The Hou Mansion is not large, it takes no more than two incense sticks’ time from the front yard to the backyard.
But along the way.
The winding corridors, artificial hills and strange stones, ancient trees with green canopies like umbrellas, fragrant grass and hundreds of flowers blooming one after another, are exquisitely peaceful.
Although they are not rare varieties.
But you can tell that every blade of grass, every flower, every scene here is meticulously maintained.
Xia Ruqing smiled and said.
"Sister-in-law has refined tastes, making this small courtyard like a paradise!"
Lady Ni hurriedly waved her hand.
"Your Highness jests; I was only idle and ordered some flowers and trees to be planted!"
"Waiting for summer, it will be good to have some shade!"
Xia Ruqing just smiled and said nothing, enjoying the view as she walked.
Passed through the corridor, and soon arrived at the backyard.
This is the back garden of the inner courtyard, naturally with its own charm.
She heard the sound of children laughing, and Xia Ruqing looked over but saw nothing past the artificial hill.
Lady Ni smiled and said.
"Your Highness, the Princess and Chenghui are playing on the swing over there, let’s go too!"
Xia Ruqing nodded, walking over while chatting idly with Ni Manxue.
By the pond side, the green shade was dense.
Yue Er and Xia Chenghui were swinging beside a towering ancient tree.
Chenghui was pushing from behind, Yue Er sat in front laughing loudly.
The sister and wetnurse nannies beside them were on high alert, fearing any mishap with the Little Princess or Little Prince.
From afar, the scene was very joyful.
Xia Ruqing smiled.
"These two children really know how to have fun!"