286: The engagement is proposed!

At Li Cangsheng's command, the members of the Li family immediately tidied their attire and headed to the manor gate with the utmost solemnity to greet the guests.

Not long after, the phoenix carriage of Empress Dowager Su Jinyu slowly stopped, and the Empress Dowager gracefully approached, surrounded by palace maids.

Although her attire today was still opulent and noble, it was less formal than yesterday, possessing a more casual and approachable air.

"Your subjects respectfully welcome the Empress Dowager!" Led by Li Cangsheng, all the members of the Li manor bowed in unison.

"Chief Assistant Li, my in-laws, and Shengyuan, there's no need for such formality."

The Empress Dowager smiled warmly and personally offered a light hand to Li Cangsheng, "The Empress Dowager apologize for troubling you again with my visit today."

"The Empress Dowager's presence illuminates this humble abode; there The Empress Dowagers no talk of trouble. Please, come inside and take the honored seat." Li Cangsheng stepped aside to lead the way, his demeanor humble yet dignified.

Everyone returned to the main hall, taking their seats as host and guests.

After a few pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to the engagement.

As both parties were already acquainted, and Li Shengyuan had a deep affection for Female Emperor Mu Qingning and Princess Mu Shining, many unnecessary probes and courtesies were omitted, and the discussion moved directly to the substantive negotiation phase.

"Yesterday, The Empress Dowager discussed with the Old Chief Assistant, Lord Li, and his wife, and we all felt that this matter should be settled sooner rather than later."

The Empress Dowager spoke, her gaze gently sweeping over Li Shengyuan, "However, the date must be chosen carefully, considering both the celestial timing and the dignity of the court and both families."

Li Cangsheng stroked his beard and nodded: "The Empress Dowager The Empress Dowagers absolutely right. The Empress Dowager have already asked the Imperial Observatory to consult the calendar and initially selected several auspicious dates. The Empress Dowager invite the Empress Dowager to review and decide."

As he spoke, a servant presented a red letter.

The Empress Dowager took it and discussed it in detail with Li Cangsheng, Li Mu, and others.

Li Shengyuan, as the person concerned, also listened quietly from the side, occasionally offering his opinion.

Wenren Qingxuan and Su Wanyin mostly supplemented with details on etiquette, as they were experienced individuals.

Li Ruotang, however, was completely bewildered, thinking that if she had known, she would have gone to the backyard to play with her sisters-in-law and sisters... Finally, after some deliberation, an auspicious date was chosen, approximately three months from now.

The timing was neither too rushed, allowing both parties ample preparation, nor too long, which might introduce unforeseen variables.

"Three months from now, with the spring light just right and all things reviving, it The Empress Dowagers indeed a good omen."

The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction, then slightly frowned, "However... Her Majesty and Princess Pingyang have special statuses, and their joint engagement with Shengyuan The Empress Dowagers unprecedented."

"The engagement procedures, the procession, and even Shengyuan's future address and etiquette in the palace all need to be carefully considered to avoid criticism and to silence the gossip of the world."

Li Mu calmly responded: "The Empress Dowager's considerations are thorough. This matter concerns the national dignity and indeed requires caution."

"The Empress Dowager believe that the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court can jointly draft regulations, which must conform to etiquette while also being innovative to suit this special situation."

"My in-law's words are very true." The Empress Dowager nodded and smiled slightly, "The Empress Dowager will arrange this matter as soon as The Empress Dowager return to the palace."

Next, everyone discussed the specifications of the betrothal gifts, the process on the day of the engagement, and other details for a long time.

Time passed quietly in the rigorous and harmonious discussions, and in a blink of an eye, it was time for dinner.

The Empress Dowager gladly accepted the Li family's invitation and had dinner with them.

During the meal, the atmosphere was lively and warm.

Eleven-year-old younger brother Li Xinghe, rarely seeing his elder brother, excitedly recounted interesting stories from the academy, his tone full of admiration:

"Big Brother, my classmates at the academy are incredibly envious knowing you're my big brother!"

"They all long to see you in person!"

Li Shengyuan smiled and encouraged him a few times, telling him to cultivate well.

After dinner, as night deepened, the Empress Dowager departed for the palace.

Princess Pingyang, Princess Mu Shining, though reluctant, knew she needed to return to accompany her mother. After a tearful farewell to Li Shengyuan and everyone, she also left with the phoenix carriage.

The Li family members saw the Empress Dowager and the Princess to the manor gate, and only after watching the phoenix carriage disappear into the distance did they turn back into the manor.

After a day of busyness and excitement, everyone's faces showed a hint of fatigue, but more so, joy and anticipation.

However, just as everyone was laughing and stepping into the manor gate, before they had dispersed, a Li manor guard quickly approached.

He respectfully presented a sealed letter with both hands and whispered to Li Shengyuan:

"Marquis, someone just delivered this letter to the gatehouse, specifically asking for it to be given to you personally."

Li Shengyuan was slightly startled and took the letter.

The letter's material was ordinary, with no special markings.

He opened it to find only a thin sheet of paper inside, with simple writing, stating only an address in the outskirts of the capital and a sentence, "Hoping for a meeting."

At the signature, there was only a single, powerful character, written with the strength of an iron stroke and silver hook, penetrating the paper... Pei!

The moment he saw this character, Li Shengyuan's pupils contracted slightly, the relaxed smile on his face instantly vanished, and his expression became solemn.

This name stirred up some dusty memories and a sense of vigilance within him.

He immediately composed himself and said to his family, who were looking at him with concern: "Grandfather, Father, Mother, The Empress Dowager have some urgent business and need to go out immediately."

Li Cangsheng, seeing his serious expression, knew it was no small matter and said in a deep voice:

"What The Empress Dowagers so urgent? Do you need anyone from the manor to assist you?"

"No need, the other party only invited me alone. The Empress Dowager'll be back soon. With my strength, and being within the capital, you don't need to worry."

Li Shengyuan shook his head, his tone resolute.

He did not explicitly state the content of the letter or the identity of the sender, but his family, seeing his demeanor, knew it was not convenient to ask further.

Wenren Qingxuan worriedly urged: "Shengyuan, be careful in everything."

"Big Brother, be safe!" Li Xinghe also shouted.

Li Shengyuan nodded to his family, saying no more.

His figure flashed, and he had already disappeared into the vast night, rushing towards the address in the outskirts of the capital mentioned in the letter.

His expression was somewhat solemn.

After being gone for so long, could it really be you?