Chapter 11: Choosing a Husband on Garden Outing Day

Yun Feiyue smiled as she looked at Mo Twelve. "Are you from the Hidden Mo Clan?"

The Hidden Mo Clan was another name for the Eye Wheel Realm, for everyone in that realm bore the surname Mo. Though they might not be related by blood, this surname was something they all shared.

Mo Twelve shook his index finger. "To be precise, not anymore! The Mo Clan and Mo Twelve have nothing to do with each other."

Once, he had been the youngest among the twelve lords of the Hidden Mo Clan, ranked twelfth.

Yun Feiyue gazed at him with curiosity. "Such a lofty and illustrious family, said to be the eyes of the gods. Why did you leave?"

Mo Twelve smiled charmingly. "That’s my own affair and has nothing to do with you—unless... you marry me."

Yun Feiyue looked at him suspiciously. Was this the legendary love at first sight? "Young man, I know I’m quite attractive, but you don’t have to be so direct! I’m very reserved!" Her habit of admitting defeat at crucial moments was something Yun Feiyue could never change.

Mo Twelve pointed to his own face. "Beautiful sister, there’s no one in this world whose face can match yours except mine! That iceberg just now is definitely not your true love."

He was coming on too strong, and Yun Feiyue found it a bit overwhelming. Her hand trembled, and she punched him on the head. "Sorry, my hand slipped."

Mo Twelve rubbed the bump on his head. Fiery enough—just his type!

"Beautiful sister, I’ll give you time to consider. Now, I’m off to retrieve what Mo Feiyuan owes me. We’ll meet again in half a month!"

The red figure vanished from Yun Feiyue’s sight in an instant, like a scarlet whirlwind.

Yun Feiyue patted her own cheek. Was today her lucky day in love?

Little Mumu tugged at Yun Feiyue’s skirt. "Mother, didn’t you mean to ask Mo Twelve something? Did you forget?"

Ah... she really had forgotten. Right! That fellow seemed to know some secret!

"It’s fine. Next time I see him, I’ll ask. There’s no rush anyway."

Just then, Yun Dao reminded her, "Miss, Madam is waiting outside for you, waiting for you to choose someone."

Yun Feiyue suddenly remembered. She wondered how those invited by Lady Murong would look—she was a little interested after all.

Lost in thought, Yun Feiyue walked toward the front hall. At that moment, a maid hurried over. "Miss, Madam said you should go directly to Qianhe Garden to make your selection. All the young gentlemen from official families are there. Madam said if you see someone suitable, let her know."

"And what if there’s no one suitable?" Little Mumu pouted. "My mother has high standards—she won’t marry anyone but a tall, rich, and handsome man."

Though the maid didn’t really understand what Little Mumu meant by tall, rich, and handsome, she thought for a moment before replying, "I don’t know which family’s son counts as tall, rich, and handsome, but Madam said, whoever Miss chooses, no matter the price, she will make sure to get him."

Yun Feiyue rubbed her forehead. She was so beautiful and clever, unique in the world—did she really need to spend money to find a man?

"Tell Mother not to worry. I know what I’m doing."

The maid still looked a bit anxious, sneaking a glance at Yun Feiyue and whispering, "Madam said that even if you meet some who displease you, you mustn’t hit them. After all, they are officials of Chu—give them some face. If you must hit, at least wear a mask."

"Ding—" Yun Feiyue glared fiercely at the maid. Could she speak any worse? As if she’d be foolish enough to hit people in her own home.

With a flick of her sleeve, Yun Feiyue departed, and the maid finally breathed a long sigh of relief, patting her chest as she watched Yun Feiyue’s retreating figure.

Leaving Feihua Pavilion and passing a certain building, Yun Feiyue arrived at Qianhe Garden.

In Qianhe Garden was a lake called Moon-Separated Lake, crossed by a stone-arched bridge. On the bridge, a few men could be seen from afar, all looking quite decent.

Little Mumu waved his tiny paw excitedly. "Feiyue, look, so many handsome men!"

Yun Feiyue smiled sweetly, poking Little Mumu’s head with her finger. "Can’t you speak a little less loudly, you rascal?"

"Swish!" All eyes turned toward them.

Little Mumu sighed inwardly: Mother, your voice is even louder.

Yun Feiyue smiled awkwardly. Every time she saw handsome men, she couldn’t help a little excitement!

"Ahaha, greetings, everyone!"

The sons of Chu’s officials saw Yun Feiyue arrive and all crowded around. This was a golden opportunity to win the favor of a wealthy beauty, take charge of the Yun family’s fortune, and reach the pinnacle of life!

Just as Yun Feiyue finished her greeting and was about to chat and deepen relations, the crowd surged toward her.

"Hey, hey, hey... stop..." Yun Feiyue stretched out her hand to block them. "Stop! Yes, yes, stop! Divide into two lines, stand on the opposite side of the bridge, and come over one at a time! That’s right!"

She directed them, organizing the selection process.

"Get a seat for Mother," Little Mumu instructed Yun Dao, who was watching the show.

Yun Dao grumbled inwardly but dared not disobey. Soon, he brought two chairs, one large and one small. Yun Feiyue sat in the big one, Little Mumu in the small, and Yun Dao stood beside them holding a parasol.

In order, the first candidate came forward. His appearance was proper, and his features quite striking.

He raised his fingers delicately and bowed to Yun Feiyue. "Miss Yun, I am the son of the Minister of Revenue..."

"Next."

"But I..." The man’s face flushed red. He grabbed a little red handkerchief and wiped his tears, fleeing the scene. "Boohoo, I can’t go on, I’ll throw myself into the lake..."

Yun Feiyue’s mouth twitched twice. What a wretched little dandy—just here to scare people.

"Plop..." Did he really jump? Yun Feiyue was stunned. Were ancient people really so virtuous?

"Help! Help! I can’t swim..."

Yun Feiyue looked darkly in that direction. Apparently someone slipped on a banana peel—he deserved his misfortune!

She waved her hand. "He’s had enough, fish him out!"

"Miss Yun, you’re so gentle and compassionate, saving even someone like him," a voice floated down from above.

The voice was robust, and the clothing quite normal. Yun Feiyue wondered what his face looked like and looked up with anticipation.

Oh my! Yun Feiyue covered her face, waving her hand. "Brother, my eyes hurt. Could you move aside and not block my light?"

"Miss Yun Feiyue, I..."

"Whatever you want to say, I understand. Just step aside, I’ll call you later." She had promised Lady Murong to be ladylike, not to hit anyone! Yes, absolutely no hitting!

"Next..."

Oh, this one seemed quite good! Handsome, refined, with an air of scholarly elegance—finally someone presentable.

"Ah, Miss Feiyue, at last I meet you. Three lifetimes of luck! You are like the moon hanging in the sky, illuminating my heart! You are like the sun in the heavens, causing my withered life to sprout anew..."

Hold on! Yun Feiyue’s fingers crackled.

"Ah, Miss Feiyue, even the sound of your fingers is so enchanting—the most beautiful melody I’ve ever heard. Ah..."

Yun Feiyue clenched her fist and closed her eyes. No wonder Lady Murong warned her ahead of time—no hitting allowed.

Indeed. Absolutely no hitting.