novelzi Chapter 241
Chapter 241
Jiang Chong sought advice from Xiao Changning, suggesting that if he married Qiu Chan, they would become brothers-in-law. With years of camaraderie from the frontier, Xiao Changning offered Jiang Chong a plan. A best-of-three contest, with two additional matches, would increase the chances of winning.
After inquiring about Jiang Chong's strengths, Xiao Changning proposed three challenges: martial arts, archery, and culinary skills.
"Who came up with this devious plan?" Li Xia asked Lu XuanNing after hearing the content and rules of the competition.
"Xiao Changning," Lu XuanNing replied, throwing him under the bus. "It's quite cunning indeed."
Overhearing their conversation, Xiao Changning let out a disgruntled snort. He was only trying to help the two lovers unite; how was that devious?
Qiu Ling pinched Xiao Changning, displeased that he would conspire with outsiders to scheme against her sister, who was dear to her.
Xiao Changning silently pleaded for mercy.
The first round was hand-to-hand combat. The two contestants changed into appropriate attire and began fighting fiercely. Lu Liucheng watched excitedly, clenching his fists. When he saw Qiu Chan knock Jiang Chong down with a single punch, he jumped up, cheering, "Great job, Aunt Qiu Chan! Take him down!"
"The first round goes to Qiu Chan," announced Old Marquis Lu, who was acting as the referee. Lu Liucheng happily approached Jiang Chong and made faces at him.
Jiang Chong got up from the ground, unfazed. This outcome was within their plan. Qiu Chan was strong, and it would have been difficult to defeat her.
The second round was archery. The rules were simple: each contestant had 10 arrows, and whoever hit the bullseye the most would win. If both hit all bullseyes, it would be a tie, and both would win. Old Marquis Lu ordered the bows and arrows used in daily training to be brought out.
Qiu Chan went first, hitting the bullseye with all 10 arrows. "Excellent!" Lu Liucheng applauded, continuing to cheer for Qiu Chan.
Qiu Chan turned and waved at Lu Liucheng.
With his future happiness at stake, Jiang Chong felt nervous. After composing himself at the designated position, he shot 10 consecutive arrows, all hitting the bullseye. Seeing the results, Old Marquis Lu declared it a tie.
The third round was culinary skills. Servants set up stoves for the two to compete. Old Marquis Lu assigned a simple task: prepare a dish of braised pork.
Due to his advanced age, Old Marquis Lu was required to eat bland food. For a meat lover like him, this was torture. When he heard the two would compete in cooking, he immediately asked for braised pork so he could enjoy some during the tasting.
Qiu Kui and others prepared the ingredients. The two contestants began cooking braised pork. Jiang Chong seemed quite competent, while Qiu Chan struggled a bit, as she wasn't accustomed to cooking.
When the groom arrived, they refused to open the door. Lu Liucheng still didn't want Qiu Chan to get married. As they were all young masters, Jiang Chong's party didn't dare force their way in. Eventually, Li Xia came to call the boys away, as they couldn't delay the auspicious time.
Jiang Chong and his party rushed into the room. Since Qiu Chan had no brothers, Jiang Chong carried her to the bridal sedan chair, and they left the Mansion of Marquis of Pacifying the South.
The day after the wedding, Qiu Chan returned to the mansion to continue working for Li Xia. Despite Li Xia's insistence that it wasn't necessary, Qiu Chan ignored her protests.
Jiang Chong had already purchased a property outside the mansion where they would live after marriage. However, it was agreed that Qiu Chan would come to the mansion daily to work and only return home at night. For Qiu Chan, it merely meant changing her sleeping location; her daily routine of serving Li Xia remained unchanged.
"Does Jiang Chong agree to this arrangement?" Li Xia asked.
"He wouldn't dare disagree," Qiu Chan replied. She had already let him win; if he didn't agree to her choices, she wouldn't have married him. She wasn't afraid, knowing Li Xia would take care of her.
Qiu Chan brought a plate of snacks and began eating. "Sister Qiu Kui's pastry skills are improving," she remarked. Having grown accustomed to delicious food, Qiu Chan had become more discerning and refused to eat things that didn't taste good.
"Your Sister Qiu Kui's happy day is approaching too," Li Xia commented. When they didn't return together from Ten Mile Town last time, Li Xia knew Luo Shan had gone to find Qiu Kui.
"That man has a strong air of bloodshed about him," Qiu Chan said, not having a good impression of Luo Shan.
"What matters most is that Qiu Kui likes him," Li Xia replied, taking a more open-minded view.
"Mother!" Lu Liucheng ran in, covered in sweat.
"What have you been doing? You're drenched," Li Xia said, taking out a handkerchief to wipe Lu Liucheng's sweat.
"I was practicing with the spear," Lu Liucheng explained. Then he noticed Qiu Chan and turned away with a huff.
Even though Qiu Chan was married, Lu Liucheng was still unhappy about it. Whenever he saw her, he would grunt to express his dissatisfaction.
"Don't be rude," Li Xia scolded, giving Lu Liucheng a light tap.
"I'm not being rude!" Lu Liucheng protested as he ran away.
"My lady, it's my fault," Qiu Chan said, not having expected Lu Liucheng to hold a grudge for so long.
"This has nothing to do with you. Chengcheng is just overthinking things. This child has his father's stubborn temperament," Li Xia's words made Qiu Chan, who had been feeling guilty, smile. In her opinion, Lu Liucheng's temperament was exactly like Li Xia's – once he set his mind on something, nothing could change it.