The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 72: About to Return to the Capital

As they were nearing the front courtyard, Yuan Changan finally released Mingzhu’s hand.

The warmth of the young lady’s hand still lingered in his palm; it wasn’t hot, yet it made his ears burn red.

His heart raced and his breathing was short, just like a naive young boy.

Mingzhu glanced at his earlobes and teased, "They say Mr. Yuan is charming, but why does holding hands make you blush?"

Yuan Changan huffed, "Charming doesn’t mean lecherous."

It was the first time he’d ever held hands with a young lady; how could he not blush?

Then he thought of Xie Yunzhen.

Not wanting Mingzhu to remember unpleasant things, he feigned light-heartedness and said, "Hold my hand a few more times, and once I get used to it, I won’t blush anymore."

Mingzhu pursed her lips in a smile, her eyes filled with playful reproach, "You’re a teacher; you should set an example."

Yuan Changan’s lips curved up slightly, "I refuse to be an unromantic blockhead; otherwise, my wife would surely dislike me in the future."

He aspired to live a life of mutual respect and love with Mingzhu.

He would paint her eyebrows in the morning, pin flowers for her in leisure time, at night...

Yuan Changan didn’t dare think too deeply.

He quickly stopped the thought.

The man beside her could sometimes be very innocent, and other times straightforward to the point of embarrassment.

Mingzhu blushed slightly and said nothing further.

As was their habit, the two appeared together, with Yuan Changan just a half step behind.

This way, he could always ensure Mingzhu was within a safe range.

The opera viewing was in an open-air garden.

Xie Yunzhen sat in the VIP section, unusually arriving early, witnessing Mingzhu and Yuan Changan chatting and laughing as they approached.

He had seen this scene countless times in recent days.

Yet seeing it again, his heart ached unbearably, wishing Yuan Changan would just disappear.

Though his heart was in turmoil, his expression remained calm.

His peripheral vision fell on Mingzhu. She wasn’t wearing the same dress as before.

Her clothes were embroidered with large clusters of vibrant Shao Yao flowers, yet her natural beauty surpassed the flowers, enhancing her radiance, making everything around her seem dull in comparison.

Xie Yunzhen’s Adam’s apple bobbed.

His heart tingled as if tiny insects were crawling over it, creating ripples of blissful itchiness.

Noticing everyone’s gaze upon Mingzhu, Xie Yunzhen’s breath deepened.

This beautiful Mingzhu, he didn’t want anyone else to see her.

Not one bit!

The old lady sat in the center, beckoning to Mingzhu, "We’ve been waiting just for you two."

She had Mingzhu sit beside her, even giving her the play list to select an opera.

This was elevating Mingzhu’s status.

It was also a public declaration of the Yuan Family’s stance.

Everyone present knew that General Ji’s orphan was in Yangzhou to discuss a marriage alliance with Yuan Changan.

Seeing this, they understood that the elders had also approved of Mingzhu.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, this marriage was as good as settled.

Everyone congratulated Yuan Changan, with insinuations in their words anticipating celebrating his marriage with Mingzhu!

A few who had heard rumors glanced instinctively at the Princely Heir from the capital.

It was said he even gave up his career to come to Yangzhou in pursuit of Miss Ji...

Seated expressionlessly, the Princely Heir’s gaze nonchalantly focused on the stage, his long, defined fingers tapping the armrest in rhythm with the opera.

As if he didn’t see the happy couple.

Inwardly sighing: The hearts of the nobility are hard to fathom. If he truly liked Miss Ji, he should hurry and take her back.

If he waits any longer, they’ll have children together!

Letting Miss Ji and Yuan Changan continue their relationship, yet lingering here.

If they were members of the Yuan Family, they’d already be so stressed they’d lose their appetite and sleep.

Being scrutinized, Xie Yunzhen seemed oblivious.

His fingers continued tapping the armrest leisurely, with a faint smile at his lips.

He exuded nobility, inexplicably cold and detached.

The opera commenced, and Mingzhu inadvertently caught his gaze, noticing the amusement in his eyes.

It was the confidence and anticipation before a hunter strikes.

A sense of foreboding welled up inside her.

She had no idea what Xie Yunzhen planned to do, nor any clue how to respond.

Mingzhu felt as though she were sitting on pins and needles, unable to focus on the opera.

Seeing this, the smile at Xie Yunzhen’s lips deepened.

After today, she would be disappointed in Yuan Changan, and the marriage negotiations would be annulled.

They could then return to the capital.

Xie Yunzhen was already considering which treasures in his storeroom would serve as dowry gifts for Mingzhu when they returned.

His gaze once more lingered on her graceful figure.

Today, he couldn’t let her enjoy the opera in peace. But if she liked, they could keep a troupe at home to perform for her daily once they were married.

Anything she liked, he would offer to her with both hands.

The longer time dragged on, the more relaxed Xie Yunzhen became.

In contrast, Mingzhu could no longer hear what was being sung on stage.

Her heart pounded fiercely.

She just hoped time would pass a little faster, even faster.

For the banquet to end soon, for guests to leave, no matter what Xie Yunzhen planned, the Yuan Family could deal with it behind closed doors.

The old lady, sharp-eyed as ever, noticed Mingzhu hadn’t even sipped her tea, realizing she was preoccupied.

With an imperceptible glance at Xie Yunzhen, she thought, if this ancestor doesn’t leave soon, her grandson’s marriage would be delayed.

So she asked directly, "When does the Princely Heir plan to return to the capital? I should prepare some Yangzhou specialties for you to take to the relatives at the Duke Mansion."

Mingzhu immediately perked up her ears to listen.

Laughter flickered in Xie Yunzhen’s eyes, "It’s about time to return; it’ll be in the next couple of days."

The old lady’s face lit up with joy, summoning the housekeeper’s wife, "Quick, prepare the gifts!"

Mingzhu and Yuan Changan exchanged a glance, both thinking Xie Yunzhen had ulterior motives.

Before leaving, he would definitely create some commotion.

And today, with so many people in the mansion, it was the perfect occasion.

Usually carefree, Yuan Changan now found himself uneasy.

Xie Yunzhen’s only goal was to take Mingzhu back to the capital.

What would he do?

Yuan Changan was unsure.

He shifted slightly, whispering to Mingzhu, "I’ll go check if there are any issues with the banquet and guests."

Mingzhu nodded, cautioning softly.

"Don’t go to secluded places, stay away from young ladies, and better take a couple of people with you in case a young lady falls into the water and needs rescuing..."

Yuan Changan couldn’t help but laugh.

Curious what she’d experienced in the capital to come to such conclusions.

Saying, "If I encounter a young lady, I’ll turn and walk away."

Mingzhu saw the teasing in his eyes.

People around Yuan Changan were straightforward; he mostly stayed at the academy.

He hadn’t experienced such sordid affairs, didn’t understand how easy it was to ruin someone.

Seeing her seriousness, Yuan Changan adjusted his demeanor.

"I’ll be extra careful."

In such a public setting, Mingzhu couldn’t indulge in nagging. As long as Yuan Changan was aware, it was enough.

She watched him leave.

Seeing their "reluctant" demeanor, Xie Yunzhen felt a choke in his heart.

If he wasn’t happy, neither would his rival have a good time.

He summoned Tianshui, "Go see where the person is, dawdling around like that, they won’t even catch food while it’s hot!"

Tianshui: "..."

Thinking ruefully: It’s really hard to serve a man unlucky in love.

After all, the timing of that person’s appearance was arranged by the Princely Heir himself!