Chapter 634: Marriage
....
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
A few days later, a representative from the Public House arrived.
Not only did they deliver updates from the palace, but they also brought the verbal promise of the old duke.
To Su Bin’s surprise, it was still Governor Li, the same individual from their previous encounter.
“Governor Su, we meet again,” Governor Li greeted.
As Su Bin perused the letter, it confirmed his suspicions. The contents revealed the dog emperor’s final wish, a piece of information the influential Lord State Duke had attempted to suppress.
Their intention was clear – to fuel Su Bin’s resentment towards the dog emperor while emphasizing their own power. Positioned above the dog emperor, they subtly suggested that cooperation with them would be in Su Bin’s best interest.
Governor Li leaned in and whispered, “Governor Su, the winds of change are coming. In the future, we shall all be recognized as meritorious officials.”
Su Bin responded with a smile, expressing grat.i.tude, “Thank you for your guidance, Governor Li!”
Governor Li continued to whisper, divulging a crucial piece of information, “I came with Lord State Duke’s a.s.surance this time. If the Public House succeeds, you can swiftly ascend to the rank of a third-rank official. The position of the Court of Judicial Review will be reserved for you.”
Su Bin, genuinely appreciative, replied, “Thank you, Governor Li!”
Governor Li chuckled, “Don’t thank me, Governor Su. You should thank Lord State Duke!”
Su Bin, without correcting him, responded, “It’s certainly not misplaced to thank you, Governor Li.”
In truth, it didn’t matter what he said; it was all a facade.
However, there seemed to be no harm in speaking favorably about Governor Li; he appeared to relish the attention.
After coaxing Governor Li, the plan was for him to advocate on Su Bin’s behalf at the Public House, thereby solidifying the trust the organization had in him.
Governor Li burst into laughter once again, exclaiming, “Here’s another piece of good news!”
“Lord State Duke has expressed interest in having the young master of the
Public House marry your sister. In a few days, a representative from the Public House will approach the Su residence with a marriage proposal.” Su Bin was taken aback.
Why would Lord State Duke consider his younger sister as a potential granddaughter-in-law?
Was this an attempt to fully involve him, or perhaps a test of some sort?
Externally, Su Bin had to feign grat.i.tude, stating, “I am deeply honored by Lord
State Duke’s consideration!”
However, his expression quickly shifted to concern. “Governor Li, I hope you don’t mind me speaking frankly. This matter seems a bit inappropriate.”
“It primarily stems from the fact that the Public House holds a distinguished status, while my sister has grown up in a rural setting. She lacks the refined etiquette expected of n.o.ble ladies, and I fear she may inadvertently tarnish the Public House’s reputation.”
“Furthermore, my sister is a schoolteacher who frequently ventures into the public domain. Given her profession, she hesitates to ascend the social hierarchy a.s.sociated with the Public House.”
“There’s another consideration. My current official position is relatively low. It doesn’t feel right to enter into such an alliance unless I achieve a third-rank official status in the future.’
Su Bin implied that he would only consider engagement once he held a higher rank.
Despite his reservations, Su Bin couldn’t outright refuse the proposal from the
Public House; instead, he had to find a tactful way to delay the matter.
Governor Li rea.s.suringly patted Su Bin’s shoulder.
“Governor Su, you’re overthinking it! The young master of the Public House is carefree and has a penchant for exceptional women like your sister.”
“Rest a.s.sured, Lord State Duke has thoroughly looked into your sister’s background. If Lord
State Duke gives his approval, there won’t be any issues.”
“As for concerns about your family background, Governor Su, don’t fret. Once you attain the rank of a third-rank official, you’ll have the appropriate standing.”
Su Bin found himself at a loss for words.
He couldn’t readily agree to Su Ning’s engagement, nor could he fabricate that she was already committed to someone else. It presented a significant dilemma.
Thankfully, Su Ning, at 13 years old, wasn’t at the age to be immediately married, even if she were engaged. However, the prospect of her tying the knot with someone from the Public House wasn’t something Su Bin welcomed.
Despite the looming threat of the Public House’s potential downfall orchestrated by the Third Prince, Su Bin couldn’t fathom his younger sister becoming entangled in their affairs before the organization’s demise..