Rebirth of the Duke's Daughter and the Little Imperial Uncle

Chapter 72 The Engagement (1)

He Mingfeng gazed at Cheng Ying with lingering desire, his eyes burning with a passion that seemed capable of melting glaciers. Cheng Ying blushed deeply, her head almost touching the ground, unable to meet his gaze. Her shy demeanor was as alluring as a ripe peach, fueling He Mingfeng's growing desire.

Unable to suppress his impulse, He Mingfeng took Cheng Ying's hand and whispered, "Let's go, before they come in." Without giving Cheng Ying any chance to resist, he led her quickly away from the garden. Cheng Ying asked blankly, "Where are we going?" He Mingfeng smiled and said, "I'll show you my room." Before he finished speaking, he had already disappeared into the garden with Cheng Ying.

When Cheng Ying came to her senses, she found herself standing at the entrance of He Mingfeng's palace. He Mingfeng gently pushed open the door and led her into the palace. Then, he instructed the palace maids to prepare Cheng Ying's favorite Golden Needle Eyebrow Tea and personally poured her a full cup.

Cheng Ying, curious, began to tour his room. As she looked around, she said to He Mingfeng, "Did you decorate your room yourself? It looks quite unique!" He Mingfeng felt a little smug, but pretended to be nonchalant and nodded, saying, "Yes, I think it's quite comfortable. What, don't you think it looks good?" Cheng Ying quickly shook her head, saying, "No, it's nice! It feels very neat and clean." She then sat down next to He Mingfeng and continued to observe her surroundings. After a while, she suddenly exclaimed, "Are all boys' rooms this simple? There's not even a mirror!" He Mingfeng laughed, saying, "What would I need a mirror for? I don't need to dress up like you women. Besides, every morning when I get up, I just need to comb my hair and change my clothes; there's no need to look in a mirror. Being dressed is enough, so that thing is useless." Cheng Ying laughed at his explanation, saying, "I see. It seems there really are many differences between men and women!"

He Mingfeng looked at Cheng Ying tenderly and said softly, "Try it, this is your favorite tea." Cheng Ying took the teacup, carefully took a sip, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face. She exclaimed, "Mmm, it's really delicious." The two chatted while sipping tea, and time passed quietly. Before they knew it, night had fallen, and the banquet was about to end.

He Mingfeng carefully took out a crystal-clear, smooth and delicate jade hairpin from his pocket, handed it to Cheng Ying, and said softly, "This hairpin is one I carefully selected. I hope you will like it."

Cheng Ying took the jade hairpin and examined it carefully. Her gaze was drawn to the exquisite carving, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, it's so beautiful!" She gently stroked the jade hairpin, a joyful smile on her face, and happily said, "Thank you, I like it very much."

Seeing Cheng Ying's radiant smile, He Mingfeng couldn't contain his joy. He smiled gently and replied, "As long as you like it. Actually, I've wanted to give it to you for a while, but you always avoided me before, and I thought you hated me, so I never dared to take it out."

Cheng Ying picked up the jade hairpin, gazed into He Mingfeng's eyes, and asked curiously, "When did you buy this hairpin?"

He Mingfeng lowered his head and thought for a moment before replying, "It's been about half a month."

Cheng Ying's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. Just two weeks ago, she had first seen He Mingfeng with other women. She frowned slightly and pressed on, "So, you went to choose them with your cousin?"

He Mingfeng looked at Cheng Ying, nodded frankly, and explained, "Well, I didn't know what gift to give you at the time, so I asked Xiao Ran for advice."

He Mingfeng lowered his head shyly and said softly, "I originally wanted Xiao Ran to help me choose a gift, but when we got to Jin Yu Man Tang, I immediately saw this jade hairpin and thought it would suit you perfectly, so she didn't help much." Cheng Ying felt a surge of emotion and thought to herself, "This silly guy must have been carrying the hairpin with him all the time, right?" Thinking this, she asked, "So, have you been carrying this hairpin with you all the time?" He Mingfeng nodded gently and replied shyly, "Well… because I haven't been able to see you, I've been carrying it with me, hoping that one day I might bump into you on the street and give it to you. Unfortunately, that opportunity has never come; I haven't been able to meet you even once. I knew you would definitely be at the banquet today, and I would see you again. Even if you might dislike me, I decided to give you this hairpin. Now my wish has finally come true, and I'm giving it to you. So, that's the advantage of carrying it with you."

Cheng Ying was already in tears, the glistening tears sliding down her cheeks and dripping onto the ground. Her heart felt as if it had been pierced by a thousand needles, filled with unbearable pain. In her mind, she had already cursed herself a thousand times, filled with remorse. She thought to herself with self-reproach, "Cheng Ying, look at what you've done these past few days!"

After He Mingfeng finished speaking, he looked up and was surprised to find that Cheng Ying was crying. His face turned pale instantly, and he said in a panic, "Aying, why are you crying? Did I say something wrong? If so, please forgive me..." However, before he could finish speaking, Cheng Ying could no longer control her emotions. She cried and threw herself into He Mingfeng's arms, hugging him tightly.

Cheng Ying cried and choked out, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I really shouldn't have avoided you and made you suffer so much. I'm sorry, I promise I'll never do it again!" Her voice was full of regret and self-blame, which made people feel sorry for her.

Hearing Cheng Ying's words, He Mingfeng finally felt a huge weight lifted from his heart. He gently stroked Cheng Ying's hair and said tenderly, "It's okay, as long as you don't ignore me anymore." His eyes revealed his deep love for Cheng Ying, making her feel incredibly warm.

Cheng Ying slowly lifted her head from his embrace, nodded firmly and seriously, and said, "Yes, I will tell you first from now on, and I won't avoid you anymore." As soon as she finished speaking, Cheng Ying kissed He Mingfeng's lips without hesitation.

He Mingfeng was clearly stunned; he hadn't expected Cheng Ying to kiss him so proactively. After all, this was the first time Cheng Ying had kissed him first, and it was with a hint of shyness and awkwardness. However, when he came to his senses, he immediately pulled Cheng Ying tightly onto his lap and deepened the kiss.

He Mingfeng gently pried open Cheng Ying's teeth with the tip of his tongue, then explored her mouth. Cheng Ying was slightly taken aback, but quickly became intoxicated by the passionate kiss. Their breaths mingled, and their heartbeats seemed to synchronize.

After a long while, the two finally released each other, both slightly out of breath. He Mingfeng's eyes shone with a burning light, while Cheng Ying blushed and lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze. At that moment, their relationship seemed to have taken another step closer, filled with boundless sweetness and warmth.

He Mingfeng held Cheng Ying's hand tightly and asked earnestly, "Aying, I'd like to ask Father to bestow a marriage upon us now, is that alright?" Cheng Ying hesitated for a moment and replied, "Wouldn't that be a bit too hasty?"

He Mingfeng said with a wronged look, "I just want to settle our relationship as soon as possible because I'm afraid you'll ignore me again." His pitiful appearance softened Cheng Ying's heart.

She answered gently, "Okay." Upon hearing this answer, He Mingfeng immediately looked up, his eyes sparkling with joy, and asked excitedly, "Really? You agree? You really agree?" Cheng Ying smiled and nodded in affirmation.

Upon receiving Cheng Ying's affirmative reply, He Mingfeng could no longer contain his excitement and joy. He embraced Cheng Ying tightly and kissed her passionately. This kiss was more ardent and passionate than ever before.

Overwhelmed by He Mingfeng's passion, Cheng Ying's body gradually went limp, as if she had lost all her strength. If He Mingfeng hadn't held her tightly, she probably would have collapsed to the ground. She could only lean against He Mingfeng's embrace, feeling his warmth and love.

Cheng Ying stepped out of He Mingfeng's arms, looked up at him, and said, "Put this on for me!"

He Mingfeng's heart melted as he looked at Cheng Ying, whose eyes were misty with tears from the kiss. He took the jade hairpin and gently placed it in Cheng Ying's hair.

Cheng Ying asked with bright eyes, "Is it pretty?"

He Mingfeng said with a smile, "It looks great. Our Ah Ying is the most beautiful."

Cheng Ying lowered her head shyly, and He Mingfeng gently kissed her forehead and said, "Let's go!"

“Okay,” Cheng Ying replied.

As soon as he finished speaking, He Mingfeng pulled Cheng Ying away and headed towards Changqing Palace.

They soon arrived at Changqing Palace. Even at the entrance, He Mingfeng did not let go of Cheng Ying. Cheng Ying stood at the door, trying to pull her hand away, but He Mingfeng held it even tighter and she couldn't pull it out at all.

So Cheng Ying said to He Mingfeng, "Let me go!"

Looking at Cheng Ying's expression, He Mingfeng knew she was shy, so he deliberately asked, "And then?"

Cheng Ying continued, "And then..." He Mingfeng continued, "Then I went in first, and then you went in, right?" He stared at Cheng Ying, his eyes gleaming, as if he had already guessed her thoughts.

Cheng Ying stared at him in disbelief, a surge of emotion and warmth welling up inside her. She nodded gently, acknowledging his presence. However, at that moment, He Mingfeng suddenly spoke up, "Aying, do you not want anyone to know about our relationship?" His voice carried a hint of doubt and worry, causing Cheng Ying's heart to skip a beat.

Cheng Ying hurriedly shook her head and explained, "No, I don't regret it. I just feel a little shy." Her eyes were sincere and firm, hoping to dispel He Mingfeng's doubts.

He Mingfeng looked at Cheng Ying quietly, his eyes gradually softening. He said softly, "But I want to tell everyone that we love each other. I want those who covet you to know that you are mine, and no one can have any designs on you, okay?" His tone was full of determination and love, as if he wanted to pull Cheng Ying into his arms tightly.

Cheng Ying was slightly taken aback, a shy blush rising to her cheeks. She nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness. She understood He Mingfeng's feelings and was willing to face everything in the future with him.

They smiled at each other, then walked hand in hand into the palace. Their steps were firm and confident; their unspoken understanding was palpable. At that moment, their love shone like brilliant stars, illuminating the entire palace.

As soon as they entered, Qin Yaoyao noticed that Cheng Ying had a jade hairpin in her hair. She approached He Yanxi and said, "Brother Yanxi, it seems that He Mingfeng's marriage will be settled today."

He Yanxi was peeling shrimp for Qin Yaoyao when he heard her words. Without even looking up, he said, "Yes, it's time to settle things. It was expected." Then he placed the peeled shrimp in front of Qin Yaoyao and said softly, "Eat up!"

Qin Yaoyao lowered her head to eat, her eyes shining; this was already the second plate He Yanxi had peeled.

Qin Yaoyao wasn't the only one paying attention to He Mingfeng and Cheng Ying; Shen Xiaoran, He Mingxuan, and even the Empress were also present. When they saw He Mingfeng and Cheng Ying walk in together, their eyes revealed a knowing look.

He Mingfeng led Cheng Ying by the hand to the middle of the main hall before stopping. Everyone was surprised, not expecting the Fifth Prince to be with the daughter of the General's Mansion. People whispered among themselves, "When did the Fifth Prince get together with General Cheng's daughter?"

Another minister said, "I don't know! There wasn't a word of it beforehand!"

The King of Wei said to the fourth prince, "It seems many women will be heartbroken again! Fourth prince, aren't you worried when you see your younger brother has a girl he likes?"

He Minglin smiled and said, "Uncle, what's the rush? If we're meant to meet, we'll meet eventually. Why be in such a hurry?"

King He Yan'an of Wei said, "You!" He shook his head helplessly, feeling that his nephew was always so calm and composed, as if nothing could shake him.

Seeing He Mingfeng and Cheng Ying walking towards the center of the hall, the Empress smiled and said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, look at how they walk together; they seem to have reconciled. I was worried they might not be able to stay together, but now I can finally rest assured." The Emperor held the Empress's hand and softly replied, "No need to worry, Empress. I knew all along that this marriage would be successful." The Empress nodded in agreement and then said with emotion, "Yes, Xiao Wu seems lazy and doesn't like to associate with other women. I was worried that he would live like this for the rest of his life. But I never expected that he would find a woman he likes, and such an excellent girl as Cheng Ying." After speaking, the two smiled at each other, their eyes full of relief. Just then, He Mingfeng suddenly pulled Cheng Ying to kneel together in the center of the hall and solemnly pleaded with the Emperor, "Father, your son truly loves Cheng Ying, the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion. Please grant us this marriage!" Upon hearing this, the Emperor and Empress were filled with joy, but on the surface, they maintained a serious expression. The Emperor asked, "Fifth Prince, marriage is a serious matter and cannot be taken lightly. Have you really thought it through?" The Empress echoed, "Yes, Fifth Prince, marriage is not a game. You must take it seriously."