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 Binâs surprise, it was still Governor Li, the same individual from their previous encounter.
âGovernor Su, we meet again,â Governor Li greeted.
As Su Bin perused the letter, it confirmed his suspicions. The contents revealed the dog emperorâs final wish, a piece of information the influential Lord State Duke had attempted to suppress.
Their intention was clear â to fuel Su Binâs 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 Binâs best interest.
Governor Li leaned in and whispered, âGovernor Su, the winds of change are coming. In the future, we shall all be recognized as meritorious officials.â
Su Bin responded with a smile, expressing gratitude, âThank you for your guidance, Governor Li!â
Governor Li continued to whisper, divulging a crucial piece of information, âI came with Lord State Dukeâs assurance 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.â
Su Bin, genuinely appreciative, replied, âThank you, Governor Li!â
Governor Li chuckled, âDonât thank me, Governor Su. You should thank Lord State Duke!â
Su Bin, without correcting him, responded, âItâs certainly not misplaced to thank you, Governor Li.â
In truth, it didnât 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 Binâs behalf at the Public House, thereby solidifying the trust the organization had in him.
Governor Li burst into laughter once again, exclaiming, âHereâs another piece of good news!â
âLord 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.â 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 gratitude, stating, âI am deeply honored by Lord
State Dukeâs consideration!â
However, his expression quickly shifted to concern. âGovernor Li, I hope you donât mind me speaking frankly. This matter seems a bit inappropriate.â
âIt 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 noble ladies, and I fear she may inadvertently tarnish the Public Houseâs reputation.â
âFurthermore, my sister is a schoolteacher who frequently ventures into the public domain. Given her profession, she hesitates to ascend the social hierarchy associated with the Public House.â
âThereâs another consideration. My current official position is relatively low. It doesnât feel right to enter into such an alliance unless I achieve a third-rank official status in the future.â
Su Bin implied that he would only consider engagement once he held a higher rank.
Despite his reservations, Su Bin couldnât outright refuse the proposal from the
Public House; instead, he had to find a tactful way to delay the matter.
Governor Li reassuringly patted Su Binâs shoulder.
âGovernor Su, youâre overthinking it! The young master of the Public House is carefree and has a penchant for exceptional women like your sister.â
âRest assured, Lord State Duke has thoroughly looked into your sisterâs background. If Lord
State Duke gives his approval, there wonât be any issues.â
âAs for concerns about your family background, Governor Su, donât fret. Once you attain the rank of a third-rank official, youâll have the appropriate standing.â
Su Bin found himself at a loss for words.
He couldnât readily agree to Su Ningâs 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, wasnât 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 wasnât something Su Bin welcomed.
Despite the looming threat of the Public Houseâs potential downfall orchestrated by the Third Prince, Su Bin couldnât fathom his younger sister becoming entangled in their affairs before the organizationâs demise..