Chapter 177 - 177 He Really Likes Her

Translator: 549690339

Tong Sanlang knew very well of Yang Ye’s temperament. Having been spoiled by the four biggest figures of Daqi – Emperor Yong’an and his empress, princes, he was somewhat arrogant and hot-tempered, but not spoiled to the point of committing unacceptable acts.

However, Yang Ye had a fondness for good food, and Qiao Xiaomai’s culinary skills were excellent. He might resort to coercion and enticements to taste her cooking every day.

Despite Qiao Xiaomai’s extraordinary background, she was in essence a simple country girl, unable to resist against someone of Yang Ye’s status.

But if she were to marry him, Xiaomai could be considered part of the gentry.

Although her rank might seem pitiable, it would definitely make Yang Ye exercise caution.

If that doesn’t work, even the Prime Minister is above him, and he could involve Emperor Yong’an. If the Emperor were to turn a blind eye, it would give them the perfect excuse to rebel.

Staring into Qiao Xiaomai’s icy face with his pitch-black eyes, Tong Sanlang asked, “Miss Qiao, what do you think of my suggestion?”

Qiao Xiaomai’s fingers clenched into fists as memories of a suitor’s previous marriage proposal appeared in her mind.

Her eyes reddened, and she struggled to control the impulse to lash out. Gritting her teeth, she asked, “Why are you being so kind?”

No, she mustn’t attack. She had to keep her extraordinary strength a secret.

“Because I am enamored with you,” Tong Sanlang answered sincerely.

He noticed that Qiao Xiaomai’s reaction was off, but everyone had their secrets, right?

His current task wasn’t to uncover secrets, but to convince Qiao Xiaomai to marry him.

“1 was initially planning to take things slow, but upon learning that you might be taken away by Prince Wei, 1 followed my heart’s impulse and came to confess to you,” he confessed.

“Of course, this may seem sudden to you. Please forgive my recklessness, but 1 genuinely want to marry you,” he added.

“I hope you would give it careful consideration,” he said.

Qiao Xiaomai stood there, fists still tightly clenched, the veins on the back of her hands bulging. Coldly laughing, she stared at Tong Sanlang, asking, “Enamored with me?”

“You don’t believe me?” Tong Sanlang raised an eyebrow, extending his right hand with its clearly defined knuckles towards her.

“Let me list your virtues. First, filial piety,” he said, extending his thumb as he spoke.

“Hardworking,” he said, extending his index finger.

“Crafty and skilled,” he said, extending his middle finger.

“Gentle,” he said, extending his ring finger.

“Resilient,” he said, extending his pinky.

After listing five virtues, his hand was fully open.

Then he extended his left hand, fist clenched, to begin listing Qiao Xiaomai’s flaws.

“Your mother has a bad reputation,” he said, extending his thumb.

He placed his hands in front of Qiao Xiaomai. “But reputation means nothing to me.”

Speaking, he covered his left thumb with his open right hand. “These five virtues completely overshadow the one flaw. Miss Qiao, I am truly captivated by you,” he said sincerely.

Qiao Xiaomai stared at the slender fingers in front of her, but her anger didn’t dissipate.

This kind of sweet talk had become as tasteless as water to her. The anger in her heart was still burning, making her want to explode.

“Flattery,” she spat out through gritted teeth.

“Miss, you can see my actions for yourself. From now on, I’ll show you that my words are not empty,” Tong Sanlang said with earnest sincerity. His eyes filled with tenderness as he gazed at Qiao Xiaomai.

He had been somewhat conflicted before confessing, but once the words were spoken, that conflict evaporated instantaneously.

All that was left was joy.

This joyful assurance told him that he was truly smitten with her..