TGFH Chapter 33: The Little White Rabbit Meets the Big Bad Wolf...

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The three elite guards took approximately two days to infiltrate the General’s Manor by posing as suppliers during external purchases. After another day spent familiarizing themselves with the layout of the estate, they reported back to Murong Yao.

“So, you’re saying you’ve pinpointed the whereabouts of that man?” Murong Yao leaned lazily against the edge of the bed, squinting as he questioned them. His injuries had mostly healed, but being confined to the courtyard day after day left him increasingly irritable.

“Reporting to the prince, the male spouse of Xiao Yiran remains in the main courtyard of the General’s Manor daily and rarely leaves. However, the man is about seven or eight months pregnant, and Xiao Yiran is almost always with him, making it challenging to act,” the lead guard took a small step forward and reported in a low voice.

“Hmm.” Murong Yao nodded slightly and turned his gaze to them. “Distracting Xiao Yiran isn’t difficult. He and Mu Qi are still searching for me. A diversionary tactic will suffice. What about the other matter I instructed you to investigate?”

“Reporting to the prince, we’ve confirmed that Xiao Yiran indeed has an aunt and cousin staying in the manor. However, there’s no betrothal between Xiao Yiran and his cousin,” the guard paused before adding, “but based on our observations, his aunt seems dissatisfied with Xiao Yiran’s current marriage arrangements and appears to favor the idea of her daughter marrying him instead.”

“Hmm.” Murong Yao responded softly, his gaze contemplative. “Go to his aunt again today. Make up a story to gain her cooperation in helping you infiltrate the manor, but ensure you do not reveal your identities.” Envy and jealousy are powerful and irrational forces, but exposing their true intentions would risk her refusal to assist.

“Yes, Your Highness. Understood.”

“What about An Guo Marquis Manor?” Murong Yao asked coldly.

The three guards exchanged looks before bowing deeply. “Your subordinates have failed. The Marquis Manor is heavily guarded, and we were unable to infiltrate.”

The contrast between the defenses of the two manors was evident. Xiao Yiran, having spent most of his time away from the capital, left the General’s Manor in the care of his younger sister Xiao Min, who, while competent at managing household affairs, was an ordinary civilian. Even after Xiao Yiran’s return and reinforcement of security, the defenses remained penetrable to the three elite guards. On the other hand, the An Guo Marquis Manor was a different matter entirely. Bu Huaiyuan, confined due to his frail health, conducted his affairs from within the estate and oversaw the Shadow Sentinel Guards and the Imperial Army. Its security was unparalleled. The only reason Murong Yao’s assassins previously managed to infiltrate was because of a ruse set up by Bu Huaiyuan. Without such subterfuge, breaking through the layers of the Shadow Sentinels’ defenses was nigh impossible.

“Humph. A fine pair, Bu Huaiyuan and Mu Qi!” Murong Yao gritted his teeth and said bitterly. “We can’t wait any longer. Start with Xiao Yiran’s side. Act tomorrow!” With the year’s end approaching, defenses would be at their weakest. Dragging it out further would bring no benefit. If they were doomed regardless, Murong Yao intended to take vengeance before his end.

“Understood.” The guards acknowledged and departed.

Ever since receiving the imperial decree, the General’s Manor had been bustling with activity. The wedding date was set for after the New Year, and preparations were in full swing.

By now, Bai Yi had been living in the manor for nearly half a year. Although he rarely ventured out, his gentle demeanor and kindness toward the staff had spread through word of mouth. Over time, most of the manor’s personnel grew fond of the soon-to-be General’s spouse. Even the rumored rival cousin, Hua Lan, got along amicably with Bai Yi. The only person still opposed to the marriage was Xiao Yiran’s aunt, currently confined to a separate courtyard under the guise of “peaceful recuperation.” With her previous antics curtailed, she could cause no further trouble for the time being.

As for Hua Lan’s marriage, Xiao Yiran had made suitable arrangements for introductions. While Hua Lan was very satisfied with Qin Zhenli as a match, Qin Zhenli had tactfully declined the proposal after meeting her. Xiao Yiran, rather than pressuring him, assured her he would find a better match. However, Hua Lan became despondent upon learning this, ignoring both Xiao Min and Bai Yi’s attempts to console her. Eventually, she shocked everyone by requesting through Xiao Min to personally meet with Qin Zhenli to ask him directly.

This bold request left both Xiao Min and Xiao Yiran stunned. Though Da Zhao’s culture was open-minded, it was still uncommon for a woman to arrange a meeting with a suitor after being turned down. Such actions, while not unheard of, were rare because of the social risks involved. Hua Lan, known for her timid nature and aversion to confrontation, taking such a step was entirely unexpected.

Despite their surprise, Xiao Min relayed Hua Lan’s wishes to Xiao Yiran, who ultimately agreed to arrange the meeting. Both siblings, along with Bai Yi, were privately rooting for Hua Lan to pursue her happiness.

On the appointed day, with Xiao Yiran’s arrangements, Hua Lan nervously awaited Qin Zhenli in the stone pavilion of the General’s Manor’s garden. She had dismissed the servants in advance, fearing their presence would only increase her anxiety.

Fidgeting with the handkerchief in her lap, Hua Lan tried to calm her racing heart. Her palms were clammy, and her nervousness made her chest tighten. This was her first time doing something so bold, and she was so anxious she felt her heart might leap out of her throat.

Even so, she had mustered her courage to make the request. Meeting Qin Zhenli had left her with a deep impression. He embodied everything she had ever dreamed of in a partner—graceful, poised, and gentlemanly. She couldn’t simply let go of such an opportunity without knowing why he had refused her. At her age, she understood chances like this were rare, and this was her one shot at trying to make it work.

In most cases, such "meetings" rarely lead to a reversal of the rejection. However, if the rejecting party truly regrets their decision, they may express this on the spot. If the previously rejected party agrees, the marriage can proceed. On the other hand, if the previously rejected party declines this time, the matter is considered closed, with no further entanglements allowed. These meetings are sometimes used by proud young ladies with high confidence as a way to reclaim face, even if they don't genuinely expect the proposal to be reconsidered.

Hua Lan, however, was not that type of person. Her reason for meeting Qin Zhenli was simply to try her best and, at the very least, understand why she had been rejected. She never imagined it would actually lead to Qin Zhenli expressing regret and reconsidering his stance. For a moment, she was too stunned to respond. It wasn't until Qin Zhenli gave a polite cough that she snapped out of her daze, blushing furiously as she nodded in agreement.

Afterward, Qin Zhenli made a few playful remarks to lighten the mood before leaving to discuss the marriage proposal directly with Xiao Yiran.

Meanwhile, even after Qin Zhenli had been gone for quite some time, Hua Lan was still in a daze, completely oblivious to her surroundings. She left the stone pavilion absentmindedly, forgetting to summon her maidservants and wandering off in the wrong direction. She ended up heading toward the secluded courtyard, which had already been vacated, entirely unaware that she was lost.