Chapter 1123: Guo Jia’s Suggestion

"Yes, I've heard about it too. It seems like a good match," Cai Yan said with a kind smile.

"Aren't you going to think more about it, sister?" Cai Zhenji said with some frustration. She felt that if her sister waited any longer, she might never get married.

"I'll wait until you have a child and then adopt one back to the family," Cai Yan shook her head. She no longer wished to marry, only hoping to ensure the continuation of the Cai family line. Having Cai Zhenji adopt a child back seemed like the best solution.

As for relying on Li You, it wouldn’t be necessary. With Cai Yan's talent and reputation, she could easily protect herself. After all, many noblewomen studied under her.

"Uh..." Cai Zhenji felt a bit embarrassed but didn’t reject the idea. "If my husband agrees, I will do it."

Cai Yan smiled without saying much more. Yang Yi was someone easy to convince, and considering how much effort Cai Yan had put into educating Yang Yi, it was unlikely he would refuse her request.

"Sister, come spend the New Year at my house," Cai Zhenji suggested as she continued sewing clothes for Yang Yi.

"Yes, I will come. But on the second day of the New Year, come with me to visit our uncle," Cai Yan nodded. The large Cai estate would be quiet on the first day of the New Year, with only Cai Yan and her personal maid remaining, as the other maids had been given time off to celebrate.

It’s worth mentioning that even the maids in Cai's household, who came from ordinary families, could now read and write. Cai Yan never looked down on them, and though she didn’t believe in teaching without discrimination, she at least taught enough so she would have more people to converse with. As a talented woman, she often felt lonely.

"Alright~" Cai Zhenji replied, drawing out the word. Soon, the Cai residence fell into silence once again.

"Wow, Man Xiang Lou looks impressive! They’ve managed to secure a prime location so quickly," Chen Xi exclaimed as he jumped down from the carriage, marveling at the nearly hundred-meter-wide establishment. Standing at the entrance, he could already hear the music playing inside.

Incidentally, quite a few commoners had stopped outside to listen to the performance. The sound was remarkably clear, thanks to the secret techniques of Qu Ah and Nangong Xue.

"Since opera appeals to people of all ages and helps them relax, the governor of Lu gave Man Xiang Lou this spot right at the beginning of the New Year. It used to be an open-air opera, but now it’s properly established," Chen Yun explained briefly.

"That makes sense," Chen Xi nodded, leading Chen Yun inside.

"Zichuan!" Fa Zheng spotted Chen Xi and immediately called out.

"Oh, Xiaozhi, are you here to listen to the opera too?" Chen Xi asked with a smile.

"Not really, just out shopping with Ying’er," Fa Zheng replied with a smile, as Jiang Ying and Wang Yi gave polite bows, with Chen Yun returning the gesture.

"I’m also trying to buy something for my wife, but I’m not sure what to get. Do you have any suggestions?" Chen Xi asked with a grin.

"I don’t have any good ideas either. We don’t lack for anything at home," Fa Zheng sighed. "I bought my father another cane, though. The last one hurt too much when he hit me."

At this point, Liu Luo had already learned that Chen Xi and Chen Yun had arrived, but seeing them talking with Fa Zheng at the door, she didn’t want to interrupt.

"We’re blocking the entrance and their business. Let’s go inside to talk," Chen Xi said with a smile.

Jiang Ying showed no sign of discomfort and followed Fa Zheng inside with confidence.

After all, Jiang Ying didn’t have too much to deal with. Her days mostly consisted of listening to operas, reading books, and occasionally visiting places like this.

As for Wang Yi, she had never been to such places before. While she was interested in opera, her passion for the art paled in comparison to her interest in being a female official.

"Greetings, Marquis Chen, Marquis Tai Ting. Marquis Wei Yang invites the two of you to the second floor," Liu Luo appeared to greet them, leading the group to a private room on the second floor where Guo Jia was already sitting casually by the window, sipping wine and listening to the opera.

"Fengxiao, you’re not at home with your wife and child, yet you came here alone to listen to opera?" Chen Xi teased as he and Fa Zheng entered. The women, including Jiang Ying, were escorted to another private room, while Chen Yun stayed behind to chat privately with Liu Luo.

"How is home more interesting than here? And who said I didn’t bring my wife and child? I just sent them to another room while I called you up," Guo Jia chuckled, pouring wine for Fa Zheng and Chen Xi.

"But honestly, I’m curious. Neither of you looks like you came here just for the opera. Especially you, Zichuan. Finally, you’ve brought out your household’s star," Guo Jia teased with a mischievous smile. "You should have done this sooner."

"Oh, that was Chen Yun!" Fa Zheng said excitedly. "What a beauty, and she has the perfect temperament for any role she plays!"

"You two..." Chen Xi shot them a glance but said nothing. The look he gave them spoke volumes, and the two exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter.

"Still, Zichuan, what’s with the hesitation? You’ve already married Zhen Mi, and you shouldn’t overlook those three maids in your inner courtyard. After all, they’re your maids, all within your reach," Guo Jia smirked, completely ignoring how much Chen Xi could take.

"Stop teasing me," Chen Xi waved his hand dismissively. "I just brought her out because it reminded me of how Liu Luo has taken care of my maids for so many years, so I came to show some appreciation."

"I’m not teasing you!" Guo Jia suddenly turned serious, placing a hand on Chen Xi’s shoulder. "How can you think this way? Personal maids can never be given away. They know too many of your secrets. Unless they marry their master, their only other path is death. Marrying them is the only proper way."

"You’re wasting your life," Fa Zheng chimed in, echoing Guo Jia’s thoughts.

"..." Chen Xi was speechless. He reached out and slapped Guo Jia on the shoulder. "Do you really think you can trick me with that? Saying their only path is death? You’ve got issues."

"Hahaha, you didn’t fall for it! I thought if I put on a serious face, you’d take my suggestion seriously," Guo Jia said with a disappointed look.

"As expected, Zichuan is too sharp," Fa Zheng sighed. He had hoped to witness Chen Xi fall for the joke, but in the end, he was left empty-handed.

"You two scoundrels!" Chen Xi immediately circled the table, trying to grab Guo Jia. The three of them caused a ruckus before finally settling down. Interestingly, no one had come to check on them, despite all the noise.

The three sat together, chatting and drinking. Chen Xi waited for Liu Luo to show up, knowing full well what Chen Yun was up to. So, he didn’t decline Guo Jia’s offer of a small feast.

Soon, Liu Luo personally came to serve the dishes. After drinking a few more cups with Guo Jia, Chen Xi finally left. As he was about to go, Guo Jia grinned and said, "Zichuan, you really should consider what I said."

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