TSWPF -Chapter 454 Dominance

Because Liu Zhihao didn’t have much leave, the engagement process was handled rather hastily.

The steps of proposing, asking names, confirming auspiciousness, sending betrothal gifts, and setting the wedding date were all completed within just a few days.

Even so, nothing that should be included was missing.

The Liu family was a great clan and never lacked rare treasures. Box after box of betrothal gifts filled the Xiao family’s courtyard to the brim.

“Miss, Miss…” Xiao Runxue’s maid ran back excitedly and reported, “Young Master… the future husband personally delivered the betrothal gifts. The whole courtyard is completely full!”

She had never seen so many betrothal gifts before. It was… it really shocked her.

Xiao Runxue shyly bit her lower lip and responded softly, “Mm.”

The maid leaned closer and asked if she wanted to secretly go take a look.

The young master was extremely handsome—she herself had been stunned by his looks.

“No,” Xiao Runxue replied shyly. “What if I’m discovered?”

Although… although she was also very curious about what Liu Zhihao looked like.

People said he was exceptionally handsome. She didn’t know if it was true.

The maid looked at her regretfully. “Then… Miss, shall I go gather more news for you?” She really wanted to join in the excitement again.

Knowing her maid’s personality, Xiao Runxue glanced at her and laughed. “If you want to go, then go.”

The maid giggled awkwardly and ran off again.

Not long after, she came back panting.

“Why are you back so soon?” Xiao Runxue asked in surprise.

The maid took a deep breath and said, “Old Madam wants you to go to Muzi Hall.”

“Alright, I’ll go right away.” Xiao Runxue stood up, smoothed her skirt, and headed out.

Seeing this, the maid quickly said, “Miss, the young master is there too. Do you want to freshen up first?”

Xiao Runxue paused and looked down at her clothes. They seemed fine, so she shook her head.

“No need.”

Then she continued walking.

After walking for nearly half an hour, she finally reached Muzi Hall. Standing outside, she took a deep breath, calmed her nerves, and walked in.

After entering, she greeted her grandmother respectfully.

Grandmother Xiao, in high spirits, waved at her. “Xue’er, come. Meet Madam Zhang and Young General Liu.”

Xiao Runxue followed etiquette and bowed slightly. “Greetings, Madam Zhang.”

Zhang Yun’er smiled and praised her, then took off a bracelet and put it on Xiao Runxue’s wrist for her to keep.

“Thank you, Madam,” Xiao Runxue replied.

She then turned to Liu Zhihao and, suppressing the pressure he gave off, said softly, “Greetings, Young General Liu.”

Liu Zhihao looked at her deeply and replied with a low “Mm.”

Zhang Yun’er glanced at him and almost rubbed her forehead in frustration.

This blockhead—why did he become so tongue-tied at such a critical moment?

Smiling, she said, “We old folks are boring. Let’s not keep you young people here. You can go out and take a walk.”

Grandmother Xiao immediately understood and told Xiao Runxue to take Liu Zhihao out.

With slightly flushed cheeks, Xiao Runxue replied, “Yes,” and led him outside.

They walked in silence, not knowing what to say.

When they reached the lotus pond and saw a pavilion, Xiao Runxue softly asked, “Shall we sit there?”

Liu Zhihao nodded again.

He had stayed in the army for years and rarely interacted with women. He didn’t know what to say, so he chose silence.

After sitting for a while, he broke the silence.

“Do you know how to play chess?”

“A little.”

“Shall we play?”

“Okay…”

The maid brought the chessboard, and they began playing.

Half an hour later, Liu Zhihao won narrowly by three pieces.

Looking at her appreciatively, he asked, “Your chess is good. Who taught you?”

Xiao Runxue smiled. “My grandfather.”

Her grandfather loved chess and was very skilled. When she lived with him, she played with him almost every day.

That was how she gained her current level.

Liu Zhihao nodded. “Another round?”

“Alright.”

Her competitive spirit had been stirred.

They played fiercely, evenly matched.

After several games, they ended in a draw.

At this moment, a maid from Zhang Yun’er’s side came over. “Young Master, Madam says it’s time to go.”

Liu Zhihao responded and turned to Xiao Runxue.

“I’m returning to the border tomorrow. I’ll come back next year for our wedding. You can write to me.”

The more he spent time with her, the more he felt she was intelligent and gentle. Being able to marry her was his blessing.

Xiao Runxue clutched her handkerchief.

“Okay. Take care… Thank you.”

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

Understanding her meaning, Liu Zhihao said dominantly, “You’re my wife. It’s what I should do. If I’m not in the capital and someone dares bully you, tell me. When I come back, I’ll deal with them.”

His words made her heart skip several beats.

She had once hoped to marry someone who would think for her and protect her boldly.

Now… it seemed her wish had come true.

“Alright. I’ll remember.”

He looked at her again.

“Wait for me. I’ll come back to marry you.”

Then he turned and left.

Watching his tall figure disappear, Xiao Runxue held her chest and smiled unconsciously.

“I’ll wait for you.”

No wonder Wu Lanmei had gone crazy wanting to marry him.

Now that he was hers, she wouldn’t let any other woman take him away.

He belonged to her.

“Miss, the young master is amazing,” the maid said with sparkling eyes.

She couldn’t explain it—he just felt impressive.

With such a man, Miss would surely be protected in the future.

Xiao Runxue smiled. “He’s naturally capable. Otherwise, how could he become a general?”

He was a true man of strength and integrity.

After they married next year, she wanted to follow him to the border. She wondered if he would agree.

The maid stamped her foot. “That’s not what I meant. I mean… the way he protects you is so domineering and powerful.”

Miss had suffered for so many years. It was time someone loved her.

Xiao Runxue smiled again.

She understood.

…

On his way back to the border, Liu Zhihao passed through Ninghua County and stayed one night at the magistrate’s residence.

When he announced his engagement and next year’s wedding, Liu Zhimou and the others were stunned.

They stared at him in shock.

Wasn’t he moving way too fast?

Only a few days, and he was already engaged?

After recovering, Liu Zhimou cleared his throat.

“Big Brother, you’re not joking, right?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

Would he joke about marriage?

“Cough… Which family’s daughter is she? Did you know her before?”

Surely he hadn’t gotten engaged without even meeting her?

Liu Zhihao explained briefly.

After hearing it, Liu Zhimou teased him.

“Wasn’t someone saying before that marriage was just for carrying on the family line and needed equal status?”

He glanced sideways at him.

“When I married my wife, someone strongly opposed it.”

Karma really came around.

He finally got a chance to mock his brother.

Liu Zhihao coughed, touched his nose, then turned to Li Qingling and apologized for his past rashness.

Back then, he must have been out of his mind to oppose their marriage.

With time, he had come to understand.

Some feelings couldn’t be bought with power or money.

He hoped to have the same happiness as his brother.

He would also learn how to manage a family.

He truly liked their family atmosphere—no scheming, only simple happiness.

Every smile was genuine.

Li Qingling smiled. “It’s alright. Realizing it in time is a good thing.”

Liu Zhihao nodded awkwardly and changed the topic.

“Where’s Xiaoxiao? Why haven’t I seen her?”

“She’s playing in the backyard with Diandian and the others,” Li Qingling said helplessly.

“Diandian?”

“That big tiger you keep?”

“Yes—”

Before Liu Zhimou could finish, Liu Zhihao scolded him.

“How careless! Tigers are dangerous. How can you let her play with them?”

He stood up and rushed out.

Liu Zhimou shrugged and followed.

“Big Brother, wrong way. This way.”

“…”

Liu Zhihao turned around, walked beside him with a stern face, and scolded him again.

After he finished, Liu Zhimou sighed.

“They grew up with us. They’re very intelligent and won’t hurt anyone. Especially Xiaoxiao.”

He then told him about what had happened before.

Hearing this, Liu Zhihao’s expression softened.

Still stubborn, he said, “I’ll see for myself.”

Before reaching the backyard, they heard Xiaoxiao’s laughter.

“See? She’s very happy,” Liu Zhimou said.

Liu Zhihao snorted and walked faster.

At a glance, he saw Xiaoxiao sitting on a yellow tiger’s back, smiling from ear to ear.

Ah Huang’s family of three glanced at him in unison.

Sensing his killing aura, they narrowed their eyes and stared at him.

Liu Zhimou stepped forward and said, “He’s my big brother. He’s not a bad person.”

After that, the three tigers withdrew their gaze and continued playing with Xiaoxiao.