The next morning, Zora woke up feeling very satisfied. It was the most peaceful sleep she had gotten since the apocalypse began.
Zora stretched deeply. "Ah, that feels good. Lisa, come in and help me wash up and get dressed. No need to prepare breakfast; I'm going to my uncle's house to eat."
"Okay, miss," Lisa said, hurrying in to assist Zora with her morning routine.
In front of the mirror, Zora nodded approvingly. "This outfit is nice."
The style was simple and neat, making her appear especially elegant. The moon-white color complemented her skin, and the black waist corset accentuated her slender waist. It was perfect.
Her hair was simply tied up, and her clean, rosy face was completely exposed. Her features were exquisite and flawless.
"Li Xia, get the horse ready."
The streets were bustling during the morning. Shops on both sides and street vendors filled with people coming and going. Zora enjoyed the lively atmosphere. As memories flooded back, she rode towards the Ministry of War's Assistant Minister's residence.
As soon as she arrived at the gate, she dismounted. Servant Fu, who worked for her uncle, immediately came forward to greet her, his face wrinkled from his smile.
"Miss Zora has arrived! Our young master asked this old servant to welcome you."
"Thank you, Servant Fu. I'm starving. Let's go inside," Zora said, handing the reins to a nearby servant and walking into the mansion.
Inside the mansion's Noble Pavilion, Mr. Jing continued giving orders to his servants. "Put the goat milk here. Your miss likes it the most. Keep the breakfast light, but she loves meat. Ask the kitchen to bring out some braised beef."
"Uncle!"
"Uncle, how have you been? It's been a while. Are you in good health?" Zora walked closer to Mr. Jing, who was nearly forty. He looked mature and handsome, with charming features that were free from any vulgarity. His demeanor was refined, like aged Pu-erh tea, and his noble air came from within.
He resembled Zora quite a bit, making her feel especially close to him. It was true what they said, that nieces resembled their uncles.
"Zora, come sit. I knew you wouldn't have breakfast and would come straight here," Mr. Jing smiled warmly, scanning Zora from head to toe. "You look a little thinner. Did Chen treat you badly?"
"Haha, I just know the food here is the best, Uncle. Please sit," Zora said, avoiding mentioning Chen, as it would ruin the mood.
"Zora, your favorite goat milk, your aunt specifically had it prepared for you this morning. Try it."
"Your mother came in a rush yesterday and asked me to arrange a meeting with the young master from the Shen family. She said you're interested in him? Why didn't you mention him before? Your aunt says that the Taishi family has been trying to find a good match for him. But it's not easy to marry him!" Mr. Jing spoke thoughtfully.
Zora felt a little anxious inside. Her reputation had already been ruined, and now her family wanted to ask her about choosing a husband. Wasn't that too difficult for her?
She raised her head, trying to stay calm. "Uncle, you're joking. I have some private matters to discuss. Who would want me, given my current state?"
Mr. Jing smiled and gave Zora another helping of food. "You're already at the marriageable age, so you should settle down. Our family is a reputable one. If you work hard and improve yourself, your marriage will be taken care of. Your aunt and I will help you."
"Actually, you're just a bit headstrong, but you have a good heart. There are plenty of corrupt matters in the capital. Take that young master from the Shen family, for example. He's also a troubled one. I'm glad you're not in love with him, or else I'd have to persuade you. Even if he agreed to the marriage, his family situation would make it difficult for you to marry him."
"Though he's the legitimate son of the second wife, his father values daughters over sons. He grew up on a farm, and only after he grew up did he return to the family. His parents might try to marry him off to someone suitable, but the Taishi family will be picky in choosing the right match."
Mr. Jing, thinking Zora wasn't interested, continued speaking freely.
Zora's eyes dimmed. She felt a little uncomfortable. Someone as unique as Sean was also not easy to get.
After the meal, Mr. Jing brought out a pile of items (cloth, trinkets, rare food, and even stationery).
"Zora, these are for you. Take them home when you leave. These grapes are from Korea, gifted to your aunt by His Majesty. You should try them. You should also study well. Here's an ink stone..."
"Doctor, the young master from the Shen family has arrived," Servant Fu hurriedly entered to announce.
Mr. Jing stood up immediately and instructed the servants to clean up.
"Please, please, show him into the flower hall," Mr. Jing said to Servant Fu.
"Go, prepare some good white tea," Mr. Jing added, then turned to Zora. "Zora, come with me."
For some reason, Zora was feeling uneasy. Her heart raced as she was about to meet Sean. Why was she so nervous?
As she sat down in the flower hall, she stood up almost immediately.
A man in a blue robe walked in. With each step, his movements were graceful. His hair was half tied up, with a jade hairpin keeping it in place. His look was both elegant and free-spirited, with several strands of hair falling naturally on his face. His features were so beautiful, they didn't seem like those of an ordinary person. His aura was refined and extraordinary.
He didn't look at Zora but walked directly towards Mr. Jing.
"Greetings, young master. I am honored to meet you," Sean said, bowing respectfully.
"Young master Shen, you truly are impressive. I thought the rumors about you were exaggerated, but after meeting you today, I can see why they say so," Mr. Jing said with a smile.
"Please, take a seat and try this tea. Let me know if it suits your taste," Mr. Jing added, glancing at Zora, who was still staring at Sean. "Zora, sit down," he reminded her.
Zora blushed furiously as she hurried to sit down.
Sean didn't say anything, and didn't even glance at Zora.
"Young master Shen, this is my niece, Zora, the wife of the Duke of the Nation," Mr. Jing said casually, stealing a glance at Zora. "This silly girl still hasn't greeted you."
"Hello, Mr. Shen, I am Zora..." Zora nervously blurted out, her words tumbling out in a rush.
Sean finally looked at her, his eyes deep. "I've heard of Miss Zora. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Zora's face turned even redder, and her ears burned with embarrassment. She tried to calm herself by circulating her wood-based abilities inside her body, regaining composure.
Mr. Jing wanted to roll his eyes but maintained his dignified demeanor in front of others. Seeing that Zora was fine, he gave Servant Fu a meaningful look.
Servant Fu knocked on the door of the flower hall. "Lord, there's an urgent matter in the accounting room that needs your attention."
"Young master Shen, please excuse me. I have an urgent matter to attend to. Zora, entertain our guest for a moment," Mr. Jing said, quickly leaving the room and signaling Zora with his eyes.
Sean understood and rose, bowing slightly.
Only the two of them were left in the flower hall, and neither spoke. The silence was so thick, it felt like they could hear their own heartbeats.
Sean looked at Zora, who was still in a daze. He raised an eyebrow and asked bluntly, "What do you want with me? Men and women shouldn't have unnecessary physical contact. Time is short, so if you have something to say, just say it. Otherwise, it won't be good for either of us."
Zora straightened her expression and said seriously, "I'm sorry about the last time. I was forced into it. I didn't mean to ruin your reputation..."
"Shut up," Sean interrupted, standing up and heading towards the door.
"Wait!" Zora grabbed Sean's wrist.