世子江晏今日气色不太好。 Contrary to his usual cool and calculated demeanor, his face flushed dramatically during the morning court session. This was partly because his proposal to marry the young master of the Ji family had been met with a rather…refreshing silence. Not even a denial, just this heavy, suffocating silence that pressed down like a pile of hadn't-had-breakfast-yet guests at a banquet.

江晏 is known for his sharp mind and even sharper tongue. He had spent weeks cultivating the Ji young master, flattery, gifts, and every subtle hint of favoritism at court. Yet, the young master, that enigmatic, infuriatingly delicate young man everyone whispered about, hadn't seemed to notice. Or so he had believed.

But now, during the court session, while other lords were arguing over territory and taxes, whispering behind their fans, the young master Li Jin had raised his voice. Not for politics. He had asked for a basket of peaches. A simple request. But the way he looked at the young master, eyes like clear wells, made the air around them crackle.