The next day, Jun Yelan returned to court and had an audience with the Serpent King.
He stood in the grand hall, facing the doubts of the surrounding officials, and presented the peace treaty in his hand, bowing. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has been brought to justice, and his soldiers have surrendered. This is the peace treaty from the Human race."
"Good, good, good." The King's face lit up with joy, and he excitedly patted the chair beneath him. This war had dragged on for so many years, consuming resources and manpower, and he had long wished for it to end.
However, the opposition led by the Crown Prince had consistently blocked him, rendering his intentions powerless. It was thanks to Jun Yelan that his wish was fulfilled.
He looked kindly at Jun Yelan and called out, "General Jun, you are truly the God of War of our Serpent race. This battle was fought exceptionally well."
"Guards, confer upon General Jun the title of Marquis Anning, and henceforth, you shall guard the border with the Human race. May we and the Human race forever maintain peace."
Jun Yelan knelt and bowed in thanks, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty, I have another matter. I admire Lan Yan, the eldest daughter of General Lan of the Human race, and wish to marry her."
The people around, including the King, were surprised. It was known that this God of War never associated closely with others, and now he was smitten with a human girl and requested to marry her.
Some ministers intended to object, but the King interrupted them.
"Marquis Anning is indeed my loyal subject. Marrying into the Human race will further strengthen the bonds between our two races." The King's expression was jubilant, and he laughed heartily, "Good, I will write a royal decree now, allowing you to propose to the Human race and marry your beloved wife soon. Haha!"
The other ministers were immediately rendered speechless and congratulated him, "Congratulations, Marquis Anning."
Jun Yelan ignored these ministers and left after receiving the decree. He stood outside the palace gates, gazing in the direction of the Human race, eager to see his Yan'er.
"Guards, bring all the rewards and follow me to the Lan mansion." He intended to give all his possessions to Lan Yan.
His副将 (fùjiàng - deputy general), who had followed him for many years, was naturally happy to see his general like this. "Yes, my Lord." He and his brothers also looked forward to their lady entering the household soon.
Meanwhile, in the Lan mansion, Lan Yan sat in her garden, resting her head on one hand, sighing for the thirtieth time.
Chun Tao, who was fanning herself nearby, couldn't help but say, "Miss, you have lovesickness." After saying this, she chuckled slyly.
This made Lan Yan a little embarrassed. "Chun Tao, you dare to tease me now. I don't. I'm just too bored." She stood up and walked forward, "I'm going to see what Lan Ya and the others are doing."
If she stayed any longer, she would blush.
Lan Ya and the others were catching butterflies. Seeing their elder sister arrive, they smiled and said, "Oh, Elder Sister, we thought you were already preparing your wedding dress and wouldn't come out so casually."
"Alright, even you are teasing me." Lan Yan placed her hands on her hips and said, "I won't tell you. I'm going to help Xiao Yi catch butterflies." She walked to Xiao Yi's side and helped her hold the net.
Xiao Yi stood to the side and, seeing Lan Yan repeatedly miss, exclaimed, "If Brother Jun were here, his snake tail would have caught it in an instant."
Mentioned again, Lan Yan missed Jun Yelan even more. She suspected she truly had that lovesickness. She said, "Xiao Yi, Elder Sister can catch it for you too."
No, she needed to distract herself now, or her mind would be filled with Jun Yelan.
Afterward, she still didn't manage to catch a butterfly for Xiao Yi and returned the net to her. Then she calculated the household accounts for the year and tidied up the courtyard, passing the morning perfectly.
It wasn't until Chun Tao arrived with joyous news, "Miss, your illness can be cured. Young Master Jun has arrived."
"He's here so soon!" Lan Yan put down the watering can she was holding, lifted her skirt, and ran towards the entrance like a gust of wind.
Chun Tao behind her shouted, "Miss, Young Master Jun has already gone to the front hall to see Master. You're running in the wrong direction."
Lan Yan turned around again and ran towards the front hall.
Her heart was filled with immense joy, and she didn't notice the boxes placed in the courtyard. She ran into the front hall, her gaze falling on Jun Yelan. "Ye Lan, and Father."
Seeing General Lan's solemn expression, she slightly restrained her smile.
The moment Jun Yelan saw Lan Yan, a smile bloomed on his usually cold face. He walked over, reached out, and gently tucked the damp strands of hair from Lan Yan's forehead behind her ear, his eyes full of smiles.
"No need to rush, I'm not leaving." He wanted to pat Lan Yan's head, but considering General Lan was present, he reluctantly withdrew his hand.
Lan Yan couldn't help but smile.
Looking at the scene before him, General Lan coughed twice. "Xiao Yan, you may withdraw." Seeing the worry in Lan Yan's eyes, he called out, "I won't eat him! I have some matters to discuss with him."
"Then Father, this daughter bids you farewell." Lan Yan glanced at Jun Yelan and turned to leave. She didn't go far but walked to the adjacent courtyard and climbed the wall.
She leaned against the wall, curious about what the two men were discussing.
Jun Yelan respectfully bowed to General Lan, "General Lan, I have brought a royal decree written by the King himself, as well as all the treasures from my Marquisate. I sincerely wish to propose marriage to your daughter."
"After marrying her, I will cherish her as a treasure, more than anything in this world. I am willing to make a blood oath, that I will never fail her in this life." He revealed his snake tail and took off a snake scale. This scale was of utmost importance to the Serpent race.
General Lan was somewhat taken aback but inclined to believe in Jun Yelan's sincerity. He said, "I am not an obstinate old man. How about this: you fight a match with me, and we'll see the result."
He had already drawn the sword from the table, having long wished to compete with the Serpent race's God of War, and now the opportunity had finally arrived.
Jun Yelan drew his sword and blocked the first attack. Then, he advanced and engaged in a duel with General Lan in the courtyard.
The two men's fighting grew faster, their moves sharp, neither giving way. This was the greatest respect for an opponent.
Lan Yan, watching from the wall, murmured, "Why are these two fighting?" She found their combat a blur.
General Lan's palms were sweating, and his back was drenched, but he continued to attack. His eyes held excitement; he hadn't had such a thrilling bout in a long time.
He gained a degree of admiration for the Jun Yelan before him.
Seeing General Lan's speed slow, Jun Yelan switched to his left hand and reduced his force. This was, after all, his future father-in-law.
Lan Yan, who had been watching, couldn't help but clap. "Well done. Oh my!" She lost her grip on the wall with both hands.
Hearing the sound, Jun Yelan was momentarily distracted and looked towards the wall. Seeing Lan Yan settled back on it, he breathed a sigh of relief. However, General Lan's sword was already at his neck.
He drew out a thin thread, wrapped it around the sword, and disarmed General Lan.
General Lan was not angered and said, "Maintaining composure in danger is the mark of a great general, and you also care for my daughter. You are a good man." Seeing Lan Yan like this, he added, "I agree to this marriage!"