My Sword Immortal Wife Has Gone Berserk - Chapter 5:

Chapter 5: The Betrothal Gifts!

“You are Lin Ce?”

Madam Su looked at Lin Ce and couldn’t help but praise inwardly—what a fine young man.

Lin Ce was tall and slender, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, long legs, and an excellent physique.

Especially that face—sharp, defined features, remarkably handsome.

Any girl who saw him would surely feel her heart flutter.

If he had a flaw, it was that he looked a little too thin, a bit frail.

Even though it was still only autumn, he was already wearing a fur scarf, dressed as if it were winter. It made him seem fragile and delicate.

“So afraid of the cold, and still claims not to be a sickly weakling?”

Madam Su scrutinized him, frowning slightly as she muttered to herself.

After Lin Ce bowed in greeting, he picked up the two gifts on the table. “Madam, this is a box of Jiuhua Cakes from Jin Hua Pastry House, and a pair of fine jade bracelets from Wen’s Jade Workshop. It’s my first time visiting—just a small token.”

“You’re very thoughtful.”

Madam Su gave a slight nod and motioned for a maid to accept the gifts.

She sat down in the main seat and gestured toward the chair. “Sit.”

Lin Ce felt slightly relieved and thanked her before sitting.

In his past life, he and Madam Su had disliked each other from their very first meeting. A few words in, and they were already trading barbs.

Back then, he had been a proud and arrogant youth, all sharp edges.

Even a contemptuous glance was enough to make his blood boil.

So when Madam Su ridiculed him, he tore up the marriage contract on the spot and broke off the engagement.

Now that he had a second chance, Lin Ce would never repeat that mistake. Even for the sake of Su Nanqiao, he had to endure and do everything possible to win over his future mother-in-law.

“How is the old Prime Minister these days?”

Once they were seated, Madam Su had the servants pour tea for Lin Ce and began to inquire.

“Thank you for your concern, Madam. Ever since my grandfather withdrew from court and returned to the countryside, he’s lived simply with plain meals and a carefree lifestyle. His health has actually improved.”

Lin Ce answered with a slight smile.

Madam Su nodded. “The Prime Minister gave so much to Great Zhou over the years. Now that he can enjoy retirement in peace, it’s truly enviable.”

They chatted for a bit longer. Madam Su remained polite, and Lin Ce was impeccable in his manners—nothing to criticize.

Before long, the atmosphere between them had even become rather pleasant and harmonious.

Outside the window, Su Nanqiao watched with her mouth slightly open in astonishment.

“This isn’t right! Something’s off!”

Su Nanqiao felt extremely bewildered.

She had already told her mother to be kinder to Lin Ce, and Madam Su’s current behavior was acceptable.

But why had Lin Ce become so courteous too?

Could it be… that in the previous life, he had annulled the engagement in a moment of anger because of her mother’s attitude?

And now that her mother was being polite, Lin Ce decided not to annul it?

“If that’s really the case, then that’s perfect!”

Su Nanqiao couldn’t help but smile.

But the very next second, her expression suddenly changed!

Madam Su suddenly shifted the tone and said, “Lin Ce, to be honest, though your Uncle Su and I have three children, Nanqiao is the apple of our eye.

You must have heard of her excellence.

Not only is she skilled in all the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—but her cultivation talent is truly extraordinary. She is now a direct disciple of the Myriad Sword Sect and ranks first on the Phoenix List of the Celestial Mechanism Pavilion.

Back when the Prime Minister and your Uncle Su arranged your engagement, your Lin family was at its peak, and our families were close.

But now, with your grandfather retired, your family has withdrawn from the political center.

To put it bluntly, your Lin family is already in decline…”

The moment Madam Su said that, Su Nanqiao secretly cried out, Oh no!

Lin Ce was proud and could not bear humiliation. This kind of speech could definitely trigger thoughts of annulling the engagement!

In a flash, Su Nanqiao dashed forward like a shadow and raced toward the hall.

But just as she reached the door, she heard Lin Ce say, “What Madam Su says is absolutely right. Whether in terms of family background or personal ability, I am indeed unworthy of Su Nanqiao.”

Su Nanqiao froze, her heart in her throat.

Was Lin Ce going to annul the engagement again?

Madam Su smiled faintly and nodded. “It’s good that you understand this, virtuous nephew.”

Anxious beyond measure, Su Nanqiao stepped into the hall.

Just two more steps and she would be past the screen, standing face-to-face with Lin Ce.

But just then, Lin Ce stood up and, with composure, said, “Though I know I am unworthy of Su Nanqiao, I’ve still come today to fulfill the engagement.”

At that, he bowed deeply and declared with unwavering determination, “I shamelessly beg Madam to agree to our marriage and allow Su Nanqiao to marry me!”

Behind the screen, Su Nanqiao abruptly halted. Her pupils widened, and her eyes grew hot.

“He’s actually lowering himself to plead with my mother just to marry me?”

A rush of warmth surged through her chest, making her whole body tremble.

Madam Su suddenly shot up, glaring at Lin Ce angrily. “Since you admit you’re not a match for Nanqiao, why don’t you show some self-awareness?

You’ve been frail and sickly since childhood, unfit for cultivation. Now you’re just a Juren—barely anything in either civil or martial fields.

You want to fulfill the engagement? Then let me ask you—with what? With that box of Jiuhua Cakes and those two worthless jade bracelets?”

Lin Ce straightened, about to reply, when a servant’s voice came from outside, “Madam, someone from the Duke of the Empire’s residence is here!”

Madam Su was shocked and headed toward the door. “The Duke’s residence? Why are they here?”

Behind the screen, Su Nanqiao was also confused.

“The Duke of the Empire is the highest authority in Great Zhou. My family doesn’t have close ties with them. Why would someone from the Duke’s residence come? And in my previous life, they never came at all.”

Only Lin Ce seemed thoughtful, a subtle smile flickering at the corners of his lips.

Outside, the servant reported, “Madam, they’ve come to deliver gifts!”

“How strange. Why would the Duke’s residence send us gifts? What have we done to deserve this?”

Madam Su was flattered and quickly said, “Invite them in!”

Moments later, a dignified middle-aged man led a group of strong servants into the courtyard.

Each pair of servants carried identical large redwood chests.

Thump, thump, thump!

Eight massive chests were neatly lined up in the front courtyard outside the hall.

The middle-aged man stepped forward and bowed. “Madam Su, I am Xu Rong, head steward of the Duke of the Empire’s residence.”

“Steward Xu, you’re too courteous. This… what’s going on?”

Madam Su tried to maintain her composure, smiling warmly despite her confusion.

Xu Rong glanced at Lin Ce, then smiled. “These gifts are from my Lord Duke, sent on behalf of Young Master Lin to the Su residence.”

He emphasized the words “Young Master Lin” heavily.

“Young Master Lin?”

Madam Su still didn’t fully grasp it.

Xu Rong smiled again. “That would be the young man standing behind you—Young Master Lin Ce.”

“What!?”

Madam Su’s eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to look at Lin Ce.

Lin Ce met her gaze with a smile.

Xu Rong continued, “My Lord Duke is aware of Young Master Lin’s engagement to Miss Su. These gifts are betrothal offerings, delivered on his behalf.”

Madam Su turned to look at the large chests. “Betrothal gifts?!”

The servants opened the chests one by one.

Inside were gold and silver treasures, fine silks and brocades, rare medicinal herbs, cultivation manuals—every item was of the highest quality.

Only a family as powerful as the Duke of the Empire could afford to give such extravagant gifts.

Xu Rong added, “My Lord Duke considers Young Master Lin like his own nephew. Before we left, he personally instructed me—he sees Young Master Lin as no different from his own son. He will personally oversee the marriage between Young Master Lin and Miss Su.”

Madam Su stood there speechless, staring at the eight large chests.

Behind the screen, Su Nanqiao was equally stunned.

“My uncle… is actually this reliable?”

Lin Ce smiled.

Then, as if sensing something, he turned his head to glance toward the screen at the back of the hall…