Chapter 192: The Marriage Proposal
Madam Feng had the maidservants serve Yunpian cake, hawthorn and lotus root starch pastries, and other snacks.
When the maid brought tea, she personally took it and handed it to Chang Laofuren.
Chang Laofuren had already taken the opportunity to size up the Gu family. The Zheng Taigong family and the Chen Family were old friends, and Chang Laofuren and Madam Chen were even distantly related by marriage. When Madam Chen visited her yesterday and asked her to help propose a marriage, Chang Laofuren readily agreed. However, this Gu family... seemed somewhat unworthy of the Chen Family's status...
At best, the Gu family could only be considered a second-tier noble family in Yanjing, and perhaps even slightly inferior. From the moment she entered, the layout of the Gu residence and the attire of the maids seemed rather modest. Madam Feng had even changed into a long embroidered jacket with auspicious cloud patterns to greet her, without a single crease.
She must have prepared it long ago... Chang Laofuren thought to herself.
After taking a small sip of tea, she set the cup aside and smiled. "I haven't had much interaction with Old Madam Gu in the past. It's rare for me to visit, yet the hospitality here is impeccable. So, I won’t beat around the bush—I’ve come today to propose a marriage for your family’s young lady."
Madam Feng’s heart leaped with joy. It really was a proposal for Third Master Chen!
"Please go ahead, Laofuren. I’m all ears," she said, setting down her own teacup.
Chang Laofuren smiled kindly and said, "Yesterday, Madam Chen entrusted me with this matter, so I’ve come to speak with you today. The proposal is for the Chen Family’s Third Master Chen, as you surely know. Currently serving as the Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary of the Dongge Hall, his previous wife, Jiang Shi, passed away over two years ago. Third Master Chen observed mourning for her for two full years—truly a man of sentiment and principle. Does Old Madam Gu see any issue with this?"
Since Madam Feng seemed prepared, Chang Laofuren saw no need for further pleasantries. For the Gu family to marry into the Chen Family—and to Third Master Chen, no less—wasn’t just a step up; it was an unimaginable stroke of fortune. They were about to rise to great prominence.
Chang Laofuren couldn’t imagine the Gu family refusing such a match, so she spoke with ease.
Madam Feng could hardly contain herself—she nearly grabbed Chang Laofuren’s hands to accept on the spot.
After steadying herself for a moment, she straightened slightly and smiled. "For the Chen Family to take a liking to our girl is truly our good fortune. However, might we take a few days to consider before giving you our answer? What do you think?"
Naturally, agreeing immediately would make the girl seem too eager.
Chang Laofuren nodded. "By all means, take your time to deliberate. I’ll be on my way now—once you’ve decided, send someone to Xiangxiang Lane to inform me. But do make sure to let your Chaojie know beforehand, so she can prepare herself. It wouldn’t do to proceed without consulting the girl’s wishes."
This was something Madam Chen had emphasized—they must clarify with the Gu family and ensure the girl’s consent.
Madam Feng smiled and nodded. "Of cour—" Her expression suddenly shifted. Wait, Chang Laofuren had said "Chaojie."
What did this have to do with Chaojie?
Hesitantly, she asked, "Chang Laofuren, what... what does this have to do with Chaojie? Is there something you need her to do?"
Chang Laofuren was baffled. "I’ve come to propose marriage for your Second Miss Gu—Gu Jinzhao. Seeing how prepared Old Madam Gu seemed, I assumed you already knew."Madam Feng was stunned for a long while, unable to regain her composure.
How could it be Gu Jinzhao! Madam Yao had clearly said it was Gu Lian, which was why she had called off the engagement with Gu Lian.
How could it possibly be Gu Jinzhao? How could Third Master Chen take a liking to her!
Madam Feng was both shocked and confused, her face turning pale and then green, feeling dizzy before her eyes. Gu Jinzhao... just yesterday, Gu Lian had wanted to take Gu Jinzhao’s maid, and she had half-heartedly helped plead a few words. She had always looked down on Gu Jinzhao, thinking she’d be lucky to marry some poor scholar or provincial graduate from a humble family, and treated her with less regard than Gu Lian. And now, she was about to soar to the highest branches and become a phoenix!
Madam Feng tightly clutched her handkerchief, unable to utter a word.
Chang Laofuren noticed her odd expression and asked gently, “Does Old Madam Gu find anything amiss? Please speak your mind to me, and I’ll relay it to Madam Chen for discussion.”
Only then did Madam Feng snap out of it and hurriedly smiled. “Nothing’s amiss, I was just thinking of something else... The sun is already high—why don’t you stay for lunch before leaving, Chang Laofuren?”
Chang Laofuren chuckled. “I dare not impose. I must go and inform Madam Chen.”
After several failed attempts to persuade her to stay, Madam Feng finally rose to see Chang Laofuren out.
Upon returning, she collapsed onto the Arhat bed, startling Fuling, who quickly reached out to steady her.
“Tai Furen, what’s wrong with you...”
Madam Feng felt her forehead cold to the touch, and when she wiped it, her hand came away drenched in sweat. It took her a long while to calm down. In a low voice, she said, “Go and summon Second Madam to me at once!”
Second Madam soon arrived at the eastern courtyard, where she and Madam Feng had a hushed conversation. When she emerged, her face was ashen.
Madam Feng then sent someone to summon Gu Jinzhao.
It wasn’t the usual time for morning or evening greetings. If Madam Feng was calling her over, it must be for something important. Gu Jinzhao had Caifu put away her needlework, wondering if Madam Feng wanted to discuss Gu Lian’s matter, given that Chang Laofuren had just visited. But Madam Feng had never involved her in such matters before.
Puzzled, she made her way to the eastern courtyard. Madam Feng was sitting on the Arhat bed in the western chamber, eyes closed in repose. Gu Jinzhao greeted her respectfully, and only then did Madam Feng open her eyes to look at her.
Jinchao had never seen Madam Feng look at her like this—as if truly seeing her inside and out for the first time. The gaze was strangely intense.
Jinchao thought to herself: today she was wearing a lake-colored jacket with floral patterns, a plain Xiang skirt, and a stone-blue belt... surely nothing was out of place!
Yet Madam Feng beckoned her to sit beside her, taking her hands and examining her closely with a smile. “Today is the first time I’ve noticed—our Chaojie is truly a stunning beauty.”
Madam Feng had never paid much attention to Gu Jinzhao before, only vaguely aware of her looks but never truly appreciating them. Now, scrutinizing her from head to toe, she marveled at what a beauty she was. It wasn’t just the delicate allure of her features—her demeanor was as clear and serene as water, gentle and composed. A strikingly exquisite combination.
Madam Feng felt as if she had been blinded by an eagle—how could she have treated Gu Jinzhao so dismissively before? Had she known the girl would rise to such heights... she would have cherished her like a treasure! Now, all she could do was try to make amends.
When Gu Jinzhao heard Madam Feng’s praise, she found it even more peculiar.
Why was she suddenly complimenting her appearance? In the past, the most Madam Feng had ever praised her with were words like ‘clever’ or ‘sensible.’Madam Feng spoke to her softly, "Chang Laofuren visited our residence today to discuss a marriage proposal. Your grandmother wanted to ask for your opinion..."
A marriage proposal for Gu Lian? Why would they ask her opinion?
"You know the Chen Family of Wanping, right? Chang Laofuren came to propose on behalf of Third Master Chen. After your father returns from his office, I'll discuss it with him. If you both agree, we can finalize this match. Having watched you grow up, your grandmother is truly reluctant to see you marry. But this is an exceptionally good match—we're practically getting the better deal. Though it's a second marriage, Third Master Chen is just past thirty and already serves as Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretariat official..." Madam Feng herself was astonished while speaking—such official rank could easily crush the Gu Family!
Gu Jinzhao nearly thought she misheard. For whom had Chang Laofuren come to propose?
Third Master Chen proposing to her?
Not Gu Lian?
Seeing her silent, Madam Feng smiled and asked, "What does Chaojie think...? Your grandmother considers it quite favorable. The Chen Family already has Second Madam Chen as the matriarch. If you marry into the Chen Family, you wouldn't need power over household affairs nor face disrespect..."
Gu Jinzhao felt utterly bewildered, unable to utter a word. Madam Feng didn't press her, having Fuling escort her out instead, saying she should rest well and take her time to consider before responding tomorrow.
Sitting in the study hoping to calm herself through calligraphy, Gu Jinzhao noticed the Ink Bamboo Painting she'd been copying still on the desk. Third Master Chen's painting depicted several bamboo stalks—tall and short in harmonious arrangement, straight and elegant. The brushwork was vigorous yet rounded, with the bamboo stems rendered in light ink contrasting beautifully against the darker leaves.
She still couldn't comprehend—why would Third Master Chen propose to her?
What puzzled her in her past life remained puzzling now. Marrying her would bring Third Master Chen no advantage.
She recalled his words to her: "You're so clever, you'll surely understand. Why would I treat someone well without reason..."
A man like him wouldn't show kindness without purpose.
Not writing a single character, Gu Jinzhao watched ink pool at her brush tip.
She laughed bitterly. From her current standpoint, marrying Chen Yanyun would undoubtedly be ideal—he could protect both her and the Fourth Branch. Moreover, being thoroughly familiar with the Chen Family's circumstances, she wouldn't make missteps after marriage.
Yet she had many reservations, chiefly her reluctance to encounter Chen Xuanqing again. Must she really marry Chen Yanyun and become his stepmother? Having wronged Third Master Chen so profoundly in her past life, might marrying him now bring him harm again...
But this was Chen Yanyun!
Abandoning the brush, Gu Jinzhao exhaled lightly, "Qingpu, bring my embroidery frame!"
Since she couldn't write properly, she might as well practice embroidery.
Madam Feng couldn't sit still, instructing maids to wait at the screen wall for Gu Deyuan's return. After pacing several rounds, she grew impatient and told Fuling, "Never mind—help me change clothes. I'll go wait myself!"
Upon alighting from his carriage, Gu Deyuan was startled to see Madam Feng pacing before the screen wall. "Mother! Why are you outside?"
Dispensing with explanations, Madam Feng pulled him along while recounting the matter.Gu Deyuan also found it unbelievable after hearing this, his expression turning grim. "How could it be Gu Jinzhao! And what is the Yao family doing, why did they tell us it was Lian jie er... They even called off the engagement with Lian jie er!"
Madam Feng shook her head, she also thought this matter was strange!
"Breaking off the engagement with Lian jie er doesn't benefit them either! I think they must have been confused and misheard..." Madam Feng hesitated, "Now the fourth branch has had a stroke of luck. Judging by Chang Laofuren's demeanor, it seems Third Master Chen had already favored this marriage arrangement long ago..."
With this marriage, the fourth branch is no longer what it used to be.
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