Liang Chen Mei Jin

Chapter 195: Consent

He was fifteen years her senior.

No matter how youthful he appeared, this fact remained unchangeable.

Yet Jinchao didn’t quite grasp the meaning behind his words… How could she possibly disdain Third Master Chen for his age? If anything, she felt unworthy of him.

She shook her head: “That would absolutely never be the case.”

Third Master Chen looked up at her and said calmly, “Since you feel the same, why would I concern myself with such trivialities?”

He rose and walked over to stand before her, hands clasped behind his back, his voice lowering slightly: “Someone has learned about the Tongcang matter in Daxing.” Before Jinchao could respond, he continued, “Two outcomes… If I claim to have acted for Yuan Zhongru’s sake, I will undoubtedly be cast aside by Lord Zhang. But if I say it was for you, there will be no consequences…” His gaze deepened, his tone softening, “Do you understand the reasoning?”

Throughout history, those who seize power invariably fear being usurped by rising successors—hence Emperor Taizu of Song relieving his generals of their commands over a cup of wine.

Third Master Chen had been implicated because he helped her. Otherwise, given his cautious nature, he would never have acted in a manner that upheld righteousness but defied political strategy.

Jinchao nodded.

Third Master Chen went on: “Moreover… you once promised to do me a favor. I doubt there will be anything else I’d need your assistance with in the future, so you might as well fulfill that promise now.” After a moment’s thought, he added gently, “Since you don’t mind my age, there’s nothing else to object to.”

Jinchao found herself at a loss for words.

She had indeed promised to help Third Master Chen, but she never imagined he would ask for this… Jinchao had already considered that there was little she could truly assist him with. The only matter where she might be of use was the bandit suppression in Sichuan—she could warn him never to set foot there in his lifetime.

But… Third Master Chen wanted her to marry him.

Step by step, unhurried yet deliberate, he had laid out the situation with perfect calculation.

As he had pointed out, if she refused now, wouldn’t that make her someone who both disdained his age and broke her word?

Chinese flowering crabapples bloomed in the flower hall, their pink-white blossoms piling up like clouds of snow.

Jinchao gazed at the flourishing flowers, weighing the matter in her heart.

Truthfully… setting aside the complication of Chen Xuanqing, marrying Third Master Chen would be an exceptionally advantageous match. Moreover, she harbored some indescribable feelings toward him. She even felt a trace of fear… In her previous life as a sheltered woman, though her knowledge of court affairs was limited, what she did know could undoubtedly benefit Third Master Chen.

Had Third Master Chen wished to marry her, he needn’t have sought her opinion at all. Matrimonial matters followed parental arrangements and matchmakers’ negotiations—once Madam Feng and her father consented, what could she possibly say? Yet he had still come to ask her personally…

Jinchao sighed: “Lord Chen, I’ve done some foolish things in the past…”

The matter concerning Chen Xuanqing was particularly difficult to explain, as it belonged to her past life. Now, only she, Gu Lan, and the now-mad Concubine Song in Shi’an knew of it. Gu Lan wasn’t foolish enough to reveal it—doing so would not only tarnish Jinchao’s reputation but also implicate the other women of the Gu family. In that event, she could hardly expect to escape unscathed…

After long deliberation, Jinchao finally resolved to say, “No matter what happens in the future, you must believe in me.”

Chen Yanyun didn’t press her about the specifics. The young girl’s earnest, resolute expression was rather endearing.

He nodded and said, “Since you speak of the future, how could I not comply?”Jinchao felt relieved inwardly and smiled at him, "Then it's settled!"

Her smile was faint, her face like peach blossoms, yet she didn't shy away in the slightest.

Third Master Chen's lips curled slightly as he raised his hand to touch her hair, soothing her like a child, "Mm, good."

Gu Jinchao was momentarily stunned.

He had already withdrawn his hand and, seeing her dazed expression, sighed, "Don't worry, the maids didn't see."

Adjusting his sleeves slightly, Third Master Chen continued, "It seems the Gu family hasn't treated you well. I fear they might neglect you." He said, "Come with me."

Having lived two lifetimes, Jinchao had little experience interacting with men. She stiffly followed him toward the banquet and rest area, keeping a considerable distance behind. Watching Third Master Chen's tall, upright, and refined figure ahead of her, she noticed his steps were deliberately slow, as if accommodating her.

Inside the banquet and rest area, everyone was sipping tea while waiting for them. Gu Deyuan and Madam Feng were murmuring to each other, though their minds were clearly elsewhere.

After a while, Third Master Chen finally stepped through the doorway. Madam Feng hurried over with a smile, "Lord Chen, have you finished speaking?"

Third Master Chen smiled without answering, instead turning slightly to gesture behind him, "Come."

Following him was Gu Jinchao, walking slowly. Jinchao could feel everyone's eyes fixed on her. She lowered her head slightly as she crossed the threshold. Only after she had taken her seat did Third Master Chen address Madam Feng, "No need to worry, Tai Furen. Everything is fine... My visit here today was rather unconventional..."

Jinchao suddenly sensed two sharp gazes, but when she looked up, she only saw the swaying curtains to her left and, beneath them, a fleeting glimpse of a water-red brocade jacket embroidered with golden begonia flowers.

This wasn't an occasion where she should have remained seated. After sitting for a short while, Jinchao excused herself to Madam Feng and returned to the Beautiful Embroidery Hall.

Shortly after, Qingpu came to inform her, "Lord Chen has left—he didn't stay for lunch... Tai Furen sent Fuling to summon you."

Madam Feng must want to discuss Third Master Chen with her. Jinchao wasn't surprised. After tidying up briefly, she headed to the eastern courtyard.

There, Madam Feng was deep in thought.

The moment Third Master Chen arrived and asked to speak with Gu Jinchao, Madam Feng had immediately realized the two had met before. This puzzled her—Jinchao had originally lived in Shi'an, far from Wanping, and as a woman who rarely left the inner quarters, where could she have encountered Third Master Chen? She pondered for a long time before suddenly recalling the time after Fifth Madam had given birth, when she had taken the Gu family women to offer incense at Bao Xiang Temple.

That day, snow had blanketed the earth. Gu Jinchao had gone alone to the lantern tower to offer the Eternal Lamp and hadn't returned until nightfall.

On their way back the next day, they had run into Third Master Chen. She had sent him some gifts, which he had accepted...

Madam Feng closed her eyes, feeling foolish for not connecting the dots sooner.

The maid relayed the message through the newly replaced bamboo curtain before Jinchao lifted it and stepped inside.

Now that she had decided to marry Chen Yanyun, Jinchao no longer held back in her words.

Madam Feng sensed the marriage was all but settled and felt relieved. Yet a faint regret lingered—if only Third Master Chen had taken a liking to Gu Lian instead. Gu Lian had always obeyed her, whereas Gu Jinchao was someone she couldn't control. Even if Jinchao married into the Chen family, she might not bring much benefit to the Gus.Madam Feng didn't dwell on these matters and instead discussed the dowry with Jinchao: "...Your grandmother hasn't touched a single thing your mother left behind. How much you want to give to Jinrong is entirely up to you. For such joyous news, I've already sent someone to the Imperial Academy to inform him, and word has also been sent to your maternal grandmother. She should be arriving in a few days. We'll discuss the wedding procession once the Chen Family sends someone again..."

Seeing how seriously Third Master Chen treated Gu Jinzhao, Madam Feng didn't dare slight her either. She wouldn't interfere with Jinzhao's dowry.

Just as they were speaking, Xu Momo lifted the curtain and entered, whispering a few words into Madam Feng's ear.

Madam Feng's expression changed slightly, and she turned to Jinchao with a smile. "Your grandmother has some matters to attend to. You should go back and rest for now..."

Gu Jinzhao acknowledged and withdrew from the eastern courtyard, only to see Madam Yao approaching from afar, surrounded by maids and matrons, before entering the eastern courtyard.

What was Madam Yao doing here?

Her visit a few days ago to break off the engagement had been quite strange, and Madam Feng had been delighted for days afterward.

After returning to the Beautiful Embroidery Hall, Jinzhao pondered for a moment. If Madam Yao had come in person, it must still be about Gu Lian's marriage. Recalling Gu Lian's attitude toward her recently, Jinzhao had an inkling of understanding. Madam Feng must have thought a better family would come to propose to Gu Lian.

When Chang Laofuren had visited, she had assumed it was for Gu Lian's marriage... only to find out it was for her own...

Jinzhao thought it over and decided to write to her maternal grandmother first, explaining the engagement in detail.

As for Gu Lian's affairs, Madam Feng and Second Aunt, among others, would handle them. There was no need for her to intervene.

Madam Yao brought two boxes of bone-in abalone rolls into the western chamber. Madam Feng was seated on the Arhat bed sipping tea and smiled upon seeing her. "Ah, Madam Yao! Come, take a seat!" She instructed a maid to bring a stool.

Madam Yao stiffened slightly. Now that the Gu family had ties to the Chen Family, their status was no longer the same, and Madam Feng's attitude toward her was less courteous than before.

If not for the delay caused by her eldest daughter-in-law's affairs, she wouldn't have come so late.

Madam Yao handed the two boxes of bone-in abalone rolls to Fuling beside her and said with a smile, "I heard you enjoy these, so I brought them specially. My eldest son just returned from Jiangnan and brought these for me."

Madam Feng lowered her eyes and smiled. "How thoughtful of you."

Madam Yao continued without missing a beat. "I meant to come yesterday, but my eldest son and daughter-in-law had just returned from Jiangnan, and she fell ill from the change in climate, so I couldn't make it... I've heard about the Chen Family's matter. It was a misunderstanding on our part that led to the broken engagement." She sighed. "Such a joyous occasion ruined by a mistake..."

Madam Feng wasn't in a hurry. When the Yao family had come to break off the engagement, they had been humble. Now, it was Madam Yao's turn to swallow her pride.

Madam Feng, shrewd as she was, guessed that Madam Yao had come to mend the engagement. Otherwise, their son's reputation would suffer. But one shouldn't push things too far, lest it backfire.

After Madam Yao finished speaking, Madam Feng seized the opportunity.

She sighed deeply. "I don't mind, but Lian jie er was heartbroken. The Yao family comes from a scholarly lineage—how could such a thing happen? If you wish to renew the engagement, I have no objections, but Lian jie er might not be so easily persuaded..."Madam Yao cursed Madam Feng several times in her heart. Who was it that had eagerly called off the engagement upon hearing of Third Master Chen's reputation? Now she was even using Gu Lian as an excuse—wasn't Madam Feng just trying to squeeze more betrothal gifts out of her?

Remembering Yao Daren's instructions, she could only swallow her anger and say, "I also pity the poor girl for her suffering. When I return, I'll have a few sets of jewelry made and sent over..."

Madam Feng was quite satisfied. The Yao family had yielded, and they wouldn't be able to push the Gu family around so easily in the future.

Reaffirming the marriage arrangement would benefit both families. She needed to summon Second Madam for a proper discussion. This was joyous news indeed—Gu Lian must be grieving right now, but hearing this would surely lift her spirits.