Chapter 291: Cheng Xu and Ting Xue
Spring flowers bloomed in vibrant splendor.
A snow-white wolf chased butterflies amidst the flower beds.
Two children ran circles around the wolf, their laughter filling the air.
Yun Chu sat basking in the sunlight, reviewing account books while occasionally sipping tea, quietly observing the children at play.
She noticed Ting Xue seemed distracted, having forgotten to refill the teacup even after it was emptied.
"Ting Xue," Yun Chu called out, but Ting Xue remained lost in thought, failing to hear her.
Ting Feng, standing nearby, nudged Ting Xue's arm sharply and reminded her, "Sister Ting Xue, the Princess Consort is calling you."
Ting Xue hurried forward, only then noticing the empty teacup, and promptly refilled it.
Yun Chu waved her hand, signaling the servants to withdraw. The two children were led outside the courtyard by Ting Feng and A Mao.
Only the mistress and her maid remained in the entire courtyard.
"I've noticed you often seem absent-minded over the past month," Yun Chu began. "We grew up together, and though we are mistress and servant, we share a bond like sisters. If something troubles you, you may confide in me."
Ting Xue lowered her head.
For over a month, she had indeed been frequently distracted, her mind wandering inexplicably while standing behind the Princess Consort.
Had she served another mistress, she would likely have been punished long ago.
But the Princess Consort was kind-hearted and sought to understand her.
"This servant... this servant..." Ting Xue hesitated, feeling too embarrassed to speak, yet knowing she must. The Princess Consort had dismissed everyone else; to remain silent would be to betray her kindness.
"Two days ago, Lord Cheng... he gave this servant all the silver he had saved over the years. He said it was a betrothal gift, asking to marry this servant..." Her head nearly buried into her chest. "This servant does not know what to do..."
A glint of interest sparkled in Yun Chu's eyes.
She had long suspected Ting Xue had someone in her heart—and it turned out to be Cheng Xu, someone so close yet unnoticed.
She had heard A Mao complain that Cheng Xu was particularly stingy, never having treated anyone in the Wangfu to even a single peanut in all these years.
For someone who valued money so much to offer his entire savings as a betrothal gift showed how deeply he cherished Ting Xue.
Yun Chu softened her voice and asked, "Ting Xue, what are your thoughts?"
"This servant... does not know either," Ting Xue replied, her face flushing crimson. "I beg the Princess Consort to decide for me."
"Follow your heart," Yun Chu said, taking her hand. "If Cheng Xu holds a place in your heart, nothing could be better. If you are unwilling, I will decline his proposal on your behalf."
Ting Xue stammered, "This servant... needs to think a little more..."
While Ting Xue wrestled with her thoughts, Cheng Xu sought solace in drink.
Two days had passed since his proposal. He dared not even approach the Princess Consort's courtyard, unsure how to face Ting Xue.
From the first time he saw her, he had been deeply captivated. Gradually, his eyes could no longer stray from her.
Mustering all his courage to express his feelings, he had offered his betrothal gift—only for Ting Xue to throw it to the ground. All that silver, painstakingly saved from his monthly stipend, rewards, and interest—he had given it all to her, yet she discarded his sincerity.
Heartbroken, Cheng Xu downed a large jug of wine.
"You foolish boy!" Cheng Zongguan stormed into his room and slapped the back of his head. "His Highness is away on business, and you hide here drinking every day! If the Prince doesn't hold it against you, don’t push your luck! Quickly, wash your face and go attend to His Highness!""Dad, I'm miserable..." Cheng Xu clung to Cheng Zongguan, wiping his tears and snot on the man's clothes. "I finally found someone I like, but she doesn't like me. Wuwuwu... I'm so heartbroken I could die. How can anyone go on duty feeling like this? It's too cruel to me..."
Cheng Zongguan's eyes lit up. "Come, tell your father all about it. What exactly happened?"
As Cheng Xu drank, he recounted everything that had happened that day.
"What did you say?!" Cheng Zongguan slapped him again. "You like a girl but instead of finding a matchmaker, you propose directly? That's disrespectful! No wonder she refused! You foolish boy, acting without knowing anything nearly ruined a good match! Enough drinking now. Leave this matter to your father—I'll definitely handle it properly!"
That very afternoon, Cheng Zongguan found a matchmaker and brought her directly to Yun Chu's courtyard.
"This old servant pays respects to the Princess Consort." Cheng Zongguan smiled cheerfully. "This is Matchmaker Liu. Let Matchmaker Liu speak with the Princess Consort."
Matchmaker Liu was famously skilled in the capital. Swishing her handkerchief, she stepped forward and said, "Greetings to the Princess Consort. I've come to propose a match. I've heard the Princess Consort has a beautiful maid named Ting Xue. Might I ask if she's already betrothed?"
Ting Xue, standing behind Yun Chu, suddenly blushed.
Yun Chu smiled. "We're still considering options, nothing's decided yet."
"What a coincidence!" Matchmaker Liu laughed heartily. "The Princess Consort must know Cheng Zongguan's son, named Cheng Xu? He's exceptionally handsome and dashing—but forget his looks, what really matters is he's diligent and hardworking. Despite his youth, he's already become Prince Pingxi's chief guard, holding a third-rank official position! I'm here to propose on Cheng Zongguan's behalf. What does the Princess Consort think?"
Yun Chu finally witnessed a matchmaker's silver tongue. She acknowledged Cheng Xu's diligence, but the term "exceptionally handsome" didn't quite fit him.
She replied, "Ting Xue is my most capable maid. I'm still somewhat reluctant to part with her."
Matchmaker Liu nudged Cheng Zongguan, signaling it was his turn to speak.
This being his first time handling such matters, Cheng Zongguan coughed and said, "Princess Consort, rest assured. Though Ting Xue would marry into the Cheng family, she would still serve by your side. This old servant has long prepared a house for Cheng Xu as their marital home. Ting Xue can attend to you during the day, and the young couple can have their nights together. Nothing would be disrupted."
Ting Xue's face grew redder, wishing she could find an excuse to leave.
Yun Chu smiled. "Very well. I'll give Cheng Zongguan my answer in three days."
Cheng Zongguan nodded and withdrew. The moment he reached the courtyard gate, Cheng Xu jumped out. "How did it go? Dad, did it work?"
"Impatience won't cook hot tofu." Cheng Zongguan glared at him irritably. "Everything takes time. Be patient."
Cheng Xu scratched his head, hesitating before asking, "Dad, how much did the matchmaker cost?"
"Twenty taels," Cheng Zongguan answered casually.
"So expensive?" Cheng Xu was stunned. "If I'd found one myself, five taels would've been enough! Dad, you're so wasteful..."
Cheng Zongguan: "..."
He had been generous and tolerant all his life—how had he raised such a stingy son?
He walked away without another word.
Cheng Xu sighed.His father had finally managed to save up some money for his old age, and now twenty taels were gone in one go. The old man's heart must be bleeding. He decided he would return it later.
Just as he stepped out, he ran into Er Momo. Seeing a young woman following behind her, he smiled and said, "Er Momo, isn't this Ding Dong?"
He knew Ding Dong—she was Er Momo's daughter. She had served in the prince's residence since childhood but had been absent for the past two years. Seeing her again so suddenly was quite a surprise.
Er Momo smiled and replied, "Xiao Xu, the prince has just returned to the residence. You should hurry to the front courtyard to attend to him."
Cheng Xu knew he had been irresponsible for the past two days and dared not neglect his duties any longer, so he quickly went on his way.
Er Momo led her daughter Ding Dong into the main courtyard.
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