Du Hongniang was here to propose marriage on behalf of Yan Jiuchao. Since ancient times, marriage had always been the order of parents. Yan Jiuchao’s father had passed away while his mother had remarried, so he could decide on his own marriage, but he still needed to hire a matchmaker. Of course, the otherworldly Young Master Yan only found out yesterday after Uncle Wan explained in detail.
This was a serious matter, so Uncle and his family were also called over.
Du Hongniang looked to be thirty-five or thirty-six years old and was a charming woman. Her experience was a little bumpy. She was originally a child bride bought by a rich family in town for ten taels of silver. She entered her husband’s family when she was five years old. Although she was the wife for that family, she was not their biological daughter after all. Only those who had tasted it could understand the taste. She finally made it to the fifteenth year and could consummate her marriage with her husband. However, her husband’s family suddenly experienced a huge change and owed a huge debt overnight.
Her husband’s family had no choice but to sell their assets. After they finally paid off their debt, they were so poor that they couldn’t even eat porridge. Her father-in-law couldn’t take the blow and passed away. Her mother-in-law fell ill. Her husband couldn’t work because of his injured hand. At first, Du Hongniang went out to take on some small embroidery jobs. Later on, she realized that she couldn’t support the household at all, so she sold herself and gathered a sum of money for her mother-in-law and husband to treat their injuries.
After that, Du Hongniang was brought to the Capital by someone. Fortunately, she was bought by an official and worked as a maidservant for a few years. She saved a sum of money and opened a small embroidery shop. She originally planned to start a proper embroidery business, but who knew that she would accidentally arrange several marriages. After that, more and more rich families invited her to be a matchmaker, so she simply became a matchmaker.
Du Hongniang said, “I’m here today to talk about the marriage of the two children.”
In Yu Wan’s impression, the matchmakers were all aunties dressed in colorful clothes, thick makeup, and pink all over. The Du Hongniang in front of her had subverted her imagination. Her figure was neither fat nor thin, and her clothes were elegant and proper. She was not too plain, nor was she too gorgeous. Her actions were dignified, and her smile was elegant. Those who did not know better would think that she was the wife of some rich family.
She spoke unhurriedly with a smile. It was very comfortable to get along with such a person.
Du Hongniang continued, “I don’t think I need to say much about Young Master Yan’s situation. You all know that his father passed away early and his mother remarried. He doesn’t have any siblings either. It hasn’t been easy all these years for him, but there are also benefits amidst that. There’s no seniors in the Young Master Manor. Miss Yu will be the matriarch after you marry him. You don’t have to serve your in-laws or please your uncles and aunties. Such a family won’t let their daughter suffer.”
These words really touched the heart of the Yu family. It was said that the relationship with the in-laws was the hardest. One’s mother would even get angry at her, let alone a mother-in-law whose son had been snatched away. Aunt was lucky, and the Yu family treated her well, but how many people were like the Yu family?
Moreover, there were many rules in rich families. If there was really a mother-in-law suppressing her and they set rules for Ah Wan from time to time, then Ah Wan would suffer.
Du Hongniang smiled. “Besides, the three little masters are about to grow up.”
In other words, the two of them already had children, so why were they still arguing about not getting married? Were they waiting for the children to call another woman Mom and another man Dad?
The three little lads sat on the threshold and drank the goat milk. It was unknown if they had heard Du Hongniang talking about them, but they let go of the bottle and turned their heads in unison to look at them in confusion.
That innocent gaze melted the hearts of the Yu family.
The children had suffered a lot in the first two years. It was not easy for them to have a father, but they did not have a mother. When they had a mother, they could not see their father. It was really too pitiful.
Before the betrothal gifts were mentioned, the Yu family was already about to nod in agreement. Otherwise, why would Madam Du be said to be the number one matchmaker in the Capital? Actually, they all understood the logic. If it were anyone else, they might be able to say it, but it might not be as effective as Du Hongniang.
Her voice, her temperament, and her actions made her words convincing.
The Yu family wished they could ask when the wedding date was, but Yu Shaoqing was not so easily moved.
Yu Shaoqing slammed the table and said, “I don’t agree! That kid has a glib tongue. One look and I can tell that he’s not serious. Who knows what will happen if Ah Wan marries him? Don’t forget, he’s only here in the Capital for the time being. He’s from Yan City. Ah Wan will move to Yan City after they get married!”
These words were like a basin of cold water being poured on the Yu family.
That’s right, how could they have forgotten that Yan Jiuchao was the Young Master of Yan City. If they got married, they would definitely have to return to Yan City. At that time, it would be difficult for Ah Wan to return to her maiden home. How would they know how Ah Wan was doing or whether she had been wronged?
“Don’t worry,” Uncle Wan said with a smile. “Young Master said that he can live in the Capital.”
He even thought of this! Yu Shaoqing wrung his hands!
Yu Shaoqing wanted to say something, but Uncle Wan took a sip of tea without batting an eyelid. “His Majesty’s leg…”
“Ahem!” Madam Jiang choked. She made too much noise and suppressed the word “hair”.
Everyone was a little puzzled. Why did he mention the Emperor’s leg for no reason? What did the Emperor’s leg have to do with them?
“What’s wrong?” Yu Shaoqing looked at Madam Jiang worriedly.
Madam Jiang held a handkerchief in one hand and held her temples with the other. She held her chest and said, “Aiya, I’m so dizzy.”
“I’ll help you back to your room to rest.” Yu Shaoqing helped Madam Jiang back into her room. After that, Yu Shaoqing never came out again.
Yu Wan’s face darkened. At the critical moment, even her biological father was unreliable!
“Actually…” Yu Feng also wanted to refuse.
Uncle Wan hurriedly said, “Young Master said that he could handle your marriage with Miss Bai!”
Yu Feng said seriously, “Actually, Young Master Yan is quite good.”
Yu Wan : “…”
Du Hongniang smiled slightly and took out a list from her wide sleeve. She said to Uncle and Aunt, “Then let’s talk about the betrothal gifts?”
“Wait.” Yu Wan walked out of her room and reached out to press her hand on her betrothal gift list. “This is my marriage. Have you asked for my opinion?”
Du Hongniang was stunned. She had been a matchmaker for so long, but no girl would rush out halfway. Most of them stayed in their rooms shyly, and occasionally, their parents indulge them, but they could not show their true faces. They could only sit quietly behind the screen and listen to what the matchmaker said to their parents.
It was enough for the elders to agree to marriage. How could a girl be picky?
Although Du Hongniang thought this in her heart, she did not show it on her face. She smiled gently and said, “Miss Yu, are you unwilling to marry into the Young Master Manor?”
“Yes, I’m unwilling!”
… .
“What? She’s unwilling?” In the Young Master Manor’s study room, Yan Jiuchao put down the Kongming lock in shock. “Did you make a mistake? How can she not be willing?”
Shadow Thirteen: “Uh…”
After she sacrificed herself to detoxify you but was knocked out by you, shouldn’t you ask her how she could be willing?
Of course, Shadow Thirteen did not dare to say this.
Shadow Six wanted to say something, but Shadow Thirteen whispered, “Monthly salary!”
Shadow Six shut up.
Yan Jiuchao’s expression turned very ugly, and the atmosphere in the study became terrifying.
Shadow Six looked down and did not even dare to breathe loudly. Shadow Thirteen did not say anything either. The study room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Yan Jiuchao wanted to clench his fists tightly, but he realized that he didn’t have the strength at all. He was furious. “Shadow Thirteen!”
“Yes.” Shadow Thirteen walked forward.
Yan Jiuchao said angrily, “Tell me! Why isn’t she willing!”
“This…” Should he tell the truth? Shadow Thirteen cleared his throat. “Of course it’s because she’s angry with you.”
“Why is she angry with me?”
“She wanted to sacrifice herself to you so much, but you knocked her out with a stick. How could she not be angry?”
Yan Jiuchao said resentfully, “I know she’s anxious! Didn’t I already get someone to propose marriage? When we get married, she… she can do whatever she wants. At most, I’ll listen to her!”
You make it sound like you don’t want to do anything to her…
Shadow Thirteen said earnestly, “She’s a girl. It’s very embarrassing for you to reject her like this. You’re a man. You have to coax her. Women have to be coaxed.”
“How-how should I coax her?”
“Why don’t you apologize to her first?”
Yan Jiuchao instantly exploded. “I apologize to her? How is that possible?!”
… .
It was late at night, and Yu Shaoqing and the others had all rested. The three little lads had also fallen asleep in Yu Wan’s arms. She had been busy taking care of Yan Jiuchao these few days, and Yu Wan felt that she had neglected her sons.
Yu Wan kissed their little faces.
Knock knock knock.
Outside the window, Shadow Thirteen knocked on the window lintel.
“Miss Yu, it’s me.”
Yu Wan could tell that it was Shadow Thirteen. She placed the three little lads on the bed and pulled the blanket over them. Then, she put on a shawl and pushed open the window. “It’s so late. What’s the matter, Shadow Guard?”
Shadow Thirteen did not say anything. He silently moved to the side, revealing Yan Jiuchao sitting on the armchair.
He even sat down?! Yu Wan looked at him in shock.
A certain young master sat there arrogantly, emitting a domineering aura.
Yu Wan suddenly felt her fist itch.
Yan Jiuchao raised his eyebrows. “Yu Ah Wan, I’m here to…”
Bang!
The window lintel was closed!
Apologize to you.
Yan Jiuchao, who was rejected before he could finish his sentence: “…”
