Chapter 409: Chapter 410: Paying a Visit

After listening to Matchmaker Lao’s complaints, Xu Nuo’s impression of Gu Lehuan actually improved.

"Actually, that’s a good thing. Between an ambitious man and someone who just wants to be a parasite, which one do you think is more dependable, ma’am?"

"But back then, I only thought he was dependable because he had a powerful backer. If he can’t even lean on that support, how is he supposed to manage in the future?"

Xu Nuo pointed to the property deed on the table. "It’s not as if they haven’t helped at all. Otherwise, where would this have come from?"

"Besides, our reason for choosing the Gu family was only to use Mr. Gu’s official position to deter those with ulterior motives."

"Whether directly or indirectly, we’ve benefited from them. That alone is more than enough."

’And from the looks of it, Gu Lehuan is much better than I imagined. Maybe I really lucked out this time.’

Her mother had taught her from a young age not to press her luck, and she had always taken that lesson to heart.

Seeing that Xu Nuo was pleased, Matchmaker Lao didn’t press the issue. "In that case, I’ll go give him the good news."

Xu Nuo nodded. "It would be good to settle this quickly. Then I’ll finally be able to get a good night’s sleep."

Matchmaker Lao knew people had been throwing things into her courtyard lately, a veiled attempt to force Xu Nuo’s hand.

She knew things would only get worse if they delayed any longer. "I’ll have him pick a date to finalize things as soon as possible."

...

Gu Lehuan and He Chun ran all the way to the Gu Mansion. By the time he saw Jin Qianqian, he was drenched in sweat.

Jin Qianqian frowned and looked at He Chun, who stood behind him. "What’s all this? He’s covered in sweat. You should have him clean up first. What if he catches a cold?"

Grinning, Gu Lehuan said, "Seventh Aunt, Miss Xu accepted my marriage proposal! I was so excited I ran all the way back."

Jin Qianqian’s face lit up with joy. "That’s wonderful news! A truly joyous occasion."

"Have you set a wedding date yet? When you do, your Seventh Aunt will prepare a gift for you."

Gu Lehuan shook his head. "Actually, I came today to ask for your help with something, Aunt."

"We’re family," Jin Qianqian replied. "There’s no need to talk about ’asking for help.’ If your Seventh Aunt can do something, I certainly will."

’He’s found a wife for himself.’ As an elder, Jin Qianqian was more than happy to lend a hand.

In her eyes, Gu Lehuan and Gu Lejia were complete opposites.

Gu Lehuan was honest, hardworking, and willing to listen to advice. He wasn’t the type to scheme against others.

Gu Lejia, on the other hand, was selfish and self-serving. And with a wife like Song Xiuyang, Jin Qianqian wanted absolutely nothing to do with them.

Gu Lehuan was, after all, just a young man recently come of age. He grew a little shy as he spoke about his own wedding. "Seventh Aunt, I’ve never been married before. I have no idea what I need to prepare. Could you help me?"

Jin Qianqian was speechless. ’If you *had* been married before, Miss Xu wouldn’t have given you the time of day.’

"You’ve already found the matchmaker, so I’ll have Nanny Ou help you with the arrangements. She just organized the weddings for Qing Mei and the others, so she’s an expert at these things. You can rest easy leaving it all to her."

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Qing Mei and the others had been getting married one after another recently, and their replacements had increased the number of available housekeepers.

Gu Lehuan was more than satisfied to hear this. Having been at the mansion for so long, he was well aware of Nanny Ou’s competence and thanked her profusely.

Jin Qianqian immediately sent for Nanny Ou, who readily agreed to help.

As the elder in this situation, Jin Qianqian decided to personally oversee the presentation of the betrothal gifts. This would not only show respect but also give Xu Nuo some backing, hopefully deterring anyone with ill intentions.

She had the steward prepare the gifts for the visit and set off for Xu Nuo’s brokerage in two carriages, accompanied by her four head maids and a retinue of guards, making a grand procession.

Matchmaker Lao, having been informed ahead of time, was already waiting by the door. When the carriages stopped, heads began poking out from the windows of many houses along the alley.

Their curiosity was already piqued, as they had seen Matchmaker Lao waiting outside the brokerage since early morning. They never expected she was there to welcome such a distinguished guest.

The sheer spectacle of the procession almost made Matchmaker Lao want to turn and flee. In the end, she silently steeled herself and forced the brightest, most amiable smile she could muster.

She watched as four maids alighted from the rear carriage, each one carrying an exquisite gift.

Although the neighbors were curious, none of them dared to run over and gawk.

Then, the curtain of the front carriage was drawn aside. A maid in a pale green dress stepped out first, then turned to hold the curtain open as a young madam gracefully descended with her assistance.

Before they could get a clear look at her face, the surrounding guards instantly closed ranks around her. By the time the onlookers came to their senses, she had already been ushered through the main gate.

"That brokerage hasn’t seen a customer in ages. Don’t tell me that Xu Nuo is doing business while still in her mourning period?"

"Couldn’t be, right? That little slip of a girl hasn’t been out of the house in ages. Could she have relatives we don’t know about?"

"That’s very possible. Otherwise, who would come calling at a time like this? Don’t forget, Xu Nuo is still officially in mourning. If she were to show her face in public, she’d be drowned by everyone’s criticism."

"If they are relatives, they’re certainly not ordinary ones. Did you see the things those maids were carrying? That was quite a lavish display."

The more they discussed it, the more their excitement grew. The better Xu Nuo’s family background, the more appealing she became.

But one of the elders spoke up thoughtfully. "You’re all forgetting—that was Matchmaker Lao standing at the door just now. What if she arranged a match for the girl?"

"Impossible. That madam looked young, and look at that carriage—they’re clearly either rich or noble. With their status, why would they seek out a girl from a family with no male heir?"

"Exactly, Granny Wu! Judging by that madam’s clothes alone, she must be an official’s wife. Why would people with their kind of standing be interested in a baby broker?"

"..."

Inside, Xu Nuo, who had been up since dawn to have the entire brokerage cleaned spotless, immediately stood up straight, feeling a bit awkward as Jin Qianqian was escorted in.

Jin Qianqian walked over, took her hand, and said with a warm smile, "I never imagined our families would be connected by such a fate. If I’d known, I would have brought you home with me much sooner."

Xu Nuo snapped back to her senses and quickly greeted her, "Mrs. Gu, thank you for taking the trouble to come all this way."

’She knew that even if Jin Qianqian hadn’t come herself, just sending a senior servant would have been a great honor. She never expected her to make the trip in person.’

"Le Huan is my dear nephew. As his aunt, and his only elder here in Shangjing, this was a trip I had to make. Besides," she added playfully, "it gives me an excuse to sneak out and get some fresh air. Otherwise, it’s just one banquet after another every day. It can be so stuffy."

Xu Nuo quickly led them into the main hall and guided Jin Qianqian to the seat of honor. A maid immediately served the tea that had been prepared in advance.

"My home is humble, and I’m afraid I don’t have much to offer," Xu Nuo said. "Please, Madam, make do with some tea for now."

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