Chapter 411: Chapter 412: Heart Clenched

Matchmaker Lao glared at Granny Wu. Among this group of people, this old woman was the most malicious.

She was the one who first convinced everyone to prey on a family without heirs, all because Xu Nuo had explicitly rejected her youngest son.

She was resentful, but she was also afraid that if she made trouble alone, she would face retaliation from Xu Nuo. That’s why she went around convincing all the other families on the street.

Even if they didn’t have children of a suitable age, they still had relatives, didn’t they? So many people were persuaded by her, all for the chance to gain this fortune out of thin air or at least get a piece of the pie.

"I say, Wu Pozi, does Xu Nuo have to report all her relatives to you?

Besides, the girl is currently in a mourning period, so it’s naturally not appropriate for her to receive guests. I’ve known her family for decades, so what’s wrong with me coming over to help manage things?

Let me tell you, this relative of Miss Xu’s is a big deal. If you truly offend her, do you think her relatives wouldn’t step in to help?"

After speaking, Matchmaker Lao shot a meaningful glance at a few people in the crowd. "If you hadn’t pushed her into a corner, she would have never wanted to flaunt a connection like this.

Now stop blocking the way. Don’t you have any shame?"

After being thoroughly rebuked by Matchmaker Lao, everyone was furious, but they didn’t dare to talk back. Who didn’t have children approaching marriageable age? In the future, they would all have to rely on her to arrange a good match, so they naturally didn’t dare to offend her completely.

Watching Matchmaker Lao smugly walk past them with her things, they were all itching with curiosity. What kind of relative could it be? They were dying to know.

The debate in the imperial court finally came to an end. They wrote up a list of names and presented it to Hua Shunming.

He carefully reviewed it. ’The selection of these candidates is quite interesting. None of the ministers’ direct lineage are on it. It seems they’re afraid of dying, too!’

’As expected, when it comes down to it, people choose to be selfish. Just like back then, when they all conspired to push my own imperial sister into a marriage alliance, all just to protect their existing wealth and status.’

After viciously smashing two cups in his study, Hua Shunming finally composed himself, circled a few names on the list, and added a few more.

Scholar Gong once again called Ancient Wen Heng aside. "I called you over this time because I want you to be prepared. This next remote posting might be a matter of life and death."

Ancient Wen Heng quickly grasped the key point. "The border region."

Gong Zhengping nodded grimly. "Although there is a sliver of hope that one could earn great political achievements, everyone is more afraid of death.

Originally, they had all nominated you. We argued based on reason and principle, and only at the last moment did we manage to add a few more names to the list.

Now it all comes down to your luck. Once the Holy Emperor makes his decision, it will be set in stone."

Gong Zhengping knew that the people the others had put forward were all for show, just there to make up the numbers.

His feelings were complicated. He was worried Ancient Wen Heng would be chosen, but he also feared that if those useless good-for-nothings were selected instead, his nephew from the Zhou family would have an even harder time at the border.

Ancient Wen Heng, however, was concerned about something else. "Can you tell me which border it is?"

Gong Zhengping replied, "Lu City. General Zhou is stationed there."

Ancient Wen Heng rubbed his fingers together. "I just received a letter from General Zhou the day before yesterday. Didn’t he say everything was fine?"

Gong Zhengping said, "His letter came through the regular courier station, didn’t it? Urgent military reports are sent via the 800-li express. The border cities are the most volatile. This time, many officials were killed, and the entire Lu Domain has already fallen into a panic. Fortunately, Great General Zhou is there to hold the line, otherwise, chaos would have already broken out.

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If the official order really comes down, you won’t even have time to delay. You’ll have to take up your post immediately."

Ancient Wen Heng’s heart grew heavy. "I wonder how Great General Zhou is doing. Did he mention requesting reinforcements?"

Gong Zhengping said, "He did mention it in his memorial to the throne. Whether troops will be sent or not depends on His Majesty’s decision tomorrow."

Ancient Wen Heng bowed deeply. "Sir, your subordinate will always remember what you have done for me.

If this subordinate is truly appointed to Lu City, I will likewise do my utmost to faithfully defend the city."

Gong Zhengping patted his shoulder. "It’s good that you can think that way. Remember to stay true to yourself."

Jin Qianqian, for her part, was a whirlwind of action. As soon as she received the marriage proposal, she had Nanny Ou find someone to check their astrological compatibility.

Seeing that it was a match made in heaven, Jin Qianqian then had the results delivered to Gu Lehuan.

Seeing his wish come true, Gu Lehuan, no matter how composed he had been before, was now so excited he jumped up and down on the spot several times.

But Jin Qianqian smiled and said to him, "Don’t get too happy just yet. After all, we’ve only confirmed your compatibility. This matter will only be settled once the marriage contracts are exchanged!"

Gu Lehuan felt his earlier actions had been a bit childish and said with a bashful face, "Thank you for your hard work, Seventh Aunt."

Jin Qianqian replied, "This is what I ought to do. But your future is up to you. Once you are married, you must be a pillar of strength and create a safe haven for your wife and children."

Gu Lehuan nodded with a gleeful grin, though it was unclear if he had actually taken her words to heart.

Jin Qianqian saw her little son toddling towards her and couldn’t be bothered to lecture Gu Lehuan anymore. She quickly squatted down and opened her arms to catch him.

"You little foodie, when are you going to bring a daughter-in-law home for Mommy?" Seeing Cancan chewing on his hand, his mouth full of drool, she couldn’t help but poke his little cheek and sigh.

But Gu Ben Can tried to shove his drool-covered hand into Jin Qianqian’s mouth. "Eat, eat."

Jin Qianqian grabbed his little hand and gave it a gentle bite. "Mommy’s really going to eat it now."

Seeing the little guy’s shocked eyes, Jin Qianqian mischievously gave it another light bite and even nodded. "Yummy. Mommy’s going to eat it all up."

Gu Ben Can instantly opened his mouth and let out a loud "WAAAH!" He had only wanted his mommy to gently gum his hand like he did, not for his hand to actually be eaten.

Jin Qianqian poked his forehead and said with a laugh, "You have to be prepared to lose what you give away. And here you are, the first one to feel wronged."

Gu Lehuan was speechless. ’So this is what Seventh Aunt is really like,’ he thought.

When Ancient Wen Heng left the Hanlin Academy, he ignored his colleagues who were trying to fish for information, quickly boarded his family’s carriage, and sped home.

Seeing Ancient Wen Heng arrive home a quarter of an hour earlier than usual with a solemn expression, Jin Qianqian dismissed the servants before asking, "Did something happen?"

Ancient Wen Heng said, "The remote posting might be announced at any moment. I suspect we won’t have much time to prepare."

Jin Qianqian asked, "Why so sudden? Is it a bad location?"

Ancient Wen Heng nodded, his face grim. "Bandits infiltrated Lu City and killed many of the local officials. They urgently need to send people to fill the vacancies, and I am on the list of candidates."

Jin Qianqian’s heart immediately clenched. Her feelings were complex. She had studied wars big and small in books, but was this the time they would have to take part in one themselves?

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