Chapter 419: Chapter 420: Chatting and Laughing

Jin Qianqian knew the matter was already set in stone, so she could only continue to plan things out slowly.

If that didn’t work, she’d have to find another path for his mother, to prevent things from getting messy and entangled as time went on.

She didn’t have time to deal with that now. Gu Lehuan was already standing in the courtyard waiting for her first thing in the morning, and she knew exactly what he wanted.

She laughed and chided, "You rascal. Your Seventh Aunt has been keeping your matter in mind. You just couldn’t wait another second, could you?"

Gu Lehuan immediately put on an obsequious smile. "Seventh Aunt, I was just worried you have too much on your plate. And you know this matter of mine can’t be delayed."

’If this drags on any longer and my mother comes after me, it’ll just stir up a whole lot more trouble,’ he thought.

’Besides, I can’t focus on my work as a peddler if this isn’t settled.’

Jin Qianqian asked, "Have you prepared everything Nanny Ou told you to get ready?"

Gu Lehuan nodded at once. "It’s all securely prepared. I even had the nanny double-check everything for me to make sure not a single item was missing."

"They say daughters are eager to marry out, but who knew our own family would produce a son so desperate to get hitched."

"Since you’re all prepared, don’t just stand around here. Go find Housekeeper Fu and have him prepare a carriage. Shall we head out now?"

When they got outside the estate, Gu Lehuan discovered two other large carriages parked by the main gate, with their own guards standing watch.

He grew anxious. ’Visitors, at a time like this? Does this mean we have to postpone again?’

Jin Qianqian shot him a look before walking over with a broad smile. "I must thank Sister Yang and Yu for accompanying me on this trip today."

Niu Yushi lifted the curtain. "Just remember, I’m not making this trip for nothing. You’d better prepare some more of that sulfur soap for me."

Jin Qianqian replied, "Yu, you really are a sharp businesswoman. Last time, I just took a few silk flowers from your shop, and I’ve already sent out so many scented and regular soaps in return. I’m definitely losing out on this bargain."

"Come on, we all know each other here. You claim you’re taking a loss, but who knows what scheme you’re really plotting? Just get on with it. I’m not as easygoing as your Sister Yang."

Since their last encounter at the shop, the two had met several more times at gatherings. As they chatted, they had gradually become good friends.

They had similar personalities and both enjoyed trading harmless barbs. Through their constant bickering, they had somehow managed to hit it off.

Yang Wenlan also lifted her curtain and joked, "After what Mrs. Niu just said, perhaps I should be asking Little Sister Jin for a little something too?"

"Making us run this errand for you on such a cold day... a small gift simply won’t cut it."

Teased by both of them, Jin Qianqian didn’t get angry. "Whatever you two say today, I’ll agree to it. This is my nephew’s joyous occasion, after all. I only ask that you two sisters put in a good word for him later."

As she spoke, she called over Gu Lehuan, who was standing there in a daze. "I’ve invited these two Madams today to help with the marriage proposal. You must remember this kindness. Thank them now, so they’ll be more willing to put in a good word for you and lend their support."

Gu Lehuan grew formal. Even if he was unsophisticated, he understood that his Seventh Aunt was doing this to bolster his reputation.

Moreover, judging by the way the two Madams traveled, they had to be either rich or noble. He fumbled through a bow, stammering, "Thank you, Madam. Thank you, Madam..."

"The boy is just silly with joy." Jin Qianqian had already briefly explained Gu Lehuan and Xu Nuo’s situation to her friends beforehand. Fortunately, neither of them seemed to mind Xu Nuo’s current status and were still willing to make the trip.

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Niu Yushi hadn’t expected the Martial Champion’s nephew to be so earnest and simple. She couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a laugh. "There’s no need for thanks. I’ll be satisfied as long as your Seventh Aunt remains at my beck and call from now on."

Jin Qianqian gave a dry laugh. "Fine by me. I’m just worried you’ll get tired of me and start hiding whenever I’m around."

Seeing that the two were about to start sparring again, Yang Wenlan quickly interjected, "Save the bickering for later. Can’t you see the Gu family’s nephew is practically breaking out in a nervous sweat?"

Niu Yushi glanced at Gu Lehuan, whose head was bowed so low it nearly touched his chest, then pointed at Yang Wenlan with an amused smile. "You’re quite the little troublemaker yourself."

Jin Qianqian quickly gave Gu Lehuan a gentle push to save him from his embarrassment. "Go check on the carriages in the back. Make sure everything is loaded properly. We’re about to set off."

Once he had left, Jin Qianqian turned to them and clasped her hands in a sincere gesture of respect. "Thank you, my dear sisters, for your invaluable assistance."

She had specifically inquired about the local customs and learned that for the presentation of betrothal gifts, the groom’s side needed several elder relatives to be present. But since they were now in Shangjing, they couldn’t gather enough family on short notice. That was why she had reached out to Yang Wenlan and Yu Lu.

She had thought that if they refused, her only option would be to have Nanny Ou and the others stand in as relatives.

But to her surprise, the two were truly loyal friends. Even knowing that Xu Nuo was officially in a period of mourning, they were still willing to accompany them.

Meanwhile, Xu Nuo was growing restless. The proposal was supposed to have happened yesterday, but it had been delayed because Mr. Gu had to travel for his new official post.

It wasn’t until yesterday afternoon, when Matchmaker Lao rushed over to the brokerage, that she learned they would be coming today instead.

The thought that everything would be settled today made Xu Nuo even more anxious. ’I don’t know if I’ve made the right choice this time, but there’s no turning back. I just hope Gu Lehuan won’t let me down.’

Sanhua was also on her tiptoes, peering outside. ’If we can just settle Young Miss’s marriage, let’s see if those people around here still dare to try anything funny.’

The other day, Mrs. Gu had merely paid a brief visit, and their surroundings had been much quieter ever since.

"Young Miss, I wonder if Granny Lao has met up with them yet?" Sanhua fidgeted, touching this and that. Feeling that something was still out of place, she grabbed a cloth and wiped down the tabletop once more.

"They should be here soon, I suppose?"

The words had barely left her mouth when they faintly heard a commotion from the street outside.

Xu Nuo’s expression changed. That didn’t sound right. She just didn’t know who was causing a scene outside.

"Sanhua, go see what’s happening."

Sanhua didn’t dare to delay. She hastily dropped the cloth and darted outside.

A moment later, she ran back in, her face pale. "Young Miss, people from your paternal family are here! They’re outside the main gate, clamoring to see you."

Xu Nuo’s face was a mask of disbelief. "We haven’t had any contact for over a decade. What could they possibly want?"

"We’re here to take our child home, of course!" Outside the gate, a portly woman was pointing at Dazhuang and shouting, "You’re just a servant! How dare you stand in the way of the Master?"

"Your young miss was raised without a mother; she’ll never find a good match. I, her stepmother, am magnanimously offering to lend her some support, and you still have the gall to block our way?"

"Please leave at once. Our young miss has important business today." Dazhuang was frantic. The Gu family was about to arrive for the marriage proposal. What did these people think they were doing, causing a scene at a time like this?

’If the other party sees this and the marriage is ruined, the young miss’s life will be over!’

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