Chapter Twenty: Deciding the Wedding Date

Chapter Twenty: Setting the Wedding Date

A long procession of carriages made its way toward Wenyang Town, each wagon adorned with red silk and moving slowly down the street. There were thirty-six carriages in total, and townsfolk opened their doors, craning their necks to watch. No one knew whose daughter was getting married—such a lavish display from the groom’s side could mean only one thing: these carriages were loaded with betrothal gifts. The townspeople had never seen anyone bring so many wedding offerings; envy colored their faces as they whispered among themselves. Some followed the procession, eager to learn the truth.

After winding through several streets, the procession finally halted in front of the Gu family’s grand estate. No one seemed to know who the Gus were; their name had never been spoken in town before.

From the first carriage stepped a man of remarkable beauty, his bearing noble and distinguished. The crowd stared, spellbound; never in their lives had they seen such a handsome, dignified figure. Many young maidens felt their hearts flutter, cheeks blossoming with shy color.

The man approached the gate, and someone swiftly moved to knock for him. The door creaked open, and out came a middle-aged man—Uncle Yang, the steward whom Zhongli Yu had found for Zhan Yan. Seeing Zhongli Yu, Uncle Yang’s face broke into a wide smile as he welcomed him inside. But upon glimpsing the endless line of carriages outside, he was momentarily stunned.

“I’m here today to propose marriage. Please inform the old master,” Zhongli Yu said softly.

“Yes, yes, Prince Chun, please come in. I’ll notify him at once.”

Zhongli Yu strode quickly inside, arriving in the front hall where the eccentric old man was already seated, flanked by Gu Qinghan and Gu Qingyang. When Zhongli Yu entered, none rose to greet him; Zhongli Yu took no offense and casually chose a chair to sit in.

“You rascal, what’s all this? Hauling so much stuff over, aren’t you tired?” the old man spoke first.

Zhongli Yu chuckled, amused by the notion that someone would complain about the burden of betrothal gifts. “Grandfather, how could I find it tiring?”

“Grandfather, my foot. My granddaughter hasn’t married in yet. When I first wanted you as my grandson-in-law, you weren’t interested. Now you see how wonderful my granddaughter is, don’t you?” the old man retorted proudly.

“Well, I didn’t know Yan’er was your granddaughter. Had I known, I’d have come to propose much earlier.” Zhongli Yu replied calmly.

“Hmph, now you know. But it’s too late—I refuse,” the old man declared.

“Oh? Really? I had prepared two carriages of fine wine for you, but since you won’t accept me as a grandson-in-law, there’s no need to unload them. After all, you don’t acknowledge me,” Zhongli Yu said leisurely.

“What? You’re going to take it back? How can you behave like that? Shameless! Hurry up and bring it into my courtyard!” At the mention of good wine, the old man leapt to his feet, directing the porters.

“But Grandfather, didn’t you just refuse?” Zhongli Yu teased.

“Who said that? When did I ever? With such an excellent grandson-in-law, why wouldn’t I agree? I’m not out of my mind,” the old man switched back to a smiling face, so swiftly that it earned admiration.

Zhongli Yu couldn’t help but laugh. The rumors were true; this grandfather really was an exceptional lover of fine drink.

“Grandfather, since it’s settled, let’s discuss the wedding date. I propose five days after Yan’er’s coming-of-age ceremony. That day happens to be auspicious—what do you think?” Zhongli Yu asked earnestly.

The old man calculated for a moment. “Yes, it’s a good day. Let’s set it then.” His expression grew solemn. Deep down, he genuinely liked this grandson-in-law. Although Zhan Yan wasn’t his biological granddaughter, his affection for her surpassed even that for his own kin. He wished her a good marriage.

“Excellent, it’s settled. I’ll go back and make preparations,” Zhongli Yu said cheerfully.

“Qinghan, Qingyang, Yan is your only sister. Keep an eye on the arrangements—whatever needs preparing, make sure it’s done, so Yan can marry in grand style,” the old man instructed seriously.

“Yes, Grandfather,” they replied in unison. Though reluctant, they knew their little sister would marry someday. There was no reason to deprive her of happiness, especially since Zhongli Yu was the ideal son-in-law.

“My granddaughter has been unfortunate since birth—lost her mother early, neglected by her father, tormented by a stepmother. Now she’s grown and escaped that prison. But for your sake, she must return to the capital, that murky place. My old heart aches for her. You must treat her well—otherwise, if one day she disappears, don’t come looking for me. I won’t let her follow you again,” the old man said in heartfelt tones.

“Grandfather, rest assured. That day will never come,” Zhongli Yu promised solemnly.

Qingyun reported everything from the front hall to Zhan Yan, who listened with misty eyes. Her grandfather had treated her so well all these years, imparting all his knowledge and caring for her as if she were his own, even more so than her real grandfather. Suddenly, she felt reluctant to part.

“Are you planning to cry because I haven’t come to see you?” Zhongli Yu entered, noticing her low spirits and teasing her in hopes of lifting her mood.

Zhan Yan, hearing this, forgot all sadness. She couldn’t help but laugh—he had a knack for saying just the right thing to dispel her gloom. If he tried to comfort her, it would only deepen her melancholy; but his playful interruption made all her negative feelings vanish.

“Why haven’t you gone back yet?” It was already afternoon. If he delayed, the city gates would close and the carriages couldn’t enter.

“I sent the procession ahead. I missed you, so I wanted to spend a little more time with you. With the wedding preparations soon keeping us busy, I might not have a chance to see you,” he said, gently drawing her into his arms. Thinking of the month before the wedding when they wouldn’t be allowed to meet, he felt as though no embrace could ever be enough; he wished he could watch her every moment.

“Very soon, we’ll be together. Our days ahead are long; there’s no need to rush this moment,” Zhan Yan replied softly, sensing his reluctance and wrapping her arms gently around his waist.