Chapter - 35
By Tea Time Translations
Lady Hu changed into tidy clothes, took her cane, and was assisted by her maidservants as she walked towards the main hall. She could see her daughter-in-law waiting in front of the veranda.
Seeing her mother-in-law coming, Mengshi hurriedly came to help her.
"Mengshi, we've had no prior contact or dealings. Why has the Duke's eldest son suddenly come to our house?" Lady Hu whispered while walking.
Mengshi, equally puzzled, replied, "I don't know either. Just now, I heard from Zhang Da that the Duke's eldest son arrived with gifts at our doorstep, and I thought there must be some mistake. When we took Yaoke and Youting over last year, he happened to be in the capital visiting the old lady from their side, and we bumped into him a couple of times. He was quite polite, but our interactions were limited to just a few sentences. I didn't expect him to visit us like this today."
Lady Hu inquired further about the guest, and Mengshi answered, "He has already been welcomed into the guest hall, and Zhang Da and Yaoting are accompanying him."
As the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talked, they crossed the threshold and entered the main hall. Lady Hu raised her eyes and saw a man dressed in elaborate clothing with a jade-adorned belt. He was tall and graceful, with a gentle demeanor and a youthful appearance, likely in his early twenties. Despite his age, his gaze was exceptionally steady. He was sitting upright and listening to Zhen Yaoting's tales of Quanzhou's customs and local people. He occasionally interjected with questions and wore a warm smile. Approaching him, Lady Hu spoke, "What wind blew you to our humble abode today, Your Grace? Your presence graces our home, and I must apologize for not being present to greet you. Please, have a seat."
Upon seeing Mengshi enter the room and accompany an elderly woman dressed in luxurious embroidered attire, a woman with thick brows and a commanding presence, whose appearance exuded the authority of a family matriarch, Pei You'an understood that she must be Jiafu's grandmother. He stood up and walked over to greet Lady Hu in the manner of a junior showing respect.
Although Lady Hu was a businesswoman, she had been managing her family for a significant part of her life and had developed the discerning eyes of a capable head of the household. She had heard some stories about the Duke's eldest son from the Pei family, who was said to have had health issues since childhood. She had assumed he might be frail or sickly. To her surprise, he appeared both gracious and elegant, with an innate nobility that was neither ostentatious nor haughty. She didn't dare to slight him. After some polite exchanges, the respect he showed her made her happy. Lady Hu invited him to sit again, and she looked at her grandson standing beside her, before humbly saying, "My grandson is not very knowledgeable, and he might be a bit slow. If he says anything wrong, I hope Your Grace won't take offense."
Pei You'an looked at Zhen Yaoting and smiled, saying, "Your family's young master possesses a unique and precious quality that many of us lack. His character is truly commendable. Madam, why be so modest?"
Lady Hu was further delighted by his praise for her grandson. Although she was curious about the purpose of his visit, etiquette dictated that she, as the host, should not inquire first. After a few gossips, Pei You'an said: "You'an came here today abruptly. I was presumptuous, but I was treated so warmly. I am very grateful. Today, I have come to make a request of you, which may seem unusual. But I hope both of you will consider it with an open heart. Do you want me to speak?"
Mrs. Hu and Mrs. Meng looked at each other and said with a smile: "Elder Master, why do you have to be so polite? Just ask if you have something to do, but if we can do it, we will never refuse."
Upon seeing Pei You'an glance around the room, Mengshi understood his intentions and promptly ordered the servants to withdraw. She also asked Zhen Yaoting to leave, ensuring that only she and Lady Hu remained in the room. Pei You'an began to explain, "Madam, I must confess that the person who sent your granddaughter back home, Yang Yun, is acting on my behalf. Your granddaughter was previously rescued by me, and though she experienced some distress at the time, she ultimately emerged unharmed. I believe she has now safely returned to her family."
Lady Hu and Mengshi were utterly astonished. When Jiafu was brought back home, Mengshi had inquired about Yang Yun's identity but received no clear answers. She had left it at that, never imagining that the person who had saved her daughter was none other than Pei You'an.
Mengshi was overwhelmed with gratitude and couldn't help but express her appreciation. Her emotions spilled over, and she even scolded the human traffickers who had taken her daughter away. She thanked Pei You'an repeatedly for his help.
However, Lady Hu, being more astute, sensed that there was something unusual about the situation. She understood that Pei You'an had merely opened the conversation and responded with gratitude and a few words of thanks.
Now, Lady Hu inquired with a smile, "Your Grace, you have mentioned these events, but what is it that you would like to discuss?"
Pei You'an stood up and turned to face Lady Hu and Mengshi. He paid his respects once more, and both women reciprocated the courtesy, still puzzled about the purpose of his visit.
Pei You'an then stated, "I've come here today for one purpose only: to talk about my cousin."
He paused for a moment and continued, "I've admired my cousin for a long time."
These simple words, spoken with great clarity, left not only Mengshi but also Lady Hu in a state of shock. They gazed at Pei You'an, rendered momentarily speechless.
Pei You'an's expression remained unchanged, and his tone remained sincere as he continued, "I've known my cousin since we were children. We had the good fortune to meet again on the occasion of my grandmother's birthday last year. Our paths crossed again recently, and I've been deeply captivated by her virtues and beauty. I am determined to marry no one but her. Although I understand that my actions are presumptuous, I've come here today to explain my feelings to you, Madam, and Madam. If my wish can be granted, it would be a great blessing for me, and I am deeply grateful for your understanding."
Mengshi was astounded by this unexpected turn of events. She stared at Pei You'an, not knowing how to respond.
Pei You'an's love at first sight and determination to marry her daughter didn't surprise her. Jiafu's beauty surpassed her own by far, and countless admirers had come courting her over the years. It was natural that someone from a prominent family like Pei You'an would fall for her. However, the issue lay elsewhere.
Setting aside other matters for now, when had anyone ever seen someone coming to their house to propose marriage?
Mengshi glanced at Lady Hu, who remained silent. Mengshi then spoke, "Long public son, so handsome and not disdaining my daughter's simplicity, offering to marry her is her good fortune. It's just... how should I put it?"
She hesitated for a moment.
Pei You'an smiled faintly and, after a brief pause, his expression grew even more solemn. "I understand that marriages should follow the traditions of a matchmaker and formal betrothal gifts, and I am wholeheartedly committed to this matter. However, today, I came here to meet both of you in person to express my sincerity, and also..."
He paused and looked at Lady Hu and Mengshi.
"I assume the two of you have heard some news about the Emperor and King Yunzhong. In the near future, I'm afraid I won't have the time to deal with marriage proposals. So, my visit today is also to request that both of you allow me some time. When the timing is right, I will ask Grandmother to be the matchmaker. Please rest assured, once you agree to let my cousin marry me, I will do everything in my power to protect her for the rest of her life."
Mengshi finally understood the purpose of Pei You'an's visit today.
He wanted the Zhen family to keep Jiafu in their household for the time being and not arrange any marriages for her until he formally proposed.
Quanzhou, with its bustling trade routes and numerous travelers coming and going every day, made it an ideal place for fast-spreading news. In the past few days, there were rumors circulating throughout the town about the impending war between the Emperor and the Cloud King. However, due to the considerable distance from the capital, the locals regarded these stories as mere royal intrigues, and the news only served as a source of entertainment and gossip. Some believed the Emperor's superior numbers would guarantee victory, while others speculated that the Cloud King had the Young Emperor guarding him and could pull off unexpected surprises. In the end, opinions varied widely.
Mengshi had a favorable impression of Pei You'an, especially considering that he had rescued her daughter. After hearing his words, she was already leaning towards accepting him as a future son-in-law. The only hesitations that remained were concerns about Pei You'an's past actions and whether her daughter would agree. She glanced at the old lady, who remained unusually quiet.
"Mother, what do you think?"
"You should go check on Ah Fu and let her know that her savior, Cousin, has come to our home."
The old lady suddenly said.
Mengshi immediately understood that the old lady must have some private matters to discuss with Pei You'an. She left the room, anxious to meet her daughter and notify her of the visitor.
Since that day when she was sent back to Quanzhou in such a way, it would be no exaggeration to say that she was heartbroken and completely despaired. Jiafu never expected that Pei Youan would show up unexpectedly at such a time. In her own home.
What is he here for?
Jiafu was filled with anxiety and a sense of shame, anxiously awaiting her mother's words. She was in turmoil, unable to remain calm. When Mengshi finally told her that Pei You'an had come to discuss marriage, Jiafu was utterly shocked. Her heart raced, and it took her quite some time to regain composure.
"… The young lord said he's deeply fond of you and wishes to marry you."
Mengshi whispered and spoke to her daughter in a hushed voice.
"Mother believes that he looks reliable, and if you marry him, he should treat you well in the future. It's just that, remembering his past actions, I have some concerns…"
Jiafu's face turned beet red, and she grabbed her mother's hand, shaking her head vigorously. "Mother! How could he be that kind of person? His past actions must be misunderstandings! Please don't believe those rumors!"
Mengshi saw her daughter's anxious reaction and chuckled, lightly tapping her head with a finger. "Look at how anxious you are! I haven't even said anything yet. Do you also want to marry him?"
Jiafu lowered her head slowly, saying nothing.
Mengshi looked at her daughter, recalling the ordeal she had gone through when she was abducted. Though she had been rescued in the end, her innocence was likely lost. She understood why Jiafu had been so unhappy since returning home a while ago, and her heart was filled with a mixture of happiness and sadness. She held her daughter close and sighed, "I was worried that you wouldn't want to marry him. This is the best outcome. He's also your savior, and this match is probably fated. When he comes to formally ask for your hand, I'll marry you off in a grand style."
Chapter - 35
By Tea Time Translations
Lady Hu changed into tidy clothes, took her cane, and was assisted by her maidservants as she walked towards the main hall. She could see her daughter-in-law waiting in front of the veranda.
Seeing her mother-in-law coming, Mengshi hurriedly came to help her.
"Mengshi, we've had no prior contact or dealings. Why has the Duke's eldest son suddenly come to our house?" Lady Hu whispered while walking.
Mengshi, equally puzzled, replied, "I don't know either. Just now, I heard from Zhang Da that the Duke's eldest son arrived with gifts at our doorstep, and I thought there must be some mistake. When we took Yaoke and Youting over last year, he happened to be in the capital visiting the old lady from their side, and we bumped into him a couple of times. He was quite polite, but our interactions were limited to just a few sentences. I didn't expect him to visit us like this today."
Lady Hu inquired further about the guest, and Mengshi answered, "He has already been welcomed into the guest hall, and Zhang Da and Yaoting are accompanying him."
As the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talked, they crossed the threshold and entered the main hall. Lady Hu raised her eyes and saw a man dressed in elaborate clothing with a jade-adorned belt. He was tall and graceful, with a gentle demeanor and a youthful appearance, likely in his early twenties. Despite his age, his gaze was exceptionally steady. He was sitting upright and listening to Zhen Yaoting's tales of Quanzhou's customs and local people. He occasionally interjected with questions and wore a warm smile. Approaching him, Lady Hu spoke, "What wind blew you to our humble abode today, Your Grace? Your presence graces our home, and I must apologize for not being present to greet you. Please, have a seat."
Upon seeing Mengshi enter the room and accompany an elderly woman dressed in luxurious embroidered attire, a woman with thick brows and a commanding presence, whose appearance exuded the authority of a family matriarch, Pei You'an understood that she must be Jiafu's grandmother. He stood up and walked over to greet Lady Hu in the manner of a junior showing respect.
Although Lady Hu was a businesswoman, she had been managing her family for a significant part of her life and had developed the discerning eyes of a capable head of the household. She had heard some stories about the Duke's eldest son from the Pei family, who was said to have had health issues since childhood. She had assumed he might be frail or sickly. To her surprise, he appeared both gracious and elegant, with an innate nobility that was neither ostentatious nor haughty. She didn't dare to slight him. After some polite exchanges, the respect he showed her made her happy. Lady Hu invited him to sit again, and she looked at her grandson standing beside her, before humbly saying, "My grandson is not very knowledgeable, and he might be a bit slow. If he says anything wrong, I hope Your Grace won't take offense."
Pei You'an looked at Zhen Yaoting and smiled, saying, "Your family's young master possesses a unique and precious quality that many of us lack. His character is truly commendable. Madam, why be so modest?"
Lady Hu was further delighted by his praise for her grandson. Although she was curious about the purpose of his visit, etiquette dictated that she, as the host, should not inquire first. After a few gossips, Pei You'an said: "You'an came here today abruptly. I was presumptuous, but I was treated so warmly. I am very grateful. Today, I have come to make a request of you, which may seem unusual. But I hope both of you will consider it with an open heart. Do you want me to speak?"
Mrs. Hu and Mrs. Meng looked at each other and said with a smile: "Elder Master, why do you have to be so polite? Just ask if you have something to do, but if we can do it, we will never refuse."
Upon seeing Pei You'an glance around the room, Mengshi understood his intentions and promptly ordered the servants to withdraw. She also asked Zhen Yaoting to leave, ensuring that only she and Lady Hu remained in the room. Pei You'an began to explain, "Madam, I must confess that the person who sent your granddaughter back home, Yang Yun, is acting on my behalf. Your granddaughter was previously rescued by me, and though she experienced some distress at the time, she ultimately emerged unharmed. I believe she has now safely returned to her family."
Lady Hu and Mengshi were utterly astonished. When Jiafu was brought back home, Mengshi had inquired about Yang Yun's identity but received no clear answers. She had left it at that, never imagining that the person who had saved her daughter was none other than Pei You'an.
Mengshi was overwhelmed with gratitude and couldn't help but express her appreciation. Her emotions spilled over, and she even scolded the human traffickers who had taken her daughter away. She thanked Pei You'an repeatedly for his help.
However, Lady Hu, being more astute, sensed that there was something unusual about the situation. She understood that Pei You'an had merely opened the conversation and responded with gratitude and a few words of thanks.
Now, Lady Hu inquired with a smile, "Your Grace, you have mentioned these events, but what is it that you would like to discuss?"
Pei You'an stood up and turned to face Lady Hu and Mengshi. He paid his respects once more, and both women reciprocated the courtesy, still puzzled about the purpose of his visit.
Pei You'an then stated, "I've come here today for one purpose only: to talk about my cousin."
He paused for a moment and continued, "I've admired my cousin for a long time."
These simple words, spoken with great clarity, left not only Mengshi but also Lady Hu in a state of shock. They gazed at Pei You'an, rendered momentarily speechless.
Pei You'an's expression remained unchanged, and his tone remained sincere as he continued, "I've known my cousin since we were children. We had the good fortune to meet again on the occasion of my grandmother's birthday last year. Our paths crossed again recently, and I've been deeply captivated by her virtues and beauty. I am determined to marry no one but her. Although I understand that my actions are presumptuous, I've come here today to explain my feelings to you, Madam, and Madam. If my wish can be granted, it would be a great blessing for me, and I am deeply grateful for your understanding."
Mengshi was astounded by this unexpected turn of events. She stared at Pei You'an, not knowing how to respond.
Pei You'an's love at first sight and determination to marry her daughter didn't surprise her. Jiafu's beauty surpassed her own by far, and countless admirers had come courting her over the years. It was natural that someone from a prominent family like Pei You'an would fall for her. However, the issue lay elsewhere.
Setting aside other matters for now, when had anyone ever seen someone coming to their house to propose marriage?
Mengshi glanced at Lady Hu, who remained silent. Mengshi then spoke, "Long public son, so handsome and not disdaining my daughter's simplicity, offering to marry her is her good fortune. It's just... how should I put it?"
She hesitated for a moment.
Pei You'an smiled faintly and, after a brief pause, his expression grew even more solemn. "I understand that marriages should follow the traditions of a matchmaker and formal betrothal gifts, and I am wholeheartedly committed to this matter. However, today, I came here to meet both of you in person to express my sincerity, and also..."
He paused and looked at Lady Hu and Mengshi.
"I assume the two of you have heard some news about the Emperor and King Yunzhong. In the near future, I'm afraid I won't have the time to deal with marriage proposals. So, my visit today is also to request that both of you allow me some time. When the timing is right, I will ask Grandmother to be the matchmaker. Please rest assured, once you agree to let my cousin marry me, I will do everything in my power to protect her for the rest of her life."
Mengshi finally understood the purpose of Pei You'an's visit today.
He wanted the Zhen family to keep Jiafu in their household for the time being and not arrange any marriages for her until he formally proposed.
Quanzhou, with its bustling trade routes and numerous travelers coming and going every day, made it an ideal place for fast-spreading news. In the past few days, there were rumors circulating throughout the town about the impending war between the Emperor and the Cloud King. However, due to the considerable distance from the capital, the locals regarded these stories as mere royal intrigues, and the news only served as a source of entertainment and gossip. Some believed the Emperor's superior numbers would guarantee victory, while others speculated that the Cloud King had the Young Emperor guarding him and could pull off unexpected surprises. In the end, opinions varied widely.
Mengshi had a favorable impression of Pei You'an, especially considering that he had rescued her daughter. After hearing his words, she was already leaning towards accepting him as a future son-in-law. The only hesitations that remained were concerns about Pei You'an's past actions and whether her daughter would agree. She glanced at the old lady, who remained unusually quiet.
"Mother, what do you think?"
"You should go check on Ah Fu and let her know that her savior, Cousin, has come to our home."
The old lady suddenly said.
Mengshi immediately understood that the old lady must have some private matters to discuss with Pei You'an. She left the room, anxious to meet her daughter and notify her of the visitor.
Since that day when she was sent back to Quanzhou in such a way, it would be no exaggeration to say that she was heartbroken and completely despaired. Jiafu never expected that Pei Youan would show up unexpectedly at such a time. In her own home.
What is he here for?
Jiafu was filled with anxiety and a sense of shame, anxiously awaiting her mother's words. She was in turmoil, unable to remain calm. When Mengshi finally told her that Pei You'an had come to discuss marriage, Jiafu was utterly shocked. Her heart raced, and it took her quite some time to regain composure.
"… The young lord said he's deeply fond of you and wishes to marry you."
Mengshi whispered and spoke to her daughter in a hushed voice.
"Mother believes that he looks reliable, and if you marry him, he should treat you well in the future. It's just that, remembering his past actions, I have some concerns…"
Jiafu's face turned beet red, and she grabbed her mother's hand, shaking her head vigorously. "Mother! How could he be that kind of person? His past actions must be misunderstandings! Please don't believe those rumors!"
Mengshi saw her daughter's anxious reaction and chuckled, lightly tapping her head with a finger. "Look at how anxious you are! I haven't even said anything yet. Do you also want to marry him?"
Jiafu lowered her head slowly, saying nothing.
Mengshi looked at her daughter, recalling the ordeal she had gone through when she was abducted. Though she had been rescued in the end, her innocence was likely lost. She understood why Jiafu had been so unhappy since returning home a while ago, and her heart was filled with a mixture of happiness and sadness. She held her daughter close and sighed, "I was worried that you wouldn't want to marry him. This is the best outcome. He's also your savior, and this match is probably fated. When he comes to formally ask for your hand, I'll marry you off in a grand style."
