Chapter 34: The Official Match – Prince of Chang

Luo Jin’an continued speaking smoothly, while Xu Nian grew increasingly astonished.

Here it is! The standard setup for a transmigrated heroine. Could this be the official match that fate has arranged for me?

She couldn’t help but scrutinize him a little more. Hmm… good-looking, of noble birth, and filthy rich. The only downsides? He’s a bit frail and a little too young.

“The great master once said that I wouldn’t live past my twenty-third birthday, so I’ve always been rather indifferent since childhood…”

Oh dear, he’s even short-lived. So, does that mean fate has assigned me a widow’s storyline?

Well, thinking about it, that’s not so bad. By then, I’d be a wealthy widow, free to have as many handsome men as I please. Hehe~

Luo Jin’an suddenly paused. “Nian Nian, are you even listening to me?”

Snapping back to reality, Xu Nian nodded vigorously. This is my God of Wealth—I have to treat him well!

“I’m listening. Please, Your Highness, continue.”

Luo Jin’an took a deep breath. “You can call me Jin’an, or you can call me Changsheng.”

Xu Nian readily complied. “Jin’an.” If the God of Wealth says so, I’ll follow along.

Only then did Luo Jin’an relax and continue, “Yesterday, I punished—”

Xu Nian suddenly interrupted him, leaning in closer. “Your eldest brother is the heir to the title, right?”

Luo Jin’an narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded.

“How old is he? Is he married?”

Luo Jin’an’s gaze turned icy, his voice flat. “He’s twenty-one. He has one wife, three concubines, and two personal maids. He also has three sons and two daughters. Do you want to know anything else?”

Xu Nian was relieved. She had worried she might have misunderstood fate’s intentions—what if her destined match was actually his older brother? Now it seemed certain that this little guy was the one.

“I was just curious. Oh, right, what were you saying earlier?”

Luo Jin’an suddenly lost the desire to explain. He closed his eyes, feeling a bit stifled.

Mo Yu, sitting beside them, shifted slightly, trying to make herself as invisible as possible. Who can understand my suffering right now? I don’t want to be in this carriage—I want to hide underneath it!

Xu Nian realized her question might have been easily misunderstood, but seeing the young man with his eyes shut and a cold expression made her a little indignant.

Fine, I’ll work hard to farm, I won’t complain. After all, I like it. But why did fate have to assign me such a proud and aloof fiancé? I prefer gentle and obedient little puppy types!

She took a deep breath. For the sake of her future comfort, she curved her lips into a sweet smile.

“Jin’an, I wasn’t really paying attention earlier. You know I’m just a simple village girl with no experience. When you suddenly told me you’re a prince, of course, I got curious.”

“I’m not Xiao Liuzi.”

Xu Nian’s mouth twitched. Hmph, Xiao Liuzi is much easier to deal with than you.

“Hehe~ I know, I know. You’re Changsheng… gege.”

At last, Luo Jin’an’s tense expression relaxed. He curled his fingers, pressing them against his lips to suppress a smile. “I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll come to see you again another day…”

“Alrighty~”

Luo Jin’an watched as Xu Nian, without hesitation, jumped off the carriage and left. His face turned cold once again.

Mo Yu quickly bowed her head and hurried out as well. I should go gather some intelligence instead. Staying by His Highness’s side is too stressful for my fragile heart.

Xu Nian didn’t leave immediately after jumping down. She understood the art of serving the God of Wealth well.

Not until the convoy had completely disappeared into the distance did she turn back toward home.

The main hall of the Xu family was lively, with Madam Wang and her daughters-in-law sorting through the gifts Luo Jin’an had brought.

“My goodness! Just how much silver did this cost?”

Madam Wang had already filled an entire chest with fine fabrics of various colors. Another chest was packed with exquisite pastries and high-quality wines.

Even Zheng Shi couldn’t help but gasp in amazement.

“Mother, look at what’s in this chest. I think these are for Nian’er.”

Madam Wang walked over for a closer look. Indeed, these were for the eldest girl.

It was the only chest containing ready-made clothing, all in vibrant, youthful colors—clearly meant for an eleven- or twelve-year-old girl.

Piece by piece, Madam Wang carefully sorted through them, discovering a total of eight complete sets of dresses. There was also a small jewelry box inside, likely meant to match the outfits.

The men, uninterested in clothing and jewelry, had gathered around the wine jars, evaluating them.

“This wine smells pure and rich—definitely top-quality. Tonight, we should have a proper taste.”

Xu Fugui and his brothers were all delighted at the thought of a drink.

But Madam Wang immediately poured cold water on their enthusiasm.

“Drink what? This wine is far too good—we should save it for the New Year celebrations.”

Just as Xu Nian entered the hall, she heard this statement.

“Grandma, what’s so good that it needs to be saved?”

The moment her grandfather , Old Xu, saw his eldest granddaughter, his eyes lit up.

“Big girl, come over here and smell this wine. It’s top-tier stuff!”

Xu Nian walked over and took a sniff. The rich aroma of the wine was indeed enticing. It was a pity she didn’t know how to brew white liquor, but in the future, she could grow some grapes and make wine for everyone to try.

“It does smell quite nice. Since that’s the case, I’ll make a few good dishes tonight so that Grandpa and my uncles can enjoy a few drinks.”

Old Xu’s plan had succeeded. He burst into hearty laughter. “Great, great! We’ll listen to our eldest girl.”

Zheng Shi and Little Wang Shi couldn’t help but lower their heads and chuckle at Old Xu’s pleased expression.

Madam Wang playfully scolded him with a smile. “Only Nian’er spoils you all like this. Just one jar, understood? The rest of the wine must not be touched.”

Still feeling uneasy, she picked up the wine jar and went off to hide it.

Xu Nian looked at the chests on the ground and realized just how many things Luo Jin’an had brought. Compared to that, the gift she had prepared in return seemed rather meager.

“Nian’er, I’ll move this chest into your room later. These are all things that Young Master Mu specifically brought for you.”

Looking at the clothes and jewelry inside, Xu Nian felt like fate was truly on her side. She had been worrying about what to wear to the banquet, and now, here it was!

For the sake of these fine clothes and accessories, she decided that next time, she would be extra sweet to Luo Jin’an.

Originally, Xu Nian had planned to go to the county yamen today, but Luo Jin’an’s visit had disrupted her schedule. However, at least she had saved time by not needing to buy new clothes.

The Next Day

After packing her things, Xu Nian rode in the donkey cart driven by Xu Fugui and headed to the county yamen.

Meanwhile, Tian Shi, who had been waiting at the yamen, was growing anxious. Her daughter was supposed to arrive yesterday, but there was still no sign of her.

With only a few days left before Old Madam Mei’s birthday banquet, Tian Shi was worried there wouldn’t be enough time to prepare her daughter’s outfits.

When Xu Nian finally arrived, she realized she had brought too many things and couldn’t carry them all inside by herself. Fortunately, Granny Xu spotted her and helped deliver them into the courtyard.

“Thank you, Granny. Here are a few coins for some tea.”

Granny Xu accepted them graciously, smiling brightly. “Thank you, Miss Xu, for your kindness.”

Hearing the voices in the courtyard, Tian Shi rushed outside. Seeing that her daughter had finally arrived, she happily helped carry everything inside.

“Nian’er, you must have kept me waiting! I was worried sick. You were supposed to come yesterday. What happened?”

“I planned to, but Changsheng came to our house, so I was delayed.”

“Changsheng went to Wanying Village? That child is very thoughtful.”

Xu Nian chuckled to herself. If Mother knew that boy’s true identity, I doubt she’d still call him ‘that child’ so casually.