Chapter 4: The Young Master has found his true love!

Liu Yuru was stunned into silence as she held the box of rouge.

The other girls in the shop busied themselves with their selections, unaware of the exchange between Gu Jiusi and her. Yin Hong, returning from choosing her own rouge, smiled upon seeing her mistress holding the rouge. “Miss, aren’t you going to pick another box?”

“Hmm,” Liu Yuru lowered her eyes. Now that everyone was choosing rouge, it would look strange if she didn’t. Discreetly tucking the rouge into her sleeve, she moved to select a few boxes.

“Miss Liu,” the shopkeeper said with a knowing smile, “Young Master Gu can be like that. Don’t take it personally. He speaks harshly, but his heart is kind. Perhaps your brother won their gambling match, and this was his way of venting. Just bear with it, and it will pass. See? After his outburst, he spent money to make himself happy.”

“You’re right,” Liu Yuru sighed, “I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you, Sister.”

While Liu Yuru selected rouge, Gu Jiusi returned to the gambling den. However, their conversation quickly made its way back to the Gu family. 

In the main hall, Gu Langhua scolded his son while his wife looked on. He said furiously, “Ungrateful brat! Does he think I arranged his engagement for no reason? Isn’t it because I’m afraid his uncle will recommend him to the palace? With his looks, if a princess takes a liking to him, does he think he can handle it?”

“Don’t be angry,” Madam Gu, Jiang Rou, consoled him. “Jiusi has a point. It’s his marriage; he should find someone he likes. Arranging it so hastily… if he ends up with someone he doesn’t like, that’s hardly ideal.”

“Then what is ideal? Marrying a princess?!”

As they argued, the steward rushed in. “Master! Madam!” he exclaimed. “We found her!”

“Found who?” Both Gu Langhua and Jiang Rou asked, puzzled.

“The young master’s beloved!” the steward declared.

Jiang Rou spoke first, her voice rising. “Jiusi has a beloved? Why has he never mentioned this?”

Gu Langhua, ever composed, asked, “How do you know this?”

The steward recounted the guards’ report. “The young master said, if it’s not this young lady, then he won’t marry anyone!” 

He beamed. “Isn’t that the mark of a beloved? Master, I know the young lady. I’ve sent someone to inquire about her. She comes from a good family and has a gentle nature. Perhaps her appearance is a touch plain, but virtue matters more in a wife. And if the young master likes her, that’s what matters most.”

“The steward has a point,” Jiang Rou agreed, regaining her composure. “Quick—find out all you can about her. If she’s truly as good as you say, your master and I will propose tomorrow.”

The steward took his leave, while Gu Langhua turned to his wife. “Madam,” he said, a thoughtful frown on his face, “This all seems rather odd.”

“It is,” Jiang Rou sighed. “Jiusi tells me everything, yet kept this girl secret? And an ordinary girl at that… How did they even meet?”

Gu Langhua remained silent, pondering. Finally, he said, “Don’t mention the proposal to Jiusi yet. Let’s secure the engagement first to this girl… he claims he’ll marry no one else. This time, there’ll be no room for his protests.”

Jiang Rou hesitated. “Proposing without telling him… isn’t that wrong?”

“It’s fine,” Gu Langhua waved his hand, “If we delay any longer, your brother might suggest taking Jiusi to the capital. Then, any refusal on our part will look suspicious.”

Understanding his reasoning, Jiang Rou nodded. Gu Langhua no longer cared about Jiusi’s words. After all, his son had given them the perfect excuse to sidestep any argument.

Liu Yuru was a native of Yangzhou. Her past was ordinary, just like a standard well-bred young lady from a good family. The next day, the steward brought back a portrait of Liu Yuru and her life story. The Gu couple was very satisfied. For their unreliable son to find such a dependable girl, they felt it couldn’t be better.

“However,” the steward added, a touch of hesitation in his voice, “There are rumors that Old Madam Ye favors Miss Liu, and the families might have privately settled on a marriage.”

Jiang Rou became anxious, “So it’s settled?”

The steward quickly said, “No, it’s just a rumor.”

Gu Langhua considered this and calmly said, “Then we shall visit the Liu family ourselves to clarify matters. If the two families have indeed settled on a marriage, a gentleman does not steal another’s intended. If it’s not settled, the choice rests with the Liu family.”

The steward understood his Master’s intention. The next day, bearing a meticulously prepared betrothal gift list, Gu Langhua and Jiang Rou arrived at the Liu family’s gate.

When the Gu couple arrived at the Liu household, Liu Yuru was tending to her mother in her inner chambers. Neither Zhang Yue nor Liu Xuan expected the Gu family’s proposal and thus, didn’t summon Liu Yuru to come out.

The Gu family’s wealth and influence were well known in Yangzhou. Zhang Yue and Liu Xuan, while polite, held a touch of apprehension as they sought to understand Gu Langhua’s purpose. 

After an amiable conversation, Gu Langhua spoke directly, “I’ve heard rumors of a happy occasion in your esteemed family. It seems Miss Liu and the Ye family have plans for marriage. Is this true?”

Liu Xuan and Zhang Yue looked at each other. Zhang Yue was quick-witted and immediately deduced the Gu family’s intent. She realized that the Gu family’s visit today was because of Liu Yuru.

Liu Yuru was Su Wan’s daughter. While Zhang Yue held no fondness for her, she maintained a decent relationship on the surface. She observed Liu Yuru’s efforts to find a good match and knew the girl sought a prosperous marriage.

A good match meant substantial betrothal gifts, which would eventually benefit her own sons. Therefore, Zhang Yue was happy to let Liu Yuru make her arrangements. 

When the Ye family previously came, she was already very satisfied. The Ye family’s betrothal gifts were considerable, so she was eager to marry Liu Yuru off to them. However, compared to the Gu family, what did the Ye family’s wealth amount to?

While Liu Xuan hesitated, Zhang Yue smiled and declared, “Those are just rumors. Our Yuru and the young miss Ye are close, hence the ties with their family. But marriage? Never discussed. The Ye family’s eldest son is busy with the imperial examinations. How would he have time to discuss such things?”

Liu Xuan felt a knot of unease at the blatant lie, but with Zhang Yue having spoken, he couldn’t contradict her. All he could manage was a nod and a strained, “Indeed, no engagement has been settled.”

Jiang Rou and Gu Langhua exchanged a relieved glance. Jiang Rou came directly to the point, “To be honest, we have come today to ask for Miss Liu’s hand in marriage for our son, Jiusi.”

She proceeded to praise Liu Yuru and then Gu Jiusi. Finally, she waved to her attendant and addressed Liu Xuan, “The Gu family values sincerity in all dealings. If you agree, this is a list of betrothal gifts we offer. We will present them formally tomorrow. If anything is unsatisfactory, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.”

Zhang Yue’s eyes lit up. She beamed at Liu Xuan as he accepted the list. Judging from its sheer length, it was already astonishing, and the sums involved were staggering for an ordinary merchant family like the Liu family. Zhang Yue observed Liu Xuan closely; though he tried to appear composed, his eyes betrayed his excitement. She had a good idea of the situation.

Liu Xuan finished reading the list and handed it to Zhang Yue. As her eyes scanned the figures, her breath caught in her throat. However, she still cleared her throat and forced a mask of regret onto her face. “Although I am not Yuru’s birth mother, she is our family’s legitimate daughter, and I have raised her as my own. Of course, material wealth pales in comparison to Young Master Gu’s sincerity towards her.”

After thoroughly researching the Liu family, Jiang Rou understood Zhang Yue’s character. She grasped the implicit meaning of “sincerity.” Glancing at Gu Langhua, she smiled, “Our family does not excel in elegant speech. We express our sincerity through gold and silver, but we have no intention of disrespecting the young miss. After all, in this life, only the tangible is truly within our grasp, don’t you agree?”

“How about this,” Gu Langhua cleared his throat, “we own five shops on East Street. Those will be added to the betrothal gifts. What do you think?”

East Street was the most prosperous street in Yangzhou City. A single shop was worth a fortune, let alone five!

Even for the Gu family, this was a generous offer.

Zhang Yue knew when to quit while ahead. With a glance at Liu Xuan, she suppressed her excitement, “Master, Young Master Gu is already exceptionally talented. That he admires Yuru is her good fortune, don’t you think?”

Hearing Zhang Yue’s words, Liu Xuan’s gaze fell on the gift list. He was torn between concern for Liu Yuru’s future and reluctance to part with such riches. After a long internal struggle, he finally asked, “Might I inquire what Young Master Gu himself thinks of this marriage?”

He had interacted with the Gu couple and found them agreeable. If Liu Yuru married into their family, she shouldn’t face ill-treatment. Though Gu Jiusi was… somewhat unrestrained, a woman’s happiness ultimately depended on her husband’s affection.

Jiang Rou laughed, “If my son did not admire Miss Liu so greatly, would we have gone to such lengths?”

Liu Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. A family like the Gu family, even marrying down, should have gone to the Liyu family first. 

He smiled, about to say he would consult Liu Yuru, but Zhang Yue smoothly interjected, “Then this is a match made in heaven, destined by the God of Marriage! Our Yuru has mentioned before that Young Master Gu is handsome, chivalrous, and a rare, good man!”

Liu Xuan’s expression subtly shifted, but Jiang Rou was quick to seize the thread. “Did Miss Liu truly say such things?”

“Indeed,” Zhang Yue replied, engaging Jiang Rou in conversation. “Though our Yuru may not have much interaction with Young Master Gu, she has always praised him highly.”

“That’s wonderful,” Jiang Rou turned to Liu Xuan and said, “Master Liu, then we will come tomorrow to formally present the betrothal gifts. Let’s settle it like this, shall we?”

Caught between the two women’s resolute words, Liu Xuan found it difficult to refuse. After careful consideration, he reminded himself that marriage was a matter for parents and matchmakers. Liu Yuru was a gentle, obedient daughter. Whether she wed Ye Shi’an or Gu Jiusi, it should matter little to her.

Liu Xuan nodded and replied with a smile, “Very well. The Liu household will eagerly await your esteemed presence tomorrow.”

He stood up and escorted Gu Langhua and Jiang Rou out alongside Zhang Yue. Once they had departed, Liu Xuan sighed and addressed his concubine, “You go and inform Yuru of this matter. Such things are best discussed between women.”

Zhang Yue agreed, a comforting smile on her lips. “Do not fret, Master. The Gu family is far superior to the Ye. The Ye household is bound by many strict rules, but the Gu family offers more freedom. They hold both power and influence, and Gu Jiusi is their only heir. While his temperament may be a touch unrestrained, is any man in this world without flaw? If Gu Jiusi cherishes our Yuru, she shall live a life of comfort.”

“You speak the truth,” Liu Xuan said with a hint of relief in his voice. “You have given this much thought.”

“Rest assured. I will speak with Yuru personally,” Zhang Yue soothed. “She is still young. For a decision as momentous as marriage, it is best that her elders choose wisely for her.”

Zhang Yue’s words eased Liu Xuan’s concerns, and he returned to his business matters. Once he had departed, she sent someone to inquire about Liu Yuru and Gu Jiusi’s situation, and heard about the recent incident at the rouge shop.

This news brought a smile to Zhang Yue’s face. “Su Wan may be incompetent,” she mused to a nearby maidservant, “but her daughter possesses a certain allure. Very well, use this as pretext—confine her to her quarters for half a month due to her improper conduct. First, we must secure this engagement. Instruct the servants to guard their tongues. If word of this reaches her before the betrothal is official, I shall have them sold!”

The maidservant understood that Zhang Yue was serious and hurriedly said, “Rest assured, no one will gossip.”

Zhang Yue nodded. After further contemplation, she added, “Speak to her gently. She likely still believes Ye Shi’an will return and propose. Coax her more. Once the engagement with the Gu family is settled, I will go and persuade her.”

“Understood,” the maidservant said with a smile, “Do not worry. This matter will be handled with utmost tact. She is, after all, the future Young Madam Gu. I dare not cause offense.”

“A pity,” Zhang Yue sighed. “I have no suitable daughter of my own. Xue’er is too young. Otherwise, the Ye family wouldn’t be bad either.”

“This Liu Yuru,” Zhang Yue looked down at the list of gifts and scoffed, “is really worth a lot of money.”

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Translator’s Notes:

My blood was boiling while translating this. The gall of her. His father might have some conscience but it’s just that, benefits triumphed over his daughter’s welfare in the end. He can already sense Zhang Yue’s manipulation, but he still left it to her to inform Yuru? I guess he just didn’t want to face her.

To break an engagement is a deep insult, even though it’s an unofficial engagement, but it’s common courtesy to follow through once both elders/parents agreed. And this will cause Yuru to be look down upon once the matter become known. So all that inner turmoil is hogwash. I just hope Yuru can get her own betrothal gifts.