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“I’ll take my leave then,” Su Jiu said, not bothering to be polite as he left with Ming Wanning.
Xuan Feiran felt a headache coming on.
“Brother, consider my eldest brother’s feelings. After all, it’s been a long time since he last saw his wife.”
After a moment’s thought, Xuan Feiran conceded, “I’ll let it go this time for your sake.”
Su Yu gave Xuan Feiran a sardonic look, knowing he didn’t have to give in to his brother’s demands.
After Xuan Feiran returned to the palace, the other generals left with their families to rest before attending the evening banquet.
At noon, Lou Manqing hurried to Su Yu. “Su Yu, should I directly propose or is there a formal way to do it?”
“Hire a matchmaker to accompany you with your parents and set the betrothal gifts,” Su Yu replied, giving Lou Manqing a knowing look. He couldn’t believe he needed advice on such a matter. What was he thinking?
Embarrassed, Lou Manqing said, “I’ve never proposed before, you know?”
“Have you never seen a pig run despite never eating pork?” Su Yu sarcastically remarked.
How could Lou Manqing, usually so clever, suddenly become so foolish when it came to Ming Wanxin’s matters?
Seeing Su Yu’s blunt criticism, Wang Jinhe hesitated for a moment before deciding not to expose Su Yu’s true nature.
Thinking back to when they were engaged, Su Yu had displayed a similar foolishness. How could he now mock others for it?
Observing Wang Jinhe’s knowing smile, Su Yu silently conveyed, “Do you want me to become a laughingstock, dear?”
Wang Jinhe chuckled and lowered her head. She didn’t want Su Yu to be ridiculed by others. While he could handle such jokes alone, she preferred not to embarrass Su Yu publicly, especially since he was her husband.
“We need to inform the Ming family as well. I’ll go there myself. Let’s not disturb Ningning; it might upset her husband if we intrude at this time,” Wang Jinhe teasingly suggested.
Su Yu nodded enthusiastically beside her, “If it were me, I would just toss them out.”
“…,” Wang Jinhe looked at Su Yu speechlessly. She wasn’t referring to him, so why was he feeling defensive?
“Are you still finding fault with me like this, Xiao He?”
“It’s not like that.”
“Manqing, when will your parents arrive here? I’ll go to the Ming family and inform them, so you don’t have to suddenly show up without notice.”
“My parents will arrive this afternoon.”
“Great, you two continue talking. I’ll go inform them.”
“Why do we need a matchmaker? Can’t we just bring sister-in-law along? Isn’t she acting as the matchmaker?” Lou Manqing smacked his head, pondering aloud.
Wang Jinhe looked at Lou Manqing, impressed by his resourcefulness. “You’re quite clever to come up with such ideas.”
Upon reflection, it seemed there was nothing wrong with the idea after all.
“How do you feel about it, husband?” Wang Jinhe asked Su Yu.
“It’s fine.” After all, it was for a friend, so having his wife act as a matchmaker was acceptable.
“Let’s go with that then.” Once agreed, they had to see it through and help their friend.
After Wang Jinhe went to the Ming family, Lou Manqing discussed their future plans with Su Yu.
Lou Manqing’s verbose manner made Su Yu feel like throwing him out.
Rubbing his forehead wearily, Su Yu looked at Lou Manqing, “Are you done talking?”
“Huh? I’m finished,” Lou Manqing replied.
“Then let me have some peace. What’s the point of discussing with me when you should be talking to your parents? That’s the main thing,” Su Yu expressed his exasperation. Despite all the discussion, Lou Manqing still needed to consult his parents for decisions.
Lou Manqing cleared his throat. “I was just a bit excited thinking about my parents’ imminent arrival.”
This time, Su Yu refrained from teasing Lou Manqing because he remembered that he was in a similar state when proposing to Wang Jinhe. So, he could empathize with Lou Manqing’s excitement.
When Wang Jinhe arrived at the Ming family’s residence, they promptly welcomed her inside.
The head of the Ming family, upon hearing of Wang Jinhe’s visit, came out in surprise, “Princess, what brings you here today?”
“I’m just here on behalf of someone else. Is Third Uncle Ming around?” Wang Jinhe inquired.
The head of the Ming family immediately understood the situation.
“Princess, please come inside. I will have someone fetch my brother and sister-in-law.”
“Thank you.”
Soon, Third Master Ming and his wife arrived, joined by the senior members of the Ming family. Through their interactions over the past days, Wang Jinhe learned that major family events like marriages were handled collectively by the three brothers and their wives, a tradition followed by Ming Wanning and the now the soon to be betrothed Ming Wanxin.
This sense of balance and harmony was quite admirable and somewhat enviable.
“Lou Manqing informed me today that his parents will arrive this afternoon, and they plan to come for the proposal the day after tomorrow. He suggested I act as the matchmaker. What do you think about this arrangement?” Wang Jinhe proposed.
Third Master Ming and Third madam Ming were delighted. Having the princess as the matchmaker was indeed the best scenario, which pleased them greatly.
“Thank you for your help, Princess.”
“It’s no trouble at all. We’re all family.”
The Ming family nodded with smiles. The princess was right; they were all considered family now. Sometimes, saying too much could make things seem less familiar.
“Since you agree, I will inform Lou Manqing and you can inform Xinxin,” Wang Jinhe said.
“Okay.”
After returning to the Mansion, Lou Manqing eagerly awaited Wang Jinhe. His eager gaze made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
“Xiao He, don’t tease him too much. You might end up making him cry,” Su Yu said, unable to contain his laughter.
Suppressing a smile, Wang Jinhe looked at Lou Manqing. “I’ve spoken to the Ming family. We will go for the proposal the day after tomorrow.”
“Why not tomorrow?”
“Your parents are traveling a long way. Shouldn’t they rest first? Let them handle their matters and have some rest. Are you still human?” Wang Jinhe retorted, a hint of exasperation in her tone.
Thinking about the five sisters in the Ming family, Wang Jinhe stroked her chin and looked at Su Yu, “Husband, Ningning’s five sisters are also approaching marriageable age. Look at your friends like Yin fan, all still single. How about introducing them to the Ming family girls? The Ming family’s daughters are all quite nice, after all, it’s best to keep the good things within the family.”
Su Yu looked at Wang Jinhe with a mix of amusement and exasperation, shaking his head, “Haven’t you had enough matchmaking fun with Lou Manqing? Now you want to arrange marriages for everyone around me?”
“Of course! If you all get married, shouldn’t they too?”
“I actually think Nan Qiao and Ningning’s youngest sister would make a good match. They’re only about four or five years apart in age, which seems suitable.” Ningning’s younger sister is thirteen this year, and Nan Qiao is not yet seventeen; they do seem compatible.
“They’re both nice individuals. I’ll ask them about their thoughts later. If they’re willing, great; if not, we shouldn’t force it,” Wang Jinhe acknowledged, understanding that forcing relationships was never a good idea.