That day, they took the carriage to town, only returning around dusk. Shen Qingzhu was still being helped down from the carriage, putting on his usual “weak” appearance. They had no idea how much panic the Zhou family went through when they heard, only knowing that they had a great time in town.

However, due to this incident, Zhou Song’s plan to formally propose was delayed by a few days, waiting until the gossip in the village had quieted down. He prepared himself once more and was ready to make the visit.

The pair of live geese he had painstakingly caught in the mountains were being well-cared for, though when he tried to carry one away, they started calling out mournfully. Geese are known to be affectionate, and it’s said that if one loses its mate, the other will soon become despondent. That’s why geese are often used for marriage proposals, as they represent loyalty. If not carefully handled, one might not make it to the engagement ceremony when the other would be presented.

Many people send wooden geese instead to avoid such issues. But Zhou Song wasn’t one to take the easy way out; he wanted to show his utmost sincerity and therefore chose the best he could offer.

After a long time soothing them, promising they’d be reunited soon, he attempted to carry one away again. This time, the geese remained quiet, as if they understood. Zhou Song sighed in relief.

He then put on the new clothes he’d had made earlier. They were bright blue, a color he’d never worn before. Even after they were ready, he hadn’t felt comfortable wearing them. Now, with them on, he kept tugging at the sleeves and adjusting the collar.

His hair was neatly combed, not tied up fully as he usually did for ease during work. Instead, he left it in a ponytail at the back, adding a touch of youthful energy and making him look more lively.

Despite everything being in place, he couldn’t help but keep checking his clothes, straightening his hair, and making sure nothing was out of place or dirty.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk…” Lin Erzhu had come along with his mother to watch, clicking his tongue as soon as he saw Zhou Song, shaking his head.

Zhou Song grew a bit nervous under the sound, muttering, “Does it look bad?”

Lin Erzhu shook his head again, sighing, “Brother Song, didn’t I tell you before? You should dress up more often. Looking this handsome, not just the neighboring village’s daughter of Li Yuanwai would want to marry you, even the county magistrate’s daughter would!”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Aunt Qian, who had been admiring Zhou Song’s outfit with a grin, smacked the back of his head. “Your brother Song is going to propose to Shen Xiaolang today. He wouldn’t even care for the daughters of Li Yuanwai or the magistrate!”

“Right, right, my mistake,” Lin Erzhu nodded, rubbing the back of his head and giving his brother Song a thumbs-up. “My Brother Song and Shen Xiaolang really are a perfect match!”

“Absolutely,” Matchmaker Liu agreed enthusiastically. “Those two standing together would be a feast for the eyes!”

Hearing their words, Zhou Song visibly relaxed, a faint smile appearing on his face.

“Come on, let’s go early and get this settled quickly,” Aunt Qian beamed with joy, looking as excited as she had been when arranging a match for Lin Erzhu.

Zhou Song nodded, carrying the goose in one arm and holding the engagement gifts in the other. Lin Erzhu followed them out of the courtyard, though he didn’t plan to go along—this occasion wasn’t suitable for him, so he would wait at home for good news.

A group like this walking through the village, with a matchmaker among them, clearly meant only one thing.

A proposal wasn’t surprising, but the fact that Zhou Song was the one proposing was very much so. Everyone in the village knew the matchmakers had worn out their paths to his door, yet he had remained single all this time. To see him going to propose now?

“Zhou boy, who are you going to propose to?” Curiosity is only natural, and someone couldn’t help but ask aloud.

Zhou Song was about to speak, but Aunt Qian smiled and answered for him, “To Shen Xiaolang’s family.”

Hearing this, the crowd understood. No wonder Zhou Song was finally interested—it was Shen Xiaolang. Given how good Zhou Song looked, if even he hadn’t managed to win his heart, he might’ve stayed single forever.

“That’s great! I think our entire Qi Shan Village, only Zhou boy, is fit to marry Shen Xiaolang!” said one aunt, full of praise.

Zhou Song felt quite pleased at their words.

Aunt Qian smiled in response, “If this works out, I’ll be sure to invite you to the wedding banquet.”

Hearing about a happy event, the other villagers naturally responded warmly.

Though she spoke modestly, the fact that they were directly bringing gifts for the proposal meant it was practically settled. Naturally, others joined in, offering their congratulations.

They chatted and laughed as they made their way to the Shen family’s door. Before knocking, Zhou Song had Aunt Qian check his attire again, making sure he was presentable, then Matchmaker Liu stepped forward to call at the door.

“Open the door, master of the house! We’ve come with joyous news!” Matchmaker Liu’s voice was bright, full of cheer.

Soon enough, Wu Lanshu came to open the door. She had also dressed up for the occasion, wearing a vibrant outfit and adorning herself with pearl hairpins. Her elegance set her apart from the village ladies.

Seeing her, Matchmaker Liu immediately began showering her with compliments, each one unique, not repeating a single phrase.

Who doesn’t love hearing praise? Wu Lanshu beamed and quickly invited everyone inside.

They entered the hall and immediately noticed Shen Qingzhu sitting there, waiting for them. Since coming to the village, his clothes had become much simpler, though they still couldn’t hide his grace, making him seem a bit more approachable.

But today, he was dressed in a light moon-colored robe with silver embroidery on the hem and cuffs. A jade pendant hung from his waist, and his ink-black hair was partially tied back with a silver hair clasp.

When he looked up, his peach-blossom eyes nearly made Zhou Song lose his sense of direction.

This young masterly appearance seated there made the whole group a bit nervous, hesitating at the doorway, unsure if they should come in.

Even Matchmaker Liu, experienced and skilled in words, found herself momentarily speechless.

It wasn’t until Shen Qingzhu stood up and smiled at them, saying, “Please, come in and sit,” that she let out a sigh of relief, thinking, My goodness, with such grace, no wonder Zhou Song was utterly smitten. Even I can’t help stealing a few glances.

Turning back, she noticed that Zhou Song’s gaze was fixed on Shen Qingzhu, unable to look away. She sighed inwardly, Who could resist being captivated by him?

As the atmosphere relaxed, Matchmaker Liu regained her skills, showering Shen Qingzhu with praises from the heart.

Shen Qingzhu listened with a faint smile, neither overly enthusiastic nor distant, occasionally glancing over at the Qian Yuan who kept sneaking glances at him.

Today’s attire wasn’t for nothing; knowing how seriously men took proposals, he wanted to show Zhou Song he wasn’t treating it lightly either. It was a mark of respect for him.

Once everyone was seated, they got to the main topic. Matchmaker Liu looked around and said with a smile, “This match today really is a joyous one. Just look at the pair, they’re a perfect match!”

Her words were completely sincere. With their qualities and appearances, they would stand out not only in Qi Shan Village but even in town. And as a Qian Yuan and a Kun Ze, it was as if they were destined to be together.

Aunt Qian chimed in with a smile, “Absolutely! The first time I saw Shen Xiaolang, I thought a heavenly immortal had descended to earth! I didn’t dare say a word. Zhou boy is lucky to marry such a man.”

“Qian family sister, you’re too kind. Zhou Song is a fine young man, and if Qingzhu and he marry, I’ll feel at ease.” Wu Lanshu spoke sincerely. If anyone in the village was a match for her young master, it was Zhou Song.

Especially after what happened recently, she understood that although Zhou Song seemed quiet and mild, he would stand up to protect her young master, even if it meant fighting his own cousin.

After learning that her young master was interested in this match, Wu Lanshu had discreetly asked around. The Zhou family was known for being difficult, and though Zhou Song lived separately, they still troubled him now and then. All these years, he had never retaliated, much less fought back.

This time, for the sake of her young master, he’d fought his cousin fiercely, showing how much he cared and how he wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect.

From that point on, Wu Lanshu had no reservations about this marriage.

Matchmaker Liu and Aunt Qian exchanged a knowing glance, understanding that the Shen family had no objections, and Shen Xiaolang himself looked more than pleased.

Seeing this, Matchmaker Liu said, “Alright, if Madam Wu and Shen Xiaolang have any specific requests, please do let us know.”

Wu Lanshu stayed silent this time, looking toward her young master. Naturally, everyone’s attention followed her gaze to him.

Under their watchful eyes, Shen Qingzhu didn’t feel pressured at all. He turned to Zhou Song and, catching his nervous gaze, spoke, “I have no particular demands, but there are a few things I need to say first. I’m not an easygoing person—I don’t like being restrained. If you’re looking for a gentle and obedient spouse, I’m afraid I’m not the right choice…”

Hearing this, Zhou Song opened his mouth as if to say something, but Shen Qingzhu raised a hand to stop him.

“One more thing—I don’t tolerate infidelity. Once we’re engaged, you’d best keep away from those other flings. If you ever betray me, I won’t let you live in peace. So, think it through.”

Matchmaker Liu and Aunt Qian were taken aback, Shen Qingzhu’s words going against the usual notion of submission. He looked gentle, even smiling, yet his words were sharp.

But, as women, they couldn’t help but feel his words were spot-on.

Wu Lanshu remained calm, already familiar with her young master’s personality, and looked expectantly at Zhou Song, curious to see his response.

“I’ve thought it through,” Zhou Song answered without hesitation, looking straight into Shen Qingzhu’s eyes. “I want to marry you not because I want an obedient spouse, but because I like you. Since my heart is yours, I intend for it to remain so for life. You may not believe me now, but I’ll spend a lifetime proving it.”

Shen Qingzhu stared at him for a long moment, not speaking. Zhou Song met his gaze unflinchingly, his deep eyes reflecting only him.

The two stayed silent, making everyone else hold their breaths, too. The room was peaceful.

At last, Shen Qingzhu smiled, extending his hand to Wu Lanshu, who handed him a red invitation.

Holding the invitation, he stood and walked to Zhou Song. The man started to rise but hadn’t quite managed before Shen Qingzhu handed him the invitation. “Take this, and pick a good day to send the betrothal gifts.”

Only then did Zhou Song realize he was being given a birthdate card. Startled, he looked up at Shen Qingzhu.

Aunt Qian was also surprised, and then delighted. Sending the gifts meant they’d go straight to the engagement! She couldn’t help but double-check, “Should we skip the usual formalities…?”

“Those customs are just a waste of time, too much hassle. Since I’ve made up my mind, there’s no need for all that,” Shen Qingzhu said nonchalantly. He glanced at Zhou Song, still holding the invitation, and waved it teasingly, “What? Don’t want it?”

“I want it.” Zhou Song finally came to his senses, carefully accepting the card, his usually stern face softening into a silly smile.

Shen Qingzhu raised an amused eyebrow, turning to take his seat again.

“Wonderful! We’ve settled a good match today!” Matchmaker Liu exclaimed happily. This match had gone so smoothly, with no persuasion needed—her fee was already earned.

Not to mention that securing a match for Zhou Song meant her reputation would rise again.

With things decided, the atmosphere lightened.

Zhou Song carefully stored the invitation, then hesitated, looking at Shen Qingzhu before saying, “I have something for you.”

Shen Qingzhu sipped his tea and glanced at him. “What is it?”

Zhou Song glanced around, a bit embarrassed, scratching the back of his neck.

The three women watched them with amusement. Wu Lanshu eventually laughed, saying, “Go ahead and talk. We’ll chat here.”

Zhou Song immediately looked at Shen Qingzhu.

“Let’s go.” Shen Qingzhu stood and led the way outside.

Zhou Song quickly followed.

Watching them, Matchmaker Liu chuckled, “It seems Zhou Song will be tightly wrapped around his spouse’s finger, following his every word. I’ve never seen a man treat his wife like that!”

Aunt Qian covered her mouth, giggling.

Wu Lanshu smiled without comment, thinking, We’ll see who ends up worrying over whom. Zhou Song might find himself twisted around by our young master.