Madam Feng had nearly made up her mind, but still called the Second Madam and Fifth Madam over to discuss.

Second Madam observed the Old Lady’s demeanor and sensed she wasn’t satisfied with this marriage proposal. Considering only status, it would certainly be a good match, but when thinking about Wang Zan himself, she became uncertain. Fifth Madam pondered for a moment before saying, “Parents’ orders, matchmaker’s words. Although Official Wang isn’t from a prestigious family, he didn’t even observe proper etiquette, truly failing to live up to his position as a two-time imperial examination graduate. Without further thought, this marriage proposal is inappropriate.”

Second Madam glanced at Fifth Madam. Though her reasoning was sound, she had been too blunt.

Madam Feng naturally didn’t mind. She nodded, having already made up her mind.

When Madam Wang returned a few days later, she directly refused her.

Just then, Gu Lian came to pay respects, addressing Madam Feng as Grandmother and sitting beside her. Madam Feng took Gu Lian’s hand and smiled, “Why are you so happy? Have you received something nice again?”

Gu Lian shook her head with a grin: “Granddaughter heard someone proposed to cousin Jin Chao, so I’m happy.”

How could she not be happy? If Gu Jin Chao married, she would be the only legitimate daughter left in the family, and her Grandmother and Mother would depend solely on her. The moment Gu Lian heard from her maid, she rushed over.

Madam Feng tapped her forehead: “You’re already engaged, yet show no proper manners! This marriage cannot be settled, so don’t be too pleased…”

Gu Lian asked in confusion: “Why can’t it be settled? Cousin hasn’t received any proposals, and now that one has come, shouldn’t we quickly accept it? Besides, the cousin’s reputation is so bad, what good family could she marry into anyway! Last time when I was talking with the Li family’s seventh young lady, she asked about cousin Jin Chao, and I was too embarrassed to say anything!”

Such words came effortlessly from her mouth!

Second Madam quickly silenced her, then bowed to Madam Feng: “…The child speaks without restraint.”

Madam Feng sighed: “As her mother if she doesn’t mind her words, you should guide her. It matters little at home, but what will people think when she marries the Yao family and speaks this way? If she could be half as sensible and obedient as Zhao’er, I would be satisfied… Zhao’er hasn’t had an easy life. If not for being burdened by her poor reputation, she would certainly marry into a good family.”

Second Madam acknowledged this and thoroughly scolded Gu Lian after returning home. Privately, however, Gu Lian complained to her young maid: “She really is like that, yet no one can say so.” Still feeling indignant, she decided to go speak with Gu Lan.

The noble circles of Daxing were quite small, and news of the proposal spread quickly. Madam Ji Wu had always kept her eye on Gu Jin Chao’s marriage prospects through the managers of their Daxing shops, and as soon as the news circulated, a store manager immediately dispatched an assistant to send word to the Ji family in Tongzhou.

When Madam Ji Wu heard that Madam Wang had gone to the Gu family to propose marriage, she nearly spat out her tea.

Aunt Song quickly helped pat her back until she recovered. Madam Ji Wu waved her hand and said, “Quickly summon the Second Young Master to me!”

What was wrong with this Wang family? How could they think of proposing to Jin Chao? What kind of person was Wang Zan? How could he be worthy of their Zhao’er!

A toad wanting to eat swan meat! What nonsense, not knowing his capabilities!

When she heard that Madam Wang had proposed without even bringing a proper matchmaker, and the Gu family hadn’t immediately refused, Madam Ji Wu’s liver ached with anger. How could they treat the girl she cherished like this?

She had already invited the Baroness of Yongyang and planned to visit in a few days. Now she needed to hurry, lest the Gu family sell Jin Chao off without her knowing.

Ji Yao heard the news and came immediately. Madam Ji Wu explained in a few sentences: “…No need to stand on ceremony with the Gu family anymore. You go ahead to the Gu residence and meet your uncle. I’ll go directly to Baron Yongyang’s manor, and we’ll propose the day after tomorrow!”

Ji Yao solemnly agreed, and upon leaving, had his attendant fetch a horse.

As night fell, Ji Yao rode out from the Ji residence.

He recalled that day when he led little Jin Chao out to play. She wasn’t afraid at all, swinging her little feet while sitting by the river watching boats.

His heart was equally turbulent now.

He wondered how Gu Jin Chao was doing. Hearing she might marry Wang Zan, would she be scared?

She had never been afraid of anything since childhood, always so brave.

Before, when they were together at the Xianghe estate, he had distanced himself from her, and she had self-deprecatingly said: “Second Cousin doesn’t like Jin Chao, I know that. You don’t need to help me; I won’t tell Grandmother.”

Ji Yao wanted to explain to her that he did like her. Even if it was only following Madam Ji Wu’s orders, he would accept it. What was there not to accept? What good was stubbornly saving face? He just wanted to protect her always, regardless of what others thought!

A son of the Wang family, with such a reputation—what qualifications did he have to marry her?

Ji Yao pressed his lips tightly together.

The galloping horse raced along the official road toward the capital’s Daxing district.

When Gu Jin Chao heard that Madam Feng had called two aunts to talk, and then the East Courtyard had fallen silent, she knew this marriage wouldn’t happen. She sighed in relief but still didn’t feel truly at ease. Her marriage remained a significant matter. Whether finding a legitimate son from a good family or a poor but talented scholar, she wouldn’t be mistreated. Perhaps she should have Manager Luo pay special attention, as the Gu family couldn’t be relied upon.

Qing Pu came to extinguish the lamp and tucked it in her blanket. Jin Chao lay awake for a while, staring at the ceiling before slowly falling asleep. In the middle of the night, she was awakened by rustling sounds outside. Gu Jin Chao rose and put on her fox fur cape, opening the lattice window to see heavy snow falling outside.

The snow was so heavy it had broken a branch from the bare locust tree in the courtyard. The roof and steps were covered with a thick layer of snow, and countless snowflakes danced in the night sky, making it impossible to see the courtyard gate.

Qing Pu, sleeping in the adjacent room, heard the noise and quickly lit a candle. “Young Miss, why are you up? It’s snowing heavily and very cold…”

Gu Jin Chao replied: “Look, lights have been lit outside. Either something has happened in the residence, or someone has arrived.”

Just across from them was the outer courtyard’s reception area.

But who would come in such heavy snow? Gu Jin Chao sensed something had happened and wanted to wait and see.

Qing Pu indeed saw lanterns lit in the outer courtyard. Seeing the heavy snow, she turned and entered the western side room, returning shortly with a hand warmer and a satin jacket for Jin Chao to change into. Gu Jin Chao watched for a while, hearing no sounds, but the lights remained on.

She sent Xiu Qu, who was on night duty, to check outside.

Soon Xiu Qu returned and reported: “This servant saw the mansion gate open. They say someone has come to visit. A name card was given to our master, it seems to be someone from the Ji family…”

Gu Jin Chao frowned. Who from the Ji family would come on such a cold snowy night? Could there be an emergency?

Jin Chao glanced at the sky, which was already beginning to lighten. After a moment’s thought, she instructed Qing Pu to fetch water for washing, as she wanted to go to the outer courtyard to see what was happening.

Ji Yao hadn’t expected such heavy snow in the middle of the night. By the time he reached the Gu residence, delivered his name card, and was invited by the steward to rest in the guest quarters with a fire, his frozen hands gradually regained feeling. After hearing his maid’s report, Gu De Zhao invited Ji Yao to his study.

Gu De Zhao saw that Ji Yao’s gray squirrel cape was covered in snow and had a servant take it away to dry. He invited Ji Yao to sit and served him a bowl of ginger soup to ward off the cold. “Nephew, do you have some urgent matter to brave such heavy snow and wind…”

Ji Yao held the teacup for a long time before telling Gu De Zhao: “Uncle, to be frank, I’ve come to propose marriage.”

Gu De Zhao was greatly surprised: “Propose marriage?”

He almost wanted to ask, I have several daughters, which one are you proposing to? He had never heard of proposing like this, coming in the middle of the night through wind and snow—what was the rush? A marriage wouldn’t grow wings and fly away, so why such urgency? Why not find a proper matchmaker, choose an auspicious day, and come formally?

Gu De Zhao had initially thought something had happened to the Ji family. Now hearing Ji Yao’s single statement about proposing marriage, he couldn’t react for a long time.

Ji Yao continued: “I wish to propose to cousin Jin Chao. Grandmother has already asked the Baroness of Yongyang to act as a matchmaker, and they will come the day after tomorrow. I came ahead to make clear to Uncle that Jin Chao shouldn’t marry Wang Zan.” He paused, then said, “I want to see Gu Jin Chao.”

Gu De Zhao still hadn’t recovered.

What did he say… he wanted to marry Gu Jin Chao?

Gu De Zhao asked dryly: “You… you heard about Madam Wang coming to propose to Zhao’er? So you’ve come to propose?” Gu De Zhao thought, that perhaps Madam Ji Wu had sent Ji Yao to propose to help Zhao’er out of her predicament. But they had already decided not to accept the Wang family’s proposal.

What was the point of Ji Yao’s visit?

He wanted to explain clearly, but then heard Ji Yao say: “This isn’t a hasty decision on my part.” He had been thinking about this since he was thirteen, Ji Yao smiled slightly, “I’d like to speak with Jin Chao first if that’s alright?”

Gu De Zhao watched as Manager Li led Ji Yao to the inner courtyard, then suddenly stood up.

Shui Ying was startled: “Master, what’s wrong?”

Gu De Zhao smiled: “I’ve been worrying about Zhao’er’s marriage, but there’s nothing to worry about! Quickly prepare for me to wash up; I must see the Old Lady!” Ji Yao wanting to marry Gu Jin Chao was the best possible outcome. The Ji family was in no way inferior to noble families. Ji Yao was talented and virtuous; countless matchmakers had worn out the Ji family’s threshold with proposals, yet Ji Yao hadn’t accepted any.

If Zhao’er married Ji Yao, wouldn’t that be a most glorious affair?

What was that Wang Zan? He wasn’t even worthy of being mentioned alongside Ji Yao.