He was fifteen years older than her.

No matter how young he looked, this was an unchangeable fact.

Jinchao hadn’t understood what he meant by that statement… How could she possibly mind Third Master’s age? She felt that she wasn’t worthy of him.

She shook her head: “That would never happen.”

Third Master Chen looked up at her and said softly: “Since you feel this way, how could I mind those other things?”

He stood up and walked in front of Jinchao, standing with his hands behind his back, his voice lowered: “Someone has learned about the Daxing granary canal matter.” Before Jinchao could speak, he continued, “There are two possible consequences… If I say I helped because of Yuan Zhongru, I would certainly be rejected by Minister Zhang. But if I say it was because of you, there wouldn’t be any issue…” His gaze deepened, his voice gentle, “Do you understand the reasoning?”

Those who usurp power invariably fear being usurped in turn, which is why in ancient times, Emperor Taizu of Song used a toast to disarm his generals.

Third Master Chen had been implicated because he helped her. Otherwise, with his cautious nature, he would not have done something that, though morally right, was politically unwise.

Jinchao nodded.

Third Master Chen continued: “Besides… you said you would help me with a favor. I feel that in the future, I won’t have much to ask of you, so why not help me now?” He thought for a moment and said gently to her, “Since you don’t mind my age, then there’s nothing to mind.”

Jinchao was left speechless.

She had said she would help Third Master with a favor, but she never imagined Third Master Chen would ask for this kind of help… Jinchao had thought it through, figuring that the Third Master didn’t have anywhere she could help him. If there was one thing she could help with, it would be the Sichuan bandit suppression matter. She could warn him never to go to Sichuan in his lifetime.

But… The third Master wanted her to marry him.

He had laid out everything meticulously, calmly calculating the entire situation.

As Third Master Chen said, if she refused now, wouldn’t she be seen as someone who minded his age and didn’t keep her word?

The flower hall was filled with blooming crabapple blossoms, pink and white like piled snow.

Jinchao looked at the blossoming flowers, pondering this matter.

Actually… setting aside the factor of Chen Xuanqing, marrying Third Master Chen would be an excellent match, especially since she had some indescribable feelings for Third Master Chen. She was even a bit afraid of him… In her previous life, she had been a sheltered woman who, though not well-versed in court matters, definitely knew things that would benefit Third Master Chen.

In truth, if Third Master Chen wanted to marry her, he could have done so without asking for her opinion. Marriage arrangements were decided by parental command and matchmakers’ words. If Madam Feng agreed and her father agreed, what could she say? But he had specifically come to ask her…

Jinchao sighed: “Master Chen, I’ve done some foolish things in the past…”

It was difficult to speak of Chen Xuanqing, as those were matters from her previous life. Currently, only she, Gu Lan, and the now-insane Madam Song knew about this matter. Gu Lan wasn’t so foolish—revealing this would not only damage her reputation but also implicate all the women of the Gu family. By then, she wouldn’t have a good outcome either…

After thinking for a long time, Jinchao finally resolved to say, “In the future, no matter what, you must trust me.”

Chen Yan’yun didn’t ask what she was referring to. This young girl looked earnest and very determined.

She was quite adorable.

He nodded: “Since you’re already speaking of the future, how could I not comply?”

Jinchao felt relieved and smiled at him: “Then it’s settled!”

Her smile was faint, her face like a peach blossom, yet without any evasiveness.

Third Master Chen’s lips curved slightly, and he raised his hand to touch her hair, as if comforting a child: “Mm, good.”

Gu Jinchao was stunned.

He had already withdrawn his hand, and seeing that she was startled, he sighed: “Don’t worry, the maids didn’t see.”

Adjusting his sleeves, Third Master Chen continued: “The people of the Gu family don’t seem to treat you very well. I fear they might mistreat you.” He said, “Come with me.”

Having lived two lifetimes, Jinchao had very little experience interacting with men. She followed stiffly behind him toward the reception hall, keeping a considerable distance. Jinchao looked at Third Master Chen’s back as he stood before her—tall, straight, elegant, and refined. He walked slowly as if accommodating her pace.

In the reception hall, everyone was drinking tea and waiting for them. Gu Deyuan and Madam Feng were conversing in low voices, though their minds were elsewhere.

After waiting for a while, they saw Third Master Chen stride through the doorway. Madam Feng hurriedly walked over with a smile: “Master Chen, have you finished your conversation?”

Third Master Chen smiled without speaking, but turned back and made a beckoning gesture with his hand, saying, “Come.”

Gu Jinchao followed behind him, walking slowly. Jinchao could feel everyone’s gaze upon her. She lowered her head slightly as she crossed the threshold. After she sat down, Third Master Chen spoke to Madam Feng: “Old Madam, you needn’t worry. Everything is fine… My coming here today is improper…”

Jinchao felt two sharp gazes upon her. When she raised her head, she only saw the curtain on the left swaying and a glimpse of a water-red jacket embroidered with gold crabapple flowers disappearing beneath it.

In such a setting, it wasn’t appropriate for her to remain seated. After sitting for a moment, Jinchao excused herself to Madam Feng and returned to Yan Xiu Hall.

A short while later, Qingpu came to tell her: “Master Chen has left without staying for lunch… Old Madam has sent Fuling to invite you over.”

Madam Feng would certainly want to discuss Third Master Chen’s matter with her. Jinchao wasn’t surprised and, after tidying herself up a bit, went to the east wing.

In the east wing, Madam Feng was deep in thought.

When Third Master Chen arrived and said he wanted to speak with Gu Jinchao, Madam Feng immediately understood that they had met before. This puzzled her, as Gu Jinchao had previously lived in Shi’an, quite far from Wanping, and she was a secluded young lady. Where could she have met Third Master Chen? She pondered for a long time before suddenly remembering that when Fifth Madam had just given birth, she had taken the Gu family women to burn incense at Baoxiang Temple.

That day, the snow had fallen heavily, and Gu Jinchao had gone alone to the pagoda to offer an eternal lamp, not returning until nightfall.

The next day, when they were on their way back, they encountered Third Master Chen on the road. She had sent something to Third Master Chen, which he had accepted…

Madam Feng closed her eyes, feeling that she had indeed become muddleheaded with age. How had she not considered this connection?

The maid announced Gu Jinchao’s arrival through the newly changed Xiang Fei bamboo curtain, and Jinchao lifted the curtain to enter.

Since she had already decided to marry Chen Yan’yun, Jinchao no longer held back in her speech.

Madam Feng, knowing that the marriage was likely settled, felt relieved. Yet there was still a faint regret—how much better it would have been if Third Master Chen had chosen Gu Lian. Gu Lian had listened to her since childhood, while Gu Jinchao was someone she couldn’t control. Even after marrying into the Chen family, she might not be particularly beneficial to the Gu family.

Madam Feng didn’t dwell on these thoughts and spoke to Jinchao about her dowry: “…Your mother’s belongings, Grandmother hasn’t touched a bit. How much you want to give to Jinrong is for you to decide. For such a joyous occasion, I’ve also sent someone to the Imperial Academy to inform him. Word has also been sent to your maternal grandmother. She should arrive in a few days. After the Chen family sends someone again, we will discuss the wedding arrangements…”

Seeing how seriously Third Master Chen treated Gu Jinchao, Madam Feng dared not be negligent toward her. She would not interfere with her dowry either.

Just as they were discussing this, Madam Xu lifted the curtain and entered, whispering a few words in Madam Feng’s ear.

Madam Feng’s expression changed slightly, and she turned to smile at Jinchao: “Grandmother has some matters to attend to. You go back and rest first…”

After Gu Jinchao acknowledged this and withdrew from the east wing, she saw Madam Yao approaching from afar, surrounded by maids and servants, subsequently entering the east wing.

What was Madam Yao here for?

Her visit to withdraw the engagement a few days ago had been quite strange, and Madam Feng had been quite pleased for several days afterward.

After returning to Yan Xiu Hall, Jinchao thought for a moment. Madam Yao’s visit must still be about Gu Lian’s marriage. Considering Gu Lian’s attitude toward her in recent days, Jinchao had some understanding. Madam Feng must have thought a better family was coming to propose to Gu Lian.

When Old Madam Chang came, she had thought it was to propose to Gu Lian… but unexpectedly, it was to propose to her…

Jinchao thought for a while, then went to the study to write a letter to her maternal grandmother, wanting to explain this marriage to her in advance.

As for Gu Lian’s affairs, Madam Feng and Second Aunt, among others, would handle them, so she didn’t need to inquire.

Madam Yao brought two boxes of abalone with bone to the western side room. Madam Feng was sitting on the arhat bed drinking tea. Seeing her, she smiled: “Isn’t this Madam Yao? Come, sit!” She instructed the maid to bring in a stool.

Madam Yao’s face stiffened. Now that the Gu family was connected to the Chen family, things were certainly different, and Madam Feng was not as courteous to her as before.

If it hadn’t been for the delay caused by her eldest daughter-in-law’s matter, she wouldn’t have come only now.

Madam Yao handed the two boxes of abalone with bone to Fuling beside her and smiled: “I heard that Old Madam likes abalone with bone. As it happens, my eldest son brought back two boxes from Jiangnan, and I specifically brought them for you.”

Madam Feng lowered her eyes and smiled: “That’s thoughtful of you.”

Madam Yao continued without changing her expression: “I should have come yesterday, but my eldest son returned from Jiangnan with his wife, and his wife was unaccustomed to the local conditions and fell ill, so I couldn’t make it in time… I’ve also heard about the Chen family’s matter. It was our misunderstanding that led to the withdrawal of the engagement.” Madam Yao sighed, “Such a joyous occasion, and it turned out like this due to a misunderstanding…”

Madam Feng was in no hurry. When the Yao family came to withdraw the engagement, they had been humble. Now it was Madam Yao’s turn to compromise.

Being as shrewd as she was, Madam Feng guessed immediately that Madam Yao had come to reestablish the engagement. Otherwise, their son’s reputation would suffer if word spread. However, one shouldn’t go too far in such matters, lest it cause resentment.

After Madam Yao finished speaking, Madam Feng took her cue.

She also let out a long sigh: “I’m fine with it, but Miss Lian is heartbroken. The Yao family has a scholarly tradition; how could such a situation arise… Now that you want to reconnect the engagement, I naturally have no objection, but I’m afraid Miss Lian might not be so easy to persuade…”

Madam Yao cursed Madam Feng several times in her heart. Who was it that, upon hearing Third Master Chen’s name, had hastily withdrawn the engagement? Now she was using Gu Lian as leverage, clearly wanting to extract more betrothal gifts!

Remembering Master Yao’s instructions, she could only swallow her pride and say: “I also feel sorry for Miss Lian’s suffering. When I go back, I’ll send over a few sets of head ornaments…”

Madam Feng was very satisfied. The Yao family had yielded, and in the future, they wouldn’t treat the Gu family so casually.

Reestablishing the engagement would benefit both families. She would need to call the Second Madam over to discuss this properly. This was a joyous occasion; Gu Lian must be heartbroken right now, but upon hearing this news, she would surely be delighted.