"Master, the old lady is asking what hour we should serve the al!" Suddenly, Steward Liang called out from outside the study door.
Only then did Liang Zhirui and Gu Chengyu realize it was already ti for the midday al. They hadn’t expected their conversation to last so long.
"Let’s go! Let’s head to your ntor’s wife; Xian is also there today. However, you’re not considered an outsider."
Liang Zhirui thought of his granddaughter in the mansion and couldn’t help but sigh again.
"Yes!" Gu Chengyu had t Yao ngxian a few tis, and since the teacher had spoken, there was no need to be overly concerned about the separation of n and won.
Looking at the spirited Gu Chengyu, Liang Zhirui couldn’t help but let that thought surface once more.
This disciple of his was indeed exceptional, more than sufficient to match Xian. But the issue laid in his background; the Duke Mansion would certainly be reluctant to marry off a legitimate daughter to an official of the Secondary Sixth Rank.
On the other hand, if Xian weren’t his granddaughter, he’d genuinely feel that Xian didn’t match his disciple. It wasn’t about character or appearance, just Xian’s situation in the Duke Mansion.
Marrying Xian wouldn’t aid Gu Chengyu’s career in the slightest; it might even beco a burden from the father-in-law’s family. Duke Zhen’s Mansion had no outstanding descendants, inevitably on the decline.
Even though his forr good son-in-law was the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, there were no promising heirs after him in the Duke Mansion. His grandson, humph! Not worth ntioning!
It’s laughable how the people in the Duke Mansion still consider themselves a family of wealth and status. The Young Master holds an important position, the Old Duke was once the Minister of War and even retired now, the Emperor still often inquires about him. They believe the Duke Mansion is in its pri, without any sense of impending crisis.
Liang Zhirui, thinking of this, suppressed his thoughts once more. Even if he approached the Duke Mansion about betrothing Xian to his young disciple now, the family certainly wouldn’t agree. Xian’s father and grandfather are still alive, so it’s not his place as the maternal grandfather to decide.
Even the stepmother holds more authority than he does.
So lately, he’s been visiting friendly families, trying to find a comparable family to ally with. This way, the Duke Mansion should have no reason to refuse.
It’s a pity he’s now lost his influence, and those who once flattered him have all turned their backs. He was prepared for this before visiting, yet still found their words disheartening.
Well! This matter must be considered in the long term. However, he’s unaware of his disciple’s thoughts on marriage—it’s best to probe his opinions first.
"Jinyu, you’re already fourteen this year. Do you have any thoughts about marriage?"
Gu Chengyu was montarily stunned at the words. To be honest, he hadn’t really considered this matter up till now. Although he was a woman in his previous life, he has lived in this dynasty for fourteen years. How could his parents agree if he didn’t marry?
Living for fourteen years in a man’s body, he’s long accustod to it. But when it cos to taking a wife, Gu Chengyu feels utterly perplexed.
"Hmm... of course, it’s up to parental orders and matchmaker’s words. I haven’t thought about these matters yet," Gu Chengyu said, worried Liang Zhirui might ask more, hurriedly walking briskly towards the inner courtyard.
"Teacher, let’s hurry! Don’t keep the ntor’s wife waiting too long."
Liang Zhirui shook his head and laughed, thinking that his disciple was still a child, perhaps not enlightened yet. He assud that Gu Chengyu was just shy about discussing marriage and didn’t pay much attention to his reaction.
The maid stationed at the front of the main house saw her master and Mr. Gu approaching, quickly informing the chief maid inside.
"Old lady, master and Mr. Gu have arrived!" the maid Qin Jiao happily called out inside the room.
Mrs. Ning quickly showed a smile on hearing this. Yao ngxian, beside her, imdiately stood up, intending to hide behind the screen.
Seeing that people had already arrived, it was too late to leave, so all she could do was retreat behind the screen to avoid them.
"Xian, just sit. That’s your maternal grandfather’s disciple, not an outsider, almost considered an elder. You should et accordingly," Mrs. Ning said, stopping Yao ngxian from avoiding.
With two elders present in the room, it wouldn’t be inappropriate.
Yao ngxian hesitated after hearing her, but finally sat down. Her maternal grandmother was the elder, and with elders present, there was no need to fear. Moreover, Gu Chengyu had always been close to her maternal family and wasn’t really an outsider.
The maid outside paid respects to Gu Chengyu and Liang Zhirui and lifted the curtain to let them into the main room.
Gu Chengyu imdiately saw Yao ngxian sitting at the lower seat but rely caught her with the corner of his eye.
"Jinyu greets the ntor’s wife!" Gu Chengyu was still bowing as Mrs. Ning hastily called him up.
Mrs. Ning looked at the towering young man before her, extrely pleased, "We’re family; no need for such formalities!"
Gu Chengyu also smiled broadly, "Etiquette should never be abandoned!"
Mrs. Ning was even more satisfied with Gu Chengyu’s respectful deanor, and with a smile, she gestured to Yao ngxian, "Quickly, pay your respects to Mr. Gu!"
Yao ngxian had already stood, bowing to Gu Chengyu, "Yao ngxian greets Mr. Gu!"
As an official of the court now, Gu Chengyu couldn’t return the courtesy and rely nodded, "Miss Yao, no need for such formality."
At this point, Gu Chengyu took a quick glance at Yao ngxian. In ancient tis, young girls physically matured quickly between thirteen and fourteen, having their coming-of-age ceremony at fifteen. Although much shorter than him, she wasn’t considered short among girls.
Her robe was a pale green with silk patterning of entwined flowers, and a multi-layered skirt of lotus-colored white magnolia scattered with blossoms. This outfit undeniably highlighted her youthful charm, her face having shed its childish softness, revealing a delicate, gentle contour—truly a serene and beautiful girl.
Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly young girls grow.
The speed at which Gu Chengyu sized her up was quick, but Yao ngxian had already taken a glance at him.
Yao ngxian had heard about Gu Chengyu’s early coming-of-age ceremony, not surprising for a court official.
She t him last ti when he visited the capital with her grandfather. Yet, looking at him now, she felt so changes compared to before.
With a golden crown atop his head, he seed calr and more composed. Donning a round-collar robe with a moon-white edge and light purple floral patterned satin, he exuded nobility. Coupled with his attractive features, no wonder her grandmother kept ntioning him.
Such a good-looking, sweet-talking young man was undoubtedly endearing.
After exchanging greetings, Yao ngxian stood behind her grandmother. Gu Chengyu was already sitting at the lower seat; she, a young lady, wasn’t fit to sit opposite him.
"How has the ntor’s wife’s health been recently? A few days ago, I ca across so blood swallow by chance, said to be excellent for nourishing and beautifying a lady’s health. I brought it along today; I’m sure after taking it, you’ll feel more radiant," Gu Chengyu said.
Mrs. Ning quickly exclaid it was too precious.
"Blood swallow is indeed a rare item, not commonly found even in the palace, very expensive! You’ve spent too much; such things are hard to co by—keep it for ergencies. Every visit, you bring such valuable gifts; you must save your money wisely."
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