"You’re approaching your twentieth birthday this year, correct? Have you ever considered your life decisions?"
After the business was discussed, Gu Chengyu finally asked about Gu Wanfang’s life choices.
As soon as Gu Chengyu finished speaking, Gu Wanfang’s face turned even redder.
"I haven’t thought about it!" His voice lowered, with a hint of gloom in his heart.
"A grown man should marry, and a woman should wed! There’s no need to be embarrassed. Is there a girl you fancy? If there is, let your uncle find a matchmaker to propose for you. If not, then let the matchmaker help you look, and let your uncle and the others find a match for you."
Gu Chengyu finished this matter in one go, waiting for Gu Wanfang’s reaction.
However, Gu Wanfang remained silent, considering that if he could start his own bookshop, a proposal would surely go more smoothly than before.
Previously, he relied financially on the Gu Mansion, not to ntion getting married.
Would he rely on the Gu Mansion to support his wife and children after marriage? He wouldn’t be able to hold his head up in front of his family.
"Then it’s botherso for Uncle and the others to worry about it."
A delicate face appeared in Gu Wanfang’s mind, but he knew that this woman wasn’t suitable for him.
Gu Chengyu noticed a hint of hesitation in Gu Wanfang’s expression when he spoke.
"Do you have soone in mind? If you do, speak up, and don’t miss the chance for marriage."
Gu Chengyu felt that Gu Wanfang had a decent character, except that his temperant was too hesitant, his actions never decisive, always wavering.
He felt disdainful, as sotis opportunities slip away quietly when one hesitates. When you finally make up your mind to seize them, they’ve long gone.
This kind of personality might suffer losses, even in future officialdom.
Yet, a person has to learn from experience, as the saying goes: it’s easier to change mountains than one’s nature.
Advising is useless; it’s all about character. After suffering losses, one learns a lesson.
Gu Wanfang fell silent again as Gu Chengyu picked up a volu of a historical narrative from the bookshelf and began reading.
Sensing this, Gu Wanfang grew uneasy.
He knew his temperant was hesitant; Little Uncle had ntioned it twice before, cautioning him not to be too indecisive in his actions.
This ti Little Uncle didn’t speak up, suggesting he was impatient, though not showing it outwardly!
"Actually, I do have soone in mind. The family at the courtyard I’m currently renting has a daughter. I’ve seen her twice... I’d still like to ask Uncle and the others to put so effort. If they are willing to betroth, it would be joyous. If not, then let the matchmaker seek a suitable alternative."
Gu Wanfang spoke with determination, his face flushed with redness. Speaking to a younger elder, he mustered all his courage.
Additionally, Little Uncle isn’t married yet and has a commanding presence; Gu Wanfang always felt restrained in interactions with him.
"Is it the concubine-born daughter from that family?" That courtyard was rented by Gu Chengyu’s arrangent, so he knew the situation of the host family.
That family, surnad Ding, was a modestly successful rchant who opened a tavern and a fabric shop on South Street. Both establishnts generally did well in business, thus they bought two courtyards, one large and one small, on South Street.
Mr. Ding had a son and a daughter; the son had just co of age and was set to take over the family business.
The young daughter was fifteen, also a marriageable age. Unfortunately, being a concubine-born, she’s caught in a dilemma neither high nor low.
Gu Chengyu didn’t look down on concubine-born daughters; if they genuinely loved each other, he wouldn’t oppose.
But he felt the rchant aid high, trying to use his daughter’s marriage to connect with an aristocratic family or official, likely unsuitable for Gu Wanfang.
Moreover, since Gu Wanfang planned to pursue an official career, marrying a rchant’s concubine-born daughter might pose social challenges.
These issues were insignificant, provided Gu Wanfang desired it. Yet, he had heard many stories of worldly fickle n before.
Before marriage, they were passionately in love, overcoming all obstacles together. But post-nuptials, if a man’s ambition was grander, the humble wife suffered.
Such n often regret marrying soone who was unhelpful, weighing them down instead.
When scorned feelings arise, could life still be harmonious?
Gu Wanfang differed from Gu Chengyu, born in this era; perhaps his thinking aligned with contemporary scholars.
"Indeed, that girl!" Gu Wanfang took a deep breath; this was his aspiration.
Although knowing to be rational, youth naturally brings folly. If he understood how to balance gains and losses, Gu Chengyu wouldn’t have to worry so much.
"You must think clearly. You’re more aware than of the conduct of her family. Besides, pursuing an official pathway entails the implication of marrying a rchant’s concubine-born daughter; prepare yourself. If you’re resolved, I’ll have soone from the mansion visit the matchmaker to sound out."
Gu Wanfang remained speechless; if she were an official’s concubine-born, he wouldn’t hesitate so much.
Gu Chengyu sighed; such indecisiveness could hinder progress in officialdom, a tough climb indeed!
It seems he still needs to select and cultivate talented descendants from the clan, as he scorns a wavering character.
"What’s Little Uncle’s opinion?"
Gu Wanfang noticed Gu Chengyu’s displeased expression, prompting concern, quickly seeking Gu Chengyu’s view.
"It’s your proposal; I’m here to analyze pros and cons with you, but the final decision is yours. Fang, you’re almost twenty, no longer a child. If unsure, wait until you are before discussing again."
Gu Chengyu picked up the book with his right hand, sipping tea with his left.
Recognizing this as an implicit dismissal, Gu Wanfang hesitated for a mont, "Please have Uncle and others arrange, and visit the Ding family to gauge interest."
Gu Wanfang wasn’t without rits either; at least after hearing Gu Chengyu’s analysis, he adhered to his resolve.
No one can predict the future; Gu Wanfang only seizes the mont. Having decided, he felt much relieved.
Prior indecision had held him back, and now he’s committed.
Gu Chengyu glanced at him in surprise, nodding, "I’ll ntion this to your uncle and the others; don’t regret your decision later."
...
"Miss, you seem much better these past two days." Mrs. Gao opened the window for her lady, letting the dicinal scent dissipate slightly.
Now at the Liang Mansion, they felt more at ease compared to the Duke Mansion.
"I truly owe it to that doctor; I must thank him personally today." Yao ngxian stood by the window, looking at the withering lotus in the courtyard, exhaling a breath.
"Let this old servant go; your body isn’t fully recovered yet!"
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