Chapter 33: A Marriage Proposal – I Wish to Marry Miss Su

Gu Yuanjing’s health was poor, so he followed his doctor’s advice to eat small, frequent meals.

He had just finished his afternoon snack when he learned that Young Master Shen and Miss Su had come to visit together. He raised his brows, finding it strange. Hadn’t they just left not long ago? Why were they back? And back together?

Though the Fourth Young Master was puzzled, he still had them quickly shown in.

The studio was bright and warm. After serving tea, the young servant withdrew.

Su Zhenyue stared at the teacup before her, momentarily unsure how to begin.

To make matters worse, Shen Ji shot her a look, signaling for her to speak.

In the end, it was Gu Yuanjing who asked first, “What is it? Cousin, A Yue, did you two come to find me together because something has happened?”

Seeing his smiling face and gentle eyes, Su Zhenyue felt even more embarrassed. She hesitated for a moment before saying in a small voice, “There is something I need to tell you, Fourth Brother.”

“Mm, go on.”

“The matter I asked for your help with today… it might, it might not be needed for the time being,” Su Zhenyue said, her voice growing softer as she lowered her gaze.

Gu Yuanjing was taken aback. “Not needed? Why?”

“Because, because…”

Just as Su Zhenyue started, Shen Ji took over. “Because I am going to marry her.”

Gu Yuanjing was even more shocked. “You, you’ll marry her? Cousin, this…”

“That’s right. We will marry, and move directly out of the Jing An Marquis Estate,” Shen Ji stated simply.

Gu Yuanjing stared blankly, turning his head to look at Su Zhenyue.

“Yes, that’s right,” Su Zhenyue said, giving him a slight nod. She added, “Fourth Brother, I’m sorry. I’m not toying with you, I just…”

“Why apologize to me? You’ve done nothing wrong.” After a brief moment of stunned silence, Gu Yuanjing smiled and said gently.

Su Zhenyue was startled. “Fourth Brother…”

Gu Yuanjing’s expression was gentle. “A Yue, didn’t we agree? If there’s a better option, you should choose the better one. If all else failed, then we would get engaged. Isn’t this a better option?”

Although he felt a little disappointed, he was very open-minded about it. “I was originally worried that an engagement with me would hold you back, and I was worried that Father, Mother, and Grandmother wouldn’t agree. I was worried that marrying me wouldn’t count as marrying far away and wouldn’t help you. Now it’s all settled. Cousin is willing to help. None of those should be problems anymore.”

He even let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. His expression was sincere, not feigned in the least.

Su Zhenyue had been worried, but seeing his reaction now, her heart felt a mix of sourness and warmth. She said softly, “Fourth Brother, thank you.”

She said this “thank you” with utmost sincerity. She had no siblings, but thinking about it now, if she truly had an older brother, he would probably be just like Fourth Brother Gu.

Shen Ji watched from the side, his gaze shifting slightly.

He wasn’t sure if he was overthinking it, but he always felt that compared to him, Miss Su was clearly more reliant on and trusting of Fourth Young Master Gu.

He already knew his advantage was that he was a suitable choice. What about Gu Yuanjing, then? Was it his kind, simple, and good-tempered nature?

“What’s there to thank me for? I didn’t even get to help you,” Gu Yuanjing chuckled, making a rare joke. “However, if something goes wrong on Cousin’s end and we have no choice but to get engaged, it won’t be too late for you to thank me then.”

Su Zhenyue smiled faintly, feeling even more grateful.

—Though Fourth Brother was joking, his words carried a hidden meaning: if things with Shen Ji fell through, he was still willing to help her.

She truly didn’t know how she could ever repay Fourth Brother Gu for this kindness.

Shen Ji, however, said, “Rest assured, nothing will go wrong.”

Now that he had made up his mind, would he really give anyone else a chance?

“That would be for the best, of course,” Gu Yuanjing smiled.

After clearing the air, the stone that had been weighing on Su Zhenyue’s heart finally fell. Seeing that it was getting late, she couldn’t stay long and rose to take her leave.

Shen Ji also stood up, following slightly behind her.

After a moment’s thought, he stopped and said to Gu Yuanjing, “My marrying her is not a favor.”

“What?” Before Gu Yuanjing could react, he had already walked away.

— — — —

It was not yet six in the evening, but twilight had already gathered.

After leaving Zhongmo Study, Su Zhenyue stole a few glances at Shen Ji, who was not far from her side, her heart still a little bewildered. Everything had happened so quickly today, so fast that she almost thought she was dreaming.

But the extra jade pendant was real, by no means a figment of her imagination.

So, Shen Ji truly knew she had deceived and used him, but he still wanted to get engaged and marry her?

Merely to honor his promise?

“It’s getting dark. You should head back first. Come to my place tomorrow morning to pick something up,” Shen Ji suddenly said.

Su Zhenyue was slightly surprised. “Pick something up? What is it?”

Shen Ji’s face was expressionless. “Don’t ask so many questions. Just come.”

“Alright,” Su Zhenyue mused. In any case, the current situation was not a bad thing for her. Even if this didn’t work out, there was still Fourth Brother Gu.

Since she could bear the worst possible outcome, what was there to worry about?

With this thought, some of the unease in Su Zhenyue’s heart dissipated.

That night, Su Zhenyue carefully examined the jade pendant under the lamplight.

It was top-grade Hetian jade, with a warm and smooth texture, exquisite craftsmanship, and a rather unique design. One could tell at a glance that it was no ordinary object.

It seemed to be just as Shen Ji had said, it had some history. No wonder he used it as a token.

After studying it for a long time, Su Zhenyue carefully put the jade pendant away.

The next day, after breakfast, she went to Qingfeng Courtyard as instructed.

She spotted Ping An from a distance.

“Miss Su, you’re here!” Ping An had sharp eyes. The moment he saw her, he trotted over with a grin. “The Young Master told me to come out and meet you.”

Su Zhenyue smiled back. “Ping An, have you been waiting long?”

“Not at all, not at all. I just got here myself.” Ping An’s eyes darted around, and he lowered his voice to ask curiously, “Miss Su, how did you and the Young Master make up?”

Su Zhenyue’s steps faltered slightly, and she shook her head gently. “I don’t know either.”

“What? You’re keeping secrets from me too?” Ping An grew a little anxious.

“I really don’t know,” Su Zhenyue said after a thought. “Maybe, maybe Cousin is magnanimous and didn’t want to hold a grudge against me?”

Ping An pouted but said no more, leading her into the study before retreating.

Inside the study, the wintersweet had been removed.

Shen Ji sat before a low table, a book in his hand.

Seeing Su Zhenyue enter, he didn’t even raise his eyelids, merely gesturing with his hand. “The thing is on the table. Get it yourself.”

Su Zhenyue walked curiously toward the table by the window.

The tabletop was clean and tidy, and in the middle was… a marriage contract?!

She wasn’t mistaken. It was a marriage contract.

Her and Shen Ji’s marriage contract.

Su Zhenyue’s eyes widened, her heart filled with disbelief.

Back when they had just “pledged their love,” she had mentioned a “written pledge,” acting coy and cute, but he had refused.

—Because during the national mourning period, he couldn’t possibly leave behind such obvious evidence.

But now, he had actually given her a marriage contract?!

On her way to Qingfeng Courtyard, Su Zhenyue had imagined many possibilities, but the one thing she had never considered was that the item he wanted her to pick up was a marriage contract.

Her eyelashes trembled uncontrollably, and her eyes reddened slightly.

Shen Ji stood up, taking in her expression, and said unhurriedly, “I don’t know your eight characters of birth, so I left that part blank. The date is written as the first day after the national mourning period ends. It’s not of much use right now. But after the mourning period, you can fill it in and make it public. Or you can go directly to the government office to have it registered.”

In truth, very few marriage contracts were registered with the government at that time. Compared to official registration, the common folk placed more stock in the orders of parents and the words of matchmakers. But this marriage contract was undoubtedly a promise.

A promise that was even more reassuring than the jade pendant.

“Cousin…” Mist welled up in the young woman’s clear, beautiful eyes.

Shen Ji strolled closer, his face expressionless, and added as if in passing, “So, you don’t need to go looking for anyone else.”

Su Zhenyue composed herself and immediately curtsied. “Thank you, Cousin.”

Shen Ji’s gaze hardened slightly, and he took a step back. “No need to thank me. Just keep it safe.”

What use was gratitude? Was gratitude what he wanted?

“Mm,” Su Zhenyue nodded emphatically, clutching the marriage contract to her chest as if it were a rare treasure.

Seeing that Shen Ji still had a book in his hand, she guessed he had probably been studying diligently before her arrival. Not daring to disturb him for too long, Su Zhenyue thought for a moment and said softly, “Well, Cousin is busy, so I’ll head back first?”

Shen Ji’s expression stiffened almost imperceptibly.

She didn’t want to stay a moment longer? What happened to the cautious, clinging behavior she had shown when she was trying to get close to him before?

But as soon as he looked up, he saw the caution in her eyes. A thought stirred in his heart, and he lowered his gaze, letting out a noncommittal “Mm.”

Fine, there was no rush.

After nodding to him, Su Zhenyue turned and left.

Shen Ji, however, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze distant as he watched her retreating figure.

He would take it slow. He refused to believe that with his character, bearing, grace, and talent, he couldn’t make her fall for him.

Even if it started as a pretense, he was confident he could make it real.

— — — —

After receiving the marriage contract, Su Zhenyue looked at it again and again, her heart unable to calm down for a long time.

Returning to the West Wing Courtyard, she locked the marriage contract in a cabinet, placing it together with the jade pendant.

However, after a while, Su Zhenyue couldn’t resist opening the cabinet again to take a peek, confirming that the contract was still there.

After repeating this process twice, she finally calmed down. She decided to find something to do to distract herself.

Hadn’t she promised to make two scented sachets for Fourth Brother Gu yesterday? Although she no longer needed his help, she couldn’t go back on something she had promised.

Besides, she was idle anyway.

Having made up her mind, Su Zhenyue went into the courtyard, selected flower petals, and washed and dried them. Then she chose suitable fabrics and colored threads to make the sachets.

The sachets were simple to make and were finished in a few days.

Su Zhenyue made many. Besides the two for Gu Yuanjing, she also made one each for the Eldest Miss Gu Yuanzhen, Doukou, Nanxing, and others.

After much thought, she ultimately decided not to make a sachet for Shen Ji. Instead, she picked out some thread and re-tied a new knot for his jade pendant.

As for the lover’s knot she had previously considered weaving, Su Zhenyue hesitated several times but ultimately didn’t start it.

—Shen Ji already knew her so-called “admiration” was a deception to use him, yet he was still willing to honor their agreement. That was a testament to his magnanimity and commitment to his word. Under these circumstances, it seemed inappropriate for her to give him a lover’s knot, which symbolized romantic affection.

Forget it, she would think about it later.

In the midst of her busy work, several days passed.

In the blink of an eye, it was already the last third of the twelfth lunar month.

As the New Year approached, the Jing An Marquis Estate became exceptionally busy.

Although the national mourning period was not yet over and some taboos were still in place, the festive atmosphere of the New Year gradually began to spread.

On New Year’s Eve, a bitter north wind blew.

That night, Old Madam Wen once again hosted a banquet in Chunhui Hall, and the whole family gathered to see the year out.

Su Zhenyue was tactful. Before the Old Madam could say anything, she claimed to be unwell and excused herself from the festivities.

Old Madam Wen was very pleased. She didn’t treat her poorly either, sending over many fine dishes and even giving her a thick red envelope in advance.

Just like on the Laba Festival, Su Zhenyue let Doukou go home to reunite with her family, keeping only Nanxing with her.

The two of them, without regard for their master-servant roles, shared the delicious food like sisters.

The courtyard was quiet, with the occasional sound of firecrackers from afar.

Suddenly, a “knock, knock, knock” on the door broke the tranquility of the West Wing Courtyard.

Su Zhenyue was startled.

Nanxing immediately stood up. “I’ll go see.”

“I’ll go with you.” Su Zhenyue was a little worried and followed her.

After removing the bolt and opening the courtyard gate, Nanxing froze, subconsciously stepping aside.

Su Zhenyue, who had been standing behind her, clearly saw the faces of the visitors.

It was Shen Ji.

And beside him, holding a lantern, was Third Young Master Gu Yuanwei.

Perhaps because of the New Year, both men were dressed in brand-new clothes—matching brocade robes and identical cloaks.

The only difference was that Gu Yuanwei carried a lantern, while Shen Ji had his hands tucked into a sea-green hand warmer.

That hand warmer was all too familiar. Su Zhenyue recognized it at a glance.

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly said, “So it’s Cousin and Third Young Master…”

Shen Ji’s brow twitched, and he cast an imperceptible glance at Gu Yuanwei who was with him.

They were twin brothers, yet she called the third Gu “Third Young Master,” while the fourth Gu was “Fourth Brother.” The distinction between familiarity and distance was truly clear.

“…Why have you come at this hour? It’s cold, why don’t we go inside to talk?” Su Zhenyue’s voice was tinged with a smile as she slightly turned her body, making a gesture of “please.”

“There’s no need to go inside, is there?” Third Young Master Gu waved his hand. “It would be too much of an intrusion. We heard you were unwell, so we came to see you and wish you an early happy new year. We’re relieved to see you’re alright.”

Su Zhenyue quickly said, “Thank you, Cousin and Third Young Master, for your concern. I’m fine. I just had a bit of a headache earlier, but it’s better now.”

—The so-called “headache” was, of course, a fabrication. She certainly couldn’t say she was trying to avoid the Heir Apparent and his wife.

Shen Ji stood to the side without speaking, quietly observing Su Zhenyue by the light of the lantern.

The young woman’s face was as white as porcelain, her eyes dark and bright. Her complexion was much better than the last time he had seen her.

Speaking of which, he hadn’t seen her for several days.

She used to visit Qingfeng Courtyard frequently, but recently, she hadn’t taken the initiative to seek him out even once.

Was it because she felt secure after getting the marriage contract and didn’t want to put in any more effort?

It would be one thing on a normal day, but today was New Year’s Eve, a special occasion. Shen Ji felt it was necessary for him to come and check on her.

Who knew that as soon as he left his seat, Third Young Master Gu Yuanwei would follow him, insisting on coming along.

“It’s good that you’re alright,” Third Young Master Gu nodded. He then cleared his throat and recited with dramatic flair, “A Yue, as the new year approaches, I wish you joy in every season and that all your wishes come true every year.”

Since he was here, it would be rude not to offer New Year’s greetings.

Unlike his twin brother, he had practiced martial arts since he was young and didn’t enjoy reading, so he rarely spoke in such a scholarly manner.

Su Zhenyue chuckled. “Thank you. I also wish Third Young Master good fortune and prosperity, and a long and healthy life.”

Then, she turned to Shen Ji, her voice unconsciously softening. “May Cousin achieve top honors in the examinations and display your great talents.”

A thought stirred, and Su Zhenyue gazed into his eyes, adding earnestly, “May you have good fortune in all four seasons and peace in all eight festivals.”

—She knew that with his talent, he would surely pass with flying colors. Beyond that, she also hoped he could safely navigate the fated calamity in his life.

In the hazy lamplight, the young woman’s gaze was too sincere.

Shen Ji was momentarily dazed and abruptly lowered his eyes.

Third Young Master Gu let out a soft “Huh?” and said, “Hey, that’s not right. A Yue, how come you have two blessings for him, but only one for me? That’s not fair!”

Nanxing, standing to the side, couldn’t help but giggle.

“I… it’s not…” Su Zhenyue was a little embarrassed.

She hadn’t intended to show favoritism; the phrase “good fortune in all four seasons and peace in all eight festivals” was a spontaneous addition.

She hadn’t expected Third Young Master Gu to point it out specifically.

Shen Ji, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up to rescue her. “Who told you not to take the imperial examinations? If you were about to participate in the Spring Imperial Examination, she would surely wish you top honors as well.”

“Mm, that’s right,” Su Zhenyue subconsciously nodded in agreement.

Third Young Master Gu grumbled, “So now it’s my fault?”

“No, no, it’s my fault,” Su Zhenyue said with a smile. “If Third Young Master feels it’s too little, I’ll add a few more. May Third Young Master’s martial arts greatly improve and may you be unrivaled in the world…”

Third Young Master Gu waved his hands repeatedly. “Greatly improved martial arts is fine, but being unrivaled in the world is unnecessary. I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

Everyone present burst into laughter.

Shen Ji’s lips also curved slightly. He looked at Su Zhenyue and said in a low voice, “May all your endeavors be successful.”

He would definitely accomplish what he had promised.

What she sought would also surely come to pass.

Su Zhenyue was slightly taken aback. “Thank you.”

It was cold, so the two cousins did not stay long. After a simple exchange of New Year’s greetings, they turned and left.

The West Wing Courtyard returned to its quiet state.

The night gradually deepened.

The sound of firecrackers echoed from time to time, some near, some far.

A new year had arrived.

From the first to the fifth day of the new year, the days passed extremely quickly. It felt like the blink of an eye, and they were gone.

Su Zhenyue stayed in the West Wing Courtyard every day, treating herself as if she were invisible. She waited day and night, and finally, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month arrived.

This day was both the Lantern Festival and the day the national mourning period ended.

The Marquis of Jing An was extremely filial. Unless he had important matters to attend to, he would go to Chunhui Hall every morning to pay his respects to his mother.

Today was no exception.

Early in the morning, Old Madam Wen, attended by her son, had half a bowl of bird’s nest porridge.

Suddenly, a servant came to report that Young Master Shen was requesting an audience.

“Quick, show him in.” A smile unconsciously appeared on Old Madam Wen’s face.

A short while later, Shen Ji walked in and saw that the Marquis of Jing An was also present. His brows lifted slightly. Excellent, this was a sure thing.

After bowing to the two of them and exchanging a few simple pleasantries, Shen Ji brought up the main topic. “Old Madam, Your Lordship, Ji has a request, and I hope you will both grant it.”

“Oh? What is it?” the Marquis of Jing An asked with great interest.

Old Madam Wen also said with a chuckle, “Go on, let’s hear it.”

She was still very fond of this nominal grandson.

Shen Ji stood up and, word by word, dropped a bombshell: “I wish to marry Miss Su.”