Un jeune homme maladif qui voyage dans le temps jusqu'à la dynastie Song

Chapitre 28

Gu Zao looked at the words on it again, and then compared them with his thumb. He looked closely and found that they were indeed exactly the same.

Seeing her pale face, Yang Hao felt a pang of pity, but the thought of her heartless demeanor just now made him furious again. He said coldly, "I don't think you're stupid. How could you have been fooled by my mother last time? This is your real indenture."

Gu Zao's mind was in turmoil, a jumble of thoughts racing through her. She stared blankly at the paper in her hand, then looked up at Yang Hao, wanting to say something, but she opened her mouth and couldn't utter a word.

Yang Hao sat down in front of her and said, "I took San Dun to Guangzhou, and I felt something was off about him the whole way. When I found out that he had been threatened by my mother before he went out with me, he revealed what happened to you. I was afraid you would be wronged, so I turned back halfway. But I didn't expect it to be too late. My mother had already come looking for you. As soon as I got back, I wanted to see you and explain things, but you avoided me. Do you think I'm someone who can be easily dismissed?"

Gu Zao sighed and lowered her head.

Yang Hao paused, then sneered, "If you refuse to see me, I'll go see my mother. When I learned that she burned your indenture in exchange for your promise not to bother me anymore, I didn't believe it. I know my mother's thoughts better than you do. How could she do something that leaves her no way out?"

After saying this, Yang Hao stopped talking, and the room was so quiet that even his breathing could be heard clearly.

"What do you intend to do now?" Gu Zao glanced at the paper in her hand again, looked up at Yang Hao, and whispered, "Now that my indenture is in your hands, what do you intend to do?"

No sooner had Gu Zao finished speaking than Yang Hao's face turned angry again. He jumped up from the bed, snatched the paper, tore it in two, and threw it to the ground. He then shouted angrily, "Who do you take me for? Did I bring this paper to blackmail you?"

Gu Zao was startled and quickly shook her head, saying, "Don't misunderstand, that's not what I meant."

Yang Hao lowered his head and stared at Gu Zao for a long time. Seeing his gloomy expression and wondering what he was thinking, Gu Zao felt uneasy. Being stared at like that made her feel awkward. Just as she was about to get off the bed, she heard him say coldly, "Second sister, now that you've taken my heart, I don't care how many tricks you have up your sleeve. Even if you say you don't love me, you can't just kick me aside now. Go back and wait for me to send someone to propose marriage."

Gu Zao immediately knelt up from the bed, and asked in surprise, "Yang Hao, do you really intend to go against your mother's wishes?"

Yang Hao looked at her coldly and said, "I have already defied her by deciding to marry you. This is my business, and you don't need to think about it."

Gu Zao felt embarrassed, but seeing that he didn't seem to be just saying it casually, she became anxious, afraid that he was going to take it seriously, and couldn't help but say loudly, "You promised me before that you wouldn't force me. Why have you changed your mind now? Besides, I've also said that I have no intention of getting married right now."

Seeing the undisguised displeasure on her face, Yang Hao's anger flared up again. He suppressed it and said, "I used to think you were on my side, so naturally I wouldn't force you. Now that you've changed your mind, that's a different story. There's no use saying anything more. Go back and prepare for the wedding!" With that, he turned and left, slamming the door shut with a loud bang, even shaking the windowpanes.

Gu Zao was both shocked and furious. She hurriedly got off the bed to chase after him to discuss the Dao again, but after running a few steps, she realized she was barefoot. It turned out that during the struggle with him, she had kicked off her embroidered shoes. She picked one up, but couldn't find the other one anywhere. In her panic, she couldn't find it. Just as she was getting annoyed, she suddenly saw the door being kicked open again, and Yang Hao was already standing there, coldly saying, "Aren't you coming out? Do you want me to carry you out and put you on your horse again?"

Gu Zao was wearing an embroidered shoe on one foot, but her other foot was bare on the ground. When she saw his eyes looking at her again, she turned her head away and ignored him. She bent down to check under the bed again, but suddenly he picked her up and placed her steadily on the bed. Only then did she see that he was holding the other embroidered shoe in his hand. He squatted down and was about to put it on her while mocking, "So you're not only bad-witted, you were tricked when you sold yourself, and you were cheated again a few days ago. Even your eyesight is bad. It was clearly behind the screen, but you insisted on searching under the bed."

Enraged, Gu Zao kicked at him, but he grabbed her foot. She tried to pull it back, but couldn't move; she felt her foot firmly held. Seeing him squatting in front of her, looking at her with a half-smile, she felt a surge of shame and anger, yet also helplessness. Just as she was feeling dejected, she saw his other hand reaching towards her collar. She recoiled, looked up angrily, and demanded, "What are you trying to do now?"

Yang Hao straightened her clothes, which weren't quite right before, and then bent down to put her shoes on. Only then did he stand up and say, "After the wedding in a few days, you should really work on changing your temper. Although I won't say anything, men generally prefer gentler, more temperamental wives." With that, he turned and left.

Gu Zao sat there, too angry to move. It took her a while to stand up, walk a few steps, see the torn paper on the ground, sigh, come back, bend down to pick it up, fold it neatly, and then leave.

Stepping out of the house, she walked a few steps to a crescent-shaped archway and realized that the house was quite large, with two passageways branching off in front of her. Looking ahead, she could no longer see the person, and was hesitating about which way to go when an old servant-looking man approached and respectfully said, "Madam, please come this way."

Gu Zao felt a little embarrassed, thanked him softly, and hurriedly followed the direction the old servant had pointed. Just as she stepped outside, she saw Yang Hao already sitting quietly on his horse, seemingly waiting for her. Seeing her come out, he frowned and said, "Why were you so slow? It took you so long to come out."

Gu Zao seemed not to hear, turned her head away and walked forward. After only a few steps, the man caught up and placed his horse across the road, reaching out his hand to her. Seeing that she was standing there motionless, he bent down and lifted her back onto the horse.

Gu Zao turned around angrily and said, "It was fine before, but this time it's the same again. If people see this, they'll probably start talking about it again. I'll take a car back by myself."

Yang Hao snorted and said, "She's my own wife, I like her, why should I care so much about others?" With that, he spurred his horse forward.

Knowing that further discussion was pointless, Gu Zao had no choice but to sit up straight and let him carry her all the way to her street. Fortunately, it was late at night, and most shops had closed, so no one saw her. However, there was still candlelight shining from her doorway, as if someone was waiting for her return. She hurriedly helped Yang Hao down from the horse, took a few steps towards the gate, thought for a moment, then turned to him and whispered, "Second Master, what you said is absolutely impossible now. Not to mention your mother, even for myself..."

Before Gu Zao could finish speaking, Yang Hao frowned impatiently and said, "I've already made up my mind. Just wait for me to come and marry you. It's no use if you try anything else." With that, he pulled on the reins, turned his horse around, and rode away.

Gu Zao watched the man and horse gradually disappear into the distance, and stood there motionless for a long time.

Chapter Sixty-Eight

When Madam Fang learned from Liu Zao that Gu Zao had been kidnapped by someone from the Grand Commandant's mansion, she was far from angry; instead, she beamed with joy. Once Gu Zao returned home, Madam Fang inevitably pressed her for details. Gu Zao had no time to deal with it, ignoring Madam Fang's displeasure, and simply gave a few vague excuses. For the next few days, she was somewhat uneasy. However, firstly, nothing seemed amiss, and secondly, the newly opened restaurant was doing incredibly well. It seemed as if the entire city considered it an honor to drink and make merry there. The private rooms upstairs were already booked for half a month in advance. Gu Zao was busy there every day, leaving her no time to worry about her own complicated and unresolved affairs.

Gu Zaoxin knew that this grand occasion was largely due to the plaque hanging high above the restaurant's entrance, but he dared not be careless about the food and drinks. The drinks were all top-quality wines from various wineries, including Taoyuan wine, Bixiang wine, Wuxiang baijiu, yam wine, grape wine, Huangjing wine, lamb wine, chrysanthemum wine, and Jinjinglu qu, among others. Samples of all these wines filled an entire wall behind the counter. As for the dishes, in addition to those already on the menu, they had also ingeniously introduced several floral dishes. The seasonal dishes were chrysanthemum and osmanthus.

The Chrysanthemum Feast featured dishes such as Chrysanthemum Shredded Pork, Chrysanthemum Fish Balls, Chrysanthemum Shredded Chicken, Chrysanthemum Bamboo Fungus Soup, Chrysanthemum Crispy Pork Belly Shreds, Chrysanthemum Fish Cakes, Chrysanthemum Crab Roe Shark Fin Soup, Chrysanthemum Tofu, and Chrysanthemum Fish Balls. Pastries included crispy chrysanthemum cakes, chrysanthemum pies, chrysanthemum jujube paste buns, and chrysanthemum lotus root slices. There were also chrysanthemum and lily porridge, and chrysanthemum, wolfberry, and rehmannia glutinosa porridge. Drinks included chrysanthemum honey drinks, chrysanthemum and locust tea, chrysanthemum and trumpet creeper tea, and chrysanthemum and mulberry tea, among many others, accompanied by chrysanthemum wine. The Osmanthus Feast featured dishes such as Osmanthus Mandarin Fish, Osmanthus Duck and Eggplant Cakes, Osmanthus Rabbit Meat, Osmanthus Salted Duck, and Osmanthus flowers. Pastries included Osmanthus Lotus Root Cake, Osmanthus Sugar Lotus Root, Osmanthus Water Chestnut Cakes, Osmanthus Walnut Jelly, Osmanthus Fresh Chestnut Soup, and Osmanthus Tangerine Tea, accompanied by osmanthus wine. Many of these dishes were new to the people of Beijing. Among them, the chrysanthemum hot pot and the osmanthus fish slice hot pot are the most renowned.

These two hot pots are not made with simple chicken or duck broth, but with a rich stock made from the finest pork ribs—fresh, not greasy, and crystal clear. The ingredients include slices of mandarin fish, small live shrimp, pork belly, pork kidney slices, and fresh vegetables. All ingredients are deboned and tendons removed, cooking quickly in a single blanch. The chrysanthemums and osmanthus flowers are carefully selected and thoroughly cleaned. The vermicelli and fried dough twists are fried in the first batch of oil, eliminating any smoky flavor. Served with Gu Zao's own specially prepared sauce, everyone who has tried them raves about them. Within days of opening, these two hot pots had become must-order signature dishes. Many literati and scholars have also come here to admire the current emperor's calligraphy, then enjoy a full-course banquet in the bamboo grove and waterside pavilion, sipping fine wine, composing poems, and leaving inscriptions—a truly elegant affair.

Before long, the results of the preliminary examination for the martial arts examination were to be announced. Seventy candidates from eighteen prefectures across the country were selected to advance to the provincial examination in February of the following year. Early in the morning, Yue Teng went to Xuande Tower to wait for the results to be announced. After he left, his third sister clearly lost interest in doing anything. Finally, in the afternoon, when the restaurant was less crowded, Gu Zao was sitting behind the counter checking accounts. When she saw Yue Teng rushing back, a hint of joy appeared on her face.

Gu Zaoxin knew she must have passed the exam, and only glanced at her third sister beside her without saying a word. Her third sister immediately stood up and asked anxiously, "How did it go? Did you pass?"

Yue Teng stood in front of the counter and nodded slightly. It was already past autumn, yet he was sweating profusely, indicating he had run all the way here. Third Sister patted her chest and let out a long sigh of relief. Suddenly, she noticed Gu Zao sitting there, smiling slightly at her, and her face flushed red.

Just as Third Sister was feeling both happy and shy, Fang Shi, who was wiping the window frame with a cloth in her hand, came out from behind. Hearing Third Sister ask if she had passed, she learned that today was the day Yue Teng's martial arts exam results were announced. Upon hearing that she had passed, her eyes were fixed on Yue Teng for a long time before drifting to Third Sister. Suddenly, she slapped her thigh and exclaimed, "You passed? You really passed? Good, good! I'll definitely throw you a feast tonight to congratulate you. Don't put on airs like a high-ranking scholar and turn your back on me. Back when you were down on your luck, I treated you to the best food and drink."

Yue Teng blushed deeply after hearing Fang's words and stammered, "I've only passed the preliminary examination so far. There's still the provincial examination and the palace examination to come. Only if I pass both will I truly be considered successful..."

Upon hearing this, Fang was greatly disappointed. But then she thought for a moment, patted Yue Teng on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Alright then. We'll keep this wine for now and serve it when you finally win the lottery."

Yue Teng nodded hurriedly, but Gu Zao shook her head and smiled, "Mother, it was quite chaotic when we first opened a few days ago, so it was good for you to come and help out. Things have settled down these past few days. Didn't I tell you that you don't need to work so hard now? You can just stay home and relax, and go out for a stroll when you have nothing else to do."

Fang glared at him and said, "I'm so bored sitting at home, and if I go out, you'll complain that I'll gossip. Now I'm just wiping the walls, it's not tiring at all."

Seeing that she wouldn't listen, Gu Zao had no choice but to let her be. That evening, she personally cooked a small feast, setting it up in Fangtai Tower, and invited Shen Niangzi and other familiar faces to join in, as a celebration of Yue Teng's success in the martial arts examination. After dinner, Yue Teng found some time to talk to Gu Zao, saying that since the provincial examination in February of next year was still several months away, he wanted to go back to his hometown first. Firstly, to share the good news with his parents, and secondly, to inform them of his relationship with his third sister and obtain their consent. He planned to formally propose marriage upon his return next year.

Gu Zao smiled and agreed. The next day, Yue Teng packed his bags, put on a pair of new shoes that his third sister had made for him, and prepared to leave. Gu Zao was afraid that his third sister would want to say goodbye, so after saying her own farewell, she found an excuse to call Fang Shi away, allowing the two of them to say goodbye to each other. When his third sister returned to the room, Gu Zao noticed that although she was smiling, her eyes were a little red, probably because she had wiped away a couple of tears when she was reluctant to leave. Afraid that she would be embarrassed, she pretended not to see it and turned back to continue talking to Manager Hu beside her.

Manager Hu was a former employee of Qingfeng Restaurant, nearing fifty. He was literate and arithmetic-savvy, an honest man, the kind who needed someone to guide him. Since Qingfeng Restaurant closed down, Manager Hu had been unemployed. A few days ago, he heard from old acquaintances that Qingfeng Restaurant had been renovated and had a new owner, and business was booming. The new owner treated his staff well, although the rules and regulations were stricter than before, the wages were also higher, and half of the capital knew about the restaurant's reputation. So, he swallowed his pride and went to ask for a position. Of course, he didn't dare to dream of his former managerial position, saying he would do any job. Gu Zao chatted with him for a while and found him to be amiable, literate, and arithmetic-savvy, and not seeming like a slick person. Gu Zao was also looking for someone to help manage the restaurant, so she considered keeping him. If things went well in a while, she thought it wouldn't be a problem to let him return to the managerial position.

Gu Zao was talking to Manager Hu when suddenly a young man who had been assigned to greet guests outside the restaurant's garden gate rushed in, pointing outside and panting, "Outside...there are people from the palace outside. They say the Empress Dowager has issued some decree, and we need to go out and greet them..."

Gu Zao was startled and, without saying a word, hurriedly went out. Sure enough, she saw several tall horses standing on the newly paved blue brick road outside the restaurant. The one sitting on the front horse was none other than the eunuch she had met several times before. She hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully led him to the main hall of the restaurant, invited him to take a seat of honor, and served him tea. Only then did she hear the eunuch say with a smile, "Second Sister Gu, I have come this time with the Empress Dowager's decree. I will announce the decree now."

Gu Zao's heart pounded like thunder. She vaguely guessed that it was related to the words Yang Hao had left behind before he left that day. She secretly groaned, but had no choice but to kneel down next to Fang Shi, who was lying on the ground, and listen carefully.

The eunuch coughed lightly, took a scroll from the gold tray held by a junior eunuch beside him, unfolded it, read it through first, and then began to read aloud:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Empress Dowager decrees: With gentle grace and innate talent, her family is harmonious and her virtues are renowned. Therefore, the second sister of the Gu family is hereby granted the title of County Princess, bestowed with the name Anfu, and a golden book. May her honors be recorded and her descendants enjoy lasting prosperity. Respectfully approved!"

The eunuch's voice was already high-pitched, and now, by deliberately drawing out his words and creating a dramatic intonation, Fang couldn't understand what he was saying after a few sentences. She only vaguely sensed that it was a good thing. Not daring to ask the eunuch, she glanced at Gu Zao, quietly leaned closer, and whispered, "I only caught your name just now. What else did you say?"

Gu Zao was stunned after listening to that string of rambling words, and forgot to even say thank you. When Fang asked him this, he just shook his head slightly and remained silent.

The eunuch noticed that many of the guests who had come to kneel and receive the imperial decree were already showing envy. However, the few kneeling at the front were either dumbfounded or stunned. Thinking they had gone mad with joy, he reminded them, "Second Sister Gu, the Empress Dowager favors you greatly and has bestowed upon you the title of Princess Anfu, a title usually reserved for daughters of princes. Why don't you quickly accept the decree and express your gratitude?"

Before Gu Zao could react, Fang Shi was already so overjoyed that she was prostrating herself and kowtowing repeatedly. Gu Zao suppressed her surprise and also bowed down to express her gratitude. She then stepped forward, accepted the golden book with both hands, and gave a large red envelope to the eunuch and several accompanying eunuchs, respectfully sending them off.

As soon as the eunuchs left, Gu Zao was surrounded by a constant stream of congratulations. Not only were the tea and wine connoisseurs in her restaurant eager to offer their congratulations, but many of the guests who were already drinking there also came to offer their well wishes. Madam Fang held the gleaming booklet in both hands as if it were a gold ingot, examining it intently despite not being able to read it. Only her third sister noticed Gu Zao's unusual expression and tugged at her worriedly, at which point Gu Zao managed a weak smile.

Amidst the commotion and excitement, as if pre-arranged, a middle-aged woman wearing a purple veiled hat, a long skirt reaching her neck, and a red vest suit walked in. Standing in the middle of the hall, she glanced around at the various people inside. Seeing that everyone's eyes were on her, she calmly asked, "Is the mother of the second sister of the Gu family here?"

Fang was enjoying herself with the crowd when she suddenly heard someone calling her name. She quickly pushed everyone aside and responded with a smile. Seeing that the woman's attire was similar to that of the noble ladies who had gathered at the family's restaurant, yet she had no servants following her, Fang was unsure of her background and just stared at her intently.

Fang didn't recognize the woman, but some of the long-time patrons of the capital did. It turned out that the imperial family in the capital had selected dozens of official matchmakers to arrange marriages between members of the royal family and wealthy, powerful families. The prestigious families in the capital, who strictly adhered to the rules of formal marriage, relied on these dressed official matchmakers for their communication and exchanges.

The matchmaker, seeing Fang staring at her, didn't take offense. She simply smiled, took a piece of floral stationery from her bodice, and handed it over, saying, "I am Lin, a matchmaker sent by the Yang family of the capital. The matriarch of the Yang family has heard that your daughter, the Second Sister, is virtuous and elegant, and has been personally bestowed the title of Princess of Anfu by the Empress Dowager. She intends to propose marriage for her youngest son, Hao. According to custom, I am presenting a preliminary marriage proposal from the groom's family today, which is also called a lucky and auspicious invitation. I hope your family will review it and provide a preliminary marriage proposal from the bride's family so that I can return it and proceed with the formal engagement."

Fang had never seen such a proper and dignified matchmaker in her life. Moreover, upon hearing that it was to arrange a marriage between her second sister and the son of the Grand Commandant, her mind was already a complete mess. She nodded whenever the matchmaker, Lin, spoke. After Lin finished speaking, she was stunned for a long time before she finally blurted out, somewhat hesitantly, "Is it to arrange for my second sister to be a concubine in the Grand Commandant's household?"

After Fang finished asking her question, Lin, the matchmaker, covered her mouth and chuckled before saying, "Look at what you're saying, Madam. Why would I need to go to the door to deliver a betrothal letter for taking a concubine? A small sedan chair can easily be sent through the side door. What we're discussing today is naturally the formal marriage to the principal wife, carried in a grand sedan chair."

Fang's mouth dropped open, and she stood there stunned for a long time, unable to recover. Seeing her lack of reaction, the matchmaker, Lin, was about to urge her again when she noticed a young woman stepping out from the side, smiling and greeting her. Lin inwardly cheered, thinking to herself that having matched countless high-ranking families, she had never seen such a poised and capable woman before. Just then, she heard the woman say, "Greetings, Aunt Lin. I am Second Sister Gu. May I speak with you in private?"

Lin, the matchmaker, paused for a moment, then nodded and followed Gu Zao into the back building. Gu Zao had left her a room for herself. Lin was invited to sit down and served tea before asking, "Is there anything you wish to say?"

Gu Zao sighed inwardly before hesitatingly saying, "Aunt Lin came to my door today saying she wanted to act as a matchmaker for me, and I shouldn't ask too many questions. However, the Grand Commandant's family is of very high social standing, and my family is truly not worthy of their status. Please return this invitation. I thank you very much, Aunt Lin."

Lin, the matchmaker, looked at her with surprise for a long time before shaking his head and saying, "This is strange. I've been a matchmaker for over ten years, and I've always arranged marriages for royal families and noble households. This is the first time I've encountered something like this. Since you have this attitude, I'll tell you the truth. It's best if you're willing, but it has to happen anyway. Why did I arrive at such a convenient time? The eunuch just left, and I arrived right after. The Empress Dowager has bestowed upon you the title of County Princess. Although she hasn't explicitly mentioned this marriage, she's secretly elevating you to marry into the Grand Commandant's household. The Empress Dowager has given you plenty of face. If you were to refuse now, wouldn't that be disgracing the Empress Dowager? I think you're a clever person; surely you can understand this?"

Gu Zao's heart skipped a beat, secretly cursing Yang Hao for using some underhanded tricks to put her in this predicament. Just then, the door creaked open, and Fang Shi, holding a piece of paper, handed it to the matchmaker, Lin, with a fawning smile, saying, "This is my family's invitation. I hurriedly asked a guest who can write to write it on the spot, and I even promised to give him this table of wine." She then turned back to glare fiercely at Gu Zao and cursed, "You hussy, have you lost your mind? Such a good thing has come to our door, and you're trying to turn it away! Even if you kill me today, I'll make sure you're forced into that bridal sedan chair!"

Lin, the matchmaker, smiled and accepted the pouch that had been tucked into her bodice. She took a sip of the tea she had just drunk, didn't even glance at Gu Zao, and was escorted out by Madam Fang.

Chapter Sixty-Nine

The next day, Madam Hu learned that Gu Zao had been made a county princess and that the Grand Commandant's family had proposed marriage to her as his principal wife. It took her half a day to process this news. She then brought over the best piece of fabric from her shop to offer her congratulations. Seeing that Gu Zao didn't pay much attention to her, she turned to Madam Fang, showering her with compliments. For the first time in her life, Madam Fang felt superior in front of Madam Hu, receiving nods and flattery for everything she said. She felt quite pleased, and they found themselves getting along very well. After Madam Hu left, Madam Fang became troubled. Looking up at Gu Zao, who seemed unconcerned and busy with her work, she sighed and muttered to herself, "Marrying into that wealthy family is certainly a prestigious thing. But ultimately, it's my family climbing the social ladder. Not to mention, the dowry is a real worry. Right now, this restaurant is only worth a few cents..."

Gu Zao looked up at Fang Shi and said calmly, "Mother, even if you use this restaurant as my dowry, you've staked your entire fortune on it, and people might not even look at it. This restaurant is meant to be kept for Qingwu Third Sister and you all to make a living. Don't try to take advantage of it just to save face."

Seeing that her daughter had been rather quiet since yesterday, Fang sighed and said, "Your aunt said that nowadays, families in the capital who marry off their daughters, especially those marrying into official families, often give dowries in the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of strings of cash. Otherwise, even if they get married, they will be looked down upon by their husband's family."

Gu Zao rarely saw Fang Shi looking so worried, and knew that she was concerned about him. He casually joked, "Then I will go and ask the Empress Dowager to take back the title of county princess and not marry her."

Fang's eyes widened, and she spat, saying, "Do you think you can just take back the title bestowed by the Empress Dowager? She's been so kind to you, and you still don't know what's good for you and go looking for trouble. I may not understand the logic, but in those plays, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's words are always absolute. Do you dare to have such an idea? Do you want to take back the fortune-bringing signboard that I worked so hard to obtain?"

Gu Zao was taken aback. She knew this principle herself, and she had only said it casually just now. However, after being reminded of it by Madam Fang, her heart became heavier involuntarily.

The matchmaker, Lin, received the draft letter from Madam Fang and, within two days, delivered a formal betrothal document on a colorful silk tray. The document listed the names and official titles of the groom's great-grandfather, grandfather, and father, as well as the name, birth date, and other details of the man being considered for marriage. Madam Fang, fearing that Gu Zao might say something foolish in her confusion, chased her away, forbidding her from interfering. Gu Zao, already in a bad mood, simply let her bring Madam Shen along, and the two of them had a lively and enjoyable time. On the chosen day, they also had the matchmaker, Lin, deliver the betrothal document.

The engagement gifts were exchanged just the next day, and Lin, the matchmaker, came again, followed by a long line of servants carrying brand-new betrothal gifts. Lin, the matchmaker, smiled and said that their horoscopes had been matched, and that they were a perfect match, bringing great fortune and many descendants.

After Lin, the matchmaker, finished speaking, a steward dressed in a brand-new blue robe appeared behind her. After bowing to Madam Fang, he directed the servants to lay out the betrothal gifts one by one. Madam Fang was almost dazzled by the sight of the pearl and jade jewelry, gold and silver ornaments, gold-embroidered skirt pleats, satin and tea cakes, two sheep, and four wine jars filled with large floral patterns, all covered with green and gold-embroidered wine covers. Even the wine carriers were tied with red and green satin. Lin, the matchmaker, and the others who brought the betrothal gifts were invited to stay for a drink and given small red envelopes before being sent away.

After those people left, Madam Fang examined the items carefully again, clicking her tongue in admiration as she remarked, "The Grand Commandant's mansion is indeed different from other families. Back in Yangzhou, the best I've ever seen was just two pieces of red cloth and some other fabrics, but this family puts on such a grand display."

Seeing that Gu Zao remained silent, the third sister shook her head and replied, "Mother, you only see how impressive their gift is, but why don't you consider that your return gift should also be appropriate? It wouldn't be right to send back a bare pair of fish chopsticks, would it?"

Reminded by her third sister, Fang realized that preparing return gifts was the most important thing right now. She directed several waiters in the restaurant to carry the gifts to the back and lock them in the storeroom before hurriedly leaving again.

Gu Zao knew she had gone out to discuss matters with Madam Shen and her group again, and knowing she couldn't stop her, she let her go. In the evening, the restaurant bustled with business again. Carriages and horses came and went in front of the garden, which was brightly lit inside, and the sounds of music filled the air from the bamboo groves and waterside pavilions. Gu Zao inspected the garden and, seeing that Manager Hu was in charge, with the greeters, waiters, and waiters all performing their duties without any apparent problems, she went to the main kitchen to teach the chefs a few of her new dishes. While she was teaching, she suddenly noticed a waiter peeking in from the kitchen doorway. Knowing he was violating the restaurant's rule that only chefs could enter the kitchen without permission, she didn't come in.

When the young man saw Gu Zao notice him, he hurriedly waved to her. After Gu Zao left, he said with a bitter face, "Manager, there's a customer in Xuepei Pavilion at Meilou who's incredibly picky. He insisted that none of the dishes on the table suited his taste. I tried to explain, but he got angry and slammed his fist on the table, demanding that you go and talk to him. Manager, I know that everyone who enters this place is our cash cow, so how could I dare to be disrespectful? It's just that he's clearly here to cause trouble, and I couldn't stand it..."

Gu Zao pondered for a moment, then told the boy to continue his work. He washed his hands, tidied himself up a bit, and headed towards Xuepei Pavilion. When he arrived at the door, he saw a waiter carrying a plate of lychee chicken about to go in, so he took it from him.

Gu Zao knocked on the door twice, and when there was no response, she pushed the door open and went in, only to freeze in place immediately.

The guest turned his face back to the bamboo branches outside the pavilion window, smiled at Gu Zao, and said, "Who else could it be but Yang Hao?"

Gu Zao stood there motionless, her face seemingly covered with a thin layer of frost. Yang Hao, however, seemed not to notice, and simply smiled as he walked up to her, took the plate of lychee chicken from her hand, and casually placed it on the table. Then he came over again, wanting to pull her hand to sit down, but Gu Zao dodged him.

Gu Zao stood there, the frost on her face gradually disappearing, finally turning into a faint smile. She looked up at Yang Hao and said politely yet coldly, "Second Master Yang, one of my servants here didn't serve you well just now and made you angry. I've come to apologize to you."

Yang Hao was only slightly taken aback when his hand reached out to Gu Zao again. This time, he was more determined and held on tight. He pulled her to a chair and forced her to sit down. He then pulled up a chair himself and sat down in front of her. He then said with a grin, "My wife, please calm down. I just wanted to see you, but you've been so busy, so I had to resort to this tactic to coax you here."

Seeing his grinning face as he approached, and recalling his domineering manner that night, Gu Zao felt the pent-up frustration she had been suppressing for the past few days suddenly surge up. She abruptly stood up and was about to leave when Yang Hao, quick as a flash, grabbed her tightly from behind and pulled her close around the waist.

Gu Zao tried desperately to pry his hands off her waist, but she couldn't break free; instead, he held her even tighter. A pang of sadness shot through her heart, and her initial anger inexplicably turned into bitterness; tears involuntarily streamed down her face.

Yang Hao felt the person in front of him stop struggling and was secretly pleased when a teardrop splashed on the back of her hand. Only then did he realize that she was crying. He hurriedly let go of her hand, held her shoulder and turned her to him. While wiping the tears from her face, he asked in a flustered manner, "What's wrong with you? Why are you crying all of a sudden?"

Gu Zao slapped his hand away, lowered her head and wiped her face with her hand, ignoring him.

Yang Hao angrily said, "Did someone bully you because you own this restaurant? Whoever is so blind, I will definitely not let them off easily when I find out!"

Gu Zao looked up, stared at him blankly for a long time, and finally said quietly, "No one bullied me. It's just that I'm unhappy."

Seeing the tear stains on her face, which were half-dried and her eyelashes were still wet, Yang Hao felt both pity and love for her. He forced himself not to pull her into his arms, but instead looked down at her and said, "The Empress Dowager has bestowed a title upon you, and my mother has also sent someone to propose marriage. We will be married soon. What is there to be unhappy about?"

His words only stirred up Gu Zao's resentment, and she said bitterly, "I told you before that even if I were to marry, I would have to wait a year or two before considering it. Second Master, you have connections everywhere, but have you ever thought about how I feel? Everyone envies me for marrying into your family, but I feel like I'm being forced into this marriage."

Yang Hao frowned slightly and said unhappily, "When did you become so self-deprecating? In my eyes, you are as precious as a pearl. Why do you care so much about other people?"