Chapter 312: Chapter 128: "Cat Monk, That’s Me!" [6,000 Words] (Part 2)

Because the life of Yamana Ikutaro, who relied on his wife to achieve a legendary turnaround, was so enviable, by the time of the Edo Era, "Yamana Ikutaro and Chiyoda" had become a well-known anecdote, often used to educate families’ children to find a virtuous helper, to find a wife like Chiyoda.

"Yong." Abi, who had been silent, now spoke lightly, "Wake up a bit early the day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow you should join us for a trip to the Matsui Family."

"The Matsui Family is also satisfied with your conditions."

"They are willing to facilitate this marriage between our two families. They have proactively invited us to dine together tomorrow."

"Matsui Joo will also attend the banquet tomorrow."

"So you must tidy yourself up well tomorrow, shave off your stubble cleanly, and leave a good impression on them."

Such impactful news, one after another—Kondo evidently couldn’t process it all.

He grabbed the fabric on his knees with both hands, pressed his lips tightly together, his face turning red as he stammered for a long time before saying in a low voice:

"Father, Mother... I don’t want to get married so soon right now..."

"Shiwei Hall’s operations have finally improved significantly."

"I want to focus my energy on running Shiwei Hall right now."

"Getting married... I’m afraid it will distract me."

"Ha." Zhouzhu chuckled, "’Family and career,’ these two things can complement each other."

"Marry a good wife who can help you deal with life’s trivial matters, so you can focus more on your career."

Zhouzhu, being good-tempered, was willing to reason with Kondo—Abi was not so patient.

Her eyebrows arched sharply, she snorted coldly, and then shouted sternly at Kondo:

"Do you plan to wait until your hair turns white to take a wife?"

"You’re already 26! If you delay for a few more years, no good girl will want to marry you!"

Having been scolded by Abi, Kondo skillfully bowed his head and shrunk his neck. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Abi’s angry shout made the entire hall’s atmosphere grow stern.

Aoto, Chokata, Saito, Kyūbē, they were all intimidated by the stifling aura Abi exuded, not daring to move...

To ease the atmosphere in the hall, Zhouzhu deliberately blinked a few times, then hurriedly cast his gaze onto Aoto.

"Ah, yes. I almost forgot about Mr. Tachibana’s affairs."

"Mr. Tachibana, in recent days, while Abi and I were finding a matchmaker for Yong, many matchmakers who know that the current famous Tachibana Aoto is practicing at our Shiwei Hall told me: Several families with quite decent conditions want to form a good marriage with you."

"I specifically asked, those families that wish to take you as their son-in-law do indeed have quite decent conditions, all reputable military families in Edo."

"How about it? Are you interested in a matchmaking meeting?"

"You’re 18 this year, just at an age suitable for marriage."

"If you’re interested in matchmaking, I can contact a reliable matchmaker for you tomorrow."

"Huh?" Aoto was startled.

The eyes of everyone in the hall turned to focus on Aoto.

"Matchmaking... Young Master, I think you should try going for a matchmaking meeting now!" sitting to Aoto’s right, Kyūbē excitedly and quickly said, "The Tachibana family’s lineage needs to be continued; when the master was your age, you were already born!"

Feeling the curious gazes mixed with other emotions pressing on him, Aoto twitched the corners of his mouth, then showed a helpless smile:

"Master, thank you for your kindness."

Aoto bowed to Zhouzhu.

"But I currently have no intention of starting a family."

"The ’Anti-foreigner Faction’ mobs in Edo are still rampant."

"As a ’Three Times’ samurai, I truly don’t have the energy at present to handle matters of romance."

Aoto’s polite refusal was sincere and without a trace of falsehood.

He has now thoroughly incurred the wrath of the anti-foreigner group.

Before exterminating this undying nemesis, and eradicating this group of fanatical terrorists, he genuinely has neither the energy nor the leisure to marry and start a family.

Upon hearing Aoto’s response, Kyūbē immediately showed a dejected expression.

Zhouzhu, however, remained calm—after all, Aoto is merely a disciple and resident guest of their Shiwei Hall, and Zhouzhu has no right to interfere in Aoto’s personal life.

Since Aoto has clearly stated that he doesn’t want to marry now, Zhouzhu can only nod:

"All right, at your age, it’s indeed not necessary to rush into thinking about matters of romance."

"If you ever decide you want to start a family, feel free to come find me anytime! I’ll help you find a matchmaker!"

Zhouzhu offered Aoto a carefree smile.

...

...

That night, late—

Shiwei Hall, in the Dining Room—

Aoto, having changed into a white sleeping robe, lay under the covers, suddenly felt a bit thirsty.

So, he had to uncover himself and prepare to go down to the kitchen on the first floor to find some water to drink.

Upon stepping out of the Dining Room and onto the corridor outside, Aoto suddenly heard the sound of a door opening beside him.

"Mr. Chokata?"

"Hmm? Mr. Tachibana, you’re not asleep yet?"

On the other side of the corridor, holding a wash basin, Chokata maintained a position of closing his dorm room door with one hand and blinked at Aoto in surprise.

"I’m a bit thirsty, so I’m going to the kitchen to get some water." Aoto lowered his brows and eyes, glancing at the wash basin in Chokata’s arms, "Mr. Chokata, are you going to the Qianxun House to bathe?"