Gu Shiliu’s father’s expression shifted slightly.

Gu Shiliu’s mother accompanied him with a smile, saying, "I’ve long wanted to come and pay my respects, but Sixteen, this child, is always busy, seldom gathering together, and thus it has dragged on until now. We used to work on the estate and never saw much of the world. Ever since Sixteen caught the Marquis’ eye, we’ve all benefited along with him. It’s only right for Sixteen to do as much as he can for the Marquis. If there’s anything troubling us, there happens to be one matter. Indeed, it’s quite a headache to talk about."

Cui Ming instructed a little maid to come and pour the tea.

Both individuals hurriedly adjusted their posture, holding the tea in their hands, and discreetly sized up Cui Ming.

Qin Yuan laughed and said, "What matter? Feel free to speak."

Gu Shiliu’s mother responded, "It’s still about the child’s marriage. Sixteen followed the Marquis to the Northern Border before, not knowing if he’d return, so we didn’t arrange a marriage for him, thinking it best to avoid delaying the young lady. Now he’s getting on in years, and if we don’t settle it soon, his younger brothers and sisters won’t be able to marry well. Not long ago, he took a liking to a girl from the Li family. It’s said she’s working here for the Marchioness, is quick-witted, and was born into our household, seemingly a good match when discussed. Who would have thought that after placing the birth papers on the kitchen beam for three days, there wasn’t a peaceful day at home during that time? The pot broke, the bowls shattered, several young ones at home tripped on flat ground and broke their lips. It’s clear this marriage can’t succeed. It’s truly worrisome."

Cui Ming couldn’t help but press her lips and chuckle.

Qin Yuan laughed as well.

They went to great lengths to come up with this explanation.

She feigned realization and said, "Ah, it’s about this. You’re really in luck, like finding a pillow just when you’re sleepy. The Marquis is fond of Sixteen and is also concerned about his lifelong affairs. Recently, he found someone he considered suitable, whom Sixteen has met, lively in spirit and agreeable. She’s one of my dowry maids, with a virtuous character. Sixteen himself is amenable, only worried about not having the money to marry, saying he’ll wait until he’s finished his tasks, received rewards, and saved enough for the bridal money before deciding on the marriage. If these two aren’t destined, then who is?"

Hearing Qin Yuan say this, the pair relaxed a bit, beamed, and replied, "If the Marquis and Marchioness have chosen someone, it’s naturally a good choice. That child is indeed fortunate, catching the eye of the Marquis and Marchioness, a blessing others couldn’t even dream of."

Qin Yuan said with a smile, "Sixteen is clever and capable, the Marquis’ favorite assistant. This girl grew up with me, possessing deeper affection than others. I had planned to release her to marry into a modest household as a principal wife later on. Who would have thought she and Sixteen took a liking to each other? It truly is a connection guided by fate."

Gu Shiliu’s father immediately responded, "Exactly, I’ve often said don’t rush to find a match for Sixteen. His mother always insists, fearing that all the good ones will be snatched away, rushing to settle it only to fail. It seems our eldest son’s marriage was meant to be here."

Qin Yuan laughed and replied, "Indeed, Sixteen should have been the one to tell you. I saw your anxiety and broke the news first. Though the matter is settled, marriage is something parents should decide. Additionally, a formal wife requires arranged betrothal, not an elopement resulting in a concubine. I think it’s best to wait until Sixteen completes his tasks, deliberate carefully, and invite a matchmaker to mediate."

"That’s natural, that’s natural," the two replied in unison.

Originally wanting to get a look at the person, now they dared not bring it up again.

Qin Yuan never intended to call Hong Ye out for them to inspect, leaving Cui Ming to serve on the side as an example.

The pair sat for a short time before wisely taking their leave.

Leaving Wutong Garden, Gu Shiliu’s father said, "The Marchioness is like a celestial being, even her maids aren’t lacking in looks. If Sixteen were to marry such a one, he truly wouldn’t find such a good match even with a lantern in hand. Don’t start thinking about how to manipulate people, how to have the eldest’s family support the second."

"Am I a fool? Sixteen was still birthed from me, am I a stepmother?"

Gu Shiliu’s mother felt upset.

After a while, she calmed down and her face lit up with joy, "The Marchioness is willing to release that girl to marry into a good family, truly showing deep affection. It’s unlike Nanny Rong’s situation. If Sixteen marries her, he’ll become the closest confidant by the Marchioness’ side, able to speak both inside and outside the inner courtyard. His younger siblings needn’t fear lacking prospects in the future. As the saying goes, success comes from having a strong support, like a good fence with sturdy posts. When it comes to fighting, blood brothers are essential."

Gu Shiliu’s father grunted silently.

"It’s just a pity we’ve offended the Li family, and the second will be implicated," Gu Shiliu’s mother sighed again.

"Wasn’t this mess of your making!"

"How is everything my fault? Why didn’t you say anything at the time? When things go wrong, it’s my mistake, when they’re right, it’s yours?"

"Why wouldn’t I speak? I said the eldest’s marriage needs his own agreement. But did you listen? You said, ’As the mother, the son should heed his mother’s words.’ Otherwise, why all this trouble? You almost ruined the son’s future, nearly estranged him from us. For years, whenever anything goes against your wishes, you cry and make a scene, leaving the whole family in turmoil. Yet what can I do in search of peace?"

Gu Shiliu’s father said, filled with resentment.

Gu Shiliu’s mother, holding back for a moment, finally couldn’t contain herself. Hands on hips, she shouted in anger, "You’re using this opportunity to turn the tables, aren’t you? Fine! Sixteen’s marriage is all yours then. From now on, I won’t touch it a bit. Don’t come asking me to do this or that later. If you have the ability, you may take charge entirely."

...

In the room, Hong Ye was anxiously waiting when she saw Cui Ming cheerfully running in, saying, "I’ve finally seen Gu Shiliu’s parents."

"Have they left?" Hong Ye asked in surprise.

Her anxious heart settled, though she felt a bit of lingering regret, a mix of emotions.

"Of course. I think they wanted to check you out, but the miss said her connection with you is deep, originally planning to release you as a principal wife. They didn’t dare make a fuss. In the end, they said they’d wait for Sixteen to return, discuss properly, and find a matchmaker for mediation."

Hong Ye sighed with relief, saying, "That’s just like the miss."

Cui Ming continued, "Sixteen’s height takes after his father, tall and burly. His eyes, nose, and facial features are handsome, though his face takes after his mother, a bit square. His mother surely calls the shots at home, quite formidable."

Hong Ye nodded and said, "Sixteen did mention that his mother holds authority at home. I wonder what they said after returning to Hong Mian’s side?"

Cui Ming mimicked the scene for her.

Only then, Hong Ye felt reassured, saying, "In the end, it wasn’t too embarrassing."

News reached Hong Mian’s side too.

Her mother came along with the vegetable delivery, saying that after three days, Gu Shiliu’s family claimed there were mice in the kitchen breaking bowls, smashing pots, even the kids were affected. It seems the wandering monk’s prophecy might be true, this marriage can’t succeed.

The birth papers were returned, though Gu Shiliu’s family handled it well, outwardly saying the children’s ages were somewhat mismatched, possibly clashing numerically, thus better to avoid becoming resentful spouses later.