Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 503

Mrs. Xu mentioned that their family had limited influence and lacked connections. In contrast, Duke Ying’s Mansion held a slightly stronger position.

Particularly, Duke Ying’s residence was of grandeur and prominence, actively socializing with others could easily attract gossip and rumors.

Nevertheless, since Mrs. Wang had agreed to assist Mrs. Xu, she diligently undertook the task of inquiry.

After three to five days, Mrs. Wang presented a notable list, all composed of distinguished young ladies currently seeking marriage in Beijing.

When she showered it to her, Mrs. Xu remarked, “The families of these young ladies you’ve gathered are quite impressive, with distinguished backgrounds. I’m concerned that my family may not measure up.”

Mrs. Wang reassured her, stating, “Your son is outstanding. He is a talented individual that had emerged as the top scholar in the first imperial examination of the new dynasty. He is currently working for His Majesty; who could possibly look down on your family?”

In private, Mrs. Xu hesitated before expressing, “My son is indeed exceptional, but as a mother-in-law…”

She left her sentence unfinished, but both Gu Yin and Mrs. Wang had already grasped the implications.

Noble ladies, having grown up in opulence, often displayed an arrogant demeanor.

When it came to the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Xu aimed to be a fair mother-in-law. However, she also feared that her future daughter-in-law might hold herself above, not recognizing Mrs. Xu’s role as a mother-in-law. Such a scenario would inevitably lead to disharmony in the family.

Mrs. Wang provided a clear solution, stating, “No need to worry. I’ll inquire further and eliminate those with unfavorable temperaments first. If they truly understand propriety, even with noble backgrounds, they will respect their elders.”

Mrs. Xu scratched her face and added, “Actually… you don’t have to take the trouble. There’s a suitable one right here in your household.”

With no other servants present, only Song Shiliu was in the room. Both Gu Yin and Mrs. Wang considered her as part of the family, allowing them to discuss matters openly in her presence.

When Mrs. Xu said that, Gu Yin and Mrs. Wang’s eyes naturally fell on Song Shiliu who was standing aside. 

Song Shiliu blushed and waved her hands hurriedly, “Madam, old lady, what are you thinking about? I’m still young!” 

Song Shiliu was fourteen or fifteen years old. 

Mrs. Xu slapped her thigh, exclaiming, “What are you thinking? I am not talking about her! I am talking about the lady from the Ge family in the restaurant!”

Gu Yin and Mrs. Wang exchanged glances, surprised by the revelation. Mrs. Wang inquired, “I recall that she is several years older than our Qingchuan, isn’t she?”

Mrs. Xu retorted, “What’s the big deal? ‘A woman at thirty is like holding a gold brick,’ and with each additional year, it’s like adding more bricks.”

Regarding Ge Zhu’s previous marriage, Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Wang chose not to comment. In modern times, societal norms were more open, and women were free to choose their paths after divorce, so it wasn’t a significant concern.

Of course, when comparing a divorced woman and a first-time married woman for a match, the latter was generally more favorable. However, Ge Zhu’s outstanding qualities impressed Mrs. Xu during her visits to ‘Food of Heaven’. Despite her past marriage, Mrs. Xu admired Ge Zhu’s gentleness and efficient demeanor. The fact that she didn’t mind Ge Zhu’s previous marriage reflected Mrs. Xu’s progressive mindset.

Both families hailed from Hanshan Town, providing a natural connection. Given their shared background, concerns about strained relations between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were minimal. The Xu family and the Ge family’s elders knew each other well, recognizing each other as honest and principled.

“You have a keen eye. After only a few visits to the restaurant, you’ve identified your son’s potential match,” Mrs. Wang playfully teased Mrs. Xu, and their attention then shifted to Gu Yin.

For a significant marriage proposal, the Xu family couldn’t unilaterally decide; someone needed to approach the other party and gauge their interest.

The obvious choice for this task was Gu Yin, being a close confidante to Ge Zhu as her sister. This matter was handled as a private discussion between the two sisters, ensuring that even if it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t tarnish Ge Zhu’s reputation or strain the friendship between the Xu and Ge families.

Taking up the responsibility, Gu Yin coincidentally chose the day when the restaurant delivered its account book to talk to Ge Zhu about it.

When it came to delivering the account book, it was usually Manger Zhou who came over. However, since Ge Zhu had experienced childbirth and could relate more to Gu Yin, who was currently pregnant, she visited more frequently.

One afternoon in mid-October, well past the beginning of winter, the weather grew colder each day.

Gu Yin, feeling a bit more sensitive to the cold than usual, had already changed into a casual short jacket.

Ge Zhu, on the other hand, wore a relatively lightweight jacket as she needed to work at the restaurant.

She wore a pea-green persimmon-patterned silk jacket, with a white-based green plum blossom cloak wrapped around her.

Her fair and delicate face showed signs of being slightly pale from the cold, but the traces of worry between her eyebrows had long disappeared. She looked radiant and even younger, appearing to be in her early twenties.

Gu Yin hurriedly got up to welcome her, arranging for someone to serve her hot tea and handing her a hand warmer.

Ge Zhu, less formal, gently pressed her back onto the heated brick bed, took off her cloak, drank the hot tea served by a maid, and then picked up a hand warmer to sit beside Gu Yin and talk.

Gu Yin gently touched Ge Zhu’s hand to ensure she was warm before finally relaxing. She said, “Actually, I don’t need to look at the account book. It’s getting colder day by day, and it’s not good for you to come over in the cold wind.”

She had mentioned this several times before, and Ge Zhu responded as usual, “You’re the owner, and it’s only right for you to review the accounts. Your wages already include these. Besides, the journey is not far. I came on the restaurant’s carriage, so it’s not that cold.”

As they conversed, a maid brought some dried fruits and snacks, including the rare specialty items of the season.

Recently, Gu Yin developed a liking for cucumber, enjoying dishes like vinegar-glazed cucumbers and scrambled eggs with cucumber. Even her daily snacks consisted mainly of cucumbers.

She broke a fresh and crisp cucumber in half and handed one part to Ge Zhu. The two of them shared the snack.