Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 504

Ge Zhu carefully observed Gu Yin for a moment and chuckled, “You’ve gained a bit more roundness since the last time I came.”

In response, Gu Yin helplessly smiled and said, “In the early stages, I had morning sickness. As time went on, the instances of morning sickness decreased, and my appetite improved day by day. I’ve gained quite a bit of weight.”

Ge Zhu reached out to gently touch the slight curvature of Gu Yin’s belly, remarking, “It’s not gaining weight; it’s being well-rounded. You used to be a bit thin, but now you look just right. Seeing that everything is fine with you puts my mind at ease.”

After saying this, she playfully touched Gu Yin’s chin, as if teasing a small cat or dog, gently scratching.

Gu Yin allowed her to touch, and after exchanging affectionate words for a while, Gu Yin prepared to get to the main point.

“Sisters shouldn’t beat around the bush. I won’t waste your time. Have you ever thought about remarrying?”

Ge Zhu’s cheeks immediately turned crimson, and she lowered her eyes as she softly said, “You already know?”

This statement caught Gu Yin off guard. She wondered if Mrs. Xu, anxious to find out, had already inquired before her, but Gu Yin hadn’t expected it.

Thinking this, Gu Yin nodded and said, “We’re not outsiders on either side. I want to be the intermediary and ask for your opinion. Sister, please speak freely. If you’re willing, it would naturally be a mutually beneficial affair. If you’re not interested, that’s fine too. It’ll remain within the family, and won’t be spread around, preserving both parties’ reputations.”

Ge Zhu’s cheeks turned even redder as she bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before saying, “He’s a good person, and I know all the things he’s done for me. It’s just…”

Sighing softly, she continued, “I’m not someone who changes her mind easily. I just divorced not long ago, not even a year has passed. It feels a bit too soon. Let’s wait a bit longer.”

Gu Yin nodded understandingly, “Of course, your wishes come first. I’ll make it clear to Aunt Xu.”

Upon hearing this, Ge Zhu’s embarrassment faded from her face. “Why Aunt Xu?”

Gu Yin, recalling Ge Zhu’s words, also sensed something amiss. After all, it was Mrs. Xu who was expressing interest in Ge Zhu as a future daughter-in-law. Given that it was still early days, and without any direct interaction between Ge Zhu and Mrs. Xu’s son, where did Ge Zhu’s mention of “he’s been good to me” come from?

Sorting out her thoughts, Gu Yin said, “It seems we’ve misunderstood each other. Mrs. Xu wishes to arrange a marriage for Qingchuan, and after seeing you a few times, she felt you were a good match. So, she asked me to inquire about your thoughts. But listening to Sister just now, it seems there might already be an admirer around you?”

“That’s a real mix-up,” Ge Zhu said with a laugh, shaking her head. “Madam Xu has misunderstood. I am a divorced woman. How can I be worthy of a scholar? Although we are in different realms, Sir Xu and Sir Feng serve together in the court, and they might run into each other, causing some awkwardness.”

“Sister, don’t underestimate yourself. Both you and Qingchuan are upright and honest individuals. Even if what you said about Sir Feng is true, the awkwardness lies with the Feng family, not you two,” Gu Yin reassured, patting Ge Zhu’s hand. “But, as I mentioned earlier, your wishes come first. If you already have someone in mind, I will help convey a refusal.”

“What someone? I said, let’s wait a bit longer,” Ge Zhu said, playfully glaring at Gu Yin before standing up. “The account book has been delivered, I’ve seen you, and there’s still work at the restaurant. I’ll head back now.”

Ge Zhu got up, signaling that Gu Yin didn’t need to accompany her, and left as if escaping.

When Ge Zhu briskly walked to the gate of Duke Ying’s Mansion, she saw someone squatting at the entrance, holding a large coarse porcelain bowl and drinking hot tea. The gatekeeper recognized him and was advising, “Mr. Xu, why don’t you come inside and sit in the warm room today? The wind is strong, and you might catch a cold.”

Chef Xu downed the hot tea in big gulps, returned the large bowl, and laughed dismissively, “No worries, I’m thick-skinned; I won’t get cold!” He said and shuddered again. 

He didn’t look like he was unaffected by the cold.

The gatekeeper sighed.

At this moment when Ge Zhu came over, Chef Xu immediately stood up from the ground, quickly walked over, stopped in front of her, scratched his head, and whispered, “Have you finished talking with Master?”

When Ge Zhuer nodded, Chef Xu continued to say, “Then quickly get on the carriage, don’t stay outside in the wind.”

While heading towards the carriage, Ge Zhu said, “Every time I come back, you always pick me up. Why don’t you go and see your master?”

Chef Xu shook his head, “I heard people say that when a woman is pregnant and sees many beautiful things, the baby born will be beautiful. So, many families during that time would stick some New Year paintings of babies in the house to bring good luck. I look like this, and my master has seen enough of me. What if the baby turns out looking like me? It’s better to believe there’s a chance than to dismiss it entirely. It’s safer for me to stay out of her sight.”

Ge Zhuer smiled, “Why do you talk about yourself like that?”

As they spoke, one of them sat inside the carriage, and the other sat on the carriage shaft to drive.

Chef Xu didn’t continue the conversation, afraid that the strong wind might harm her. He carefully tucked the curtains, reminded her to sit securely, and then shook the reins, driving the carriage away.