Chapter 1318: Fainted from Happiness

Finally, he added, "It’s okay if it doesn’t work out, you don’t have to feel burdened, just pass on the message."

Gu Jin’an laughed and said, "Since it’s something Master brought up, and with the Village Chief Shang’s family, whom we know well, I’ll certainly do my best to facilitate it."

Scholar Shang saw him agree and laughed, "Don’t put too much trust in me; this is my first time handling such a matter. Best if it succeeds. If not, I won’t dare attempt it again."

Gu Jin’an smiled. His master is a cautious person, knowing that matchmaking can easily cause conflicts. Unless he was absolutely sure, he wouldn’t have spoken on behalf of Village Chief Shang.

Shang Family Village was reached quickly, and before leaving, Gu Jin’an reminded him, "Master, things have been chaotic lately. If anything happens at home, send someone to inform me immediately, no matter what time, and I’ll rush over."

Scholar Shang gave him a dismissive look and said, "You’re so talkative at such a young age, you’re almost like Third Aunt. Hurry back, you’ve got plenty of things to handle at home."

Scholar Shang sent Gu Jin’an away.

Once he heard this, Gu Jin’an didn’t linger any longer and let Zezi drive him home.

The family was busy, and when Gu Dashan and Mrs. Cui saw him return, they were extremely happy. Seeing him looking weary, with dark circles under his eyes, they realized he mustn’t have slept all night and promptly hustled him off to bed.

Gu Jin’an said, "Dad, Mom, I’m not tired. Where’s Xiao Yu? Has she sorted out the division of property and decided who to take along? Let her bring the booklet over for me to see."

Pointing to Zezi behind him, he said, "These are the wedding invitations bought in the county. Dad, Mom, give me the guest list, and I’ll write out the invitations and deliver them to each family tomorrow."

Seeing Third Grandma, he discussed the Village Chief Shang being interested in Gu Qingliang.

"What? Brother An, what did you say? Village Chief Shang is interested in Qingliang? Wow, this is fantastic news!" Third Grandma was overjoyed yet incredulous as she asked, "Brother An, is this true? The Village Chief Shang’s family is quite wealthy in Qingfu Town. Are they genuinely interested in Qingliang? Let’s make sure it’s not all talk, or Granny Yan might end up disappointed."

Gu Jinli heard Gu Jin’an was back and knew he’d ask about the division and distribution matters, so she brought over the booklet. Hearing this, she laughed, "Third Grandma, you’re overthinking. Uncle Shang is not one to speak lightly, and since he’s spoken, it’ll be reliable. You should go tell Granny Yan, and let her rejoice."

"Oh, oh, oh, Xiao Yu’s right. I’ll go tell her right away." Third Grandma immediately set out for the Gu Damu family to relay the news about Village Chief Shang looking into Gu Qingliang.

Old Mrs. Yan had been longing for a granddaughter-in-law for years, dreaming of being served tea by her. Upon hearing this, she was so happy she almost fainted, scaring Third Grandma, who quickly helped her sit down: "Old sister, look at you, worrying about family matters for so long, and now that it’s finally happening, you’re scared. Really."

Jin Niu quickly poured a bowl of hot water, feeding it to Old Mrs. Yan spoon by spoon.

Old Mrs. Yan felt better after drinking some water, and clutching Third Grandma’s hand, said, "Third sister-in-law, help me go ask Brother An, this is such a big deal. I need to hear him clarify the matter personally to feel assured."

Then she instructed Jin Niu, "Quickly go to the workshop and call your parents to Sister Xiao Yu’s house. Tell them it’s urgent!"

"Alright." Jin Niu instructed Gui Niu to watch the house and immediately ran to the workshop to find Ms.Yan and Gu Damu.

In no time, Old Mrs. Yan and her group gathered at Gu Jin’an’s house to inquire about the Shang family matter.

Gu Jin’an knew Old Mrs. Yan and the others were invested in Gu Qingliang’s marriage, so he patiently explained again: "Granny Yan, Uncle Damu, Aunt Damu, the Shang family is sincere. You should go back, discuss it, and ask Brother Qingliang. If he’s willing, let me know, and I’ll send word to my master’s household. The Shang family will receive the message and on Xiao Yu and San Lang’s wedding day, Master’s wife will bring over Third Miss Shang for you to meet. If both sides agree, we can arrange for the matchmaker to visit."

"He’s willing, willing--it’s the chief’s granddaughter. If he dares say no, I’ll beat him to death!" Old Mrs. Yan was delighted, never imagining their family could marry into the chief’s family. She wept with joy, saying, "Brother An, please convey to Scholar Shang that although our family isn’t high-class, we’re united and kind-hearted. We’ll definitely treat Miss Shang San as our own daughter and never let her suffer."

Gu Jin’an helplessly smiled, "Granny Yan, nothing’s been decided yet, saying such things now is premature. Rest assured, I’ll pass your words along."

He continued, "Granny Yan, Brother Qingliang is a man with his own mind. You should consult him; he needs to be genuinely willing. Otherwise, wouldn’t his life be miserable?"

Back when they were fleeing from hardship, it was Xiao Yu who discovered the water source. When Third Grandpa convened families to discuss digging for water, Uncle Damu hesitated but Qingliang was the first to agree, showing Qingliang, though not talkative, is strategic. This major marriage decision must be his own choice.

Old Mrs. Yan replied, "Okay, I’ll talk to him, Brother An. Don’t worry."

She then turned to Gu Jinli and said, "Little Xiao Yu, you truly are the lucky star of our several families, not only bringing us prosperity but now helping your Brother Qingliang find a great match."

Gu Jinli winked at Old Mrs. Yan, laughing, "Of course, I’m the lucky koi fish."

Old Mrs. Yan didn’t understand, thinking she’s talking about her name, and chuckled, "Yes, that’s right, your name is Jinli. When your mother named you, we thought it was odd, but now, it’s the most auspicious name."

Old Mrs. Yan was delighted and talked quite a bit, but her throat wasn’t in the best condition, and talking so much made her tired. Seeing the busy Gu Jinli household, she had Ms.Yan and her husband help her home.

After Old Mrs. Yan’s family left, Gu Jin’an took the list booklet and said, "Feng Jin doesn’t need to stay here, have him accompany you to the Northwest. At home, having Qiu Lang, Ah Duo, Xiangzi leading the people is sufficient."

Feng Jin is a highly capable person, familiar with violence. San Lang and Xiao Yu need such a fierce person in the Northwest, and Feng Lian is already beside him; it’s best for Feng Jin not to remain in the south.

It’s not that Gu Jin’an is overly cautious wanting to prevent Feng Jin, but with Great Chu about to become chaotic, having a relative of his here will ensure he works more diligently.

Otherwise, during the turmoil, this competent person might disregard the family’s survival and flee with his kin. They’ve seen enough such incidents on the road fleeing from hardship, it can’t go unguarded.

Nanny Tao, who had served Aunt Wu, was present and listening. She agreed, "Young Miss, what young master said is true. We shouldn’t have any soft-heartedness now. Otherwise, if there’s a mishap, it would become huge trouble. If Young Miss feels uncomfortable, you can compensate them later."

Gu Jinli thought it over and agreed.

Reviewing the list, Gu Jin’an finally said, "Nothing else, your arrangements are all very reasonable."