Chapter 960 - 796: Matchmaker

Chapter 960: Chapter 796: Matchmaker

"Since the Holy Decree for the marriage has already been issued, although Jinyu and Xian are not yet of age for marriage, the previous rituals must still be observed."

Mrs. Ning understood that Gu Chengyu’s parents were not well-versed in the customs of noble families, so she wanted to meet with them to discuss the betrothal process.

Gu Chengyu helplessly smiled, "Teacher, Teacher’s wife! It’s late, so as not to worry my parents, I’ll return to the mansion first. Tomorrow I’ll ask my parents to come to your house to discuss the betrothal affairs. Both of them are from the countryside and may only understand the basics of these matters. Please, teacher and teacher’s wife, guide them well to ensure the betrothal process goes smoothly, so Miss Yao is not wronged."

Since the Holy Decree has been issued, this matter naturally cannot be delayed.

Otherwise, Duke Zhen’s Mansion will feel embarrassed, thinking that Gu Chengyu is dissatisfied with this marriage. If he doesn’t even show up, it would lead to misunderstandings.

"Yes! That’s a good idea. You, young man, don’t know much about these things. The marriage matters should naturally be discussed with your parents."

Liang Zhirui nodded in agreement.

"However, have you thought about the choice of the matchmaker? Although the marriage proposal is from me, I am Xian’s maternal grandfather, so it would be inappropriate for me to act as a matchmaker."

Since this is a marriage granted by Holy Decree, there is no need to find an official matchmaker. However, it is best to choose a matchmaker who is a respected elder, to make the marriage appear more solemn.

Gu Chengyu pondered for a moment. Among the aristocratic family women he was acquainted with in the Capital, only a few had the status required.

"How about asking the old lady from my second senior brother’s family to help? As you know, I haven’t been in the Capital long and do not understand the aristocratic ladies well. When I went to the second senior brother’s mansion, I found Mrs. Wu kind and sincere, a compassionate old lady. What do you think, teacher?"

Yin Kun’s mother passed away early, and his wife’s status was insufficient, so she wasn’t considered.

Gu Chengyu had met Wu An’s family’s old lady many times before, and each time she was very warm. Moreover, Mrs. Wu was a fourth-rank Lady, which barely met the status requirement.

Liang Zhirui frowned. A fourth-rank Lady would still be somewhat lacking when dealing with Duke Mansion. Those shallow-minded individuals might not even know how to respect her!

Originally, asking Mrs. Wu to be the matchmaker would be a joyful event, but the old lady from Duke Zhen’s Mansion is not easy to deal with.

If she doesn’t treat Mrs. Wu well, this good thing could turn into a bad thing, and they would offend Mrs. Wu in the end.

"This time the Emperor granted the marriage directly, and Duke Zhen’s Mansion was kept in the dark before. If a person of high status as a matchmaker isn’t found, I’m afraid the people of Duke Zhen’s Mansion would be arrogant, leading to disgraceful actions."

Liang Zhirui sighed, mentally reviewing the possible choices he had met before.

"Indeed! The people of Duke Zhen’s Mansion are very snobbish. Therefore, Mrs. Wu is indeed not suitable."

Mrs. Ning didn’t help but feel worried. Her husband had retired, so finding a noblewoman from the aristocratic families whom they used to associate with might not be easy.

Gu Chengyu was a little stunned. He hadn’t considered this much. After thinking for a moment, he immediately thought of a suitable candidate.

"Alright, you shouldn’t worry about the choice of person. Just wait for two days, and this problem will resolve itself."

Liang Zhirui waved his hand, already having someone in mind—the mother of the Crown Princess Consort, Mrs. Ju.

The Crown Princess Consort Lang’s father is Lang Ping, a Commander and a Standard Second Rank Official.

Since the Second Prince became Crown Prince, Lang’s family has gained prestige, and now Lang’s descendants and girls are quite popular in the Capital.

Liang Zhirui thought of her because he had a bit of acquaintance with Lang Ping before. If he went to ask now, Lang Ping would not ignore his request.

Besides, in two days when the Emperor’s decree is issued, the Liang Mansion will surely become bustling again.

Then when he raises this matter, he would naturally have more confidence.

Furthermore, being the Crown Prince’s teacher and Jinyu being the Chancellor of the Chamberlain’s Office, both as Eastern Palace Ministers, asking the Crown Princess Consort’s mother would be highly appropriate.

The Crown Prince would still give this face, after all, he is considered the Crown Prince’s teacher.

As for whether they would be deemed as part of the Crown Prince Faction, it doesn’t matter. Anyway, publicly they are already grouped with the Eastern Palace.

In the eyes of uninformed officials, they are inseparable from the Eastern Palace.

Moreover, whatever the Emperor’s intentions are, neither he nor Jinyu can be bothered with such things. If they didn’t have the courage for this, it would be too stifling.

"Who does the teacher have in mind?" Gu Chengyu smiled lightly, wondering if he and the teacher shared the same thought.

Liang Zhirui glanced at Gu Chengyu in surprise, wondering if Jinyu also thought of the candidate.

Seeing his confident look, Liang Zhirui laughed heartily, "Who else? Didn’t we just talk about it earlier?"

Gu Chengyu’s eyes brightened, showing the tacit understanding between master and student.

Mrs. Ning saw the two exchange smiles but didn’t mention the candidate, feeling anxious.

"What riddles are you two playing? Quickly say who it is?"

"The Crown Princess Consort’s mother!" Gu Chengyu and Liang Zhirui said in unison.

"What? Are you sure, sir?" Mrs. Ning remembered her husband had some acquaintance with Lang Ping before, contemplating whether he intended to seek out Lang Ping.

But it had been years since they met, and her husband had only sent a customary gift upon arriving in the Capital, while they received an equal value gift in return, suggesting relations might not continue.

If they shamelessly sought help, it might not be appropriate.

"Certainly! Lang Ping will surely agree." Liang Zhirui teasingly kept his intentions mysterious.

"But you only met Lang Ping a few times through literary associations. Now, not being in court for so long, are you sure you can persuade Lang Ping?"

Though Lang Ping was a Commander and enjoyed wielding swords, his fondness actually lay in literature, making him an outlier among military generals.

He highly appreciated talented scholars, and Liang Zhirui was almost comparable to the Great Scholars of the time, meeting through a chance opportunity.

Mrs. Ning, maintaining her decorum, refrained from rolling her eyes.

After facing so many closed doors, hadn’t her husband learned that people only embellish success and not aid during hardships?

"Couldn’t Jinyu have a solution?" She turned to Gu Chengyu, feeling that the son-in-law seemed more reliable.

Gu Chengyu only smiled, leaving the announcement of this good news to the teacher.

"Lady, just ask the teacher. The student will take his leave now. It’s late, and in about an hour it will be curfew. Teacher and teacher’s wife, do rest early."

Gu Chengyu paid respects and then departed.

Mrs. Ning opened her mouth to ask him to stay but considering it was indeed late, she gave up.

"Do you have something to hide from me? Or why are you being so mysterious?" Mrs. Ning asked doubtfully.

"Today the Emperor directly told Jinyu to let me re-enter the court." Liang Zhirui smiled, no longer keeping it a secret.