But Gu Changqing also knew that in these tis, although widows were not stopped from remarrying,
those who could remarry into a good family were as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns.
Hearing Master Yi’s words at this mont made his eyes light up.
Yi Mingshi was soone he knew very well, his family was simple in numbers, and even if he had a concubine, it was like she didn’t exist. If his sister really minded, she could be placed on an estate to live her later years in peace, and it wouldn’t be a problem.
Moreover, Yi Family’s son was posted elsewhere, and although their daughter was married in the Capital City, it was only to a small official’s family, so they certainly wouldn’t dare to be haughty in front of his sister.
What’s more, if they could truly match the two together, his sister could marry back to the Capital City, and the family wouldn’t have to be separated. If there were any issues, he would be able to take care of them, and their mother could see his sister whenever she wanted.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was a great idea.
However, Gu Changqing was not a reckless person; although intrigued, he kept his feelings hidden.
When he got ho, he first discussed it with Old Lady Gu.
Old Lady Gu was imdiately interested, although sowhat contemptuous of Yi Mingshi’s lower social status, rely a Graduate, and already having a son and daughter, which would make her a stepmother if she married him.
But since their own daughter had been married once, with children of her own, they couldn’t be too choosy.
After listening to Gu Changqing describe Yi Mingshi’s situation, she was initially fifty or sixty percent agreeable, but now projected seventy to eighty percent willingness.
After the mother and son discussed it further, Gu Changqing found an opportunity to subtly convey his thoughts and intentions to Yi Mingshi.
Of course, he didn’t hide Zhang’s backstory and her family’s situation from Yi Mingshi.
In the end, he only said that although his sister had ended up in the countryside, beyond being a bit outspoken and quick-witted, she was a clear-minded and decisive person.
Although Yi Mingshi had kept away from visitors, even if he didn’t know Zhang, he was aware of Lady Dingguo.
Gu Changqing’s sister was indeed the mother of this Lady Dingguo.
Just this fact piqued Yi Mingshi’s interest.
At that mont, he hesitantly expressed so interest, feeling it might work, but he feared that Zhang might not find him appealing, or that Lady Dingguo might be displeased.
Gu Changqing didn’t dare to take full charge, simply stating that his sister was currently with her daughter and son-in-law in Chicheng County, and he, along with Gu Zikai, was en route to Yunzhong County on recomndation from that nephew-in-law.
If Yi Mingshi was truly interested, he could take this opportunity to et, and if fate allowed, that would be ideal.
Yi Mingshi understood.
So, when they arrived at Chicheng County, Yi Mingshi excused himself, claiming fatigue, and was first arranged to rest at the County Yan.
At the County Yan, everything was well arranged. When he casually inquired, it beca clear that it was all arranged by Lord Song’s wife and the old lady at ho.
Who this old lady was naturally went without saying.
The next day, he followed Gu Zikai to visit Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu.
Yi Mingshi was never one to desire worldly beauty; he simply thought that Gu Changqing’s sister, after many years in the countryside, would surely look old.
Yet upon eting her, she appeared younger and more vibrant than her peers.
Not to ntion, even his old concubine, around the sa age as the old lady, who had soone attending to her, looked a decade older than Zhang.
Hearing Zhang speak with straightforwardness and instruct others efficiently, the entire Song family held her in high esteem.
Yi Mingshi was sowhat inclined.
Especially after arriving in Yunzhong County, where he had to do everything himself. Though Song Chongjin had provided a few people, they were only for safety and outside tasks.
Busy throughout the day, returning at night with no hot tea or food awaiting, he nostalgically rembered those days in Chicheng County.
Therefore, upon receiving the letter from Chicheng County stating Zhang’s intention to raise pigs, Yi Mingshi was especially enthusiastic.
Upon learning that Zhang and her daughter were visiting, Yi Mingshi prepared thoroughly, intending to first gain Zhang’s favor and then discuss further.
Unexpectedly, Lady Dingguo indeed lived up to her reputation. With just a few more glances at her mother, she had already noticed.
However, Yi Mingshi was not one to hide and would speak openly.
For people their age, no longer young, what was the need for euphemism, roundabout ways, or tactics of playing hard to get?
Being adults and both remarried, with matching social status, decent character, sensible children, who didn’t dislike each other and felt so affection, they could live together. Was there really a need for so much formality?
Thus, he straightforwardly laid his cards on the table, asking Gu Zikai to convey the ssage to Wang Yongzhu and Zhang.
He genuinely favored Zhang to so extent. His family was modest in numbers, well-off, and despite rely being a Graduate, the Yi Family was a substantial clan with so influence even in the Capital City.
Though he couldn’t guarantee everything, he could promise that if he took Zhang as his wife, she would be the only one by his side, without taking concubines or maids to cause her distress.
Moreover, while he might not provide lavish living, he could assure a life without financial worries.
Regarding children, his son was stationed far away and wouldn’t return to the Capital City for years.
He had a daughter, married long ago, with whom he shared a distant relationship due to her early loss of her mother, thus the interaction would likely be minimal, and there would be no trouble for Zhang.
If Zhang was willing, he was eager to follow all marriage formalities and ceremonies, marrying her into the family with the utmost respect.
Gu Zikai, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but glance repeatedly at Yi Mingshi, surprised at his audacity! They hadn’t even gotten to any significant stage of their relationship, yet he already had marriage in mind just after eting and exchanging a few words? Truly ambitious!
Ultimately, he held back, twitching the corners of his mouth, and assured that he would indeed relay the ssage.
Co evening, Gu Zikai, bearing this important task, arrived.
Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, seeing him co, pretended to know nothing, cheerfully hosting him for dinner.
After the al, once the attendants had left, the three sat down for tea, and Gu Zikai timidly conveyed Yi Mingshi’s words.
Wang Yongzhu raised an eyebrow, yet before she could speak, Gu Zikai begged for rcy: "Yongzhu cousin, this wasn’t my idea! I’m just relaying a ssage! Relaying! I’m on your and Aunt’s side! Master Yi is like a toad wanting to eat swan at! How could he aspire to such heights? I’ll go back and tell him to let go of such foolish fantasies—"
Wang Yongzhu, ready to lash out violently, was disard by Gu Zikai’s plea.
Zhang playfully slapped Wang Yongzhu, saying, "Don’t scare your cousin!"
Wang Yongzhu had to take a deep breath to calm down, then said, "Alright, cousin, go back and tell Master Yi that his proposal is too sudden. For caution’s sake, I will discuss it carefully with my mother and then reply! Tell him not to hurry, just to wait patiently—"
By the end, she was seething with gritted teeth; if Master Yi were present, Wang Yongzhu might have torn him apart.
Gu Zikai felt a chill and couldn’t help but plead for Master Yi: "Well, Yongzhu cousin, no problem rejecting him. I’ll go myself! If you’re still unhappy, ambushing him is fine too, I’ll help you do it! But could we at least spare his life?"
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