Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
âThey met at the clinic,â the elderly consort smiled and reminisced, âlast autumn, after she accompanied me for a doctorâs visit.â
Zhou Ying nodded in understanding. After confirming the girlâs health, she asked, âThe restaurant launched a new lobster dish before the New Year. Itâs real seafood. Have you tried it?â
The consort grasped her meaning immediately. She readily agreed for the girlâs future and good food. âThe restaurant representatives mentioned it during their last visit. However, we havenât had the chance to try it.â
âThen why donât we all go tomorrow afternoon?â Zhou Ying suggested.
âI want to come too!â Mingyu chimed in.
âOf course, you can come too,â Zhou Ying replied.
The three of them continued their chat for a while before the medicine arrived for the elderly consort. After taking it right before lunch, they gathered for a simple meal. Zhou Ying and Mingyu lingered for a while before returning home.
Zhou Ying then instructed Niu Lirong to inform Gu Chengxi at the clinic to dress formally for the next day. Additionally, she planned to visit and personally inform Mrs. Yao and Mrs. Sun.
However, the two women expressed concern upon hearing this, appearing slightly worried.
Zhou Ying, surprised at first, quickly understood their apprehension. âIâve met her, and sheâs both kind and capable. As long as you treat her with sincerity, I believe youâll get along well.â
âThereâs a significant difference in status between the two families. Will she truly not look down on us?â
âYour status isnât inferior either. You are, after all, the Empressâs aunt,â Zhou Ying reminded them. âWhile your husband and brother-in-law no longer hold official positions, their lack of titles doesnât diminish your standing. Has anyone in the capital dared to mistreat you?â
The two women exchanged glances and shook their heads. They realized that, despite their commoner status, their association with the Empress provided them with a certain level of prominence. Many individuals openly and discreetly sought to curry favor with them, which explained the flourishing of their business.
Seeing their realization, Zhou Ying advised, âThereâs no need for you to attend tomorrowâs meeting. If they hit it off, donât delay the engagement. Start preparing for an official matchmaking proposal.â
âWe understand,â Mrs. Yao nodded in agreement.
The next day, the arranged meeting went smoothly, and upon returning home, Gu Chengxi confirmed the good news. Mrs. Yao proceeded to gather necessities and visit the matchmaker to formalize the marriage proposal.
However, they decided to hold the engagement and betrothal ceremony on the 18th day of the first lunar month, coinciding with her coming-of-age ceremony.
By the end of the year, the additional income from the glassware business had pushed their annual earnings past the $2 million mark.
On the night of the imperial exams, Princess Zhi Shan delivered a daughter. As the news was announced the following day, Zhou Ying gave birth to a son in the early hours.
After breakfast, as Gu Chengrui prepared to head to the kitchen to make food for Zhou Ying, Niu Fugui burst in, exclaiming, âMaster, Master! Second Master has passed the imperial exam!â
âOh, double the happiness! What rank did he achieve?â
âFifty-eighth. If his performance remains consistent during the court examinations, he should be able to maintain his rank,â Niu Fugui informed him.
âExcellent timing! Can you make another trip to their home to announce the birth of our son?â
âPerfect timing, a good omen. This old servant will depart immediately!â Niu Fugui declared before rushing off.
Gu Chengrui himself took charge of preparing chicken soup in the kitchen.
Zhou Ying chuckled despite the discomfort, her smile reaching her eyes.
Gu Chengrui didnât favor sons over daughters, and he cherished having children, especially while living with the love of his life.
From that moment on, his life could be considered complete..