lcionline Chapter 565 Proposal... Qinghan? How could it be Qinghan?
Chapter 565 Proposal... Qinghan? How could it be Qinghan?
Chu Ruohan did not return to the manor, but went directly to find Chu Chenyu.
He was copying a landscape painting when he saw his sister rushing in, so he quickly put down his brush.
"Sister, why do you look like this? Did something happen?"
Chu Ruohan didn't sit down, but went straight to the point and asked, "Chenyu, I saw that Miss Zhao today."
Chu Chenyu's eyes lit up instantly, his breathing quickened, and his face revealed the passion of a young man.
"You saw her? Is she...is she alright?"
Chu Ruohan found his expression amusing, but she didn't show it on her face; she simply stared at him intently.
"The person I met was Zhao Qinghan, the second daughter of the Zhao family, who was accompanying the old lady to offer incense at Puji Temple."
She emphasized the words "Second Sister" and "Qinghan".
Chu Chenyu was taken aback at first, then seemed to realize something and froze.
He opened his mouth, his expression shifting from astonishment to confusion, and then to a kind of ecstatic joy at seeing the light after the storm.
"Sister! It's her! It's definitely her!"
He was so excited that he was almost incoherent, and his hands were trembling slightly.
"The one I saw that day, she was helping an old lady, dressed very simply, that's her! Not that one at the Begonia Banquet...that one..."
He hesitated for a long time, but couldn't think of a suitable word to describe Zhao Qingzhi.
Chu Ruohan finally smiled.
"It seems I misunderstood before."
She briefly recounted what had happened at Puji Temple and her observations of Zhao Qinghan.
Chu Chenyu listened intently, and when she heard how Zhao Qinghan comforted her grandmother and treated Qingchen gently, the light in her eyes grew even brighter.
An involuntary smile appeared on his lips, his joy almost overflowing from his chest.
"I knew it, I knew she was a good girl," he murmured to himself, his cheeks flushing slightly.
Seeing her younger brother's innocent appearance, Chu Ruohan felt reassured.
“Since you truly like it and your character is so rare, then I’ll make the decision for you.”
When Chu's mother heard that her daughter wanted to talk about Chenyu's marriage, she immediately perked up and pulled her to sit down.
After Chu Ruohan explained the whole story in detail, the smile on Chu's mother's face became even brighter than the sunshine outside the window.
"Oh my God! It's truly a blessing from the Bodhisattva!"
She slapped her thigh, her voice full of relief.
"I knew it! How could Chenyu have such poor taste, falling for that scheming young lady from the Zhao family! Turns out we were wrong!"
She didn't have a good impression of Zhao Qingzhi, who had stolen the spotlight at the Begonia Banquet.
"Qinghan is wonderful! Just hearing her name makes me feel at ease! Having grown up with her grandmother since she was little, she must be calm and sensible. She's a perfect match for our Chenyu!"
Father Chu, who was drinking tea nearby, nodded in satisfaction after listening.
"Although Vice Minister Zhao's official position is not top-notch, he comes from a family of upright officials with a decent family tradition. Since she is the granddaughter raised by that old lady, she must be quite good."
Mother Chu immediately made the decision: "Then what are we waiting for? Quickly find a reputable matchmaker to propose marriage! We can't let such a good girl be snatched away by someone else!"
Father Chu pondered for a moment and said, "Although Chenyu is currently in the Hanlin Academy and has a bright future, his family background is still rather weak."
"The person proposing marriage must be of sufficient stature to show our sincerity and to give the Zhao family face."
As the couple were considering their options, Chu Ruohan spoke up.
"Father, Mother, why don't I go there myself to handle this matter?"
Chu's father and mother exchanged a glance, then were overjoyed.
The fact that the Duchess of Zhenguo personally came to propose marriage for her younger brother was a level of respectability that was unparalleled in the entire capital.
"Good! Good! Let's do it that way!" Mother Chu said repeatedly. "Ruohan, you're the most suitable one to go! Don't worry about the betrothal gifts, I'll take care of them!"
"We must ensure the safekeeping is done with great fanfare, and never let the Zhao family's daughter lose face!"
Three days later, the carriage of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion stopped in front of the Zhao Vice Minister's mansion amidst a crowd of astonished gazes.
When Zhao Shilang and his wife heard that Chu Ruohan, the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, had personally come to visit them, they were terrified.
The couple, not having time to tidy themselves up, rushed out to greet them, their faces beaming with flattered smiles.
"I was unaware of the Duchess's presence. I am so sorry for not welcoming you properly!" Minister Zhao bowed and said repeatedly.
Chu Ruohan was helped down from the carriage by Haitang. She was dignified and had a gentle smile on her face.
"Minister Zhao, there's no need for such formalities."
The group was respectfully invited into the main hall.
Guests and hosts were seated separately, and servants served fragrant tea.
The Zhao couple were restless and couldn't figure out why this powerful Duchess would condescend to visit their small temple.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chu Ruohan didn't beat around the bush. She gently put down her teacup, making a crisp, soft sound.
The atmosphere in the hall froze instantly.
She said clearly, "Minister Zhao, Madam Zhao, I have come to your door today for a joyous occasion."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the couple opposite her who looked surprised and doubtful.
"I have come to your esteemed family on behalf of my younger brother, Chu Chenyu, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, to ask for the hand in marriage of your second daughter, Miss Zhao Qinghan."
After he finished speaking, the entire main hall became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
The smiles on the faces of Vice Minister Zhao and his wife froze completely.
The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief and shock.
He's asking for... Qinghan's hand in marriage?
How could it be Qinghan?
Madam Zhao's heart sank instantly, and she subconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hand.
The Duke of Zhenguo's family came to propose marriage, which was an immense honor. But why did it have to be her second daughter, whom she had raised outside since childhood and whom she didn't care about at all?
She was obsessed with currying favor with the powerful and wealthy to secure a spectacular marriage for her eldest daughter, Qingzhi.
If Qinghan marries the younger brother of the Duke of Zhenguo's wife, how will Qingzhi cope in the future?
Wouldn't he be completely overshadowed by this younger sister?
She forced a smile that looked worse than a grimace, her voice hoarse: "Madam... this... this is all too sudden."
"Qinghan, that child, grew up on the estate since she was little, and her wild nature has gotten her used to. I'm afraid... she's not good enough for Lord Chu..."
Just as Vice Minister Zhao was hesitating and unsure how to respond, a servant's voice came from outside the door.
"The matriarch has arrived!"
Before she finished speaking, Old Madam Zhao, supported by her maid, slowly walked in.
The old man had sharp eyes and saw Chu Ruohan as soon as he entered the door, a knowing smile appearing on his face.
"Old woman, I knew my eyelids had been twitching all day. Turns out, a distinguished guest has arrived."
She ignored the unpleasant looks on her son and daughter-in-law's faces, sat down in the main seat, and looked at Chu Ruohan.
"I overheard a few words from outside, Lady Duchess. Are you asking for my daughter Han'er in marriage for your younger brother?"