stingy landlady

Chapter 197 Gui Hong's Engagement (5)

Madam Qu and her sister-in-law hit it off immediately, which led to the story of Mr. and Mrs. Qu going to propose marriage.

Dazhu and Guizhi made a special trip to the bookstore to take a look at Zhou Shaoyu! They saw that the young man was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a youthful face but a resolute expression.

Upon hearing that they were Gui Hong's family members, they hurriedly and enthusiastically invited them to take them back to the Zhou family for hospitality.

"Uncle and my third sister, would you like to come to my home? My parents will be delighted to see you! Please allow me to treat you to a good meal!"

Dazhu refused:

“Young Master Zhou! We just arrived and were just about to visit Master Qu first, and then ask Master Qu to help us get in touch before we pay our respects.”

Zhou Shaoyu said politely, but with a hint of urgency:

"Then let me, my uncle, and my third sister go together to find our aunt and uncle!"

Gui Zhi looked at Zhou Shaoyu with a smile and reminded him:

"Young Master Zhou! Shouldn't you have gone home first to inform your uncle and aunt?"

Zhou Shaoyu blushed, immediately realized what was happening, and bowed respectfully.

"Please forgive me, Uncle! I was rash! I will go home and tell my parents right away!"

He then turned and bowed deeply to Guizhi:

"Shaoyu thanks Third Sister for the reminder!"

Manager Qu was naturally pleased to see Guizhi and the other woman, and instructed his servant to go home and call Madam Qu to dine at Xiangmanlou together.

The Zhou family had already sent someone to inform Madam Qu that a banquet had been prepared to entertain Manager Qu and his wife, as well as Da Zhu and his daughter! During the banquet, Da Zhu carefully observed Zhou Shaoyu, noting his rosy lips and fair complexion. He was so refined and elegant that Da Zhu became increasingly pleased!

It's truly a case of a father-in-law looking at his future son-in-law and growing happier with each glance.

Since both sides agreed, Manager Qu and his wife acted as matchmakers. They verbally agreed to the marriage, stipulating that the Zhou family would formally arrange the engagement on an auspicious day.

On their way back, Dazhu happily said:

"Guizhi! Your second sister's marriage is settled! Next, we should look for a match for your eldest sister! You know a lot of people, so ask them to help you inquire!"

We absolutely have to find her a good husband! Not necessarily someone as well-off as the Zhou family, but at least someone slightly wealthier. That way, your eldest sister won't suffer after marrying into that family.”

Guizhi agreed with Dazhu's idea.

"Dad! My eldest sister has a good temper and is honest. Not only does the family need to be well-off, but the person also needs to be reliable!"

"Father! My eldest sister isn't very old, so we're not in a rush. With our current circumstances, we'll surely find her a suitable husband!"

"So what kind of person does Guizhi want to find in the future? Tell Dad so he can find someone like that!"

Dazhu had a few drinks and, without caring whether the girl would be shy, asked Guizhi directly.

Guizhi really thought about it seriously:

"Dad! I'm still too young! I can't imagine what kind of person I'll be looking for in the future. I think our family is just fine as it is! We're a happy family, helping and loving each other. I feel really blessed!"

"Dad! I don't have to get married! Isn't it good enough to live like this with you and Mom?"

Dazhu felt that Guizhi was still too young, and how could she just refuse to marry?

"Alright! Guizhi! You're still too young! Wait a few years and then we'll talk about what kind of person you want to find! I certainly won't let my Guizhi suffer!"

"Your father has been searching for a suitable son for so long, and I haven't found one who can match my Guizhi!"

Upon arriving at Huanghua Village, Guizhi invited Dazhu to stay the night before returning home.

Dazhu had nothing to do, so he went to inspect the area on Guizhi's behalf. Guizhi was led into Lin Qian's room by Wanrou.

"Guizhi! This is your Aunt Lin! Lin Qian's wife who he brought back!"

A beautiful woman stepped forward and bowed to Guizhi.

"Greetings, Master! You can just call me Lin Qian's wife!"

As Guizhi spoke, she pressed Lin Qian's wife to sit on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed): "Aunt Lin, please sit down!"

"Aunt Lin, you must have had a long and tiring journey."

Lin Qian's generous reply:

"It's not hard work! Boss, we have a lot of people, so we can get everything done quickly and well!"

"Where did Uncle Lin Qian go? I haven't seen him anywhere."

Wanrou explained:

"Guizhi! Your Uncle Xu Hong has been incredibly busy lately! He wants to expand and strengthen our timber workshop! Business at our timber workshop has always been good!"

Miss! Our sofa-making workshop hasn't even started yet, and we've already received orders for dozens of sofas!

Also, for the convenience of shipping and selling goods in the future, Miss! Xu Hong has recently opened a furniture workshop in the county town under the name of Miss. It specializes in custom-made sofas and wardrobes.

So, I've been busy both at home and outside, and haven't had a chance to go to the prefectural city.

After Lin Qian returned, he took the newly made sofa to that person in the prefectural city. Hopefully, they won't find fault with it!

Inside the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion in Fucheng, the Prince of Zhenbei carefully examined the sofa and touched it with his hand. He then sat down to experience it; it was indeed quite comfortable!

"Lin Qian! You're in good spirits! This sofa is quite comfortable! Which girl came up with this idea? She's got a sharp mind! She's got a knack for making money!"

Lin Qian's wheelchair was also covered with a soft cushion, making it much more comfortable to sit in.

"Your Highness! We subordinates only have a place in the county town because of Wang Guizhi! Wang Guizhi has also done her best to seek benefits for us subordinates."

I was fortunate enough to be favored by the Prince and sent to Huanghua Village to keep these retired soldiers company. I had intended to live out my days there, but I did not wish to rely on the Prince's influence.

He also gained Wang Guizhi's favor and helped her manage her business. Helping others is helping yourself. The subordinate never imagined he would be able to get married, have children, and live a normal life!

The Prince of Zhenbei leaned back on the sofa and said to Lin Qian:

"Wang Guizhi is an extraordinary woman! Lin Qian's skills were already quite good in the army. If he hadn't injured his legs, he would have achieved great things!"

However, Lin Qian is in excellent condition right now! Wang Guizhi's willingness to make you and Xu Hong so devoted to her shows she's no ordinary woman!

Lin Qian continued:

"Your Highness! Guizhi may seem no different from others, but she is resilient and unyielding. She treats us disabled people with the same kindness."

Upon seeing the hundreds of people sent by the prince, he felt a pang of pity. He tried every means to earn money so that these people could have work, receive wages, and have food to eat.

At first, everyone was at a loss regarding the prince's arrangement, but now they're doing farm work in a very organized manner. This truly embodies the meaning of retiring from military service and returning to the countryside!

The Prince of Zhenbei sighed:

"Alas! Lin Qian! I have no choice! Even on my own territory, I have to be hesitant and cautious! I've let down the brothers who fought alongside me!"

With an army of 100,000, how many more than a few hundred were wounded? Lin Qian, you have also been on the battlefield, you should know that when war breaks out, countless people die!

Our area is sparsely populated, and it would be feasible to resettle some wounded or demobilized soldiers back to their hometowns. However, there are higher-ups who are not allowed to set up farmland to house these people.

Even I, the king, am helpless! Alas!