FBC – Chapter 260 Matchmaking

After Gu Hua returned to Juzhou for more than half a month, news arrived from Bianjing: Zhao Yuxuan had been named Crown Prince.

Hearing this, Gu Hua’s heart filled with joy.

If that’s the case, could Mu Junyan finally return?

Two days later, another message came from the capital—Gu Wanru had gone into premature labor. After giving birth to a baby boy, she bled heavily and died.

The wet nurse and midwife had been arranged beforehand, but the child, born early and frail because of his mother’s unstable emotions, was weak and thin.

That very night, Bi Yu brought the baby into Duke Yong’s mansion.

Bi Yu also wrote a letter to Gu Hua, promising to care for the child wholeheartedly. Once the baby’s condition stabilized, she would bring him and the wet nurse to Juzhou to hand him over to Gu Hua, asking her not to worry.

Gu Hua held Bi Yu’s letter in a daze for a long time.

Both Gu Wanru and Mu An were dead.

Yet Gu Hua felt no satisfaction in vengeance.

Brother Ji was gone too—but at least he had left behind a bloodline.

Her heart, long ago, had turned toward those who loved her. The grudges and hatred from her previous life were slowly fading away.

Before long, Gu Hua pulled herself together—she had been terribly busy lately.

Mu Junyan wrote to her every few days, describing in detail what he was currently doing.

Now living deep within the palace, he secretly assisted the Emperor in dismantling the powerful aristocratic clans. The Jiang family’s influence across the ministries was gradually being eradicated.

Each time she read his letters, Gu Hua felt suffocated with worry. Mu Junyan—he was essentially being held hostage by the Emperor.

To avoid leaving any trace that might endanger him, she didn’t dare write back.

“Dong Hua, go call Steward Zhou here.”

Not long after, Zhou Chunyu arrived.

“Madam, what are your orders?”

Gu Hua lifted her gaze. Zhou Chunyu saw her red-rimmed eyes and the letter in her hand, immediately understanding that she was worried for their lord.

“I want you to return to Bianjing and watch over the Duke’s mansion. I can’t rest easy. If something happens, you’ll be there to handle things for him.”

“If it will put your heart at ease, Madam, then I’ll return.”

Gu Hua stood up gratefully. “Thank you. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Zhilan. Actually, I’ve been wanting to discuss something with you both—Zhilan is getting older. It’s time to find her a good husband.”

Zhou Chunyu stiffened, forcing an awkward smile. “Madam is right. I’ve been remiss as an elder brother—please, make the arrangements.”

Gu Hua said earnestly, “When I was in the capital, I looked around carefully. None of the young men there were good enough for Zhilan. She’s beautiful, capable, and cheerful—she deserves someone who will truly cherish her. The noble families in Bianjing only care about power and profit; she wouldn’t be happy marrying into any of them.”

As she spoke, she opened a drawer beneath her dressing table and took out a purple sandalwood jewelry box filled with exquisite ornaments.

“These are the dowry pieces I’ve prepared for her.”

Zhou Chunyu’s expression softened. He smiled. “That girl is truly blessed to have you, Madam.”

He then stepped back and gave her a deep bow.

Gu Hua laughed. “Oh, there’s no need for such a big bow.”

Zhou Chunyu’s eyes turned red. “Zhilan… I’ve made her suffer. Please, Madam, find her a good husband. I’ll repay your kindness with my life.”

Gu Hua was moved by his deep sibling affection.

“You siblings are so close,” she said, enviously. “You should find yourself a wife too. If the elder brother doesn’t marry, how can the younger sister feel comfortable marrying?”

Zhou Chunyu froze. “I…”

Gu Hua smiled mischievously. “Recently, the Princess, Miss Yuan, and I have been setting up an academy. Many local ladies and young women come to help. I happened to notice one who’s about your age—gentle and pleasant-looking. How about I sound her out tomorrow? If she’s willing, you two can meet. If you like her, I’ll send for the best matchmaker.”

Zhou Chunyu panicked. “No, Madam, that won’t be necessary!”

“Ziyuan’s a man; he doesn’t understand your situation. The Old Madam pretended to be mad for years and couldn’t look after you. Now that I’m here, I can’t let you keep delaying your own life. You’re past thirty—it’s time to marry and continue the Zhou family line.”

Zhou Chunyu’s face went pale.

“I…”

Gu Hua noticed his discomfort and suddenly had a thought.

“Wait—do you already have someone you like? Who is she? Someone in Bianjing? If she’s willing, I can write to one of my acquaintances among the official families to arrange a proper proposal for you.”

Zhou Chunyu saw that she was determined—if he didn’t say something, she’d probably find him a wife on her own tomorrow.

Scratching his head anxiously, he finally stammered, “Madam, I… I do have someone in Bianjing. Let me return first and discuss it with her. If her family agrees, then I’ll trouble you to find a matchmaker. Would that be all right?”

Gu Hua brightened. “Of course! Wonderful! Once you’re married, Zhilan won’t feel embarrassed about finding a husband either. Don’t worry—when you return, I’ll have already found her a fine match for you to approve.”

“Thank you, Madam. Then… I’ll leave at dawn tomorrow.”

He excused himself and hurried out of the room. Looking up at the bright full moon, his face was filled with melancholy.

“Brother, what are you doing here? Did Madam call you for something?”

Zhou Zhilan and Dong Hua came from the kitchen, the latter carrying a food box filled with calming night soup for Madam and the Old Lady.

Zhou Chunyu hesitated.

Dong Hua quickly caught on. “Zhilan, you two talk. I’ll go deliver the soup.”

Zhilan nodded with a smile and turned to her brother. “What’s wrong with you?”

Only after Dong Hua left did Zhou Chunyu say quietly, “I’m leaving for the capital at dawn. Madam is worried about the Duke and wants me there to manage the household.”

Zhilan froze, concern flashing across her face. “Bianjing is dangerous now. The Duke’s surrounded by wolves and tigers—you must be careful.”

“I know,” he replied.

Zhilan reached out to him. “Come on, I’ll help you pack.”

He stopped her immediately. “No need. I only need to bring a few changes of clothes. Go tend to Madam.”

“That won’t do. I always pack your things,” Zhilan said, already heading toward his room.

Gritting his teeth, Zhou Chunyu grabbed her arm. “No, really, I’ll do it myself.”

Zhilan tilted her head and glared at him. “What’s wrong with you?”

He stood there for a long time, unable to speak.

She grew anxious and tugged his hand. “What happened? Is something wrong?”

Suddenly, Zhou Chunyu jerked away from her, stepping back again and again.

Zhilan grew alarmed and took two steps forward. “What’s the matter with you? Have you been possessed?”

“I… I—I’m getting married!” he blurted.

Zhilan froze.

“What did you say?”

He took a deep breath. “I said, I’m getting married!”

And with that, he turned and bolted.

Zhilan stood there in stunned silence for a long time.

He’s getting married?

He’s actually getting married?

“Sister Zhilan, why are you standing here in a daze?”

Dong Hua came back. “Madam’s calling for you.”

Zhilan blinked and turned to her.

Dong Hua’s eyes widened. “Sister Zhilan, are you crying?”

Only then did Zhilan realize her face was wet with tears. She hurriedly wiped them away and said in a muffled voice, “Let’s go.”