SGEIRS -Chapter 480 Fondness for Qingqiu

Gu Jingxi spoke kindly, “You all tell me—what kind of girls do you like? Tonight I’ll mention it to Madam and have her look for someone according to your preferences.”

This question stumped Fang Ce and the others. In truth, they didn’t really know what kind of girl they wanted, nor had they ever truly liked anyone before.

Seeing their hesitation, Gu Jingxi said earnestly, “Marriage is a lifelong matter. If your desire to marry arises simply because Yu Chuan’s wedding is set, yet you don’t even know what kind of girl you want, then you should wait. Think carefully first. Otherwise, if you rush into a marriage and later find that the girl isn’t what you wanted, how will you manage?”

Fang Ce replied, “My lord, actually we have no particular requirements. We just want a wife who, in the future, can live harmoniously and lovingly like you and Madam.”

Gu Jingxi shot him a glance. “You say you have no requirements? To be like Madam and me—that’s no small standard. If you don’t meet the right person, a perfect match is impossible. I am lucky, but not everyone can be this fortunate. Look at those couples who just ‘make do’—they can barely treat each other with respect, let alone be happy together.”

He then gave them a long-hearted admonition, gently persuading them to temporarily put aside the sudden urge to marry, and to return home to seriously consider what kind of girl they truly wanted as a wife. Only after they were certain would he arrange marriages for them—better to have none than the wrong one.

However, after Gu Jingxi sent them off, although Fang Ce and the others left together, Zhou Yun found an excuse to turn back along the way.

Seeing Zhou Yun return, Gu Jingxi asked, “Zhou Yun, do you have something else to attend to?”

Zhou Yun replied frankly, “My lord, I am fond of the young lady Qingqiu, who is with Madam.”

Gu Jingxi was taken aback. Frowning, he asked, “Earlier, when I asked, why didn’t you say a single word? Were you just in a hurry to marry, so you randomly said you fancied a girl?”

Zhou Yun shook his head repeatedly, cheeks reddening. “My lord, it’s not like that. It’s just that Fang Xuan and Fang Ce were there, so I was embarrassed to speak. But truly, I am fond of Qingqiu.”

Gu Jingxi, half-doubting, asked, “Since when?”

Zhou Yun answered honestly, “Last year, when I went to Huzhou, I had some interactions with Qingqiu. Afterwards, returning to the capital, I couldn’t help but keep thinking of her. I realized this is what it means to be fond of someone. Seeing how Madam helped Yu Chuan and Chan’er, I came to you for help, hoping you’d mention it to Madam.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingxi studied him for a long while. Seeing that he didn’t appear to be lying, he believed him and said kindly, “You are twenty this year, and it’s time to marry. Having someone you care for is a good thing. Tonight I’ll mention it to Madam and have her discreetly ask Qingqiu’s feelings. If she agrees, after Yu Chuan and Chan’er are wed, we’ll arrange your marriage.”

Zhou Yun gratefully said, “Thank you, my lord.”

Relieved of a burden on his heart, Zhou Yun left the study contentedly—but upon opening the door, he saw Fang Xuan and Fang Ce standing there, half-smiling as they watched him.

Zhou Yun: “……”

So all the effort he’d put into hiding his feelings was ultimately discovered by them?

Fang Ce reached out, hooking Zhou Yun by the shoulder, his smile forced. “Zhou Yun, you’re impressive—hiding it so well. I could see Yu Chuan liked Chan’er, but your fondness for Qingqiu? I had no idea. You didn’t even show any signs just now.”

Zhou Yun replied, “…But now you know.”

Fang Ce said sadly, “We only found out after careful observation; it’s different from you telling us directly. Brothers sharing heart-to-heart feelings, yet you played it like a secret—we’re genuinely upset.”

Zhou Yun said, “I did intend to keep it hidden. Originally it was nothing, so there was no need for everyone to know. I thought I’d only tell you if it went well; if not, there was no need. Who knew you’d turn back and eavesdrop?”

Fang Ce didn’t truly blame him and asked as they walked, “How did you come to fancy Qingqiu?”

Zhou Yun said, “What’s wrong with being fond of Qingqiu? She’s clever and calm, and beautiful as a flower. If I could marry her, it would be my fortune.”

Fang Xuan asked, “If you fancy her, why not confess?”

Zhou Yun paused, then said, “Before, I didn’t understand why Yu Chuan was so timid. Later I realized—every time I want to declare my feelings, I just can’t bring myself to speak. So I’ll follow Yu Chuan’s example and have Madam help with introductions.”

Hearing this, Fang Xuan and Fang Ce understood his shyness but felt frustrated. Their childhood friend either already had a fiancée or a sweetheart—yet they had nothing.

Zhou Yun glanced at them. “You don’t even have someone you fancy. You don’t even know what it feels like to like someone. Some things I tell you, you won’t understand until you have someone in your heart.”

Fang Xuan: “……”

Fang Ce: “……”

These words sounded familiar. Hadn’t Yu Chuan said something similar not long ago? Whose example had he learned from? His words were sharp, piercing to the heart.

Fang Ce removed his hand from Zhou Yun’s shoulder. “We’re cutting off contact for three days. In these three days, we don’t want to deal with you or Yu Chuan.”

Zhou Yun: “?”

Fang Xuan said nothing, just pulled his brother along, showing with action that he too didn’t want to deal with him.

Zhou Yun: “?”

By evening, Gu Jingxi mentioned Zhou Yun’s fondness for Qingqiu to Meng Jinyao. She was surprised but thought well of Zhou Yun—all familiar and trustworthy people of good character.

So the next day, Meng Jinyao privately asked Qingqiu, “Qingqiu, you are the same age as me, now eighteen. Have you thought about marriage?”

Qingqiu was slightly startled. She felt Madam wouldn’t ask such a serious question without reason. Carefully, she replied with a question, “Madam, has someone proposed to you for me?”

Meng Jinyao smiled. “Our Qingqiu is truly clever. Someone approached my lord with a request, and he told me about it, so I’m asking your thoughts. You know him—he is my lord’s attendant, Zhou Yun.”

Qingqiu was astonished—she had never interacted much with Zhou Yun, only exchanged polite words occasionally. How could he have feelings for her?

Seeing her silent, Meng Jinyao added, “Don’t worry. If you don’t like him, just tell me.”

Qingqiu thought carefully, then shook her head slightly. “Madam, I’m surprised he likes me. I feel uncertain and confused now.”

Meng Jinyao pondered. “In that case, perhaps you two can talk. After some discussion, you might know your answer. Whatever happens, I hope you follow your true feelings.”

Qingqiu nodded. “I understand, Madam.”