Chapter 146: Indifference

Chapter 146: Indifference

Duan Yunling felt a mix of relief and unease after the ordeal, asking Xue Ying, "Xue Ying, how did Cousin Qing manage to do that?"

Duan Yunling's plea for help from Xin You naturally didn't escape her personal maid.

"I can't figure it out either," Xue Ying sincerely rejoiced for her young mistress, "But no matter how Cousin managed it, at least you don't have to marry that wastrel."

Duan Yunling smiled too.

Indeed, Cousin Qing always managed to do things ordinary girls couldn't.

At this moment, she had a strong urge to see Xin You but knew it wasn't the right time, so she had to hold back.

Compared to Duan Yunling's joy, Duan Yunhua was in a terrible mood as she dragged her feet to Ruyitang to pay respects.

She could already imagine the embarrassment when Grandmother announced she would take Duan Yunling out.

Though she didn't want to face it, she couldn't avoid it; otherwise, she would lose even more face in front of Duan Yunling.

With heavy steps, Duan Yunhua entered Ruyitang.

"Grandmother, I'm here to pay my respects."

The old lady's eyes flashed with displeasure at Duan Yunhua's listless appearance, but she quickly put on a gentle smile, "Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Not yet," Duan Yunhua wondered why Grandmother was asking such a trivial question.

It was always customary to come and pay respects before having breakfast. If Grandmother was in a good mood, she might invite one to stay for the meal.

Of course, Grandmother hadn't been in a good mood for months.

"Then have breakfast with me."

Duan Yunhua suddenly looked up at the old lady.

The old lady smiled faintly, "After we finish eating, go change into something decent and accompany me for a walk outside."

"Grandmother—" Duan Yunhua's heart raced upon hearing these words.

What did Grandmother mean?

Today wasn't the day they were supposed to meet Countess Gu Chang, so why was she taking her out?

What about Duan Yunling?

Driven by surprise and doubt, Duan Yunhua asked, "What about Third Younger Sister?"

The old lady's expression cooled slightly, and she said calmly, "Your third younger sister has caught a cold and needs to rest."

A cold—Duan Yunhua pondered these two words, and a smile involuntarily spread across her lips.

So, either Duan Yunling had displeased Grandmother or had truly fallen ill. In any case, this opportunity to go out fell to her!

Duan Yunhua's visible joy made the old lady frown, "Hua'er, you're about to be engaged. It's fine at home, but you must be composed when you're out."

Duan Yunhua felt a chill.

That day at Qingfeng Temple, Countess Gu Chang had taken a liking to Duan Yunling. She repeatedly recalled every detail of their meeting, trying to understand why, and finally concluded that Countess Gu Chang probably just liked those wooden types.

"I understand, Grandmother."

Who wouldn't act like a wooden post if they had to?

Back in her room, Duan Yunhua carefully chose her outfit for the outing.

The old lady nodded in approval after inspecting her choice and then took Duan Yunhua out.

When Countess Gu Chang noticed that the old lady had brought Duan Yunhua, though her expression didn't change, her eyes betrayed her confusion.

The old lady sighed, "After the family banquet on the tenth, that girl started feeling unwell, and it worsened yesterday."

"I see."

Countess Gu Chang and the old lady chatted and laughed, while Duan Yunhua listened intently, hoping to hear something about the marriage proposal, but nothing came up.

Could it be that Countess Gu Chang had set her heart on Third Younger Sister?

Feeling aggrieved, Duan Yunhua lowered her eyes, pursed her lips, and clenched her fists.

Countess Gu Chang, glancing at the much quieter girl compared to their meeting at Qingfeng Temple, found her more agreeable.

Duan Yunhua nodded, but her heart remained suspended, unable to settle.

After returning home, Countess Gu Chang summoned Count Gu Chang to discuss the matter: "I clearly mentioned Duan Third Younger Sister in my letter, but today the old lady from Shaoqing Mansion brought Second Younger Sister, saying Third Younger Sister had caught a cold."

Count Gu Chang recalled, "Both girls are quite presentable, and they are from the same family. Either one would do."

Countess Gu Chang was somewhat displeased, "Even if they are similar, Shaoqing Mansion shouldn't have switched them without our consent. It's disrespectful to our household."

In Countess Gu Chang's mind, this match was already a compromise for her son, and Shaoqing Mansion's presumptuousness was truly unwise.

"Why don't you continue to arrange meetings with other ladies from different households?" Count Gu Chang said indifferently.

Recalling the series of rejections, Countess Gu Chang's expression stiffened, "Let's forget it."

The couple reached an agreement, and Countess Gu Chang ordered a maid to call Dai Ze.

After days of hard work, Dai Ze finally saw some progress and was about to visit Xin You when he encountered the maid who had come to summon him.

"What does Mother need me for?"

Glancing over Dai Ze's attire, Count Gu Chang's wife asked, "Ze'er, are you going out?"

"Ah, yes." Dai Ze glanced down at his newly changed clothes and nodded, "I have some errands to run."

Hearing this from Dai Ze, Count Gu Chang's wife found it odd.

Her son actually had something important to do?

"Don't rush off just yet. Mother has something to tell you." Count Gu Chang's wife gave a subtle look, and the servants in the room quietly withdrew.

"What is it? Why so secretive?" Dai Ze, eager to leave, looked impatient.

"Your father and I have arranged a marriage for you."

Dai Ze, who had been sitting casually, suddenly stiffened: "A, an arranged marriage?"

"A marriage has been arranged."

Dai Ze was stunned.

His evil aura hadn't even dissipated, and they were already arranging a marriage for him?

Could it be—

"Are you trying to ward off bad luck with this marriage?"

Oh no, Miss Kou said not to let anyone know. How did Mother find out?

Count Gu Chang's wife was taken aback, then pinched Dai Ze's ear: "Ward off bad luck? For whom? You unfilial son!"

A marriage to ward off bad luck would only be arranged if the groom's parents or the groom himself were about to die. What was this rascal talking about?

"It hurts, it hurts!" Dai Ze covered his ear and quickly pleaded, "I was just too surprised and spoke without thinking, Mother, please let go!"

Count Gu Chang's wife released her grip and sternly said, "Do you remember the second daughter of the Deputy Director of the Imperial Horse Department, Shaoqing Mansion? You met her on the Double Ninth Festival."

"No." Dai Ze answered decisively.

Indeed, he hadn't, as his mind was entirely on Miss Kou at the time.

Ah, how could he have harbored such improper thoughts about someone as accomplished as Miss Kou? It was truly a sin.

Count Gu Chang's wife hesitated but continued, "The one we've arranged for you is the second daughter of the Deputy Director."

"I see." Dai Ze secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as it wasn't Miss Kou.

"Is there anything else, Mother? If not, I'll be on my way."

Seeing her son eager to leave, Count Gu Chang's wife hurriedly stopped him, "Ze'er, do you have any objections?"

"No."

It wouldn't affect his future plans to pursue other girls.

"Do you understand what an arranged marriage means?" Count Gu Chang's wife confirmed again.

"Yes, yes. Mother, if there's nothing else, I'm off. I'm busy."

Dai Ze bolted out of the room like a shot.