Chapter 4

Zhou Shuyi said I was a grown-up now.

I nodded solemnly and resolved to keep her secret with her.

I told my parents I wanted to remain at the marquis’s residence and enjoy a life of riches.

In truth, Zhou Shuyi and I had something important to accomplish!

Then perhaps they’d stop calling me silly.

Mother gave me a suspicious look. “Chen Guagua, tell me honestly. Has Shuyi shared a secret with you?”

I froze.

How did Mother know?

Beside her, Father stared at the sky and rubbed his stubble awkwardly.

Mother glared at him. “Stop reading those stories about sworn heroes with Guagua! You’ve turned her head.”

Seeing this, the old madam said kindly, “Then let her stay. I feel a real fondness for this child.”

Mother couldn’t manage me.

After discussing it with the old madam, she arranged for me to spend half of every month here and half at home.

The old madam glanced outside.

Nanny Feng came in and said quietly, “An hour ago, the heir received an imperial order and left on duty. We don’t know when he’ll return.”

The old madam considered this. “Mrs. Chen, I won’t hide it from you. The abbot at the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas examined their birth charts. He says Guagua and my grandson are a match so perfect it occurs only once in countless ages. Unfortunately, my grandson is occupied with official duties and cannot meet you this time.”

Mother spoke plainly. “Old Madam, Guagua may be thirteen, but she’s still a child who understands nothing of such things. It’s far too early to discuss marriage.”

Father added at once, “I understand your grandson has attended court since he was young. As the emperor’s own nephew, he enjoys great favor. He now holds a position at the Court of Judicial Review, with considerable rank and authority. There’s rather a large difference in their ages. Please reconsider.”

I hadn’t known Father could speak in such polished language.

At home,

he’d said crudely, “Who knows what that precious heir looks like! These aristocrats all have wives and concubines enough to fill a house. No good, any of them! Guagua isn’t marrying him! As for Shuyi… We didn’t raise Shuyi. We’d better hear what she wants.”

Nanny Feng glanced at me and whispered in the old madam’s ear.

The old madam smiled and said, seemingly casually, “What a pity. There’s nobody in my grandson’s courtyard to manage his private funds. All the silver he earns, the restaurants, silk shops, and pastry shops in his name… He needs someone suitable to look after them. Guagua seems just right to me. She’s a little young, but she could take things over gradually and learn.”

My ears pricked up.

Nanny Feng remarked lightly, “Quite right, Old Madam. Whoever manages the heir’s private funds would have twenty taels to spend each month.”

How much?!

Twenty taels!

Everyone in Peach Blossom Lane would be calling me their king!

Mother looked at me and shot out a hand to cover my mouth.

But she was too late.

I sprang onto a chair and held her off. “I agree! I agree to this marriage!”

“Good, good!” the old madam said instantly. “I’ll arrange it. We’ll exchange the betrothal papers!”