Chapter 716 - 489: Known to All

Chapter 716: Chapter 489: Known to All

When Zhou Bo returned, his mind was still foggy, and he couldn’t quite grasp the situation he was facing.

He felt happy yet anxious.

The eldest son of the Marquis of Agriculture appeared cultured and handsome, nothing like the rustic farmers people often gossiped about.

His confident and calm demeanor suggested he’d already passed the autumn examination, with no hint of worry.

The anxiety stemmed from the realization that the young lady seemed really about to be married.

As Zhou Bo left, he glanced back repeatedly, noticing how they didn’t return together and the two were chatting and laughing, almost like a couple already married.

Though concerned about the young lady’s marriage, now that the day had arrived, he felt reluctant, having watched her grow up.

With a heavy but gratified heart, Zhou Bo quickly left the pier to report the matter to the master and mistress.

Elsewhere, the eldest son of the Marquis had caught the eye of a runaway young woman, and the news swiftly spread across the pier.

Moreover, it rapidly spread throughout Nanyang Prefecture.

Perhaps not everyone knew Zhou Ying, but surely some recognized the Magistrate’s steward and knew the Magistrate had an only precious daughter.

Furthermore, this precious daughter was already twenty and hadn’t been married off.

So that’s how it is, everyone thought that Miss Zhou, the old maiden, might have to become someone’s concubine, but instead, she brought a husband back?

And it’s the eldest son of the Marquis, who also hasn’t married yet? He’s even a year older than Miss Zhou?

This seems to match well, what to do about it?

Of course, there were positive remarks, but naturally, there were negative ones too.

Some speculated that if he hadn’t married by his twenties, he probably had hidden issues; otherwise, as the son of a Marquis, how could he not be married by now?

Others said that a woman who can’t find a man and a man who can’t find a woman make an ideal couple, offering mocking comments.

But all this gossip was completely outside of the parties’ concern.

If they really cared about those things, why then, for their own comfort, did they remain unmarried for so many years without just finding someone randomly?

Currently, the two were happily returning with those who came to meet them.

Ah, Zhou Ying didn’t return with Zhou’s steward but went with the Jiang family instead.

Of course, she had arranged with Zhou Bo that she was just going to see where the Jiang family lived and would return after.

After all, she was still an unmarried girl, and since Jiang Yu had already stated his intention to propose, she naturally couldn’t eagerly run off to live with someone else.

The Jiang family’s residence was ready long ago, a spacious courtyard with three entrances.

Xiaomi wandered around inside and pointed to a separate courtyard to the east.

"This courtyard is beautiful, brother, you live alone here. When Yingying and brother marry, no one will bother you. Yingying, what do you think of this place?"

It was midsummer, and upon entering, a garden full of fragrant flowers was apparent. Beside the moon archway was a small bamboo grove rustling in the gentle breeze.

Following this was a small bridge, with gentle streams beneath it and koi finding shade under the bridge’s shadows.

A bit further away were blooming lotuses, and all around, colorful flowers were vying for attention.

Crossing the little bridge led to a corridor adorned with a large willow tree beside it, shading half the garden from the harsh sun.

Under the willow tree lay a pavilion and stone table where one could leisurely enjoy flowers in the summer.

The bedroom was at the innermost spot, with a tea room and study beside it, and the more they looked at it, the more satisfied they were.

Most importantly, a separate small courtyard perfectly suited brother and sister Yingying for temporary residence.

Of course, after they were married.

After all, a newlywed couple shouldn’t have to share space with others.

Zhou Ying, though bold and even the one who approached Jiang Yu first, couldn’t help but blush awkwardly when asked by Xiaomi.

However, observing the environment, she shyly nodded, "I think it’s lovely."

After surveying the courtyard, Zhou Ying bade farewell to everyone, and the Jiang family also needed rest.

Although they could temporarily rest in Xiaomi’s space and occasionally spend a night onshore, the journey from Xiangmu Village to Nanyang Prefecture had taken twenty days.

The guards accompanying Zhou Ying naturally returned with her. Jiang Yu escorted her to the carriage at the gate before returning.

This was the Magistrate’s carriage, clearly indicating that the guards went back while the new residence was being explored.

Returning from outside, Jiang Yu went to his parents’ room, where they were sitting by the table conversing, slowly growing accustomed to the household management by maids and servants during this period.

They were discussing Jiang Yu and Zhou Ying’s situation, and seeing him approach, Jiang Hu gestured for him to sit down.

"I was just thinking of finding you. After some rest, we should go to the street to buy some things for visiting the Magistrate’s house tomorrow."

After all, if marrying their daughter is the plan, with both parties interested and the children getting along well these past days, there’s no reason to delay further.

Jiang Yu nodded, "I was just about to discuss this with you two. I mentioned the visit to Yingying when I walked her out."

The trio discussed further, and although they were temporarily settled in Nanyang Prefecture, proper formalities couldn’t be lacking.

Taking advantage of the palace maids present, Second Aunt summoned two of them to inquire about any crucial considerations and specific preparations needed.

After completing the arrangements, Jiang Yu visited Xiaomi and left with a small box in his sleeve pocket.

In the afternoon, they bought a nicely crafted wooden box, nearly completing the visit gift.

After resting briefly and having lunch, the Liu family’s Nanyang Prefecture shopkeeper came over, specifically summoned by Liu Ze.

After all, they hadn’t been to Nanyang Prefecture in nearly ten years, unfamiliar with it; having someone to guide them made shopping and other tasks much easier.

The family excitedly went out together, this sizable group of handsome men and beautiful women joined by guards, even the guide was now rather prominent in Nanyang Prefecture.

People quickly guessed who they were and understood their purpose.

While surprised at the countryside Marquis’s presence, curiosity grew regarding the marriage between the Marquis and Magistrate’s families.

It’s safe to say that within a single day, the engagement between Jiang Yu and Zhou Ying was quite widely known in Nanyang Prefecture if not entirely.

There were even tales of runaway lovers and heroic rescues woven into the romantic stories circulating.