Chapter 3: Living as a Widow

Sure enough, before noon, a matchmaker arrived at the main gate and headed straight for the main hall.

The matchmaker sat in the hall and quickly went through the formalities before taking out a jade pendant and pushing it towards Chu Wei, the Deputy Minister of Rites. With a smile, she said, "Deputy Minister Chu, please accept this jade pendant, and the marriage between our two families will be settled!"

  Chu Wei smiled and nodded, about to reach for the jade pendant, when a loud shout stopped him.

  "Wait!"

  Chu Wei, his wife, and the matchmaker were all startled and looked towards the source of the voice. They saw an energetic old man with white hair and a youthful face, who appeared to be a steward, striding into the hall. He bowed and said, "I am Gu Zhong, the chief steward of Duke Shao's mansion. Greetings, Deputy Minister Chu and Madam Chu."

  Chu Wei was full of questions as he exchanged glances with his wife. "Chief Steward Gu, please don't stand on ceremony. May I ask why you have come today and why you stopped my daughter's marriage earlier?"

  The old steward stroked his beard and laughed, "This marriage cannot be settled because Miss Chu and our Duke Shao are already in love and are meant to be husband and wife!"

  Although the claim of mutual affection needed verification, it was clear that Duke Shao had set his heart on Miss Chu. In all likelihood, this marriage would come to pass, especially since no young lady could resist the charm of their Duke Shao!

  "What?!" Chu Wei and his wife turned pale with shock.

  However, the old steward paid no heed to their reactions and waved his hand towards the door. "Bring in the betrothal gifts!"

  Pairs of black-armored soldiers filed in one after another, carrying an abundance of gifts that quickly filled the courtyard. Countless boxes were opened, revealing dazzling treasures that almost blinded the onlookers. The meager gifts from the Minister of Household Affairs' mansion, which were brought in earlier, now looked pathetically humble in comparison.

  The matchmaker's face turned ugly, and she said unhappily, "So what if it's Duke Shao's mansion? This marriage was arranged first by the Minister of Household Affairs' mansion. In matters like these, whoever comes first takes precedence. Deputy Minister Chu, you can't go back on your word now!"

  The old steward smiled and said arrogantly, "So what if we came first? As long as the betrothal gifts haven't been accepted, the marriage isn't settled! A girl can have many suitors, and our Duke Shao certainly has the right to propose as well!"

  The matchmaker's face turned purple with anger. "Are you saying that Duke Shao's mansion intends to snatch the bride?"

  The old steward remained calm and replied, "As long as it allows our Duke Shao to marry the woman he desires, what's wrong with snatching the bride?"

  The matchmaker was fuming, but she dared not confront the soldiers. Instead, she turned to Chu Wei and said, "Deputy Minister Chu, it's up to you to make a decision now!"

  Chu Wei looked left and right, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. However, he didn't dare to say a word, as he couldn't afford to offend either party.

  Madam Chu, on the other hand, had a glint in her eyes. She spoke softly, "Thank you for Duke Shao's mansion's kindness towards our family. But Chief Steward Gu, everyone in the capital knows that Duke Shao has unfortunately passed away. If Huaiyu marries into your mansion, she will be a widow for the rest of her life. That... that's absolutely unacceptable!"

  Chu Wei's eyes lit up. "That's right! I can't let my daughter live a lonely life. I'm afraid we have to decline Duke Shao's mansion's kind offer."

  The old steward glanced at the matchmaker and said with a smile that wasn't a smile, "Hehe, is it better to be lonely in our Duke Shao's mansion or to be married to an old man with one foot in the grave?"

  Chu Wei's face turned as red as pig's liver.

  The old steward ignored him and continued, "Since we can't seem to agree, I suggest that Deputy Minister Chu invite Miss Chu here so she can decide which proposal she prefers."

  Chu Wei and his wife exchanged glances and could only nod in agreement.

  In their opinion, although the Minister of Household Affairs was old, he was still alive. Duke Shao, no matter how young and heroic, was dead and buried. He couldn't offer any protection to their daughter. They believed that Chu Huaiyu, being sensible, would understand the importance of having a living husband.

  A maid had secretly informed Chu Mingyu about what was happening in the front yard. Upon hearing the news, Chu Mingyu flew into a rage and pointed at Chu Huaiyu, scolding, "When did you start scheming with Duke Shao's mansion? Why are they here to propose to you?"

  Chu Huaiyu was taken aback for a moment before realizing that this must have been arranged by the man from last night. She still had doubts, but her face remained calm as she retorted, "When did I do anything? Why should I tell you?"

  Chu Mingyu was so angry that she almost went crazy.

  The maid who had brought the news quickly supported her and said, "Miss, don't be upset. Didn't you forget that Duke Shao is already dead? They're proposing to you so that you can be a widow for the rest of your life!"

  Chu Mingyu's anger instantly turned to joy, and she pointed at Chu Huaiyu, laughing hysterically. "Hahaha! No matter how hard you try, it's all in vain! Either you marry an old man or a dead man. Neither option is good!"

  Chu Huaiyu gave a cold smile, too lazy to bother with this fool. She headed straight to the front yard.

  Chu Wei saw her and felt like he had seen a savior. He quickly waved at her. "Huaiyu, come here. Both Duke Shao's mansion and the Minister of Household Affairs' mansion want to marry you. You should make a 'good' choice now!"

  He deliberately emphasized the word "good," clearly hinting that she should choose the Minister of Household Affairs.

  The matchmaker snorted and said to Chu Huaiyu, "Miss Chu, think carefully. The Minister may be older, but older people know how to cherish their spouses. If you gain his favor, you will be the undisputed mistress of the Minister's mansion! If you marry someone else, not only will you be living as a widow, but when the position of Duke Shao changes hands, there will be a new Duchess Shao. You, as the 'former' Duchess Shao, will likely be treated poorly!"

  The old steward had been calm and collected when facing Chu Wei and his wife, but he now seemed a bit nervous as he smiled gently and bowed to Chu Huaiyu. "Miss Chu, please don't worry. If you marry into our Duke Shao's mansion, regardless of who becomes the next Duke Shao, you will enjoy the honor of being the Duchess Shao for the rest of your life. I can guarantee this with my life!"

  Since Duke Shao was still alive, this promise was as good as gold!

Chu Huaiyu pondered silently. From her memories, Duke Shao's mansion held a high status, and the betrothal gifts they brought today indicated their immense wealth. With the old steward's assurance, she would enjoy the luxurious treatment befitting a duchess for the rest of her life. Moreover, she wouldn't have to serve in-laws, deal with a husband, or take care of children. Wouldn't her life be filled with nothing but eating, drinking, and having fun? Oh my, what a blessed life! That man from last night had really put effort into finding her such a wonderful place!

As she thought about it, her eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she said, "I'm willing to marry into Duke Shao's mansion!"

Chapter end