Chapter 37 - Matchmaking

Chapter 37: Chapter 31 MatchmakingAt precisely Si Hour, Fu Zhi arrived with the matchmaker and Fu Tinghan. Zhao Changyu also wore a special outfit, supported by Zhao Hanzhang as they proceeded to the front hall.

Zhao Zhongyu came with Zhao Ji, and upon seeing the people brought by Fu Zhi, he paused instinctively.

Zhao Changyu hadn’t expected Fu Zhi to invite Wang Yan as the matchmaker, and he paused imperceptibly when he saw him.

Zhao Hanzhang noticed this and looked up at the person opposite.

Beside Fu Zhi stood a handsome, refined middle-aged man. He stood with the posture of a pine tree next to Fu Zhi, wearing long robes with wide sleeves, carrying an air of elegance. When he saw Zhao Changyu, he smiled slightly and said, "Shangcai Marquis, today I’ve come to ask for your family’s lady on behalf of the eldest gentleman of the Fu Family. I wonder if Shangcai Marquis is willing to agree to this bond?"

His gaze shifted slightly to Zhao Hanzhang, and when their eyes met, Wang Yan was slightly taken aback, then smiled and asked with a slight frown, "Is this your Third Sister then?"

Zhao Changyu exchanged glances with Fu Zhi and then pulled Zhao Hanzhang forward with a smile, "Yes, this is Third Sister. Come and meet your Uncle Wang. As I recall, you and his Fourth Lady are friends."

"Yes," Zhao Hanzhang stepped forward and bowed, "Niece greets Uncle Wang."

Wang Yan knew Third Sister Zhao, as she was friends with his youngest daughter, Fourth Lady. He had seen her before, although they never spoke, but he was aware of her.

In his impression, she was a wise and patient child, but just wise and patient.

However, upon meeting her this time, for some reason, his mind was alarmed. Though her eyes showed more resilience, such a lady was advantageous in these chaotic times, but... also disadvantageous.

Wang Yan calmly glanced at Fu Changrong, seeing him standing quietly behind Fu Zhi with a straight posture. Though he spoke little, he handled responses well, and his wit was also admirable.

Suppressing his miscellaneous thoughts, Wang Yan recalled the purpose of this visit when Fu Zhi looked back at him, and promptly brought up the marriage proposal with Zhao Changyu.

The two families had already agreed and pledged the engagement. As the matchmaker, he just needed to propose the marriage and discuss the wedding date.

The Fu Family had even calculated the wedding date in advance. He was merely witnessing and contributing a few words.

Despite claiming aversion to mundane affairs, the distinguished Wang Yan was still willing to assist in such efficient and mutually beneficial matters.

Moreover, Fu Zhi and Zhao Qiao were both reputable ministers of the current dynasty. As the matchmaker for the two families, and once the couple lived harmoniously, he’d also earn a good name, wouldn’t he?

The wedding date was set quite smoothly, and the stamping of the dowry list went equally well.

Even a noble like Wang Yan was surprised upon seeing Zhao Hanzhang’s dowry list. After confirming that neither the Zhao nor Fu families objected, he took out his personal seal and stamped it on the marriage contracts and dowry list.

Both families held one copy each of the marriage contract and dowry list.

Zhao Changyu, knowing his days were numbered, chose the nearest date: the sixth day of June, being about two months away.

Zhao Zhongyu thought it was too rushed, but since the two families had agreed and Zhao Changyu insisted firmly, he promptly signed as a witness.

His signature was both important and insignificant.

It was important because, should disputes arise in the future, it could affirm that he approved the dowry list.

It was insignificant because, with Wang Yan’s witness on the dowry list, Zhao Zhongyu was practically unable to backtrack.

Understand that, in Great Jin, Wang Yan was not just a celebrity but held significant power. Even Zhao Changyu and Fu Zhi had to tread cautiously around him, let alone Zhao Zhongyu.

Zhao Hanzhang discreetly observed this renowned scholar.

After watching for a while, Zhao Hanzhang thought he was truly handsome. In her era, someone like him could quickly become a celebrity or a big star—not only was he good-looking, but his aura was exceptional as well.

Following her gaze, Fu Tinghan looked at Wang Yan but couldn’t discern anything special.

Once matters concluded, the adults decided to enjoy the scenery and discuss metaphysics in the garden. Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan weren’t interested in this, so after listening for a while, they found an excuse to leave.

Fu Tinghan glanced back, "Should we let them withdraw?"

Zhao Hanzhang returned from her thoughts and glanced back before waving to Ting He and the others.

Ting He acknowledged with a bow, led the group to halt but did not leave, just watching them from afar.

With no one nearby, Fu Tinghan asked curiously, "Why were you staring at Wang Yan all the time? Is there anything special about him?"

Zhao Hanzhang thought for a moment and said, "Besides being good-looking, he has keen insight and high intelligence?"

"But this person is selfish and lacks loyalty, not someone to deeply associate with," Zhao Hanzhang commented, "Why would Fu Zhongshu invite him as a matchmaker? My memory suggests my grandfather didn’t have a good relationship with him, and your grandfather’s relationship with him seemed quite ordinary, too."

Fu Tinghan answered, "A calligraphy scroll was used as a thank-you gift to invite him. Fu Zhongshu said that by having him as the matchmaker, our marriage would avoid unforeseen issues, which facilitates your grandfather’s plans."

Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t help but sigh, "Your grandfather and my grandfather are truly kindred spirits."

Zhao Changyu thought the same. After Wang Yan left, Zhao Changyu made an excuse to keep the Fu Family’s grandfather and grandson, claiming it was rare for him to feel well today, and it was an opportunity for Fu Tinghan to meet relatives; otherwise, he feared he wouldn’t have the chance to introduce them.

Then he took Fu Zhi to the study for a private chat, "Didn’t expect you to invite Wang Yan."

Fu Zhi said, "It was just worth trying. Who knew he’d accept as soon as I asked? It’s good this way, as his matchmaking is sufficient to handle Zhao Zhongyu."

Zhao Changyu nodded.

Fu Zhi paused before asking, "Changyu, have you really decided to entrust such a wealth of assets to Third Sister for safekeeping?"

Zhao Changyu sighed and said, "I have no other capable person to entrust, so I can only rely on Zizhuang and you."

Fu Zhi sighed as well, "You trust me, I will not fail you. Rest assured, while I am here, Changrong and Third Sister will uphold their promises. Once Second Son reaches adulthood, half of the items on the dowry list will be allocated to him."

Zhao Changyu grasped his hand and said, "I can only entrust them to you."

Fu Zhi also tightened his grip on his hand. Seeing Zhao Changyu’s poor complexion, he couldn’t help but feel worried, "Your health?"

"Doctor Chen has done his best; it’s just these two or three months remaining. That’s why I requested the wedding date be chosen sooner, so I can witness her marriage."

Fu Zhi sighed heavily, "Family affairs, state affairs, none are going smoothly."

Zhao Changyu couldn’t help but advise, "If things don’t work out, don’t force it. Wang Yan’s talent is mediocre, not suitable for heavy responsibilities. Your Majesty’s hand lacks power, confronting Prince East Sea head-on is disadvantageous for you. At this stage, further dispute is futile; you might as well take a step back."

Fu Zhi was silent for a while before shaking his head, "We cannot retreat. If we do, those who stand with Your Majesty will fall from the cliff, crashing into pieces."

Zhao Changyu said, "Knowing the impossible yet still striving, that’s folly."

Fu Zhi disagreed, "I fulfill my duties and capabilities. Even if things don’t succeed, I have no regrets in my heart."

Zhao Changyu couldn’t persuade him, choosing to drop the topic, "Forget it, I’m dying anyway, I won’t argue with you."