Si Tu Yan cheerfully took the rattle to tease the child. After waiting for a good quarter of an hour, the baby was still fast asleep, showing no consideration for his father's excitement as a new parent. Frustrated, Si Tu Yan went to Lu Nian Fu's window to complain, "He sleeps ten out of twelve hours a day? Is he really a piglet reincarnated?"
"Granny Xu said that's how babies are, they grow faster when they sleep enough."
"Grow fat? Will he turn into a pig at this rate?"
Lu Nian Fu was speechless, "Do you talk about your own son like that? If he's a pig, what are you?"
Si Tu Yan quickly changed his tune, "It's fine if he gets fat like a pig. When he's older, I'll train him, and he can lose any weight he gains."
Lu Nian Fu touched her slightly swollen abdomen, which was wrapped in several layers of cloth. "Why don't you help me lose this weight after I'm out of confinement?"
Si Tu Yan was shocked, "You're almost skin and bones, where is there any fat to lose?"
"Alas, you wouldn't understand."
Even if she hadn't gained weight elsewhere, her belly was loose and had stretch marks, which were quite unflattering. Granny Xu said there was a secret medicine in the palace for stretch marks, and they should find some after she was out of confinement.
Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion
Ouyang Wen finished his meal with the Old Madam and personally brought her mouthwash.
The Old Madam eyed him, "You little rascal, when you're being attentive, it's never for a good reason. What trouble have you stirred up now?"
"I'm wronged, Grandmother. Today is a joyous occasion."
"Oh? Tell me about it."
"Well, your grandson has recently taken a liking to a young lady. Could you pick a suitable date for us to formally propose?"
The Old Madam was stunned, her hands trembling slightly with excitement. "What did you say? You're finally willing to get married?"
"Grandmother, what do you mean? A man should marry when he's of age. Your grandson has finally opened his eyes."
"At twenty-six, you say this? Don't you think it's too late? Those who married early are almost grandfathers by now." The Old Madam chuckled, then, fearing he might change his mind, added, "But it's not too late. Which young lady is it? I need to consider carefully who to invite to mediate."
"It's the third daughter of the Cheng family, Cheng Jiao Jiao."
"I haven't heard of her. Is her father of a low official rank?"
Ouyang Wen solicitously massaged her shoulders, "She's not from an official family; her family is in business. Grandmother, you won't look down on her social standing, will you?"
Five or six years ago, the Old Madam would have been picky, but now, she was just grateful her grandson wanted to marry. "Of course not. As long as she's a good girl, Grandmother will naturally not break up a happy couple."
"Grandmother is indeed understanding. Your grandson has thought about it. If the matchmaker's status is too low, it might seem like our family doesn't attach enough importance to this. If they are too high, it might appear to be using influence. Her family has a lot of business dealings with Ah Yan's wife. We can ask her to make this trip."
"Ah Yan's wife is still in confinement."
"A little wait is acceptable. You can take this opportunity to help your grandson prepare the betrothal gifts. Sixty-four crates, we can't be stingy."
"When Prince Ning proposed to the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Qi Ying, he only offered sixty-four crates. Isn't this a bit much for your chosen one?"
"How can that be compared? Her brother is the richest man in Yangzhou. With sixty-four crates, I'm worried she might not be impressed."
The Old Madam choked, "The sister of the richest man in Yangzhou? Is she that third daughter who once stayed at the home of Scholar Cheng?"
"Grandmother knows her?"
"No, I've heard of her. You little rascal, to find a match for you, I've paid attention to all the noble ladies in the capital. Isn't this Third Miss Cheng quite old now? And her reputation doesn't seem to be very good. Why do you fancy her?" Although she no longer had requirements for her granddaughter-in-law's family background, her character should at least be good, right? Two years ago, she was notorious for trying to climb the social ladder.
Ouyang Wen patiently explained, "This goes back to the feud between the Cheng family of Yangzhou and the Cheng family of the capital. Let me tell you slowly, Grandmother, she's not the kind of girl people outside say she is."
He chattered away to the Old Madam for a long time, not even having time to drink tea. Fortunately, he had done his homework before coming, or his grandmother would never have agreed. The Old Madam listened intently until Ouyang Wen tugged at her sleeve and pleaded with her.
"Grandmother, have you agreed?"
"Yes, yes, I've agreed. I've never seen you talk so much before, which shows you are truly serious about this girl. Don't worry, Grandmother will ensure all these details are taken care of."
Ouyang Wen was very happy to have convinced his grandmother. He went to the kitchen to swipe two boxes of pastries and headed off to show his affection, but was intercepted by Cheng Bei Zheng halfway. With nothing else to do, he changed course and went to the Prince of Rui's mansion. Shuan Zi, the gatekeeper, was already familiar with him. "Young Master, I'm afraid it's inconvenient. My master is not at home right now."
"It's fine, finding your Princess will do."
Shuan Zi was flustered and reminded him, "My Princess is still in confinement, she really cannot entertain guests."
"We're practically family, no need to be so formal. Just a few words. Doesn't your master often talk to your Princess under her window? I can just stand there."
"How come I don't know that you have anything to say to my wife?" Si Tu Yan's displeased voice rescued Shuan Zi, who wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead, greatly relieved. This young master treated himself as family, leaving him truly unsure how to respond.