"What? Are you looking for a matchmaker for the young master?"
"No need! I often played matchmaker when I was on the estate!"
"Leave this to me!"
Hua Niang volunteered to take on the task.
Fang Er didn't see anything wrong with it.
After all, it was all agreed upon, just a formality.
Hua Niang returned to the estate with Fang Er.
Within the time it takes an incense stick to burn.
The entire estate knew that Fang Er was going to get engaged.
Everyone came to offer congratulations.
The next day, Hua Niang changed into clean clothes.
And, along with a few farmhands from the estate, went to find Fang Er.
"Young master, I'm heading out now. What do I need to bring for the betrothal gifts?"
"No need for trouble. Go to the workshop and bring a box of each of the papers that were just made. As for the rest, bring what ordinary commoners would bring."
Fang Er said.
Paper was the lifeline for the Chai family.
Of course, they had to send paper.
If they were to send gold and silver treasures, they couldn't bring much, and bringing too little would be inappropriate.
Hua Niang, not understanding, looked at Fang Er again.
"Go, do as I said."
Only then did Hua Niang lead the people to the workshop to get the paper.
After getting the paper, she returned to the study and had Ma Tongyuan write the marriage contract.
They bought a wild goose and a lamb in the East Market of Chang'an.
They also fetched a barrel of Drunken Immortal Brew from the Drunken Immortal Tower.
Then, they set off for the residence of the Duke of Qiao.
Looking at the two soldiers standing outside the gate of the Duke of Qiao's residence.
Hua Niang felt very uneasy.
The soldiers glanced at the red flowers on the carrying poles, the wild goose held in the farmhand's arms, another sheep, and a barrel of wine.
These were clearly items for a proposal.
Thinking of how their Duke had specifically instructed them the day before to entertain anyone who came to propose well.
Especially those from Fang Family Estate.
With this in mind, the soldier took the initiative to ask.
"Who are you? Why are you stopped here?"
"Reporting to the sir, this humble woman is from Fang Family Estate in Yunmen Township outside the city, here to propose on behalf of my young master, General of the Flying Column, Fang Anzhi."
Upon hearing this, the soldier immediately became enthusiastic.
"Open the gate!"
The other soldier guarding the entrance immediately opened the large gate.
The soldier in front of Hua Niang led her inside.
"My lord has just returned. You've come at just the right time. Come in quickly."
Hua Niang was confused.
She could only follow behind into the courtyard.
The soldier who opened the gate had already gone in to inform Chai Shao.
Upon hearing that someone from Fang Family Estate had come to propose.
Chai Shao tidied his robes.
"Take them to the front hall and entertain them well. I will be there shortly."
Since they were the matchmaker, he couldn't arrive first.
That would be undignified.
After a while, estimating that the visitors should have arrived at the front hall.
Chai Shao then stood up and walked forward.
Hua Niang, in the front hall, didn't know whether to sit or stand.
Although she had volunteered, she had never been to a Duke's residence in her life.
If she accidentally offended something and ruined the young master's good deed, the sin would be great.
"Why are you standing here? Please sit down, someone, bring tea."
As soon as Chai Shao entered, he saw Hua Niang standing there.
He immediately put on a stern face and said to the servants outside the door.
"Hahaha, you are the matchmaker for Fang Anzhi's proposal? Sit, please sit!"
Chai Shao walked to the main seat and asked Hua Niang.
"Yes, I am Hua Niang. Greetings, Your Grace!"
Hua Niang performed a courtesy to Chai Shao with some nervousness.
"No need to be nervous. My future son-in-law asked you to come merely to go through the motions."
"Are you an elder from Anzhi's household?"
Chai Shao smiled and then asked.
"This humble woman is merely the cook in Master Fang's household."
"Yesterday, I heard the young master was going to propose, and I was worried about finding an external matchmaker, so I took it upon myself."
Hua Niang truthfully explained.
"Since you are the cook in Anzhi's household, you are one of us. Today, you should showcase your skills."
"Let me also taste what kind of food my future son-in-law usually eats."
Chai Shao said, looking at Hua Niang.
The betrothal was just a formality; as long as the gifts were delivered.
Hua Niang prepared a large table of dishes at the Duke's residence.
Chai Shao ate with great satisfaction.
Chai Yue, on the other hand, pulled Hua Niang aside and asked her to tell stories about Fang Family Estate and things related to Fang Er.
Hua Niang was only allowed to leave in the evening.
As Hua Niang walked out of the Duke of Qiao's residence, she felt like she was dreaming.
She touched the marriage contract in her arms and finally believed that all of this was real.
"This old woman cooked a meal at the Duke's residence!"
"I can brag about this for the rest of my life!"
Returning to Fang Family Estate, she handed the marriage contract to Fang Er.
"Young master, everything is settled."
Fang Er showed no surprise.
He had Xiao Qing give Hua Niang some reward money and then let her go.
"Young master, you're getting engaged just like that?"
Xiao Qing's mood was complex.
She had been sold to the Fang family when she was eight years old.
She had been with Fang Er for almost seven years.
But she also knew that she was just a maid.
At most, she could only be a concubine.
But why did her heart always feel a little sour?
"Yes, engaged. But the wedding will be a few years from now. It's still early."
"It's getting late, let's rest!"
After Fang Er finished speaking, he playfully pulled Xiao Qing and returned to the room.
"Yes."
His window was still drafty!
In the bed, Xiao Qing, with a blushing face, looked at Fang Er.
"Young master, after we get married, will you abandon Xiao Qing?"
"Silly girl, what are you talking about!"
"Don't overthink it. You will always be the young master's maid. You can't escape even if you try!"
Fang Er pulled her into his arms and stroked her head.
"Young master is so kind! Xiao Qing won't run away!"
Xiao Qing said happily after hearing Fang Er's words.