Chu Jiangtun looked up and saw Steward Zhou leading a young, beautiful girl in.
Because Steward Zhou had been to Dashui Village before, Chu Jiangtun had met him, and since the young marquis's clothes were all custom-made at the Chu Family Cloth Shop, Chu Jiangtun was very familiar with people from the Pingyang Marquis's Mansion.
"Steward Zhou?" Chu Jiangtun stood up and cupped his hands. "What wind brings you here? Are you here to order clothes for the young marquis again?"
During his time in Dashui Village, Gu Mingyan had become quite familiar with Chu Jiangtun, and there were no barriers between them.
Steward Zhou returned the salute with cupped hands and said with a smile, "The young marquis is not short of clothes at the moment. I've come this time to buy some fabric for a young lady. Shopkeeper Chu, please recommend some, haha!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Jiangtun looked at Hugeshuang'er and exclaimed inwardly, "What a beautiful girl!"
The girl exuded an untamable wildness about her, yet with every movement, she displayed the unique beauty of a woman.
Perhaps it was because Hugeshuang'er had the face of a Central Plains woman, but her identity as a barbarian gave her a double halo of beauty.
Chu Jiangtun was utterly mesmerized, a simple smile on his lips.
Hugeshuang'er: "..."
Has this little fatty never seen a woman before?
Look at his demeanor, it's so embarrassing.
"Cough cough!" Steward Zhou coughed lightly and nudged Chu Jiangtun. "Shopkeeper Chu, hurry up and take this young lady to pick out fabric. What are you staring at her for?"
In fact, Steward Zhou had great respect for Chu Jiangtun. In this vast capital city, apart from the richest man, Old Master Yao, no other merchants or wealthy families could compare to Chu Jiangtun.
He was young and promising, with a sharp mind, and was a prominent figure in the business world.
Though he was a bit plump, he couldn't be faulted for his wealth.
Chu Jiangtun mumbled an "oh" and snapped back to attention, smiling at Hugeshuang'er. "May I know the young lady's name? What kind of fabric do you like?"
"I'll pick it myself..." Hugeshuang'er gave him a sideways glance.
After speaking, she raised her beautiful eyes and scanned the fabrics on the wall.
Old Ma, seeing this, his eyes darted around, unable to contain his amusement.
His young master had taken a liking to the girl. It wasn't easy; for so many years, the young master had been like a block of wood, completely indifferent to emotions. Why had he suddenly become amorous today?
It was good, too. If he married a wife soon, it would save Old Master Yun and the others from worrying.
While Hugeshuang'er was choosing fabric, Chu Jiangtun quickly pulled Steward Zhou outside the door and asked excitedly, "Steward Zhou, whose daughter is this girl? How old is she? Is she married?"
Steward Zhou: "..."
Shopkeeper Chu, you need to control your emotions.
Look at how impatient you are, as if a mosquito had bitten your backside.
"I really don't know!" Steward Zhou tucked his sleeves and said thoughtfully, "But this young lady is a guest of our young marquis and is currently staying at the marquis's mansion!"
Chu Jiangtun scratched his face. "Is that so? Then you must know her name, right?"
"Ah, her name is a bit difficult to pronounce, but I heard Miss Yan call her Shuang'er!" At this point, Steward Zhou gave Chu Jiangtun a deep look. "What's the matter, Shopkeeper Chu, have you taken a liking to Miss Shuang'er?"
Chu Jiangtun: "..."
Why are you speaking so directly? What do you mean "taken a liking"? This is called love at first sight, infatuation at first sight.
Hugeshuang'er picked out a few plain fabrics, paid the money through Steward Zhou, and then went directly back to the carriage.
Chu Jiangtun spat twice into his palm, wiped his hair, and then hurried after her, lifting the carriage curtain. "Miss Shuang'er, I heard this is your first time in the capital. There are many historical sites around that you haven't visited yet. How about this, I happen to be free these few days, why don't you..."
"Shopkeeper Chu, do I know you?" Hugeshuang'er raised an eyebrow.
Why is this person like a piece of dog-skin plaster?
Chu Jiangtun: "..."
This girl speaks so rudely.
But it's okay, he liked her anyway.
"Familiarity breeds contempt, but acquaintance leads to closeness!" Chu Jiangtun said with a smile, his eyes almost sparkling with little hearts. "If Miss Shuang'er doesn't mind, I'd like to visit you at the marquis's mansion tomorrow!"
It had to be said that Chu Jiangtun, with no prior experience in romance, still managed to muster up such courage to pursue a girl. In this regard, he was very much like Old Man Yun.
Back then, Old Man Yun found Gu Shi by the roadside and shamelessly dragged her to his home, even washing her feet and combing her hair.
Affection is forged in the trivialities of life. No woman is born heartless and cold; it all depends on whether the man treats her well and is worth entrusting her life to.
Hugeshuang'er said with a half-smile, "Shopkeeper Chu, you like me?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Jiangtun's face instantly turned red, his heart pounding in his throat, and he didn't know what to say.
Hugeshuang'er poked her head out of the window, pinched Chu Jiangtun's chubby cheek, and said, "Talk to me after you've lost some weight. Steward Zhou, let's go!"
Chu Jiangtun: "..."
What's wrong with being fat?
If I suddenly lose weight, all my good fortune will be gone.
Generally, fat people have a blessed appearance. Chu Jiangtun felt that it was precisely because he was plump that he was so successful in business.
At the same time, in a teahouse in the capital.
Gu Mingyan and Xiao Jinheng sat opposite each other. Two plates of exquisite pastries were on the table, and the tea was almost cold, yet neither of them had taken a sip.
"So, Princess Han is currently residing in the Yun Mansion?" Gu Mingyan asked.
Xiao Jinheng nodded lightly, "Uncle, you don't need to worry about her escaping. Princess Han can't be driven away now. What about Princess Yan, how do you plan to deal with her?"
Mentioning Han Chiyan, Gu Mingyan felt an immense headache.
Logically speaking, the war between the two countries had little to do with Han Chiyan, but Gu Mingyan simply didn't want to let her go.
"I haven't decided yet!" Gu Mingyan murmured, suddenly thinking of Xiao Jinfeng. "Right, how is Prince Ming doing?"
Because he had been solely focused on saving his old father, he had neglected the situation at Dashui Village.
Xiao Jinheng smiled and said, "Uncle, rest assured, Second Brother is fine. I heard from scouts that General Gu suddenly visited Dashui Village and rescued Second Brother. In a few days, he will escort Shen Ducai back to the capital, and then it will be time for us to settle accounts with Consort Xian!"
Moreover, Kong Xingzhuo was now closely monitoring Consort Xian. As soon as she made a mistake, Xiao Jinheng could capture her in one fell swoop.
Gu Mingyan listened and gently cautioned, "You must be extremely careful. The power Consort Xian has accumulated over the years is not to be underestimated. If you confront her head-on, it might be more trouble than it's worth. If you need anything, just tell your uncle!"
"Alright, Heng'er understands!" Xiao Jinheng nodded with a smile.
Just then, Kong Xingzhuo walked in hurriedly.