Chapter 667: Chapter 599, Confessed to_2 Chapter 667: Chapter 599, Confessed to_2 Madam Li showed approval on her face, “Indeed, the gifts are almost all tailored to our preferences, a true sign of sincerity.”

Yan Zhigao: “They say daughters take after their mothers; does Miss Zhu resemble Madam Zhu of the fourth branch?”

Madam Li: “That girl is indeed a fine one. Mother has seen her today and praised her several times.”

Yan Zhigao fell silent for a moment, “Since that’s the case, let’s distribute the gifts to each household.”

Madam Li hesitated, “But what if my sister-in-law learns that Miss Zhu has been betrothed before and disagrees? Wouldn’t we have accepted the gifts in vain?”

Yan Zhigao smiled, “You know the temperament of those two in the second branch. Without giving them a taste of sweetness, they wouldn’t even consider it. Now, enticed by the dowry, they might actually hesitate.”

“I will dispatch someone to inquire about the Zhu Family’s fourth branch after I attend court tomorrow. If it does seem like a suitable match, I will persuade the second brother. If it still doesn’t work out, we can always return the gifts later.”

Madam Li nodded, “As always, you have thought it through, my lord. I will see to it that the gifts are sent to each household.”

At the Yan Family guesthouse.

Zhu Qiyun looked at Madam Zhu of the fourth branch with some trepidation, “Mother, should we really not take the initiative to disclose that I have been engaged before?”

Madam Zhu replied, “Didn’t you say that Yan Family’s eldest miss was present when you were meant to marry? Since she knows, the Yan Family is aware as well; there’s no need for us to say more.”

“Alright, it’s getting late; go to bed. You need to rise early tomorrow, and you can’t afford to lack energy these next few days.”

Though still somewhat worried, Zhu Qiyun nodded since her mother had said so, and turned to go back to her room.

…

Yan Wenjie looked at the gifts Ping Tong had brought over with great surprise. Although he was not as scholarly as his elder brother, he had grown more knowledgeable over the years and realized at a glance that the box contained an extremely precious solo edition.

Yan Wenjie ordered the servant, “Go find out why the Madam Zhu who came today would send such a valuable gift?” And it was even sent to him!

He knew that whenever there were guests at home, although each household received gifts, the best were definitely for the children of the main branch, and only then came his turn.

Soon, the servant returned with a smile, “Second Master, I have found out. The two Madams who visited today seem to be offering their family’s young lady to you. There are only three of such books, one was given to the main master, another to the eldest master, and the last one to you. The others in the house also received quite fine gifts.”

Yan Wenjie was stunned for a moment before he said, “They want to match that lady with me?”

The servant laughed, “It’s the one who came with them, sir. I asked Daisy, who serves in the guesthouse, and she said that Miss Zhu is very pretty and has a good temperament.”

The image of Zhu Qiyun came to Yan Wenjie’s mind, and he was dazed for a while before he said to the servant, “Go to my parents’ courtyard and see what their attitude is.”

The servant hurriedly said, “Right away, sir!”

As the servant left, Yan Wenjie sank into silence again.

Ever since his elder brother became engaged, Mother had been busy with his own marriage arrangements.

He knew that the families his elder brother and fourth brother were to marry into were very good, so Mother wanted the same for him, but unfortunately, the ladies from good families simply looked down on him.

Recently, he had noticed that every time Mother went to discuss his marriage with Great Aunt, she seemed somewhat impatient, and people around the manor were quietly saying that Mother’s expectations were too high and too picky.

He also wanted to settle his marriage soon to avoid gossip.

Yan Wenjie recalled Zhu Qiyun, whom he had met twice. Her demeanor was that of a refined lady – how could she have an interest in him?

Thinking this, Yan Wenjie wanted to ask his parents for clarity and therefore stood up and left the courtyard.

As he entered Chuihua Gate, he saw two figures anxiously looking around. Only upon getting closer did he realize they were Miss Zhu and her maid.

Startled by Yan Wenjie’s appearance, Zhu Qiyun, worried he would misunderstand her improper behavior of wandering around at night, quickly explained, “I just wanted to see the flowers in the garden because of their fragrance but ended up walking too far, and now I’m somewhat lost on my way back to the guesthouse.”

Seeing the anxious look on Zhu Qiyun’s face, clearly worried about being misunderstood, Yan Wenjie laughed lightly, “Miss Zhu, there’s no need to be nervous. My family’s manor is indeed large, and it’s normal to lose your way on your first visit. Let me escort you back.”

With that, he walked ahead briskly, creating distance between himself and Zhu Qiyun.

Zhu Qiyun watched Yan Wenjie before signaling her maid to follow.

The two walked one after the other, separated by several meters, neither speaking.

When they arrived at the guesthouse entrance, Yan Wenjie smiled, “Miss Zhu, we’ve arrived. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

As he turned to leave, Zhu Qiyun struggled for a moment before calling out, “Wait.”

Yan Wenjie turned back, “Is there something else?”

Zhu Qiyun took a deep breath and quickly approached Yan Wenjie.

Seeing her approach, Yan Wenjie instinctively wanted to step back but restrained himself.

Stopping a meter from Yan Wenjie, Zhu Qiyun halted, “Qiyun is unremarkable, but I would like to know if you, sir, have your heart set on another lady? If not, Qiyun would wish to accompany you for life.”

“Since childhood, my father and mother engaged strict teachers to educate Qiyun in the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, and poetry. Although not proficient in everything, I am knowledgeable in each; since the age of ten, my mother has instructed me in managing household affairs and social interactions.”

“Qiyun considers herself no less than other ladies. Although I was once betrothed, it was not my fault, and I ask that you kindly give me some consideration.” After speaking, she blushed and ran into the guesthouse like a wisp of smoke.

Yan Wenjie stood in place, stunned for quite a while, before he realized he had just been confessed to. His mind somewhat muddled, he walked back, forgetting he had intended to see his parents.