Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 209 - 4: Silly Goose

But now Sheng, with a face full of honest smiles, said: "His Majesty is truly a good person. Not only did he approve the young man’s request, but he also rewarded me with two chests of betrothal gifts."

Old Madam was delighted to hear this. Having gifts granted by His Majesty was a matter of great honor. Moreover, if Hong Sheng ever had a change of heart, he would have to consider that his marriage had the Emperor’s approval.

Hong Sheng chatted with Old Madam for a while longer. Noting the late hour, he decided it was time to take his leave. Even though he hadn’t spoken with Susu, seeing her was already good enough; he wasn’t asking for much. Besides, having spoken about it openly, he needed to quickly find the official matchmaker, and go to Prince Ke Mansion to ask Nanny Wei to help him complete the remaining wedding rituals, so he could soon have his "wife and child with a warm bed."

Just thinking about having a wife and child with a warm bed made Hong Sheng’s thoughts wander. He even thought about how many children he and Susu would have: two, a son and a daughter.

Hopefully, the son would take after him and the daughter after Susu. He and his son would be responsible for earning money and supporting the family, while Susu and the daughter, of course, would just need to be beautiful like flowers.

Old Madam, noting the seriousness on Hong Sheng’s face, thought that since she had been young once too, she should at least let Susu and Hong Sheng develop some feelings before the marriage. Otherwise, with Susu’s aloof temperament, it would be difficult for her to quickly grow fond of someone.

Whether or not they truly liked each other, in this regard, men and women are equally sensitive.

Except for extremely rigid families, parents from both sides would always find ways to let their engaged children meet a few times. Great Chu was quite open-minded in this aspect.

As Old Madam thought of this, she said after Hong Sheng requested to leave: "It’s getting late, I won’t keep you longer. Susu, see Brother Sheng out for me!"

Hong Sheng hadn’t expected such a delightful situation at the last moment, and joy spread across his eyes. Under the teasing glances of Yang Liu and the others, Susu helplessly glanced at Old Madam, but in the end, walked out the door following behind Hong Sheng.

In truth, the courtyard was filled with maids and grannies inside and out, all secretly watching them. Even if they wanted to exchange a few words, it wasn’t very convenient.

But just walking quietly like this, knowing that Susu was following behind him, Hong Sheng felt a peace in his heart. He had fought hard to earn his military achievements just for this moment!

Thinking of this, the youthful recklessness of Hong Sheng having risen to a high position early, and the excitement of having a beauty soon in his arms, faded. His steps followed Susu’s and slowed, but became more determined.

He wanted to become stronger, to shield her from all difficulties and dangers, just as when they were children, when he instinctively stood in front of her without a second thought.

Meanwhile, as Hong Sheng’s step adjusted with his mindset change, Susu could instinctively sense that his aura became more composed. Though he remained bright-spirited, it was not the earlier superficial flamboyance.

Though not knowing what brought about this change, Susu felt relieved, having worried previously that newly attained heights might go to his head, but it seemed she had underestimated him.

Susu escorted Hong Sheng out of Sui’an Hall’s courtyard gate, and then both, with unspoken understanding, simultaneously said: "It’s cold outside; return inside!" "I’ve also made you a few sets of winter clothes, I’ll have someone deliver them to you."

All the initial awkwardness vanished in these simple words, and the two exchanged a smile. To others, they might look like fools.

The two maids eavesdropping around the corner covered their mouths and quietly slipped back to the upper room, accurately concluding, as Sister Yang Liu had said, "Two fools!"

Yet, as they sneaked away, they missed Susu and Hong Sheng simultaneously glancing towards their direction. Ha, the Golden Finger wasn’t just for fun. Since the maids had followed them, the two had known all along.

Susu then said: "The chest of jades you sent over the year before last, they are really good items, but in the future might be hard to come by. It would be a shame to exchange them for silver. Perhaps you should bring them back someday."

Hong Sheng was unwilling to take them back, "Those were meant for you. If you want to make jewelry, make jewelry. If you want to keep them, keep them. There are still some things I need to give you. Don’t worry, I still have the silver for the dowry, not to mention, His Majesty also rewarded me with gifts."

Susu, struck by his directness, didn’t refuse. After all, wouldn’t these things be left for their children in the future anyway? Oh dear, what was she thinking about children for? They weren’t even married yet.

Blushing, Susu shook her handkerchief, "Who asked about the dowry! Since you’re such a fool with money, do as you please!" Saying so, she turned to head back.

Worried that Susu was truly upset, Hong Sheng hurriedly grabbed her arm. When he felt her soft hand in his, he realized he was being too forward, but couldn’t bear to let go, face showing a complicated expression.

Susu quickly glanced around, relieved to see no one, then turned back seeing Hong Sheng’s expression and burst into laughter, "Aren’t you letting go yet?"

Hong Sheng reluctantly let go, and Susu, exasperated, said, "What a silly goose!"