After the incident of being beaten up in the street and that Du Wanyue had sprained her ankle, the Misses of the Duke An’s Mansion naturally could not fulfill their engagements. Therefore, a respectable old palace maid was sent to deliver a letter to the Great General’s Mansion. The Misses, assisted by their maids, got on their carriages and prepared to return to the mansion.
Jin Dapeng didn’t want to miss this opportunity to curry favor and insisted on escorting the Misses back to the mansion personally. Du Wanqiu tried to deter him in every possible way, but Jin Dapeng, stubborn as a bastard who had swallowed a steelyard weight, was determined to see the ladies home, offering no room for Du Wanqiu’s refusal.
During the journey, Jin Dapeng, riding his high-headed big horses, considered himself dashing while travelling alongside the carriage of Miss Du. The stench of his body odor sporadically infiltrated the carriage, causing the Misses to frequently cover their noses with handkerchiefs, nearly making them vomit!
Upon returning to the Duke An’s Mansion, the Misses, with the help of their maids, retreated to their embroidery rooms. Jin Dapeng, however, was grandly invited into the mansion. Headed by Duke An, Du Ruohai, and the three old masters of the Du Family, along with the sons who remained at home, they all stood at the entrance of the Osmanthus Pavilion, extending their warmest reception to Jin Dapeng.
"Hehe... Your Lordship’s blessed visit truly graces our humble abode. We did not greet you from afar, we hope you can forgive us!"
Jin Dapeng laughed heartily, displaying none of the airs that might be expected from such a distinguished national relative. He even amicably patted Duke An’s shoulder, "Old Master Duke is being too polite. We are family, such talk of forgiveness makes it seem overly formal, hahaha..."
Du Ruohai was taken aback. Since when had his humble Duke An’s Mansion become so friendly with the distinguished national relative? The other old masters were also startled, but realizing that the Misses were escorted back by him, their faces brightened in understanding and excitement.
Wuchang Duke’s wife had been gone for half a year. The Duke An’s Mansion had been considering a marriage alliance, but this Jin Dapeng, despite his dubious reputation and advanced age, had a high spirit and was determined to marry a socially and economically suitable match, a well-known beauty as his official wife. The Duke An’s impoverished family was clearly not in his considerations, so the father and sons of the Du family had to give up after several unsuccessful attempts.
Who knew that when they were uninterested, a chance came along. The Duke An’s Mansion had no hope of becoming marital relatives with Wuchang Duke, yet Jin Dapeng came to propose an alliance and even called them ’family’. This surprised the men of the Du family, who were overwhelmed with joy and excitement, uncertain of how to respond!
"Hehe, please come in, Your Lordship..."
"Hehe, please have a seat, Your Lordship...."
"Please have some tea..."
Jin Dapeng comfortably sat down in the Osmanthus Pavilion, recounted the day’s events to the Du family, and got thanked repeatedly by Du Yongzhi and Du Yongbang.
"It’s all thanks to the Duke that my daughter has safely returned..."
"The Duke truly has a gallant spirit and boundless righteousness..."
Jin Dapeng smiled broadly, seeming unperturbed by their fawning, as he had grown accustomed to it. He leaned back in his armchair, his big hands resting on the chair’s arms, and said loudly, "There was a reason for what happened today. Out of helplessness, I’ve grown fond of the Mansion’s Misses. I, Jin Dapeng, am willing to take responsibility for this and marry the Miss as my official wife. I wonder what the Duke’s intentions might be?"
Having said this, he glanced at the Duke, a look of absolute confidence on his face.
Upon hearing that Jin Dapeng was interested in his daughter, Du Yongzhi was instantly overjoyed. It was as if he had been struck by a pie falling from the sky, so thrilled he could hardly contain his excitement. He rubbed his hands together, wishing he could agree right away and proceed with the betrothal that very day!