Young Master Huo, always arrogant, was momentarily stunned by Gu Qingcheng's question. He had never imagined Gu Qingcheng would refuse him, let alone considered asking if she was willing.
"Young Master Huo, you are too presumptuous. Arranging a marriage proposal for me like this, assuming I would agree, what's the difference between this and forcibly abducting a maiden?" Gu Qingcheng calmly retorted.
Though her tone carried no disdain or criticism, her words were replete with both.
"Disrespect you? How could that be? I have already shown you great respect by inviting Magistrate Huang to be our matchmaker. Think about it, in all of Jinsha City, which young lady of standing has such treatment? After you marry me, there might only be minor regrets regarding your status. However, even when a principal wife enters, I will still hold you in high regard. As long as I dote on you, who among my subordinates would not understand how to read the room? They will surely be obedient and subservient to you."
Young Master Huo then proceeded to vividly paint a picture of Gu Qingcheng's blissful life as his concubine, built entirely on his honeyed promises.
A chill ran down Gu Qingcheng's spine. This fellow, likely an aging bachelor in contemporary times, must be in his early twenties. Yet, she was only thirteen. Did he have designs on her? Was he a pedophile? Furthermore, his flowery words did not alter the fundamental nature of women having to depend on him for favor. She truly disdained such a morally corrupt man who only knew how to manipulate women into becoming concubines.
Gu Qingcheng's expression changed. She said without politeness, "I am myself, and I am different from other girls. No matter if you are the dream lover of every young lady, to me, you are no different from a rock by the roadside. Remember this, never mention marriage to me again. If I hear it even once more, I will ask you to 'scram' directly from my home."
In her haste, Gu Qingcheng even blurted out modern slang. Young Master Huo, though not understanding the word, could infer from her demeanor that she was telling him to leave.
Young Master Huo's face turned pale, and the situation became awkward. When had he ever suffered such an insult?
Just then, Gu Chaobei and Magistrate Huang emerged from the side room. Gu Chaobei's resolute voice could be heard, "Thank you, esteemed guests, for your kind consideration. However, my daughter is truly not worthy of the Huo family. We humbly request Magistrate Huang's understanding."
Both Gu Qingcheng and Young Master Huo heard Gu Chaobei's words simultaneously. Gu Qingcheng felt a surge of satisfaction. Young Master Huo's face, however, darkened from ashen to black, an aura of murderous intent emanating from him. He looked as if he could draw his sword and kill at any moment.
It was understandable. The Huo family wielded significant influence in Jinsha City, second only to the King of Xia. Short of the King of Xia's daughter, it was easy for Young Master Huo to claim he could marry any noble lady in Jinsha City just by asking. Yet, he had been rejected by the Gu family!
Magistrate Huang secretly regretted accepting this thorny task. He had initially thought the Gu family, with their medical skills, would be overjoyed to hitch themselves to the powerful Huo family and readily offer up their daughter, polished and presented. He hadn't expected the Gu family to be so unyielding. As soon as he broached the subject, Gu Chaobei not only refused outright but also immediately saw him out, leaving no room for him to act as a mediator.
However, as Gu Chaobei stood his ground, Magistrate Huang suddenly realized he could not afford to offend him. After all, Gu Chaobei was known as a divine physician and had indeed saved the King of Xia's life. The King of Xia held his savior in high regard, so Magistrate Huang dared not use his authority as a prefect to pressure him.
Upon exiting, Magistrate Huang saw Young Master Huo speaking with Gu Qingcheng. It was clear Young Master Huo had not fared well, his face ashen, radiating immense anger. Seeing Young Master Huo's hand resting on his sword hilt, Magistrate Huang's heart pounded like a startled deer. A failed marriage proposal was one thing, but a drawn sword would turn a good deed into a disaster, and neither party would benefit if someone were injured.
Thus, Magistrate Huang quickly stepped forward, attempting to ease the tension. "Young Master Huo, it is getting late. Let us return home first! We can discuss matters later."
As he spoke, Magistrate Huang eagerly pulled at Young Master Huo, positioning himself between Huo and Gu Qingcheng to prevent any impulsive actions.
Reason ultimately triumphed over anger. With Magistrate Huang offering a way out, Young Master Huo seized the opportunity to step down. However, his face remained grim, and he no longer paid attention to Gu Qingcheng. As he passed Gu Chaobei, he cupped his hands in a formal greeting. "Divine Physician Gu, farewell!"
Gu Chaobei nodded slightly. Magistrate Huang, seeing Young Master Huo's somber expression, feared he might lose his temper and ruin things, so he quickly pulled him away.
As they descended the mountain, Magistrate Huang was about to offer some words of advice when, as soon as they got into the carriage, Young Master Huo suddenly burst into tears, stunning Magistrate Huang.
"Ah, this?" Magistrate Huang was momentarily bewildered. Was it anger? Or something else? Young Master Huo was deeply saddened. He had never experienced such a blow! Though a man should not weep easily, he found tears streaming down his face like a bursting dam.
"What is wrong with me? Why does Miss Gu not fancy me?" Young Master Huo beat his chest and stamped his feet. "Is it that my family isn't wealthy enough? Or is my estate not large enough?"
"No, no, if your family were not wealthy, then my family would be considered impoverished!" Magistrate Huang awkwardly tried to comfort him. Honestly, at thirty years old, he had never comforted a heartbroken dignitary of the Great Zhou Dynasty. A powerful figure of the Great Zhou, who could have any woman he desired, even celestial beauties, was weeping over a young girl who hadn't even fully blossomed? Magistrate Huang was at a loss for words. He felt his attempt at consolation was proving more difficult than achieving top honors in the imperial examinations!
"Boo hoo, could it be? That I am not to her liking? Am I too ugly?" Young Master Huo cried out in despair, finally voicing his most unutterable question. Young Master Huo, who had always been brimming with confidence and pride, had suffered such a blunt rejection from Gu Qingcheng, finding it unbearable! Wealth and property were merely veils masking his broken heart. What likely angered Young Master Huo the most was that Gu Qingcheng simply did not find him appealing as a person!
Magistrate Huang then began to understand. Young Master Huo was truly smitten. This was manageable. It was just about women. Where you fall, you rise again.
Magistrate Huang sighed and said gently, "Young Master Huo, you are handsome and dashing. Which young lady wouldn't like you? If anyone is to blame, it is only Miss Gu for lacking vision. How about we go to the Yihongyuan for some drinks to relax?" This was the best solution Magistrate Huang could think of to mend a broken heart. After a night of passion in the tender embrace of the Yihongyuan, would he even remember that slender, flat-chested girl, Gu Qingcheng? As the saying goes, different flowers appeal to different eyes. To a mature middle-aged man like Magistrate Huang, Gu Qingcheng was just a young girl not yet fully developed, making the experienced women of Yihongyuan seem like understanding blossoms. However, in Young Master Huo's eyes, Gu Qingcheng was like a plum blossom blooming on a sheer cliff, exuding a subtle fragrance, delicate yet cold, making her seem only approachable from afar, but unattainable. And precisely because he could not have her, his yearning grew more intense.