Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

Chapter 929 - 765: An Outrageous Demand

Just like that, after going twice more, relying on the matchmaker’s skillful tongue, combined with Gu Wanfang’s decent conditions, the Ding Family finally loosened up.It’s been almost three months, why is the engagement still not settled?

After Gu Chengyu returned from Hejian Prefecture, he clearly heard Mr. Gu say there was great hope. What trouble came up this time?

"I’ve said it before, they have high aspirations! Aren’t they just playing us? Can’t we live without their daughter? I’ve seen that girl, she’s not exactly a fairy worth missing. Can’t find good girls in the Capital?"

Mr. Gu mentioned to his wife before that, regardless of how much Fang’s grandfather owes his family, it shouldn’t involve the child.

Besides, after spending so much time together, they’ve all seen Fang’s kind and honest nature, with no deceitful tricks.

He usually respects his smaller Little Uncle, and is particularly filial to the two elders.

He just opened a small bookstore outside, hasn’t made much Silver yet. Every time he comes into the mansion, he brings pastries and fresh trinkets.

Though they’re not valuables, it’s the child’s filial piety, isn’t it?

Mrs. Lv also understands what’s appropriate, though she looks down on Gu Changbai, she still helped Gu Wanfang sort things out.

The matchmaker has gone three times, yet the matter is still unsettled, making Mrs. Lv’s face look a bit displeased.

The Gu Family is now an official family, even the Commandery Princess is respectful towards her.

The Ding Family is a merchant family, not to mention the girl is a concubine-born daughter, enough status to pick and choose against the Gu Family?

The last time, thinking it would work out, Mrs. Lv arranged to go out with Mrs. Ding, looking at powder shops, hoping to see the girl.

Mrs. Lv was quite satisfied with the delicate girl, not being from an aristocratic family, can’t be too harsh. Though shy, she’s presentable.

Mrs. Lv thinks since Gu Wanfang is still a commoner, not young, he isn’t in a position to be picky; it’s good enough.

After returning, she said it was okay, though a concubine-born daughter, not entirely petty.

Like that, wanting the matchmaker to go one more time, if it works out, everyone will be happy. If not, they should find another.

Unexpectedly, once Mrs. Ding returned home, she called the matchmaker over. She agreed but had a condition.

Mrs. Lv’s words made Gu Wanfang’s face turn red, knowing the elders have been busy over his engagement, he felt guilty.

"The Ding Family’s demands are excessive, let the matchmaker reject it!" Gu Wanfang looked at Gu Chengyu, suddenly determined.

"What do you mean? After all this work, we just give up?" Mr. Gu was startled, looking at Gu Wanfang in surprise.

Gu Chengyu rubbed his temple, couldn’t someone explain what was happening?

He was busy with his own matters lately, barely following Gu Wanfang’s engagement progress.

He looked at Ming Mo standing nearby, seeing Ming Mo shake his head, indicating he didn’t know.

Gu Chengyu knew Ming Mo only paid attention to this matter with his orders, as it was under Steward Chen’s jurisdiction in the outer courtyard.

"Of course, it’s not just giving up, what else could you do? Their condition clearly shows they don’t want to marry. Are they selling a daughter or marrying her? Without that Butcher Ding, couldn’t we still eat a pig with hair?"

Mrs. Lv glanced at Mr. Gu, she had personally gone to see. Didn’t expect the Ding Family to say such conditions, clearly not respecting the Gu Mansion.

"What are you saying?" Mr. Gu was speechless, their girl isn’t some pig with hair!

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but laugh, what kind of metaphor is that? Mom, this is so inappropriate, isn’t it?

"What’s going on?" Gu Chengyu sighed helplessly, if Gu Wanqian doesn’t marry soon, he’ll be twenty-one next year.

Considering men of this era generally start talking marriage at fifteen or sixteen, it’s quite late.

"The matchmaker said the Ding Family has business difficulties, wants us to provide more Silver as a betrothal gift, to help them circulate. Wait until they have Silver, they will return it as a dowry for the daughter."

Fearing Mrs. Lv would say something shocking again, Mr. Gu quickly summarized the situation.

Gu Chengyu was shocked upon hearing it, Mrs. Ding really has no shame, openly asking like this what’s the difference?

They’re expecting to return it later? Isn’t this like a meat bun hitting a dog, gone with no return?

"How much Silver?" Gu Chengyu was curious, from their looks, probably a huge demand, right?

"Two thousand Silver." Gu Wanfang looked uncomfortable, hearing such a large betrothal amount frightened him.

Gu Chengyu paused, then asked, "What does Mr. Ding say?"

"How could Mr. Ding, as the household head, not know?" Mr. Gu, who had been silent, spoke with concern that the matter seemed impossible.

While the two elders had indeed saved quite a bit over the years, thanks to Xiao Bao’s soap recipe dividends, getting over a thousand Silver annually.

Last year’s dividends were particularly high, reaching eighteen hundred Silver, likely to increase in the future.

But Fang is just a grandnephew, people have their own interests. He couldn’t spend so much on a grandnephew’s marriage because he has his own daughter and son!

Grandchildren have grown, needing to talk marriage, buy houses, start businesses; every task requires Silver, doesn’t it?

If he leaves early, he needs to leave Silver for his wife to rely on, doesn’t he?

The remaining Silver must be divided among descendants. He can’t exhaust himself for a grandnephew, no one is so foolish.

"A whole two thousand Silver! How much Silver is that?" Mrs. Lv’s voice was sharp, prompting Gu Wanfang to lower his head.

The Ding Family only has a small wine shop and a small cloth shop, and both rented. Adding two small courtyards, all property totals around one thousand Silver.

Gu Chengyu sneered, what business turnover needs two thousand Silver? Are they taking the Gu Family for fools?

He glanced at Mrs. Lv, dressed simply because she’s at home, only wearing a pair of red agate bracelets, and a Gold-Filigree Jeweled Peony Hairpin.

Though dressing plainly, just the pair of bracelets are priceless.

This was taken out by Gu Chengyu from the space; whether it’s craftsmanship or materials, they are excellent. He’s given his mother many nice things, estimating she dressed ostentatiously when shopping with Mrs. Ding.

The Ding Family, seeing the Gu Family’s wealth, was tempted. Combined with the matchmaker’s occasional exaggerations, they must think the Gu Mansion isn’t short of Silver.