Yinzhan also blushed in response.
Later that night, Yin Hui mentioned the matter to Wei Luo.
Reflecting on her past life’s marriage, where she never dared to interfere with Wei Luo, Yin Hui found it ironic to now be involved in matchmaking. She asked Wei Luo to investigate whether Cui Yu, a few years ago, was indeed a eunuch, pondering the significance of this matter.
Wei Luo pondered for a moment and said, “I’ll ask Chang Feng about his intentions.”
The following morning, as Wei Luo departed, he cast another glance at Jinzhan, as if envisioning her as Chang Feng’s potential future wife. This act revealed that he had never truly scrutinized the appearance of the maid beside his wife before.
Upon reaching the front yard, Chang Feng was already waiting. He silently trailed behind his master, maintaining a distance of about three steps.
Wei Luo suddenly halted, turned to him, and inquired, “Would you be willing if my Princess were to propose betrothal to you?”
Chang Feng presumed his master had a task for him, but he hadn’t expected such a direct proposal. His calm demeanor quickly flushed with embarrassment.
Glancing at his master, he knelt down and replied, “If you permit it, please arrange it, Your Highness.”
Wei Luo was perplexed. Perhaps Chang Feng had already set his sights on Jinzhan, and he had been anticipating this moment.
“Rise,” Wei Luo instructed.
Chang Feng forced himself to stand up, his excitement was clearly evident.
Wei Luo added, “She belongs to the palace. Treat her well.”
Chang Feng nodded vigorously in agreement.
At the end of winter, Yin Hui held a few banquets in the mansion. There was a lot of excitement in her courtyard, and she married Jinzhan to Chang Feng.
After Jinzhan got married, she no longer had to wait for the masters to wake up at night.
Yinzhan remained and continued to assist Yin Hui, teaching Yingchun, Liangxia, Jingqiu, and Qingdong, the four preparatory maids.
Jinzhan was married, and Yinzhan’s marriage would soon follow.
In the middle of the twelfth lunar month, Uncle Zhou, residing far away in Pingcheng, dispatched his second son, Zhou Bainian, to deliver banknotes, account books, and New Year’s gifts to Yin Hui.
During the three years of war, Yin Yong had preserved a small portion of his family’s property and land, liquidating all stores outside to acquire silver in support of the military effort. Subsequently granted the title of Ji Chang, Yin Yong relinquished any desire to continue operating stores and instead devoted himself to leisurely pursuits at home, hoping his great-grandson, Yin Lang, would excel in his studies.
Regarding the dowry under Yin Hui’s ownership, the portion in Pingcheng remained unaffected. Although the four houses scattered across Hangzhou, Fuzhou, Shudi, and Shanxi had been sealed by the Imperial Court, they were returned to Yin Hui’s control upon her father-in-law’s ascension to the throne. Uncle Zhou and his son now assisted her with managing them.
The previous year, Uncle Zhou visited Jinling. Approaching sixty years old, his hair had turned half gray. He informed Yin Hui in advance of his intention to pass on managing her dowry to his two sons. His eldest son, Zhou Songnian, was known for his stability and honesty. He managed the family’s land and rental properties on behalf of Yin Hui. Meanwhile, his second son, Zhou Bainian, displayed intelligence and astuteness from a young age. He often accompanied Uncle Zhou to oversee operations at the dyeing workshops across four locations in Hangzhou ,and even Jinxiu and the dyeing workshops were entrusted to him.
Uncle Zhou assured Yin Hui that while his two sons had different temperaments, their loyalty to her remained unwavering. Despite his advancing age preventing him from actively participating, he vowed to oversee his sons closely and prevent any disloyalty or wrongdoing.
Yin Hui placed her trust in Uncle Zhou and respected his decision. Although she had not spent time with Zhou Songnian and Zhou Bainian, she believed in Uncle Zhou’s teachings and the influence of the Shu Mansion. With this assurance, Yin Hui harbored no concerns regarding the loyalty and obedience of the two brothers.
Upon hearing of Zhou Bainian’s arrival, Yin Hui fetched the lamp and proceeded to the front yard.
Zhou Bainian, a native of Pingcheng, stood tall with a straight face, his slender eyes revealing a hint of astuteness and restraint.
Yin Hui felt close to Zhou Bainian because he looked so much like Uncle Zhou.
After greeting her respectfully, Zhou Bainian handed over the box containing banknotes and ledgers to Yinzhan, who subsequently passed them to Yin Hui.
Familiar with Uncle Zhou’s accounting methods, Yin Hui quickly assessed the accounts, finding no major discrepancies and confirming the accuracy of the banknotes.
As Yin Hui reviewed the account book, Zhou Bainian maintained a respectful demeanor, bowing his head modestly.
Upon concluding the business, Yin Hui smiled warmly and engaged in conversation, “How are your parents faring these days?”
Zhou Bainian remained humble, replying with a smile, “Thanks to the Princess. Both my parents are in good health. My brother has been thriving this year, and the recent addition of a son has brought great joy to our family.”
Yin Hui nodded in acknowledgment. Zhou Songnian, now in his thirties, was blessed with three children.
Uncle Zhou also has a daughter who was already married, and Zhou Bainian was the youngest son…
Yin Hui observed Zhou Bainian closely and asked, “You’re twenty-five this year, right?”
Zhou Bainian nodded, confirming his age.
Curiously, Yin Hui inquired, “Are you married?”
Zhou Bainian shook his head, admitting, “No, I’m not.”
Yin Hui questioned, “Why not?”
Zhou Bainian explained briefly.
For individuals like them who managed large households, marrying around the age of twenty was considered early. Several years ago, when Uncle Zhou was about to make his daughter wed Zhang Luo’s youngest son, the sudden demise of the late Emperor and the ascent of his grandson to the throne, along with the abolishment of feudal clans, instilled fear among the common people. They speculated that the Yan Palace might be doomed, and the Yin family who married into the Yan Palace would be even more difficult to last. Therefore, no one would dare to marry a daughter of a person who worked for the Yin family.
Following three years of war, with the victor still uncertain, nobody dared to get engaged to Zhou Bainian. It wasn’t until Emperor Yongping took the throne and the Zhou family’s fortunes surged alongside the Shu Mansion that prospects changed. Zhou Bainian spent most of the year traveling around Hangzhou and had no time for marriage.