Chapter 394

To prepare gifts, Chen Xiaolan had been visiting her natal home more frequently lately.

She brought Chen Guanlou the latest news from the Su and Tang families.

"The Tang family came to my mother-in-law on their own and said the matchmaker arrangement with you was off. They've found a new match. My mother-in-law was upset, saying your family looks down on her, and it ended in an unpleasant scene."

Chen Guanlou raised an eyebrow. Tang Lao Ban moves fast—only two days passed and he'd already settled it, without dragging Big Sister Chen Xiaolan into it. Truly a shrewd, tactful man, nothing like Su Pozi.

Su Pozi was a madwoman, utterly unreasonable, her greed for wealth and disdain for poverty almost carved into her forehead.

Born of the same mother, their difference was greater than that between a human and an animal.

Chen Xiaolan went on, "I heard this marriage proposal happened because Tang's second daughter took a fancy to you and threw a fit, demanding to marry you. I thought it over carefully—it must've been during the New Year, when you came to pay respects, and the Tang girl saw you and took notice. You're good in every way, but your face just keeps drawing attention."

Chen Guanlou raised an eyebrow. "So my face didn't attract attention before? That's a strange thing to say—I've always been attractive." He wore the look of a man who knew his own charm, yet without arrogance, radiating honest confidence.

Chen Xiaolan spat. First she scowled, then grinned with pride. "You weren't attractive before. You used to be gloomy, timid, avoided people, always kept your head down. Actually, that Tang girl had seen you before. She never liked you—only after years did she suddenly fall for you, going so far as to threaten suicide. Clearly, your face has only grown more alluring. If you're not interested in the girls from the neighborhood, don't go hanging around them—you'll only ruin them. Ruin them and then walk away? That's a sin."

"Big Sister, I'm innocent! I live a two-point life—either at Tianlaomiao or at home, or sometimes at the brothel. When have I ever been hanging around girls? If I were going to hang around anyone, it'd be young brides."

"Be serious. Don't hang around girls, and don't hang around young brides. Why are you meddling with other people's wives? That's wrong."

"Then what? Should I start hanging around widows' doors instead?"

"You're getting worse by the minute. Don't think just because you've grown up, I can't beat you. If you dare act up, I'll break your legs." Chen Xiaolan's face hardened. A faint unease stirred in her heart—could her brother really be taken with that widow?

Looking back, these past few years, her brother had shown no interest in unmarried girls at all—only pursued young widows.

The more she thought, the more worried she became. "Xiao Lou, tell me honestly—are you really fond of that widow? Lately, I heard people say you've taken a shine to Liu She. Is it true? Otherwise, why have you been visiting the Liu household so often since her husband died?"

"Big Sister, don't believe every rumor you hear. Do you trust me—or strangers?"

"Of course I trust you."

"Then I swear to you—I have no romantic interest in Liu She. Are you satisfied now?"

Chen Xiaolan: …

Satisfied… my ass.

She was half-skeptical, torn and uneasy. "Really no interest? I've met Liu She. She's old, sure, but her figure, her eyes—they're always pulling you in."

Chen Guanlou recalled her. Hmm, Big Sister was right—Liu She, even in mourning, looked like she was luring men. He restrained himself with iron willpower. No wonder he was known as the master who passed through a thousand blossoms without a single petal sticking to him.

Watching him savor the memory, Chen Xiaolan cried inwardly, "Oh no, oh no!" Her hand moved faster than her mind—she slapped him. "Still saying you don't care? Look at your eyes! Why a widow? When did you develop this taste for widows? Do you even honor your parents?"

"Big Sister, don't slander me. I'm innocent."

"Innocent? The word comes out of your mouth and turns foul. You better behave. If I find out you've done anything improper, even after I'm married, I'll still come back and break your legs on behalf of our parents."

"Big Sister, when have I ever acted improperly? Don't make up stories."

"You go to brothels every other day—that's not acting improperly?"

"That's a normal preference. Don't lump it together with other things."

Seeing her brother stubbornly unrepentant, Chen Xiaolan grabbed a broom to beat him. Chen Guanlou promptly fled the house and disappeared into the brothel, deciding to stay there for a few days until his sister cooled off.

Honestly, to be falsely accused of liking widows—how unjust. If he'd actually slept with one, he'd have accepted the blame. But he hadn't slept with a single one.

As for Liu She… forget it. Don't think about it. Focus on drinking wine with courtesans.

A few days later, Chen Xiaolan had calmed down and the gifts were ready. She told Chen Guanlou to deliver them to the Hou Fu's main household.

Chen Guanlou didn't want to go. His reason was perfectly valid.

"The First Young Mistress's birthday is a women-only affair. If I show up to deliver gifts, what's that look like? Inappropriate. Big Sister, you go instead—you're a woman, perfect for mingling with the ladies. Don't worry about being looked down on. Tell me what you need—I'll get it for you. I know people in the palace. From jewelry to robes to socks, I'll make sure everything's perfect."

"What status do I have? I don't need to climb. I'll wear clothes and wear jewelry fitting my station. Don't fuss over me. Since you won't go, fine—I'll go myself and wish the First Young Mistress a happy birthday."

Chen Xiaolan claimed she didn't care about status or competition, but inwardly, she cared deeply.

Chen Guanlou's connection was the jailer, Qian Fugui, who had a network of palace maids. With enough money, two sets of robes and jewelry could be procured in no time.

On the day of the celebration, Chen Xiaolan arrived at the Hou Fu dressed in the clothes and jewelry Chen Guanlou had arranged—and was immediately showered with praise.

Having won favor at the Hou Fu, Chen Xiaolan felt deeply pleased.

Chen Guanlou was happy too—his sister's good mood meant she'd stop pestering him about widows. Finally, peace in his ears.

One autumn rain brings one chill.

The autumn wind howled; overnight, summer turned to winter. Trees stood bare, people pulled out their winter coats from storage, and the long winter began.

Chen Guanlou stood under the eaves outside the office, rinsing his mouth. He thought today's food was too salty—like someone had spilled a salt barrel. The head cook had clearly been distracted.

Had something gone wrong with the supply team?

He called for Qian Fugui.

Qian Fugui managed the finances—he could spot problems others missed just by looking at the money.

He asked directly: "Has the supply team been quiet lately?"

"Which aspect, my lord?"