Chapter 729: Engagement (1)_1
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..."
Family!
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.