Forced to marry, I picked up a young powerful official

Chapter 209 Am I Worthy of Gu Zhouzun

The maid named Hongdou analyzed it for her seriously.

"Young lady, think about it. You have reached the age of marriage this year, and our lady is looking for a marriage partner for you. This young man, Gu Zhouzun, is a talented young man. He is not even twenty years old, but he has become a prefect of the fifth rank. He is also our master's immediate superior."

"If this Guzhou Zun has not married, how could the master never mention such a young talent as him to you?"

Hongdou looked confident, "So, I guess he must have already started a family."

The woman hiding behind the screen and peeking at Gu Yichuang was none other than Zhang Tongzhi's daughter, named Zhang Qiongsi.

After listening to what the maid Hongdou said, she stamped her feet in annoyance.

"Hongdou, what do you know? You just talk nonsense!"

Hongdou blinked, looking innocent, "Girl, didn't you ask me?"

Zhang Qiongsi still looked at Gu Yichuan and murmured, "But I have already inquired about it. He came to the banquet alone today. If he is married, why didn't he bring his family with him?"

"Perhaps it is inconvenient for Gu Zhouzun's family?"

"Hongdou, why do you always tear me down?"

Zhang Qiongsi pursed his lips and blushed with anger. After a moment, he said, "I asked Uncle Sun about this. When Gu Zhouzun rushed to Yongzhou to support my father, he only brought four subordinates with him. He had no family at all, so I guess—"

"He must not have married yet!"

As if she was afraid that Hongdou still didn't believe it, she put one hand on her waist and poked Hongdou's forehead with her index finger.

"You silly girl, you should use your brain and think about it. Gu Zhouzun is the top scholar this year. He just graduated from high school this year. If you think about it ten years ago, he must have been studying hard. How could he have had time to start a family?"

"Besides, when Dad taught me, he always said that a man should first strive for fame and success, and then think about starting a family. Gu Zhouzun became famous at a young age, so he must have followed this style!"

Zhang Qiongsi spoke confidently, and her words were full of admiration for Gu Yichuan.

Hongdou suddenly realized and nodded, "Girl, if that's the case, then don't you have a chance?"

Zhang Qiongsi's eyes lit up, "Do you also think I have a chance?"

Anko nodded sincerely.

Zhang Qiongsi blushed and asked shyly, "Then... am I worthy of Gu Zhouzun?"

Upon hearing this, Hongdou took a closer look at her girl. The girl in front of her had crescent-shaped eyebrows and star-like eyes, with bright and charming eyes, as bright as spring flowers.

She nodded without hesitation, "Of course I deserve it!"

"That's good." Zhang Qiongsi patted her chest lightly with her slender hand and let out a sigh of relief.

Hongdou dragged her and was about to leave, "In that case, let's go see the master and the mistress!"

Zhang Qiongsi was stunned, "What do you want to see my parents for?"

Hongdou said, "Of course you should tell the master and his wife that you like Gu Zhouzun and ask them to make the decision for you. Otherwise, if you don't quickly grasp a young talent like Gu Zhouzun, what if someone gets there first and snatches him away?"

Not to mention that she and her own girl hid behind the screen and peeked.

The ladies in the side hall next door looked at Gu Yichuan intentionally or unintentionally when they passed by the corridor. They were probably also planning to take advantage of him!

Zhang Qiongsi was a little hesitant, "But...what if he refuses?"

Even if her parents agreed and were willing to propose to Gu Yichuang on her behalf, what if Gu Yichuang disagreed? Wouldn't she never have a chance?

Thinking of this, she felt a chill in her heart.

"No, you can't tell my parents."

Hongdou was dumbfounded, "Why is that?"

Zhang Qiong thought for a moment and said, "If Gu Zhouzun hasn't married yet, there must be a lot of people coming to propose marriage. If I blend in among them, it will be even harder for him to notice me. I have to think of a way to make him remember me. That way, when I go to propose marriage again, my chances of success will be even greater."

Maybe, he can even ask to marry me!

As she thought this in her heart, a silly smile appeared on her face.

"Ah?" Hongdou looked worried, "But, if I don't tell the master and the mistress, and I interact with Gu Zhouzun in private, is this really okay?"

Zhang Qiongsi had already made up his mind, and nodded, "That's it, just listen to me!"

Seeing that Hongdou was still hesitating, she took her hands and softened her tone, saying, "Good Hongdou, please help me. Don't go and complain to my parents in private. Besides, I didn't do anything. I am your daughter, the daughter of a magistrate. I don't care about things that are humiliating to my reputation. Don't worry!"

Hongdou hesitated and said nothing.

Zhang Qiongsi was anxious and hurried to tickle her. "Stinky Hongdou, don't forget whose girl you are. Be careful or I will ignore you in the future!"

Hongdou has always been very afraid of being tickled, so she smiled and begged for mercy, then hid away.

While playing, the two of them accidentally bumped into the screen, making a loud "clang" sound.

Gu Yichuan came over after hearing the voice.

Zhang Qiongsi was quick-witted and pulled Hongdou behind the wall so that he didn't notice her.

Both of them breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Qiongsi still held on to Hongdou and refused to let go. "Do you agree or not?"

Hongdou couldn't do anything about her own daughter, so she nodded helplessly, "I'll listen to her."

"Red beans are the best!" Zhang Qiongsi turned from anger to laughter, "I'll buy you some snacks from Qiweizhai tomorrow!"

Hongdou said, "I want the one with rose sand filling!"

"no problem."

……

Zhang Tongzhi was chatting happily with the guests. When he was in high spirits, he took out the painting of Autumn Scenery in Yunling Mountains written by Cai Ling, which was given to him by Shen Nankui, and showed it to everyone for appreciation.

Everyone gathered around to look at the painting.

Gu Yichuan did not stand up. He stared at the painting from afar, and his hand holding the teacup froze for a moment.

Soon, the banquet began.

Gu Yichuan holds a high position, and it is his first time to attend a banquet in Yongzhou, so naturally most of the topics discussed are about him. After three rounds of drinks, someone finally couldn't help but ask the question that everyone wanted to know.

"Zhou Zun Gu is young and promising. I wonder if he is married? If not, we are willing to help you find a partner."

As soon as these words were spoken, the male and female guests who were separated by the screen all listened attentively, waiting for Gu Yichuan's answer.

Gu Yichuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern. I already have a wife and daughter."

Zhang Tongzhi and his wife knew the inside story and were not surprised.

But the rest of the people were filled with regret—of course, they only dared to think so in their hearts.

They never expected that Gu Yichuan, who was so young and had just passed the imperial examination and entered the officialdom this year, had already got married and had a daughter. They couldn't help but feel curious: who could have such good vision to marry his daughter off so early?

Now, Gu Yichuan has become famous at a young age, a close minister to the emperor, and is in charge of the political affairs of a state. He is an ideal husband that everyone is thinking about, but he is already taken.

Gu Yichuan's Yue family must have been very foresighted, which is why they are enjoying the good fortune they have today.

Those families who originally wanted to marry Gu Yichuan suddenly had their dreams shattered, and they couldn't help but secretly feel what a pity...

Zhang Qiongsi is the youngest daughter of Zhang Tongzhi. She was spoiled since she was a child and never liked to join in the fun in front of others. So she did not participate in the banquet today. She only came to greet some female elders of the Zhang family who were on good terms with her, and then went back to her room.

Therefore, she missed the news at the banquet.