Mistakenly Connected to the Jade Flower Branch

Steamed lamb, steamed bear paw, steamed deer tail, roast duck, roast chicken, roast goose, braised chicken, cured pork, preserved eggs... Although it wasn't quite that exaggerated, Nanfei was still amazed by this table full of dishes, with chicken, duck, and goose meat all included.

Is this meal for Young Master Xu or for Luo An? Nanfei wasn't quite sure.

However, there were only six of them sitting at the table, and Zhang Mingyue, who had invited them to eat at the old house, was not there? The meaning was obvious.

Nanfei had eaten at the Zhang family's house many times, and each time the Zhang family had treated him to a lavish meal. For the first time, Nanfei felt a pang of guilt, thinking that he was obliged to help them. He felt that if he didn't sell Luo An today, he would be doing a disservice to the entire table of food.

Luo An's ever-present aloofness now carried a hint of coldness. He couldn't sell it!

Luo An doesn't usually drink, but Zhang Ren always has to have a few drinks with him after each free clinic. The wine is peach blossom wine, a specialty of Wudong County; it has a wine flavor but isn't intoxicating, and Luo An is used to it. Every time they are sent back, in addition to bringing back the medicine they need, Zhang Ren also prepares a few jars of peach blossom wine.

After a few rounds of drinks, the kind-faced Madam Zhang asked, "Xiao An, what do you think of Mingyue after spending these past few years with our family?"

Nanfei immediately said, "Young Master has always thought that the Second Miss is very good. She is beautiful, has a sweet voice, is capable, and treats her servants kindly. There is nothing wrong with her."

The Zhang family has excellent upbringing; both she and her brother Zhang Mingzhi are well-educated and courteous. Zhang Mingyue is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside, exceptionally intelligent, capable, and respected by others—truly the perfect choice to be the matriarch of the family.

Madam Zhang said, “Xiao An, we are all sensible people, so I will speak frankly. You may think of yourselves as volunteer doctors, but over the years, the master has truly treated you like sons. He is happy when you come, and he feels lost for days when you leave. Mingyue also genuinely likes you, and you can see that. Mingzhi is getting married next month, and Mingyue is sixteen this year, so it's time for her to get married as well.”

"Xiao An, Mingyue was still young before, and her brother's marriage wasn't arranged, so we didn't dare mention it to you. But this marriage isn't something we can approve of; it has to be your choice, Xiao An. The master hasn't been here these past few days, so he's specifically arranged for you two to spend time alone, to see if you've taken a liking to Mingyue. If you have, and no objections to Mingyue, and if there are any relatives or elders in the family, we can arrange a time to meet them and finalize the marriage..."

Luo An is mute, which must cause him some inconvenience in his daily life, and Madam Zhang had hesitated before. However, when the Su family came to propose marriage last year, Zhang Mingyue did not agree. They used the excuse that Zhang Mingzhi was not married to refuse.

Now, her neighbors often tease her, asking when she's going to find a husband to marry into her family, and jokingly saying that if she doesn't, the opportunity will be given to someone else.

Aside from his inability to speak properly, Luo An was truly flawless. His temperament, appearance, personality, character, medical skills, and ethics were unparalleled, not just in Wudong County, but even in Songzhou. His son, Zhang Mingzhi, was also a promising young man, but compared to Luo An, he had to admit his inferiority.

A daughter is too young to stay at home forever. If Luo An doesn't reciprocate, Su Liuguang will have missed her chance. If things drag on any longer, the girl will get too old, and it will become a laughing stock.

Luo An wasn't stupid or dull; he understood what was going on as soon as he saw Su Liuguang yesterday. Luo An put down his chopsticks and glanced at Nan Fei.

Madam Zhang said kindly, “Nanfei, speak your mind. We are all straightforward people. A marriage naturally requires the consent of both parties. If they are unwilling, and the couple doesn’t live well after marriage, we, as their parents, will not be able to live with ourselves. As long as Xiao’an is willing and the children are doing well, we can save on the dowry and formalities. We can hire a matchmaker ourselves. Merchant families don’t have those kinds of rules, so we don’t have to be so particular.”

Zhang Mingyue was right; there were so many formalities and rituals involved, and her parents were incredibly busy lately. Nanfei, being an experienced person, knew that in wealthy families, marriages were always conducted with proper etiquette and rules. Since he genuinely liked Luo An, he didn't care about such formalities.

Madam Zhang spoke with such sincerity and righteousness that Nanfei was filled with fervor: "Madam, what is due should still be given; proper etiquette cannot be disregarded..."

Luo An gently set down his wine glass, which made a crisp sound as it hit the plate. Luo An's sign language was extremely fast, and Madam Zhang neither saw it clearly nor understood it.

Nanfei hesitated for a long time before reluctantly saying, "Madam, the young master is already married."

With a clatter, Zhang Ren's bowl fell onto the table, spun a few times, and then fell to the ground.

Zhang Ren, who ran a pharmacy, was meticulous and reliable. Upon their first meeting, he asked Luo An if he was married or had a girlfriend. Later, he never heard any news of Luo An getting married.

Even so, when they came over last month, Zhang Ren confirmed with Nan Fei again. Nan Fei replied at the time, "There aren't many women on Chongming Island, and they all look like bandits. How could they be worthy of you, young master? I have to quickly persuade you, young master. If we stay any longer, we'll all become old bachelors."

Zhang Ren and his wife were both shocked. Zhang Ren stammered, "Nan...Nan Fei, you...last month...didn't you say..."

Was he senile and misheard? Or did he misremember? He's been dispensing medicine for decades and has never made a mistake.

Nanfei felt very apologetic: "When we came last month, the young master was indeed not yet married. But he got married not long after we returned. We returned on the eighth day and got married on the fifteenth..."

Nanfei stretched out his hands and counted carefully: "Up to now... twenty-two days at most."

Zhang Mingzhi, worthy of being admitted to the Hanlin Academy, quickly congratulated Luo An and instructed his servants to prepare a congratulatory gift.

The ever-smiling Young Master Xu said, "Uncle Zhang and Aunt Zhang, I think Nanfei is quite good too. He's quick-witted, extremely intelligent, and a young hero."

Nanfei immediately replied, "Not at all, Young Master Xu is truly handsome and dashing, a rare find in this world."

Zhang Mingzhi said, "This is Sunflower Pork Belly made by Aunt Xu. It tastes better than anything you can make at a culinary banquet. Try it all..."

The Zhang family, along with Young Master Xu, saw them out. Two carriages were waiting at the door. The wind lifted the carriage curtain, and Nanfei saw that one of the carriages was packed full, and he could vaguely see a bright red brocade quilt.

Nanfei clicked his tongue in amazement, thinking to himself, "Master Zhang is truly generous. He's giving all the wedding supplies that Zhang Mingzhi prepared to the young master."

Zhang Mingyue, who hadn't shown her face all night, stood by the carriage, the lantern casting a shadow on half of her face.

“Brother Luo…” Zhang Mingyue’s voice was a little weak, “When you come next month, bring your sister-in-law over for a meal. Over the years, my father has always praised you in front of others. In his heart, you are just like my own brother.”

Zhang Mingyue's voice trembled slightly as she spoke. Zhang Mingzhi stood beside her, supporting her: "Mingyue..."

Nanfei couldn't bear it: "Uncle Zhang, Aunt Zhang, young master and young lady, we appreciate your kindness. If it's inconvenient, let's end the free clinic here."

Zhang Mingyue quickly said, "No, no, no, it's convenient for us, the free clinic will continue. If it's inconvenient for you, please let us know. Dad said that anything can only last if both parties are willing."

Zhang Mingyue lifted the carriage curtain for them: "Take care on your journey. I'll be waiting for you at Zhongjing Hall next month."

The moment the curtain fell, Nanfei clearly saw tears welling up in Zhang Mingyue's eyes.

"Young Master, I think the Zhang family is quite good. Master Zhang has a broad vision and magnanimous character, the eldest son is diligent and ambitious, and the second young lady is patient and self-controlled. Most families can't compare." Nan Fei gave an objective assessment, then asked somewhat strangely, "You have absolutely no interest in Zhang Mingyue?"

Luo An glanced at him, and Nan Fei exclaimed in surprise: "Could it be that you really like that bandit girl? Your taste is quite unique."

Nanfei complained, "There are so many people on the island, why did the old gang leader have to put you two together? You and her are like a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung, you're the beautiful flower. She and Ji Kongming are a perfect match, a silly girl and a dog, a match made in heaven. To be honest, Ji Kongming isn't bad either, it's a good idea to hand over the Dahe Gang to him, after all, ambition is the driving force. But handing over the Dahe Gang to you, I think it's pretty risky."