Fortunately, she remembered the measurements Gu Nian had taken when making clothes for Xue Qianyu. To her naked eye, Xue Qianyu and Cheng Huaijin were the same size, both in terms of height and build.
For several days in a row, Gu Yingxue would sit with Peng Yizhu for a while after dinner and then go back to her room. She would stay up late every night, and dark circles appeared under her eyes.
On the night before Cheng Huaijin was scheduled to leave on the sixth day of the eighth lunar month, Peng Yizhu mentioned that Gu Yingxue's condition had been off in the past few days.
Gu Qingyuan laughed and said, "Our third daughter has had a tough time. Now she's finally showing signs of girlishness."
Peng Yizhu was taken aback: "What do you mean?"
Gu Qingyuan said, "That girl seems to have taken a liking to Xiao Jin. She's been making clothes for people day and night these past few days. I asked her maid in private, but she wouldn't let anyone else tell. If you ask me, Xiao Jin is perfect in every way, and her age is just right, it's just that she's a bit far away."
"Huh?" Peng Yizhu was a little skeptical. "Niannian said before that she wanted to marry Xiaojin in order to take care of Yun-ge'er. Later, everyone persuaded her to give up the idea, and she never thought about going to the west with Xiaojin to take care of Yun-ge'er! Niannian couldn't have misunderstood, could she?"
Gu Qingyuan shook his head: "Back then it was to take care of Yun-ge'er, but now I think she's really concerned. Not about Yun-ge'er, but about Yun-ge'er's uncle. Before our San-niu came to Da Zhou, she was about to go to university, and after living in Da Zhou for a few years, she's old enough to have someone she likes. So, Madam, please don't discourage her."
Peng Yizhu pursed her lips and sighed, "Of course I wouldn't discourage her. But I'm an adult, I can still look! Xiao Jin looks at her the same way she looks at Xin Xin, there's definitely no romantic feeling between them. I'm just afraid she'll get hurt if she can't have the love she desires."
Gu Qingyuan patted Peng Yizhu's hand: "Everyone has a youthful phase, and not everyone's crush in their youth will be with them for life. Let's not bring it up and let it develop naturally. Xiao Jin will definitely return to the Western Lands this year, and when he comes back to the Great Zhou, it will be when Xin Xin gets married. Time is the ultimate test. San Niu is still young now, let's wait a couple of years! Perhaps in two years, Xiao Jin will be married with children, and San Niu certainly won't force it. Or maybe they are destined to be together and can withstand the test of time. So, let's not overthink it."
Peng Yizhu nodded; that was the only way.
...
On the morning of the seventh day of the eighth lunar month, Cheng Huaijin visited Gu Mingzhu and then bid farewell to the Gu family and Madam Peng.
Gu Qingyuan asked Gu Yingxue to escort Cheng Huaijin to the city gate. Cheng Huaijin wanted to say that he could find his way, but Gu Yingxue had already gotten into the carriage.
At the North Gate, Gu Yingxue, carrying a bundle, handed it to Cheng Huaijin: "Brother Xiaojin, these are the clothes I prepared for you. When you arrive in the capital, it won't be so hot anymore, so you can change into them."
Cheng Huaijin was taken aback.
Gu Yingxue pushed him away, saying, "Brother Xiaojin has already given me jewelry, so it would be impolite not to reciprocate. If Brother Xiaojin doesn't accept it, then I'll return the jewelry to you."
Cheng Huaijin smiled helplessly and took the bundle: "Thank you, Xue'er. Go back now, I'm leaving!"
"Brother Xiao Jin!" Watching Cheng Huaijin mount his horse, Gu Yingxue called out to him with some reluctance. When he turned around, Gu Yingxue asked cautiously, "Brother Xiao Jin, can I write to you from now on? I'll write to you every month, telling you how tall and heavy Mingzhu is. And you can write to me too, telling me how tall and heavy Yun-ge'er is. Okay?"
Cheng Huaijin looked at Gu Yingxue and smiled, "Okay. Go back now, goodbye!"
Gu Yingxue smiled happily upon receiving an affirmative answer, jumped up and down a few times, and then waved to Cheng Huaijin: "Goodbye, Brother Jin! Until we meet again!"
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