Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

The night passed uneventfully, yet it was anything but peaceful. For He Damin in the main house of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, and for Chen Xueru in her boudoir in the back courtyard of Xueru Silk Shop, the night seemed exceptionally long and filled with sweet anticipation.

As dawn broke, He Damin rose early. He walked to the well in the courtyard, drew some cool water, and carefully washed himself. He didn't use any magic or tricks; he was just like any ordinary young man about to experience an important moment in his life, diligently cleaning his face, combing his long, black hair, and carefully tying it up with a newly sharpened ebony hairpin that carried a faint scent of wood.

The face reflected in the mirror, refined by his Nascent Soul cultivation and the effects of preserving his youth, made him appear to be no more than twenty years old. His features were clear and bright, his nose straight, his skin like jade, and his eyes deep and calm, yet with a gentler luster than usual. It must be said that this appearance, coupled with his unique and ethereal aura, certainly possessed the qualities to captivate women. Chen Xueru was a sucker for good looks, a fact he had long known, but previously dismissed as insignificant. Now, however, he realized it was perhaps… a kind of fate.

He changed into a brand-new, exquisitely made moon-white long robe, over which he wore a matching thin woolen vest, and on his feet were black cloth shoes with multi-layered soles. He looked refreshing and handsome, yet composed. He examined his reflection in the basin for a moment, making sure there was nothing amiss, before pushing open the door.

He Yuzhu had already gone to Hongbinlou Restaurant, and He Daqing had also gone early to the steel mill canteen to prepare today's special meal. Only Xiaoyushui, still rubbing her sleepy eyes, came out from the inner room. Seeing her uncle dressed so neatly and handsomely, she asked in a daze, "Uncle, are you going out today?"

"Yes, Uncle has something important to do today." He Damin walked over, squatted down, and helped her get dressed. "Yushui, be a good girl and go to school today. Uncle will pick you up after school, okay?"

"Then... will Uncle not come back like he did yesterday?" Yu Shui was still a little scared, her little hands clutching his sleeve.

"No." He Damin said firmly, taking out a few beautifully packaged fruit candies from his sleeve (actually a spatial storage) and placing them in her palm. "Uncle promises you, I'll tell you every time I go out. Take these candies to school and share them with your friends, but remember to finish breakfast first, and don't eat them before class."

Seeing the candy and receiving her uncle's assurance, Rainwater finally felt relieved and nodded vigorously: "Yes! Rainwater will be good!"

After helping the little girl wash up and eat a simple breakfast, He Damin took her little hand and first took her to Hongxing Elementary School. Along the way, Yushui chattered on about what happened at school, and He Damin listened patiently, occasionally responding. When they arrived at the school gate, he watched Yushui, carrying her schoolbag, walk into the school gate, turning back every few steps, until her small figure disappeared in the direction of the classroom before he turned and left.

He didn't go to the Chen family immediately, but instead turned into a narrower alley in the middle of Nanluoguxiang, arriving at the door of a house with a faded red cloth strip hanging down and a yellowed "囍" (double happiness) character pasted on the lintel. This was the home of the well-known matchmaker Li. Matchmaker Li was in her fifties, slightly plump, with a professional smile on her face. She had a keen eye for people, had been matchmaking for decades, was experienced, and had a decent reputation.

He Damin raised his hand and knocked on the door. A moment later, the door opened, and Matchmaker Li peeked out. Seeing He Damin (who was now considered a "celebrity" in the Nanluoguxiang area, having bought land and built a mansion, exuding an extraordinary air), she paused for a moment, then broke into a smile: "Oh, it's Second Master He? A rare guest indeed! Please come in! Is there some joyous occasion you need to attend to this old woman?"

He Damin didn't go in; he just stood at the door, took out a bulging brown paper envelope he had prepared beforehand, and handed it over: "Grandma Li, thank you for making this trip. I would like to ask you to be my matchmaker for Miss Chen Xueru from Xueru Silk Shop at Zhengyang Gate. I will be going to her house today to propose marriage. This is a thank you for your trouble and for the expenses of preparing a gift for the matchmaker."

Matchmaker Li took the envelope; it felt heavy in her hand. She secretly squeezed it, her smile widening, her eyes narrowing into slits. Having been a matchmaker for years, she knew immediately that this was no small sum! "Second Master He, you're too kind! Miss Chen? She's a renowned, capable, and beautiful young lady in our Zhengyangmen area! You and I are a perfect match, a match made in heaven! I'll definitely be your matchmaker! I'll make sure it's a grand and successful affair! I wonder… what are your plans regarding the betrothal gifts? When will we go to the Chen residence?"

"I have prepared the betrothal gifts myself," He Damin said. "Please, Granny Li, come with me now to let the Chen family know when Mother Chen is available. I will then take the betrothal gifts with me."

"Alright! No problem! I'll change my clothes right away and come with you immediately!" Matchmaker Li readily agreed, clutching the thick envelope, her heart filled with joy. This Master He is so generous and values ​​etiquette so much; it seems he's truly sincere towards Miss Chen. This matchmaking was worthwhile!

Matchmaker Li moved swiftly, quickly changing into a clean blue cloth jacket, her hair combed smooth and shiny, adorned with a silver hairpin, and carrying her signature small basket containing red paper, ink, and other items, before following He Damin out the door.

He Damin did not take her directly to the Chen family's house, but returned to his own courtyard first. He asked the matchmaker, Li, to sit in the main room for a while, while he went into the inner room and closed the door.

His mind sank into the Yang aspect of the Taiji Space. Inside, countless supplies he had seized from enemy and puppet regime warehouses and secret rooms during the War of Resistance were piled up. Gold and silver jewelry, antiques and paintings, silks and satins... the quantity was enormous and the variety was vast. He scanned them with his divine sense and quickly selected a few items.

First was a rosewood box, about a foot and a half square and a foot tall. The box itself was a rare item; the wood was dark and glossy, with a fine, satin-like grain. The surface was decorated with simple cloud and bat patterns, the copper fittings were polished to a shine, and the clasp was exquisite. He had personally crafted it in his spare time using the finest small-leaf rosewood stored in his space. While the craftsmanship wasn't top-notch, the materials were solid, and the overall feel was antique and rustic.

Upon opening the box, one finds it lined with thick, apricot-yellow silk.

At the very top is a complete and magnificent phoenix coronet and embroidered robe!

The phoenix crown, with its red gold filigree frame, was inlaid with dozens of perfectly round pearls and rubies and sapphires of varying sizes. At its center was a golden phoenix with outstretched wings, holding a string of shimmering pearl tassels in its beak. On either side were kingfishers, and six pearl and gemstone tassels hung from the back of the crown. The shawl was made of crimson satin woven with gold cloud and phoenix patterns, edged with intricate gold-threaded peonies, paired with a matching horse-face skirt embroidered with a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons. This entire set, in terms of craftsmanship, materials, and quality, was top-tier, far beyond the reach of ordinary wealthy families. He had discovered it years ago when he raided the secret treasure vault of a high-ranking Kwantung Army general in Fengtian (Shenyang). According to research, it was likely the dowry of a Qing Dynasty prince's wife, looted by that Japanese general. He had kept it stored in his spatial storage, and today it finally had a use.

Beneath the phoenix coronet and embroidered robes lay neatly stacked gold ingots, twenty in total, each weighing ten taels, their golden luster dazzling to the eye. Beside them were two boxes containing about a hundred perfectly round pearls, each the size of a thumb's tip; one box white, the other pale gold. Also present were a pair of jade bracelets of exceptional quality, their emerald green almost dripping with luster; a flawless, exquisitely carved mutton-fat jade ruyi; and several bolts of brightly colored Suzhou embroidery and Sichuan brocade of extremely rare quality.

Finally, he took out a pre-prepared gift list, writing down the details and quantities of the betrothal gifts in neat, tiny characters, and stamped it with his own personal seal (carved from a piece of Tianhuang stone, also an old item from the space).

He closed the sandalwood box and tied a festive cross knot on it with a brand-new red ribbon. The box was quite heavy, but that was no problem for him.

Carrying the box out of the inner room, Matchmaker Li's eyes lit up again when she saw the luxurious sandalwood box, and she felt even more confident in He Damin's wealth and sincerity.

"Grandma Li, let's go," He Damin said.

"Alright! Please, Mr. He!" Matchmaker Li quickly got up and led the way.

Chen Xueru's home was not on the bustling Zhengyangmen Street, but in a relatively quiet alley behind it. It was a small but well-organized two-courtyard siheyuan (traditional courtyard house). With its blue bricks and gray tiles, vermilion gate, and a plaque above the door that read "Chen Residence," it exuded the elegance and prosperity of a Jiangnan merchant family.

Matchmaker Li was clearly a regular here, and she stepped forward to knock on the door. A short while later, a neatly dressed middle-aged maid opened the door. Seeing it was Matchmaker Li, and then noticing the distinguished-looking He Damin behind her, carrying an expensive trunk, she immediately understood what was happening and her face lit up with a smile: "Mrs. Li is here! And this is…please come in! Madam is in the main room!"

The two were led through the screen wall into the front courtyard. The courtyard was not large, but it was very well-organized, with several pomegranate and magnolia trees planted there, the magnolias currently in bud. There were three main rooms, with the central room being the main hall.

Having received the news, Chen's mother sat upright in the armchair in the center of the main room. She was about fifty years old, dressed in a dark purple silk jacket, her hair meticulously combed and adorned with a simple silver hairpin. Her face bore a five or six-point resemblance to Chen Xueru; she must have been a beauty in her youth, though her eyes held a touch more of the weariness of years and the shrewdness of a seasoned homemaker. At this moment, a reserved yet scrutinizing smile graced her face as her gaze fell upon He Damin, who had entered.

As soon as Matchmaker Li entered, she raised her professional, infectious laughter: "Madam Chen! Congratulations! This old woman has come to offer her congratulations!" She quickly stepped forward, first bowing to Madam Chen, then turning to introduce, "This is Mr. He Damin, the second master of Nanluoguxiang! A talented young man, handsome and dashing! He has specially asked this old woman to come today to propose marriage to your daughter, Xue Ru!"

He Damin stepped forward and gently placed the sandalwood box next to the eight-immortal table in the center of the main room. Then, following the old custom, he bowed deeply to Chen's mother and said, "Junior He Damin greets Aunt Chen."

Chen's mother had heard the name "Brother He" countless times from her daughter, and vaguely knew her daughter's feelings. She had also met He Damin several times (when delivering things or collecting rainwater), and had some understanding of his character and demeanor. Now, seeing him personally come to her door, so courteous, and seemingly even more impressive than before (his gentle aura naturally flowing from his Nascent Soul cultivation), she was already quite satisfied. However, as a mother, she couldn't neglect her due restraint and further investigation.

She raised her hand slightly: "Mr. He, there's no need for such formality. Please sit down. Granny Li, please sit down as well." She then instructed the servants to serve tea.

The group sat down and exchanged a few pleasantries. Matchmaker Li, as expected of a master in this field, used her silver tongue to praise He Damin to the skies, emphasizing his sincerity towards Chen Xueru, as well as his current assets (land in the northwest suburbs, with the east wing under construction) and future prospects.

Chen's mother listened quietly, occasionally asking a question or two about He Damin's family situation and future plans. He Damin answered each question earnestly and respectfully. He mentioned that his elder brother, He Daqing, had changed his mind and was now the head chef in the steel mill's canteen; his nephew, He Yuzhu, was apprenticing at Hongbinlou Restaurant; his niece, He Yushui, was well-behaved and sensible; and that he himself had acquired some properties and was preparing to live a stable life in Beijing.

When He Damin mentioned that if Chen Xueru were to marry, he would support her whether she wanted to continue running the silk shop or stay home to be a wife and mother, and that a spacious room would be reserved in the new house in the east wing for her mother-in-law, ensuring she wouldn't feel lonely or inconvenienced, the last trace of worry in Chen's mother's eyes vanished. Her biggest fears were that her daughter would suffer mistreatment after marriage and that she herself would be lonely in her old age. He Damin's words truly resonated with her.

"Mr. He, you're too kind." A genuine smile appeared on Mrs. Chen's face as she looked at the sandalwood box. "This betrothal gift..."

He Damin got up and opened the box.

Instantly, the room was filled with light!

The magnificent phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, shimmering and sparkling in the bright light of the main hall, captivated everyone! Even the well-informed matchmaker, Li, gasped, her eyes wide with astonishment. Mother Chen was so shocked she slightly straightened up from her chair. She knew He Damin was extraordinary, but she hadn't expected the betrothal gifts to be so…so extravagant! This scale was probably unparalleled even in the old days when a prince's mansion would host a daughter!

Next came the neatly stacked gold ingots, two boxes of pearls, jade bracelets, a mutton-fat jade ruyi, and precious brocades... Each item was extremely valuable and clearly carefully selected, not just randomly put together.

He Damin presented the gift list to Chen's mother with both hands: "This is a small gift, nothing more than a token of my respect. Please accept it, Auntie. It is a sincere wish from a junior to marry Xue Ru. I will never fail her in this life."

Mother Chen received the gift list, her hands trembling slightly. This was hardly a "small gift"! The sincerity was beyond measure! She quickly scanned the list, her heart pounding with emotion. This betrothal gift was not merely a display of wealth, but also revealed He Damin's respect for traditional etiquette and the extreme importance he placed on this marriage.

She looked up at the tall, handsome young man with sincere eyes, and her last bit of hesitation vanished.

"Good...good!" Madam Chen said twice, tears of relief welling up in her eyes. "Mr. He's sincerity is so great, what else could I possibly worry about? I understand Xue Ru's thoughts as well. This marriage...I agree!"

"Thank you for your kindness, Auntie!" He Damin bowed again.

Matchmaker Li clapped her hands and laughed, "Oh my! This is truly a joyous occasion! Congratulations, Madam Chen! Congratulations, Master He! This old woman will go and prepare the necessary documents for the formalities right away! I'll make sure the process goes smoothly!"

Next, they discussed the specific wedding arrangements. While traditional customs like betrothal, name inquiry, auspicious date selection, gift exchange, setting the wedding date, and the wedding ceremony had been simplified in modern society, families like theirs still valued a certain decorum. Mother Chen suggested a lively wedding, as it was her only daughter getting married. He Damin said he would leave everything to his mother-in-law's arrangements and that expenses were not a concern.

Mother Chen then inquired about the completion date of the east wing. He Damin said that the main structure would be completed in about ten more days, and the subsequent decoration and furnishing would take time. Finally, it was tentatively agreed that after the east wing was completely finished, an auspicious day would be chosen for the betrothal ceremony (Nazheng), and then the wedding date would be set, preferably in late spring or early summer when the weather was pleasant.

With the matter settled, the atmosphere in the main room became even more harmonious. Mother Chen invited He Damin and Matchmaker Li to stay for a simple lunch. During the meal, Mother Chen inquired about many details of He Damin's life, which he patiently answered. Matchmaker Li, meanwhile, kept praising the two as a perfect match, creating a joyful atmosphere.

After the meal, He Damin took his leave. Mother Chen saw him off at the second gate, watching him leave with the empty sandalwood chest (the betrothal gifts had been accepted), accompanied by Matchmaker Li. A relieved smile graced her face. Her daughter had finally found a good husband; as her mother, she could finally rest easy. As for returning to Hangzhou… she would wait until after her daughter's wedding and see how things went.

On the way back, a spring breeze caressed their faces. Matchmaker Li was still excitedly recounting the various details of the wedding arrangements, while He Damin listened quietly, nodding occasionally.

The three letters and six rites—the first step had finally been taken. Next, it was time to wait for the east wing to be completed, and then choose an auspicious day to marry that woman as radiant as spring sunshine.

Thinking of Chen Xueru's joyful expression upon hearing the news, He Damin's lips unconsciously curled into a very faint, yet genuine, smile.