Madam Yan's Matchmaking Pavilion for Men

17 Temptations, Waiting in Eager Anticipation

General Yu had indeed trouble to wait patiently. Madam Yan had actually made her aides write the invitations for the other men the same evening they had them prepare the ones for Luan Chang Fu and Feng Gui Ying, making Xiao Xi and Xiao Jia grumble incessantly. The invitations were then all delivered right the next morning, much to the delight of the eight gentlemen's mothers. General Yu was just as delighted when he heard that he could see Zhang Shi Lan again in three days already. Or at the very least, he was delighted at first. After that, he realized just how long three days could be.

The first half a day was spent in eager anticipation. He sifted through the robes he had at home to see if anything was fit to be worn in the presence of the person he loved. Unfortunately, he turned up empty-handed. Thus he readied his horse and rode through the capital in search of a shop that would tailor one for him that fit the occasion.

Another half a day later, he returned in a mood that already wasn't as great. It hadn't been easy at all to find a store that could fulfill his requirements. Three days were just too short of a time. He almost believed that this Madam Yan had chosen the date on purpose to make sure he wouldn't look presentable. Could it be she had only agreed outwardly but was inwardly trying to sabotage him?

He pondered this question for the whole night, turning from one side to the other until the first rays of light fell through the window. Unfortunately, he hadn't found an answer despite all his pondering. He had figured out in just how much of a dilemma he was though.

Madam Yan had been right when she said that his family would be against him marrying Zhang Shi Lan. It was also true that he would need to work hard to make Zhang Shi Lan admit his feelings. After all, the scholar didn't even dare to talk with him face-to-face. It was a wonder if he got a few words out.

If it was only one of these things, then he wouldn't doubt that he'd be able to solve the matter on his own. But with both of them and only a few months left until the end of the year, he had to admit that he couldn't do this without help. He needed advice on how to win Zhang Shi Lan over and a plan on how to deal with his parents.

If Madam Yan was truly against him and dragged things out, maybe even until Zhang Shi Lan had decided on one of the women, then his chance would be over. Or what if she went and told his family about his plan? That would be even worse! In that case ...

Yu Huang Rong gritted his teeth and paced up and down in his room like a caged beast. He didn't want to give up. No, Zhang Shi Lan would be his. In the worst case, he'd just kidnap the beauty!

Yu Huang Rong stopped in his tracks and coughed. Uh ... As tempting as that sounded, he also knew he couldn't do it. He would frighten the poor man and make matters between them even more impossible.

Ah, but what else could he do? He considered to run back to the palace and make sure that Luan Xin would really help him. Not only could he be at ease then, but he would also be safe from his mother. After all, she was still waiting for his report on the event at the matchmakers.

On that day, he managed to return from the palace so late that he didn't need to speak to her and then the following day, he had gone to find a tailor so early that she hadn't managed to catch him. But now, it was only a question of time until she would appear in front of his door and demand answers. What was he supposed to say then?

Yu Huang Rong resumed his pacing, this time pondering how to deal with his mother. In the end, he stormed out of his chamber but had to stop with a groan. As soon as he opened the door, he was greeted by Madam Yu's expectant face. He held back from uttering a curse at the last minute. This was still his mother, even though he didn't want to talk to her about this, he couldn't be too shameless.