Xia Wentao had long anticipated his mother’s reaction, so he offered the carefully rehearsed words he’d practiced several times in his mind. “Mother, for my sister to find a respectable match in the capital now is simply impossible. Though we haven't announced it with great fanfare, those who need to know are already aware of the arrangement between my sister and that boy, Fu Lan.

Therefore, my sister’s future husband must be sought from outside the capital.

And even when looking outside the capital, we must be discerning. We wish for my sister’s life to be smooth and free from hardship, so social standing isn't the most important factor; character is paramount. Mother, the person I just mentioned, though not from a prominent family, possesses unimpeachable character.”

“Absolutely not. Even if we prioritize character, their family background cannot be too lowly, can it? Even if your sister broke off the engagement, we cannot choose someone of such a low station! His entire family seems to be rustic folk; we don't even know if they are reasonable people. What if your sister marries into that family only to be bullied by them?” Madam Xia objected.

“Mother, that won’t happen. I inquired previously; none of them are unreasonable, and they are generally mild-tempered, so they won't do what you fear. Besides, Qingchen is already a Juren. He should be able to participate in the next Imperial Examination, and if he succeeds in becoming a Jinshi, with a bit of maneuvering, he could attain official rank. Once Qingchen becomes an official, he certainly won't remain in Qingshan Town, meaning she won't have to live near the Wang family. Furthermore, Qingchen is the second son; when the household divides, the elderly couple will live with the eldest branch! Sister won't have to deal with them at all,” Xia Wentao explained, then realizing his persuasion might still be insufficient, he added, “Mother, look at that Fu Lan boy. His background was sufficient, true, but what about his character? Completely inadequate. He caused my sister such a great loss. While Qingchen might pale in comparison to Fu Lan in terms of status, I can vouch for his trustworthy character, absolutely.”

Upon hearing her son’s words, Madam Xia’s expression softened slightly, but she remained burdened by numerous concerns. After all, this was her only daughter, and she had to vet her future husband thoroughly to prevent her child from suffering. “Let me think about it some more!” Madam Xia frowned.

Xia Wentao hadn't expected his mother to agree immediately, so he was unconcerned. “Mother, it is still early. You have plenty of time to think; there’s no need to rush.”

Hearing her son say that, Madam Xia grew puzzled. “No rush? From what you said, he is about the same age as Ting’er. If he’s this old and still unmarried, aren't his elders anxious? Haven’t they helped him find a wife sooner?” “Mother, you don't need to worry about that. I asked him before, and he said he didn't wish to marry so early.” Xia Wentao quickly explained.

“Doesn’t want to marry so early? Could it be related to his health?” Madam Xia speculated again.

“Oh, Mother, where is your mind going?” Xia Wentao felt both exasperated and amused.

“The reason Qingchen thought that way is because he wishes to establish his career before starting a family! That’s why he hasn't settled on a match so young.”

Madam Xia nodded. “So that’s how it is!” Then, under her son’s hopeful gaze, she said, “You let me ponder this properly first!” Seeing that his mother agreed to consider it, Xia Wentao was delighted. “That’s wonderful, Mother. You don't know Qingchen yet, but once you do, you will surely be very pleased.”

“Alright, alright, I will certainly take him into consideration later.” Saying this, Madam Xia added, “By the way, you just returned today. You must have had a tiring journey escorting your sister. Go back and rest now!”

“Ah, then I will take my leave now, Mother. You must also take care to rest and not overexert yourself.” Xia Wentao said with concern.

“Don’t worry, Mother is quite well!” Madam Xia felt genuinely warmed by her son’s solicitude.

After her son left, Madam Xia sat there mulling over the conversation. Her daughter’s marital prospects were indeed difficult to navigate now. Finding a better family in the capital seemed unlikely. However, she knew little about the families outside the city. If she found someone of good character, that would be fortunate, but if she found someone like Fu Lan, Madam Xia would truly have no recourse for her tears. This was precisely why she hadn't outright refused when her son mentioned his candidate, choosing instead to consider it. Her son was right; character was the priority, its importance outweighing that of lineage.

Nanny Gu watched Madam Xia sit in deep thought since the young master had departed, realizing the mistress was preoccupied with the Second Miss’s marriage. She quietly left the room, instructing two young maids to check on the preparations in the Second Miss’s and Eldest Young Master’s quarters, lest the Mistress inquire later.

Just as Nanny Gu finished giving her orders, a young maid arrived to report that the Eldest Miss was causing trouble again.

Hearing the news, Nanny Gu shook her head inwardly. The Eldest Miss truly lacked sense. Having snatched the Second Miss’s intended match, and knowing the Mistress was displeased with her, the sensible course would have been to remain low-key, minimize her presence, and quietly await her wedding day to avoid provoking the Mistress. But this young lady, since the wedding date was set, had become increasingly arrogant and reckless, showing no restraint. Did she truly believe that marrying into the Fu family gave her an untouchable position? She was utterly foolish! Nanny Gu truly couldn't comprehend how Concubine Liu, who was so clever, could have produced such a dull-witted daughter.

The maid who reported the news saw Nanny Gu’s mouth twitching and asked softly, “Nanny, should we inform Madam about this matter?”

Nanny Gu waved the maid away. “Madam is busy right now; let’s not trouble her with such trivialities. However, you must pay closer attention to the Eldest Miss and ensure she doesn’t cause any further mishaps before the wedding.”

The young maid quickly nodded at Nanny Gu’s instruction. “Yes, then Nanny, I will go there now.”

Nanny Gu nodded, dismissing the maid.

Meanwhile, the subject of their discussion, Xia Wanyu, was currently throwing a fit in her own chamber, having already smashed several objects in a short time.

Standing nearby, Chunlan watched Xia Wanyu vent her fury, unable to help but recall the scene from earlier.

In recent days, the Eldest Miss’s health had visibly deteriorated. She now spent many hours confined to her kang bed, feeling increasingly frail. However, because her wedding date with Young Master Fu had been fixed, the Eldest Miss had been in good spirits despite her lingering illness.

And today, Xia Wanyu’s mood was even better because Xia Wanting had returned. The thought of the legitimate daughter she had supposedly vanquished filled Xia Wanyu with a sweetness akin to eating honey; her spirits soared. This surge of good feeling seemed to momentarily banish her aches and pains.

Thus, Xia Wanyu decided to visit her sister, ostensibly to offer well wishes, but primarily to gloat about the finalization of her marriage to Young Master Fu. The prospect of Xia Wanting’s humiliation brought a wave of wicked pleasure.

However, after Xia Wanyu was dressed and leaning weakly on her maid Chunlan to head toward Xia Wanting’s quarters, she overheard words near the rockery in the garden that instantly evaporated her good mood.

As Xia Wanyu, supported by Chunlan, passed the rockery, she heard the muffled giggles of two young maids nearby. Initially, Xia Wanyu paid them no mind; being in a good mood, she didn't intend to scold them. But then, she heard the maids discussing her.

Curiosity piqued, Xia Wanyu paused and subtly directed her maid to eavesdrop.

“Has the Eldest Miss’s illness worsened? I heard from my good friend who serves in the Eldest Miss’s courtyard that she spends many hours lying on her kang these days, so weak she can barely move.” said one.

The other maid chimed in, “Really? The Eldest Miss is this sickly now, right after her wedding date with Young Master Fu was set? Do you think perhaps she can’t bear such good fortune? In my opinion, the Second Miss is the one capable of handling such good fortune.”

“Hey, what do you know? I say, what is snatched away is never truly one's own; it must eventually be returned. Haven’t you seen how ill the Eldest Miss has become? If her health doesn’t recover, it’s still uncertain if she’ll marry into the Fu family. After all, the Fu family is a noble house; why would they take in a sickly mistress? Perhaps this engagement will end up back with the Second Miss…” The second maid, being newer to the estate, didn't know much about the household affairs and was listening in confusion when suddenly the Eldest Miss erupted from an unseen spot, pointing furiously at them. “You two sharp-tongued wretches! Are you idle enough to be gossiping here? I ought to tear your mouths apart and have you sent off to work as laborers in the mines!”

The two maids were startled rigid by Xia Wanyu’s outburst and immediately scrambled to kneel on the ground, crying out, “Eldest Miss, spare us! Eldest Miss, have mercy!”

“Hmph! Mercy? Is it proper for servants like you to discuss the affairs of your mistress?” With that, Xia Wanyu ordered Chunlan beside her, “Go tell the steward that I never want to see these two in this residence again!”〖Novel Website ∷ Fast Update ∷ No Pop-ups ∷ Pure Text ∷