Chapter 1082: Chapter 1072: Family Matters (2)
"Fourth Master is back," Lyuzhi said with a smile. "As soon as he entered the mansion, someone came looking for him. He’s in the outer courtyard right now."
Xiqiu nodded slightly and didn’t ask further.
After a while, Fourth Master Xiao entered the room. Xiqiu noticed his relaxed demeanor and couldn’t help but smile as she personally poured him tea, asking, "What’s going on that makes you so happy?"
Taking advantage of the situation, Fourth Master Xiao grasped her hand and pulled her onto his lap, planting a kiss on her cheek. He replied with a smile, "There’s news of Second Brother."
Upon hearing this, Xiqiu was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed with joy, "Where is he? Is he well?" Seeing her delight, Fourth Master Xiao’s tone grew even lighter. "The people we sent to investigate saw him in Suzhou. They said he’s darker but otherwise healthy and cheerful, more outgoing than before. He even wrote a letter that was sent back. By the time I returned, the person delivering the message had already sent it to Mother." He paused, slightly melancholy. "But he didn’t say when he’d return."
Though they both avoided deep discussions about Xiao Yanyi, Xiqiu knew that Fourth Master Xiao harbored a sense of guilt towards him. It was a guilt that couldn’t be repaid but he constantly sought ways to make up for it, more than anyone else hoping for Yanyi’s well-being.
"Since he’s doing well, just let him be," Xiqiu said, then added with a smile, "Xing is also growing up; he has to come back eventually."
Fourth Master Xiao understood what Xiqiu meant, and couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. Memories of Xing and Min babbling around his room flashed in his mind. In a blink of an eye, they were at an age to discuss marriage, and Xiqiu had been in the household for five or six years.
They weren’t the only ones pondering this; the Grand Dowager was also discussing it with the First Madam. "It’s simple to have him come back. Just send a letter saying I’ve found a girl for Xing. As a father, he can’t not come back."
The First Madam listened, humorously entertaining the Grand Dowager’s thoughts, agreeing, "Mother, that’s a good idea." Treating it as a momentary outburst from the Grand Dowager.
To everyone’s surprise, the Grand Dowager seriously pondered it, mulling it over all night and summoning the First Madam early the next morning. "...If we are to arrange a marriage for Xing, there’s Sheng to consider as well. According to seniority, his marriage should be planned first."
"Mother." The First Madam hadn’t expected the Grand Dowager to take it seriously, unsure how to respond at first. But the Grand Dowager continued, silently calculating which connected families had eligible daughters. Sheng was different from Xing; when choosing, they couldn’t aim too high, lest it overshadow him, nor too low, since he’d be socializing within the Xuanning Marquis Mansion. A too-modest family might not present appropriately at other mansions.
The Grand Dowager considered many options without finding a suitable match.
The First Madam hesitated, then said, "Sheng is still young."
"Not so young." The Grand Dowager waved her hand decisively. "Unlike governmental families that rely on academic success to match a high-status wife, Sheng has Fourth Master above and Xing below to support him. As long as he and his wife manage their life well, things will only improve. Just as long as he doesn’t turn out as hapless as his parents."
The First Madam’s lips moved but she said nothing.
The First Madam spoke again, "This matter probably requires your sister-in-law’s help; she’s well-connected." Pausing again, she said, "Your fifth brother’s wife has been in a deep sleep... who knows when she’ll... then we’ll be mourning for three years, delaying any weddings. This needs to be done quickly. I suggest you go discuss this thoroughly with Xiqiu today, ask a few ladies discreetly. We don’t need a prestigious family, just one that’s honest and reputable."
The First Madam sighed, thinking that if a matter could divert the Grand Dowager’s attention, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. Besides, the Grand Dowager made valid points. Sheng’s position is already quite awkward, with the Fifth Madam being present... better to settle it sooner.
As for Xing’s marriage, that would need careful, long-term consideration.
That afternoon, she visited Xiqiu to relay the Grand Dowager’s thoughts. Xiqiu was full of emotion, recalling Sheng’s childlike ways of following her around, asking for candy, and now he was already of marrying age.
"I understand," Xiqiu nodded. "I’ll have Nanny Cen inform my elder sister-in-law to keep an eye out." She paused, thinking of Tong Minzhi. "I’ll also check with the academy."
The First Madam noted Xiqiu didn’t mention Madam Ruan and Madam Qian, merely delegating Madam Jiang and Tong Minzhi to observe, indicating she shared the same perspective as Xiqiu: seeking a solid family with a legitimate daughter rather than a high-status concubine-born girl.
After the First Madam left, Fourth Master Xiao returned from the outer courtyard. Xiqiu recounted what was discussed, chuckling, "So I wasn’t the only one thinking about this." Pausing, she sighed, "But for Sheng’s marriage, it might be difficult to find a match."
With Fourth Master Xiao having recently been rebuked by the Emperor and resigning, he’d genuinely been staying home, attending to household affairs and teaching his eldest son martial arts. It had already spread that he’d lost the Emperor’s favor, with some guessing that only old affections allowed them to stay at the Governor Mansion. Otherwise, they’d have had to sheepishly return to the Marquis Mansion.
But the Marquis Mansion wasn’t any better. Xiao Yanyi had been missing for over three years without a word, leaving only the Princely Heir to maintain the residence while Xiao Yanting showed no interest in proper affairs, offering no prospect. In such a setting, arranging a marriage for the already awkwardly positioned Sheng was no easy task.
"If all we see are these things, then it can only be a gradual search," Fourth Master Xiao remarked indifferently, not dwelling on it. Xiqiu chuckled, pursing her lips, "How many people can truly want nothing?"
Fourth Master Xiao shook his head. Xiqiu, aware he went out today, asked, "Any news from Min?"
Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly, his gaze dark, "The Emperor coughed up blood."
Upon hearing this, Xiqiu’s face changed color. Sitting opposite Fourth Master Xiao, she asked, "What do the Imperial Physicians say?" Realizing the redundancy of her question, she knew the physicians would have no new developments; otherwise, the Emperor’s condition wouldn’t be kept from the public.
She further inquired, "Did the Marquis Taiping, staying in the Capital past New Year’s, mention when he’d return?"
Fourth Master Xiao gave her an appreciative look...
Xiqiu felt slightly reassured.
The next day, she still let Nanny Cen return and inform Madam Jiang, who readily agreed. Nanny Qiu and she started listing families affiliated with the Tong Mansion, considering their children’s situations. Tong Minzhi was initially surprised to be asked for such inquiries by Xiqiu, but upon reflection, understood: "The Grand Dowager likely wants a learned daughter for Sheng." Many families associated with the academy had daughters or granddaughters; not all were of modest means... Xiqiu obviously saw this too, hence the attention.
"Since it’s a request from your sister, you should put more effort into it," Mrs. Chen cradled a child. "Talk to the academy’s teachers, or send a maid to inquire discreetly." Clearly invested in the task.
Tong Minzhi agreed with a nod, saying, "Once I finish reading this essay, I’ll visit Mr. Zhao at the academy." He’s preparing for the autumn examinations.
Mrs. Chen smiled quietly, holding the child as she headed to the back chambers. Her concubine now resided in a small courtyard in the rear; their days were far more comfortable than the cautious existence they endured with the Chen family.
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