Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Discussing the Marriage Proposal

“I see.” The Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness hadn’t overthought the matter; he was solely focused on calming his wife. With a hint of helplessness, he said, “The Chuguo Duke’s residence is the emperor’s maternal family and also the foremost noble house of our dynasty. Naturally, their pride is somewhat high. In that case, when the Chuguo Duke’s household hosts banquets in the future, our family will simply find an excuse not to attend.”

Once Miss Chu Youning of the Chuguo Duke’s family ascended to the position of Empress, no family in the capital could rival theirs. The Marquis believed that, given the current emperor’s temperament, it was not guaranteed that the Chuguo Duke’s daughter would be made Empress.

Lady Yun let out a soft snort. If it weren’t for the invitation being personally delivered by someone close to the elderly Madame Chu, she certainly wouldn’t have gone. It only stirred up trouble and caused her daughter Shu to suffer such an injustice for no reason.

The more Lady Yun thought about it, the more upset she became, resolving to minimize contact with the Chuguo Duke’s family in the future. The Marquis, well aware of his wife’s temper, peeled an orange for her and handed it over. Lady Yun didn’t immediately take it but instead turned to their youngest daughter.

“Shu’er, have you ever met the third young master of the Chancellor’s residence, Liang San?” she asked.

“Yes,” the young girl replied honestly, her eyes bright and clear as if washed by pure water, though she did not understand why her mother was asking.

“The third young master of the Liang family? Isn’t he the young master recently appointed to the Chancellor’s residence by His Majesty? He should now be serving alongside Huaiyu in court,” the Marquis said, puzzled by his wife’s sudden mention of the Chancellor’s third son.

Lady Yun then focused her gaze on their eldest son, not answering immediately.

Xie Huaiyu instantly understood his mother’s meaning. With a refined smile, he said, “Though I have not had much contact with the third young master Liang, I know he is a man of impeccable character. Anyone favored by His Majesty must possess exceptional ability.”

Liang Heng, the third young master of the Chancellor’s residence, was talented and elegant—such a man would surely be a suitable match for his sister. If she were to like Liang Heng as well, this marriage would be a good one. Yet, for some reason, Xie Huaiyu’s right eyelid kept twitching, and he felt uneasy.

Recently, the Marquis and his wife had been troubled over their youngest daughter’s marriage prospects. Many suitors had come to their door, but few were truly suitable matches for their family. Lady Yun had not found anyone satisfactory after much consideration. Her sudden mention of the Chancellor’s third young master was not without reason. The Marquis asked, “Do you favor Liang San, my lady?”

“Today, Madam Liang from the Chancellor’s family came to me,” Lady Yun explained, “She said that the first time their third young master met Shu’er, he was immediately smitten. Liang San said that if he could marry Shu’er, he would be devoted to her and would even help secure an official title for her. I agreed to inform Shu’er because I saw that the Liang family had shown sincere intentions.”

Lady Yun only spoke of this now since the whole family was present.

The Marquis was surprised. “So they only met once, and the third young master Liang already likes Shu’er so much?”

“Our Shu’er is talented and beautiful; is it strange that the third young master Liang likes her?” Lady Yun gave him a side glance, then gently held her youngest daughter’s delicate hand. “Shu’er, the Chancellor’s family is a rare beacon of integrity in the capital, known for their strict morals. The young ladies and gentlemen they raise are all outstanding. Such a family is truly a good match. Liang San is also famous in the capital for his talent. If you’re willing to give him a chance, I can arrange a private meeting for you two.”

“Of course, it’s ultimately up to you, Shu’er. Your mother won’t force you into anything.”

After all, the Marquis and his wife had cherished this daughter dearly. Although Lady Yun was pleased with the Chancellor’s third son, she would not compel her daughter to marry him.

The Marquis understood his wife’s meaning and firmly supported her. “Yes, what your mother says is right. Shu’er’s marriage must be her own choice. It must be someone she loves.”

Xie Shu’s feelings were complicated. She gently furrowed her brows, unable to fathom why Madam Liang from the Chancellor’s residence had spoken to her mother in such a way. In her previous life, she had hoped to marry an ordinary man, but marrying just like this felt somewhat strange.

Her mind felt muddled, as if two little voices were battling inside her. Her eyes were like water, and her voice soft as she discussed with Lady Yun, “Mother, may I think about it? I will tell you once I have decided.”

“Of course.” Seeing her obedient, gentle youngest daughter, Lady Yun’s heart melted. She gently stroked her dark hair and smiled, nodding. “This is not urgent. Shu’er, you should go back and rest well.”

Xie Shu bowed gracefully to her parents before leaving with her maid Mei’er. After spending a day at the Chuguo Duke’s residence, Xie Qingyan was exhausted and frequently yawning. She also took her leave from the Marquis and his wife, with Lady Yun reminding her to be careful on the road.

Back at Plum Blossom Garden, Mei’er helped her lady to the hot spring bath. The water was already covered with rose petals, emitting a light and pleasant fragrance.

This peaceful atmosphere allowed Xie Shu to relax. She replayed the day’s events in her mind. Chu Youning targeted her because she felt threatened by her position. In her previous life, after Chu Youning entered the palace, she behaved politely on the surface, calling her “sister” and “younger sister” warmly, but every word carried a deeper meaning—one of subtle antagonism. Yet, Xie Shu always acted with grace and warmth, leaving no fault to be found.

Because her rank was higher, and because she had risen from the Crown Prince’s favored consort to Noble Consort, holding a special place with Emperor Zhao Chu, she had never been outmatched in rivalry with Chu Youning. But before the Empress Dowager, Xie Shu had suffered several silent defeats because of Chu Youning.

Now, no longer the emperor’s Noble Consort, Chu Youning still wished to target her. Naturally, she would not yield to her.

Coincidentally, the emperor was also at the Chuguo Duke’s residence today. In her past life, the emperor had been constantly busy with state affairs, rarely entering the harem despite the many concubines longing for him. When officials came to summon him, the answer was always that His Majesty was handling memorials—or sometimes meeting with ministers or Noble Consorts.

This life, the emperor seemed elusive. She had avoided the Princess Shenghua’s garden party but could not avoid the Chuguo Duke’s Lotus Flower banquet.

Thinking of this, Xie Shu frowned in frustration.

“Miss, are you thinking about the third young master Liang?” Mei’er guessed softly, noticing her mistress’s knitted brows.

Xie Shu’s thoughts were interrupted by Mei’er’s words. Following her lead, she asked, “Do you think the third young master Liang is someone I can entrust my life to?”

In her previous life, her feelings had just begun to awaken when the late emperor arranged her betrothal to Crown Prince Qin Yu. Before she even understood love, she had to learn how to manage the household, the harem, and how to assist that man. After entering the palace and holding the Phoenix Seal, she sought to understand how to control the harem...

If she were to speak of affection, apart from family, she did not know whom she truly loved.

“I think the third young master Liang is gentle and well-mannered, with a good temper. If you marry him, he will surely treat you well and never let you suffer. Isn’t it said he is a man of virtue? In that case, he would respect his wife and not favor concubines over her. I think he is a good candidate for a husband,” Mei’er smiled at her beautiful mistress.

Actually, she believed that with such a wonderful lady, anyone would treat her well.

In her past life, the third young master Liang never married. Whether there was some hidden reason, she did not know. Xie Shu blinked softly and smiled gently. “Let me think it over.”

***

On the first and fifteenth of every month, the entire Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness’s family would gather for dinner. This included their cousin, Miss Liu Rushuang. Unfortunately, Miss Liu had caught a cold again a few days ago and was resting indoors. Thus, those dining with Lady Yun and the Marquis were Xie Shu and her two elder brothers, along with Xie Qingyan.

Among the younger generation, Xie Huai’an was the most talkative, chattering incessantly and making his two younger sisters laugh non-stop. The Marquis shook his head with some exasperation. Under the flickering candlelight, Xie Shu’s features shone bright and radiant like a pearl.

After the second elder brother finished telling amusing stories from the military camp, Xie Shu suddenly spoke, “Father, Mother, I have made up my mind. I want to meet the third young master Liang again.”

The room fell silent.

Even Xie Huaiyu was somewhat surprised. Lady Yun quickly asked, “Shu’er, are you sure?”

She had thought Shu’er did not like the third young master Liang and considered letting the matter rest, confident that their family’s daughters would not have trouble finding matches.

“I have decided,” Xie Shu nodded gently.

Xie Huai’an, having just returned from the day’s activities and still unclear about the situation, only understood after his eldest brother explained. He scoffed, “Our sister actually likes the third young master Liang? He’s really lucky.”

In his eyes, his sister was the most beautiful and perfect woman in the world. Anyone who could marry her would be blessed.

“All right, I will find an opportunity to convey Shu’er’s wishes to Madam Liang,” Lady Yun smiled kindly and agreed.

She could not appear too eager, lest others think the Marquis’s daughter was desperate to marry.

Xie Huaiyu, composed and serene, poured himself a glass of wine. The Chancellor’s family’s standing was respectable, his sister’s nature gentle, and the third young master Liang was known for his refined temperament. Now that his sister had softened, this marriage was very likely to proceed.

He glanced at his little sister once more.

The next day, after court, Xie Huaiyu handed the list of local officials’ performance evaluations to His Majesty. With the new emperor’s ascension, regional officials naturally had to be reexamined and reformed. As Qin Yu flipped through the list, he casually remarked, “Huaiyu, you look very pleased today. Is there some happy news?”

Eunuch Li also looked toward Xie Huaiyu.

Surprised that his joy showed so clearly, Xie Huaiyu touched his forehead and smiled warmly. “Your Majesty, it is not me who has happy news, but my sister.”

“What about Miss Xie Shu?” The emperor’s slender fingers paused, his expression calm as he asked.

Xie Huaiyu smiled and explained, “Your Majesty, my little sister is currently discussing a marriage proposal.”