Chapter 46: Visiting the Jiang Estate, the Aunt Terrifies the Household

The nephew of the Pei family?

Old Madam Jiang and her second daughter-in-law, Zhang, were not entirely certain about this, but they reasoned that anyone connected to the Marchioness of Wenyuan could hardly be a person of no consequence. Thus, Old Madam Jiang tentatively asked, "I am unaware of the age of the Marchioness's nephew. How many are in his family, and what is his trade? Furthermore, who is privy to this betrothal? Is my son aware of it?"

Lady Pei, hearing these questions, sneered inwardly. She glanced at Old Madam Jiang and replied in a flat, indifferent tone, "My nephew is nineteen, three years older than A'Nian. He is the eldest in his family and serves in the military. He may not be a particularly remarkable figure, but he is at least a man of sound senses and good character. He is not one to be easily swayed by the whisperings of others, which is why we, as his elders, are quite satisfied. As for the rest, you may ask Jiang Zongzheng; he is already well-informed of this matter."

Hearing that her son already knew, Old Madam Jiang felt her face flush with embarrassment. Yet, in front of outsiders, she felt compelled to protect her son's reputation, so she forced a hearty laugh and said, "It must be that my son has been so preoccupied with official duties that he neglected to mention it, causing the Marquis's estate unnecessary trouble. A'Nian's health is delicate; now that the betrothal is settled, is the other party aware of her condition? It would be quite unfortunate if any trouble were to arise later."

Upon hearing this, the Marchioness was visibly displeased. "Old Madam, your words are quite unreasonable. In other families, when someone comes to propose marriage for a daughter, they praise her to the skies. Why is it that in your house, you seem eager to broadcast her illness to the world? Does your family's code of conduct suggest that those who snatch away marriage prospects are righteous, while those who come to propose in earnest are treated with disdain?"

"That is not the case at all! You are wronging us, Marchioness."

"Whether you are wronged or not, you know in your own hearts. A'Nian, I have some private matters to discuss with you. Let us go to your courtyard."

Lady Pei could not stand the faces of the Jiang family, who seemed to take pleasure in sabotaging A'Nian's prospects. Having said her piece, she had no intention of staying longer.

Jiang Shiyuan understood her aunt's intent and immediately replied, "Aunt, please."

With that, she bowed to Old Madam Jiang and her second aunt, Zhang, and left with her aunt, leaving the two women behind to watch them retreat with darkened expressions.

"Hmph, like breeds like. Every time that Marchioness comes here, she looks at us as if we were a plague. She used the excuse of 'private matters' when it was clearly just an excuse to avoid us. Mother, you are the elder, yet they dare to act this way. Once the eldest young lady is married off, will she not follow her aunt's example and refuse to have any dealings with our family at all?"

Old Madam Jiang was already feeling irritable. Hearing this, she shot a sharp, fierce look at her second daughter-in-law. "Shut your mouth. Before the incident with Jin'er and the Heir Apparent, the Marchioness was always courteous and warm toward me. Now, you are the one putting words in people's mouths. Hmph!"

Second Aunt Zhang felt humiliated by this retort. "Mother, that matter is in the past; why keep harping on it? Besides, hasn't Jin'er been dutiful to you since she became the Heir Consort?"

"If it weren't for Jin'er's filial piety, I wouldn't even allow you to set foot in the main hall. Enough. Do not meddle in A'Nian's affairs again. If you cause any more trouble, never mind the Marchioness of Wenyuan—I will not be lenient with you myself."

Old Madam Jiang's words were not entirely out of concern for Jiang Shiyuan; she simply did not want the Marchioness of Wenyuan to use these issues as leverage. Second Aunt Zhang agreed on the surface, but resentment simmered in her heart. She was willing to scheme for her own daughter's future, but she had no interest in doing so for the Fourth Young Lady. If the Old Madam wanted to ignore it, so be it. After all, there was still a chance with the Third Young Master, and she needed to find a way to send her daughter his way as soon as possible!

As these wicked thoughts resurfaced, her eyes took on a fierce, calculating glint.

Inside the Tingxuan Chamber, the Marchioness of Wenyuan, Lady Pei, sipped hot tea, finally feeling a bit more at ease. However, recalling the demeanor of the Jiang family matriarch, she couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark. "Hmph, they didn't even offer me a cup of tea when I arrived. They truly lack all propriety."

Hearing this, Jiang Shiyuan smiled and teased, "If Grandmother had kept you for tea, there is no telling what you would have said. You would have either complained that the tea was poor or that the water was too hot. How could Grandmother have dared?"

"You naughty girl, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have bothered with this trip."

"Yes, yes, I know Aunt treats me well, and I have kept it all in my heart."

Lady Pei looked at Jiang Shiyuan with pride, then remembered something and spoke with excitement. "Your aunt-in-law and the two children have arrived. Do you remember Ziyao, whom I mentioned before? She has grown into quite a capable young woman. She originally wanted to come with me, but I refused. She grew up in the military camp and is as straightforward and hot-tempered as I am. You must be more patient with her in the future."

Jiang Shiyuan rested her chin on her hand, leaning against the table, and replied with mock helplessness. "Seeing how you are, Aunt, it seems you like Cousin Ziyao more than me. Alas, how heartbreaking."

Lady Pei made a gesture to swat her, but her eyes were filled with affection. "You naughty girl, you have gained everything and yet you still feign grievance!"

As they were joking, a voice announced from outside that the Master had arrived. Jiang Shiyuan stood up to greet her father. Lady Pei, however, sat upright and merely nodded when he entered, without showing any excess courtesy.

"I heard my sister-in-law arrived to discuss A'Nian's betrothal tomorrow. Why is it happening so soon?"

"My sister-in-law and her family have already arrived, and Zisu has already consulted the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to select an auspicious date. Since the Old Madam has spoken to settle it early for everyone's peace of mind, we decided on tomorrow. Brother-in-law, just wait for the Pei family to arrive. Furthermore, the Old Madam has said that the Marchioness's estate will oversee the entire process of A'Nian's betrothal. If the Jiang family causes any more impropriety, we will no longer concern ourselves with the ties of marriage."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaishan was first shocked, then filled with guilt. He had originally thought the betrothal would not be finalized until after the New Year, so he hadn't brought it up at home. It was happening too quickly, but since the Old Madam had spoken, he could not disobey. He replied solemnly, "Rest assured, sister-in-law, I will personally oversee everything this time. I guarantee there will be no more trouble!"

His firm tone reassured Lady Pei, who nodded in acceptance. She then pointed to a box and said, "These are the garments prepared earlier. A'Nian will surely bring joy to the whole family when she wears them tomorrow."

"Thank you, Aunt."

"Very well, I have delivered the message. You two should rest early. We will all be here tomorrow. I will try to keep Zisu in check so he doesn't make too much of a scene, or people will become jealous."

"No, no, sister-in-law, do not hinder him. The more lively A'Nian's betrothal is, the better. It will silence those wagging tongues. I want them to see that the family A'Nian marries into is second to none!"

Jiang Huaishan's meaning was clear to everyone present. When Lady Pei heard this, she finally showed him a measure of leniency. A smile spread across her face, her eyes filled with excitement, and she patted her chest in assurance.

"Very well, then. Brother-in-law, just wait and see. Tomorrow, I will make sure the entire Western Capital knows that A'Nian is marrying the finest man of the Pei family!"

Jiang Shiyuan was left speechless, caught between laughter and tears. Although she did not care for such vanity, since her family was so determined, she had no choice but to go along with them.