Luo Huaimeng waited for a while in the outer sitting room. When Yan Qing finally came hurrying out, still trying to compose herself, Luo Huaimeng glanced up from the book she had been reading — and Yan Qing felt a rush of embarrassment, with a sudden urge to drag the true culprit out and give him a thorough scolding.
Fortunately, Luo Huaimeng had long since grown accustomed to these things, and said nothing more.
“Good morning, Mother.”
“Good morning.” Luo Huaimeng set down her book. “Let’s have breakfast first.”
“Have you eaten yet, Mother?”
“Not yet.”
Yan Qing had Jing Zhi set out the meal, and the two of them — mother-in-law and daughter-in-law — sat down together for breakfast.
After the meal, Jing Zhi prepared tea and quietly withdrew.
“Yesterday the Marshal asked me to arrange his marriage to Qian Lan.” Luo Huaimeng’s expression was entirely composed, as though she were speaking of something that had little to do with her.
“What does Mother plan to do?”
“I am on quite friendly terms with the wife of Secretary Qin of the Administrative Office. I intend to ask her to make a preliminary visit — to sound out the Qian family’s intentions. If the Qian family is agreeable, then we can send a formal matchmaker to propose.”
“Having Madam Qin go in that capacity would be a considerable show of respect to the Qian family.”
“It is the Marshal’s marriage, after all — it cannot be handled carelessly.” Luo Huaimeng sipped her tea. “As for what the Qian family is thinking, let Madam Qin go and find out.”
When Madam Qin arrived at the Qian estate, Madam Qian received her with great warmth.
Secretary Qin of the Administrative Office was among the Marshal’s most trusted officials, wielding considerable authority. His influence in the Marshal’s government was considerable.
After the fall of the Meng family, Secretary Qin had risen even further in the Marshal’s favor, and the Qin family’s standing had correspondingly soared. Wherever Madam Qin went, she was invariably surrounded by the flattery and attention of other ladies from prominent families.
For Madam Qin to call in person, then, was an extraordinarily gracious gesture toward a merchant household such as the Qian family.
Madam Qin and Madam Qian sat together in the reception hall and exchanged pleasantries for a time, after which Madam Qin brought up the subject of Qian Lan.
“Madam Qian, I hear that Miss Qian Lan has not yet been promised to anyone. Might I ask whether Miss Qian has her heart set on someone, or whether there is a particular family you have in mind for her?”
Madam Qian had actually suspected from the start what the purpose of Madam Qin’s visit must be. Hearing this, she smiled and said, “Madam Qin, you flatter us. Lan’er is completely devoted to the piano — her entire heart is in her music. Not only has she not set her affections on anyone, she has barely so much as laid eyes on a man.”
“A daughter’s marriage is still something parents must devote careful attention to, Madam Qian. Speaking plainly — Miss Qian is already twenty-four. A woman of that age might ordinarily have children underfoot by now. If a suitable match is not found soon, people may begin to talk.”
“I understand the good intentions behind your words. But in a woman’s life, what matters most is finding a truly worthy companion. Take my husband, for example — he may not cut the most impressive figure, but we have treated each other with mutual respect for many years. In this household, I have never once been made to feel small, nor has anyone dared to disrespect me. Lan’er has been away from me for so many years — I carry a debt to her in my heart. When it comes to her marriage, I intend to consider it carefully from every angle before deciding on anything.”
Madam Qin smiled. “What you say is entirely right. All parents want what is best for their children, especially for a young woman with a history like Miss Qian’s.”
Madam Qian smiled in return. “All the more reason to be especially careful.”
“To be honest with you, my visit today is on behalf of someone who asked me to speak on a matter of marriage.” Madam Qin lifted her teacup and took a sip.
“And which family’s young man might that be?”
“He can hardly be called a young man at this point.” Madam Qin smiled. “He is no longer in the first flush of youth — but he is the most powerful man in this entire northern region. He is incomparably superior to any son of a prominent family.”
“Whom does Madam Qin refer to?”
“The Marshal.” Madam Qin felt there was no point in speaking in circles about such a matter. The Marshal might be getting on in years, but his power and position spoke for themselves. Among the great households of Shun Cheng, virtually any family with an eligible daughter would leap at the chance to send her into the Marshal’s household. And so with the Marshal having taken an interest in the Qian family’s daughter, the Qian family ought to have been overjoyed enough to lose sleep.
“The Marshal?”
“The Marshal has been greatly impressed by Miss Qian’s talent, and was deeply moved upon meeting her at your birthday banquet. He has asked me to inquire as to the thoughts of you and your husband.”
Madam Qian’s expression turned somewhat hesitant. “Does the Marshal not already have grandchildren by now?”
“Madam Qian, what good does it do to dwell on such things? You must think further ahead.” Madam Qin took her hand warmly and patted it. “If Miss Qian marries the Marshal, she will be the Marshal’s official wife. To say nothing else — within our circles, she would be someone everyone looks up to and courts. Even on the day the Marshal steps down, she will still hold the position of official wife — to be shown respect and deference by the Marshal’s own children. And the Marshal is still in the prime of his strength. The Third Consort of the Shi household is with child even now, is she not? Miss Qian is young and in her prime. With proper care, there should be no difficulty in bearing a child or two.”
“Madam Qin makes a fair point. Even so, I still need to ask Lan’er’s own wishes. Marriage is the most significant matter in a person’s life, and although parents traditionally hold authority over such decisions, I have been absent from Lan’er’s life for so many years that I cannot in good conscience act against her wishes.” Madam Qian’s face wore an expression of sincerity and gentle difficulty. “Madam Qin, I know this is asking you to be patient — but I hope you will understand the heart of a mother.”
“There is nothing to understand — we are both mothers.” Madam Qin smiled lightly. “There are things none of us can bear to force upon our children.”
“Thank you for your understanding. I will speak to Lan’er shortly. If she has no objection, I will send word to Madam Qin at once.”
“Wonderful.” Madam Qin laughed. “Then I shall await good news.”
After leaving the Qian estate, Madam Qin went directly to the Shi household.
She came to Luo Huaimeng’s courtyard, and the two sat down to talk.
“The Qian family side needs to consult their daughter first, but I believe this matter is more or less settled.” Madam Qin had an excellent eye for people. Though Madam Qian had spoken one word after another about respecting her daughter and owing her daughter, the moment Madam Qin had stated her purpose, the excitement and anticipation that flickered deep in Madam Qian’s eyes had been impossible to conceal — however hard she tried to suppress any outward reaction, Madam Qin, shrewd as she was, could not have missed it.
Madam Qian had not agreed immediately — that was simply performance. She was confident that within a few days, Madam Qian would relent.
“Thank you for making the trip on our behalf.” Luo Huaimeng smiled. “No one is particularly eager to take on this kind of task — the Marshal’s age does make it rather delicate.”
“The Marshal may be fifty, but his standing speaks for itself. To be chosen as a companion for the Marshal is something countless women have dreamed of. The Qian family is a merchant household, after all — however wealthy they may be, without someone powerful to stand behind them, their fortune could be scattered in a single day. The Qian family put their daughter forward at this particular moment, went out of their way to engineer an encounter with the Marshal — their intentions are hardly a secret to anyone with eyes to see.”
“Huaimeng, I’ll tell you — this Qian Lan is not someone to be taken lightly. If she does truly marry in, you will need to guard yourself carefully at every turn.”
“What does a woman of my standing have to fear — a concubine who no longer holds favor? Would she stoop to jealousy over someone like me? And besides, the Marshal now scarcely sets foot in my courtyard for anything except matters of business. I pose no threat to her whatsoever.”
“You have a point. If there is a threat, it would come from the Third Consort’s direction — after all, the Marshal has favored her for years.”
Luo Huaimeng let out a soft sigh. “The Marshal’s favor is finite. It cannot last forever with any one person. No one can hold it without end.”
For the women living in this inner household, the specter of this loss was ever-present — a grief they had no escape from, woven into the very fabric of their existence.
Luo Huaimeng understood this deeply. It was why she had never supported Shi Ting taking a concubine — even as the old Madam of the Shi family had pressed her repeatedly through various intermediaries. She had deflected every attempt with one reason or another.
The old Madam surely bore her some resentment over this. But as the saying went: do not do unto others what you would not have done to yourself. And besides, she was genuinely fond of Yan Qing as a daughter-in-law — she had no desire to see her follow the same path she herself had walked.
“It’s good that you can think of it that way.” Madam Qin patted her hand. “In a few days I’ll pay another visit to the Qian family. Once they agree, you can arrange for the formal matchmaker to call — and in the meantime, it would be wise to begin preparing the betrothal gifts. That is the most pressing matter.”
“I know. I’m sorry to trouble you again.”
“Between you and me, there is no need for formalities. If you ever need anything, just say the word. I’m nothing but an idle woman who can never sit still.”
Luo Huaimeng smiled warmly. “You truly cannot sit still, that’s certain.”
Madam Qin was right. Three days later, when she called at the Qian estate again, Madam Qian came out to meet her with a smile already on her face.
Seeing Madam Qian’s expression, Madam Qin knew at once: the matter was settled.
“Madam Qian, might I have the pleasure of meeting Miss Qian Lan?” Madam Qin thought — as the go-between in this arrangement, she ought at least to see the bride-to-be with her own eyes. If there were any hidden ailment or imperfection, that would be quite another matter.
“My daughter was hoping to meet Madam Qin as well. Please follow me.” Madam Qian led Madam Qin cheerfully to Qian Lan’s courtyard.
Qian Lan came out to welcome her in person, accompanied by two maids.
She was a little past twenty, yet her complexion was remarkably fresh and youthful. At first glance she could have easily passed for a girl of eighteen.
Madam Qian and the Master of the Qian family were both on the shorter side, yet Qian Lan stood tall and slender. Her oval face was framed by a pair of phoenix eyes, her brows like graceful hills of jade, her nose refined and gently elevated. Her small, rosy lips looked as though a faint blush of sunset had been pressed into them — even when she was not smiling, the corners of her mouth curved naturally upward.
She was dressed in a delicately embroidered rose-red qipao. Her steps were light and graceful, each movement a picture of elegance.
Madam Qin was privately filled with admiration. Qian Lan was truly beautiful — no wonder the Marshal had been struck by her from the very first glance.
“Good day, Madam Qin.” Qian Lan came forward and offered a bow. “It is an honor beyond my deserving to have Madam Qin come in person.”
As Qian Lan spoke, her voice was gentle as flowing water, warm as a spring breeze passing over the heart — like her piano music, it left one feeling refreshed and at peace.
Even Madam Qin, a woman who had seen much of the world, found herself feeling a genuine fondness for her from the very first moment.