Qinghe spent several more days on pins and needles before finally receiving good news.
That day was especially auspicious, perfect for a marriage proposal. Word had been sent to the Xie mansion the day before, and Qinghe’s maid Xinyu came rushing over in the night. With a smile, she bowed and said, “Fourth Young Lady, our Young Lady sent me a message. Tomorrow, please come early. After paying respects to the Old Madam, wait a moment – our Young Lady requests Fourth Young Lady’s company.”
Qingyuan was pacing the room reciting her studies. Hearing Xinyu’s words, she put down her book and exclaimed, “Oh, does this mean there’s good news?”
Xinyu confirmed, “Yes indeed! Tomorrow the Magistrate’s wife will bring people from the Duke’s household to propose marriage, and the eldest young master will come too. Our Young Lady is shy and doesn’t want to meet them alone, so she’s asking you to be her companion and give her courage.”
In truth, among all the Xie households, only Qinghe was the most unguarded. When Qingyuan first returned, she joined her siblings in opposing her, but after Qingru and Qingrong turned against her, she grew closer to Qingyuan, with their relationship becoming increasingly warm. Qingyuan would sometimes sigh – she had always been an outsider in the Xie family that no one paid attention to, but now this Qinghe brought her some comfort.
She nodded and said, “Please tell Big Sister that I give her my early congratulations. Tomorrow I’ll wait for her at Huifang Gate, and we can enter the garden together.”
The next day, she indeed rose early to wash and dress, choosing a narrow-sleeved garment with auspicious cloud patterns before hurrying out.
The early spring in the South always had thin mists lingering. As the sun was about to rise, the mist gradually dispersed into two layers – the upper half clear, the lower half hanging heavily at the foundation of buildings and beneath flowers and grass. Walking along gave one the illusion of ascending into the clouds.
The morning and evening ceremonies in the Xie household were particularly strict, with no room for carelessness. Madam Hu and several sisters-in-law from the divided Eastern and Western households emerged from the Old Madam’s quarters and stopped in the outer room to receive greetings from their children.
Qingyuan had always been the most inconspicuous. She huddled in a corner, following her sisters in paying respects, while Madam Hu and the aunts’ gazes all rested on Qinghe.
Second Uncle Xie Xun’s wife, Madam Jiang, had a clever tongue. Even though her son was a profligate gambler, she could dig out reasoning from every corner, often saying “The daughter-in-law is useless, acting like a sickly beauty every day. After a year of marriage still no movement in her belly – how can anyone blame Zhengyuan?” Today, with Qinghe about to be betrothed, she first congratulated her, then earnestly advised: “When a young lady crosses the threshold into marriage, the priority is to take care of your health and quickly bear a child or two. Only then will your position in your husband’s family be secure.”
These words came far too early – by rights, it was disrespectful for an elder to speak so. But behind closed doors in their own home, one needn’t be so particular, so Qinghe just smiled and responded vaguely.
Third Uncle Xie Min’s wife, Madam Pei, hadn’t absorbed much of the market town’s vulgarity. Even at forty, her face still carried a maiden’s shyness. She smiled at Madam Hu, “Elder Sister-in-law has truly been working hard lately. Third Master’s wedding is next month, and now with the eldest young lady’s matter added – you’ll have to endure some more exhaustion.”
Madam Hu’s face always carried an air of harmony. She looked lovingly at Qinghe and said, “Children are debts owed by parents. As long as they all find good marriages, what more could I want? Although the weddings have come together at once, with the help of two concubines and the Old Madam’s attention, I believe we can manage.”
Madam Pei was very sincere, eagerly saying, “I’m not very busy lately. If there’s anything I can help with, Elder Sister-in-law just send someone to call me.”
Before Madam Hu could respond, Madam Jiang immediately shirked responsibility: “Ah, I have the heart for it too, but unfortunately I can’t spare a moment these days. Affairs of the mansion matter at the estate – there’s such a pile of things, enough to work one to death.” Internally resenting Madam Pei for playing the good person and implicating her, she deliberately muddied the waters: “Third Sister-in-law is habitually kind-hearted. Why don’t you come to my place sometime and help me out?”
So some people are just like this – best at speaking pleasant words, but the first to push away when asked for help. Standing on dry land themselves while not allowing others to step forward, as long as someone wasn’t on their side, they would constantly drop hints against them. Qingyuan watched with great interest from the side – analyzing the various types of people in these great households was an extremely interesting matter.
Madam Pei smiled awkwardly, “Second Sister-in-law jests. Your household deals in matters of silver and money – how could I be of any help!”
Madam Hu hurried to smooth things over, smiling, “You all just rest well. When the actual day comes, just come and enjoy the ready-made feast.”
As the grandsons withdrew, the granddaughters straightened their formal attire and filed in to pay respects.
The Old Madam sat on the arhat couch, watching the young lady’s curtsey, and said, “You’re all gradually growing up. Qinghe is the eldest among the young ladies, and today the Duke’s household is bringing betrothal gifts. You should all stay and learn from your sister’s occasion.”
Everyone agreed and withdrew, but though Qinghe said nothing, she was quite displeased. Qingru and Qingrong constantly made things difficult for her, and yet on such a day, the Old Madam wanted them to stay together. If they caused any trouble midway, wouldn’t it make people look down on her too?
She stood to the side, angrily tearing at her handkerchief. Seeing this, Qingyuan went forward to comfort her, saying softly, “Big Sister, don’t worry. They may be against you, but they won’t go against their face. With outsiders present, they still care about appearances.”
Hearing this, Qinghe finally calmed down.
For two families joining in marriage, the presentation of gifts had set times. As the sun climbed higher, there came a vague sound of commotion from the front courtyard. Everyone immediately sat up straight and looked forward. Yuequan entered from the gate, smiling as she gave the Old Madam her blessing: “Congratulations to the Old Madam and the Eldest Young Lady. The Duke’s household’s grand gifts have entered the gate. The Madam and the two households’ madams and three masters are receiving them in front. The Magistrate’s wife has become the matchmaker, and in a moment will bring the Duke’s eldest young master to pay respects to the Old Madam.”
The Old Madam said good, another joyous occasion added to the family was indeed worth celebrating. Everyone smiled appropriately. The maids stood under the corridor waiting, and seeing people approaching, respectfully guided them toward the main room. The Old Madam also led Qinghe and her sisters out to welcome them. The Magistrate’s wife saw them from afar and immediately broke into a smile, calling out, “Congratulations to the Old Madam! I’ve secured another grand match as a matchmaker – how will the Old Madam thank me?”
The Old Madam warmly stepped forward to take the Magistrate’s wife’s hand, laughing, “What is there to say? Tomorrow I’ll have them wrap up two large pork shoulders and send them to your residence as matchmaker’s thanks.”
Qinghe remained quiet, looking toward the back of the procession. She immediately spotted Li Guanling among the crowd. He was dressed properly and spiritedly, and meeting Qinghe’s gaze, gave a bright smile.
Qinghe blushed – a bride-to-be had thin skin, and she lowered her head in overwhelming shyness. Qingyuan stepped forward to support her when suddenly she heard someone call “Fourth Sister.” She thought it was one of her brothers, but looking up, it was the young master of the Danyang Marquis’s household.
Qingyuan was somewhat surprised, not understanding why he would come calling, but then thought that since he was close friends with Li Guanling, he must have come along for the betrothal.
She couldn’t engage freely, so gave a polite smile and cupped her hands in greeting. Li Congxin was a romantic young man and hurriedly raised his hands, returning her greeting with an extended bow.
Their exchange of courtesies was observed by those around them. Nothing in the world is more hateful than when people you’ve always looked down upon achieve greater things than you. Qingru watched with acidic eyes, feeling increasingly unsettled, but though unfair it may be, speaking of this eldest son of the Danyang Marquis’s household – his talent and looks were truly one in ten thousand. He wore a sky-blue round-collared robe with a white jade belt. Such colors would be difficult for ordinary people to carry off, yet he wore them perfectly complementing each other. Though her brothers at home were considered handsome and dignified, before him they were thoroughly outshone.
Qingru’s complexion was poor, and Zhengze noticed, exclaiming, “Chunzhi, you know each other?”
Qingyuan had already turned to go inside. Li Congxin gazed at her retreating figure and smiled, “We met once at the Spring Banquet. I didn’t expect she was a young lady of your household.”
Qingru seethed internally – what kind of young lady was she? Even the favored maids were better than her! Fortunately, Zhengze’s elbow turned inward, and he hadn’t forgotten to make introductions, presenting them one by one: “This is my sister Qingru, this is my third sister Qingrong.”
Qingru and Qingrong hurriedly composed themselves and curtseyed, exchanging courtesies before entering. Li Guanling had already paid respects to the Old Madam and taken a seat at the lower end. The Old Madam’s main room still had carpets laid out – he and Qinghe sat across from each other separated by the gold-threaded carpet, occasionally crossing glances, each time resulting in gentle smiles.
Though the Old Madam had told Qingyuan in the carriage that day that they weren’t of the same sort as the Danyang Marquis’s household, she was still very polite upon meeting the Marquis’s eldest son, smiling as she said, “The Third Young Master came to play at our house a few years ago. Later, I suppose your studies became burdensome, and you didn’t come often.”
Li Congxin crossed his hands and bowed, saying, “I went to Youzhou last year and only returned this spring. I’ve been wanting to pay respects to the Old Madam, but couldn’t find a proper occasion.”
The Old Madam said, “The Third Young Master must be joking. We and the Marquis’s household are considered old friends – it’s only that the Third Young Master wasn’t willing to come, how could you need to find an occasion to visit!”
They chatted back and forth animatedly while Qingyuan just sat smiling to the side listening to their pleasantries. Li Congxin deliberately chose to sit opposite her, though he had nothing to say, just playing with a folding fan in his hands, occasionally raising his eyes to look at her. But she seemed to lack that nerve of maiden shyness – even when their gazes met, her expression remained composed.
These days it was fashionable for young ladies to meet guests, not like before when they were hidden deep in the inner chambers, so she was poised and natural. Or perhaps she was too young, hadn’t yet come to understand, couldn’t read the expressions and gazes of men. Unfortunately, there was no chance for conversation in such a setting – the more distant, the more unforgettable.
All in all, this betrothal ceremony proceeded very smoothly, while those people’s eye battles also raged intensely. When Qingru came out of Huifang Garden, it felt like she had watched a play that had nothing to do with her, and she became increasingly dissatisfied with the Old Madam having them act as companions.
“Big Sister’s betrothal – why make us stand there like that!” she complained to her mother after returning. “I think Grandmother is becoming more muddled – making me, the legitimate daughter, act as decoration for one born of a concubine, not afraid of lowering our status.”
Madam Hu sat at the table examining the gift list, pointing to a necklace in the tray as she said, “If you won’t give a face to Qinghe, you should at least give a face to the Duke’s household. Their gifts can be considered quite complete – they prepared meeting gifts for all the sisters, showing they truly mean to elevate Qinghe.”
Speaking of this made her angry. Qingru said furiously, “Those concubine-born girls naturally know how to please men. Let’s not speak of the Duke’s household, now even the Danyang Marquis’s household has fallen for it, focusing all attention on the Fourth girl. I originally thought the Danyang Marquis’s eldest son, being from a noble family, would have higher standards. Who knew his taste would be so low – what does Qingyuan that girl have besides a face, all rickety as she is?”
Madam Hu glanced at her, frowning as she said, “You are the Xie household’s legitimate daughter – instead of maintaining your dignity, you compare yourself with them? Though Qinghe’s birth is not high, her mother did enter with proper documents, and while marrying into the Duke’s household is indeed marrying up, it’s not too excessive. As for Qingyuan, never mind what she’s like herself – with a mother like that, she wouldn’t be worthy even as a concubine in the Danyang Marquis’s household. What are you anxious about?”
Qingru’s true concerns were struck by her mother’s words, her face immediately reddening as she stammered, “What would I be anxious about…”
“Truly not anxious? Well, I heard what your brother said.” Madam Hu shifted her gaze away, “Though that Danyang Marquis’s eldest son is indeed an excellent choice – good family background, complete in appearance. Only one point – such a son-in-law, how many families are eagerly watching? There are many noble ladies for him to choose from, I fear he may not be able to contain his heart in the future.”
Qingru didn’t agree with her mother’s words, “There are also faithful men in the world. Pan An remained devoted to Yang Rongji for life – doesn’t Mother know?”
Madam Hu smiled, “Indeed, daughters grow up and can’t be kept…”
Before she could finish speaking, the maid Cailian brought a letter forward, saying, “Someone delivered it to the gatehouse from outside, asking for Madam to read it personally.”
Madam Hu took it puzzledly, thinking it must be a letter sent ahead by her husband, but upon opening and reading it, her expression suddenly changed.
Seeing her mother like this, Qingru felt somewhat uneasy, “Is it from Father?”
Madam Hu didn’t speak, but turned the letter face down and slammed it heavily on the table.