HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 50

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 50

Everyone present was shocked, including the Qing sisters and the aunts from neighboring households.

Although the Young Marquis’s sincerity could be witnessed by heaven and earth, this timing seemed inappropriate. Old Madame’s expression became fixed, Madame Hu couldn’t recover her composure, and Qing Ru’s emotions shifted from shock to anger in the blink of an eye.

She couldn’t understand why anyone would rush to marry a girl who had encountered misfortune and whose whereabouts had been unknown for an entire night. What was so outstanding about Qing Yuan? Was it because she was cunning? Because she wasn’t ashamed to go door-to-door begging men for favors? These qualities that could hardly be called virtues seemed especially prominent when the master’s official career was faltering. In normal times, they would have been enough to invite criticism and whispered mockery behind one’s back.

Qing Ru almost burst into tears. She looked toward Madame Hu, unwilling to let her budding romance be buried by Qing Yuan. Earlier, her interactions with Chunzhi had been quite harmonious. She still remembered that day at the Great Buddha Temple when they parted—he had said it looked like rain and told the carriage driver to take her home quickly. He had always politely called her Second Miss; when she mentioned it was too distant, he changed to Second Sister. What more could she want? Yet now he was proposing to Fourth Miss. He clearly knew she liked him too, so why ignore a proper legitimate daughter in favor of being infatuated with a concubine-born daughter?

But Madam Jiang thought this was excellent—Fourth Miss marrying up was a hundred times more splendid than Second Miss’s marriage prospects. Someone like Second Miss only relied on her good birth, with her nose so high in the air. She normally wouldn’t even grunt in acknowledgment to her elders, and she looked down on all her peers who had grown up with her. She thought herself a precious young lady while everyone else was dirt. The more highly she regarded herself, the more spectacular her fall would be. Now not only had Qing He made a good match, but Qing Yuan was also about to surpass her. If both sisters succeeded, the Second Miss would need to marry a prince or become an imperial consort to reverse this decline.

Madam Jiang was beaming with joy. Seeing Madame Hu’s displeasure made her even happier. She clapped her hands and said, “Congratulations to Old Madame! Fourth Miss returned from danger with good fortune, and a fine marriage proposal followed. Look at this day—we were worried sick during daylight, but as night fell, all the good things came at once.” As she spoke, she glanced at Madame Hu and pretended to curtsy, “Congratulations to Elder Sister-in-law.”

Madame Hu’s face remained unperturbed. Madam Pei merely smiled and turned to look at Old Madame.

With Xie Shu absent, Old Madame was the family’s decision-maker. While Madame Hu could manage the household, when it came to the children’s marriages, they still needed Old Madame’s approval.

Old Madame was hesitant. It was a good match, but not necessarily smooth sailing. First and foremost, there was the matter of getting past the Marchioness.

Old Madame sighed, “Chunzhi, we’ve long known your intentions. But last time when your mother had the Inspector’s wife come to speak, though our Xie family may not have the high status of your marquis households, we do know propriety and shame. Fourth Miss is still young, it’s truly too early to discuss marriage. You’re a young gentleman who hasn’t thought far ahead—making a marriage is easy, but living well together afterward is what’s most important. Look at the current situation—how can your good intentions alone be enough? In everything, while taking two steps forward, one must also look back. Though Fourth Miss’s character may be worthy of your affection, her birth cannot be changed. Even if you obtain your parents’ approval, in your daily life together, I fear teeth might bite through your tongue.”

Li Congxin grew somewhat anxious, but having steeled his heart, he showed considerable courage. He pondered for a moment before saying to Old Madame: “On the journey back to Youzhou from the capital, I thought this through carefully. I expected Old Madame would say this—it comes from your sincere love for your granddaughter, which is naturally beyond reproach. Last time when my mother had the Inspector’s wife visit, it made me feel guilty until this day. But my feelings for Fourth Sister haven’t changed. This time I will obtain my family’s consent no matter what. If Fourth Sister feels uncomfortable living in the same household, we can establish a separate residence. I will never let Fourth Sister suffer any grievance. Please see my true heart in this, Old Madame.”

For a pampered young noble to come alone to propose marriage showed considerable sincerity—indeed, such abundant sincerity that it almost made one waver. As for the feasibility of his words, they made sense in principle. The Marchioness had only borne this one son; her future title inheritance and care in old age all depended on him. No parents in the world could resist their heart’s flesh.

However, the choice was still difficult. Old Madame settled her heart and decided to take a gamble, saying with furrowed brows: “Though you may like our Fourth Miss, I fear your family has more favored young ladies in mind. Wouldn’t that make our Fourth Miss’s position awkward?”

Li Congxin practically wanted to dig out his heart. He looked straight at Qing Yuan and said: “No matter how many fine young ladies there are in the world, I only like Fourth Sister. I’ve admired Fourth Sister since falling in love at first sight at the spring banquet, and my feelings haven’t changed to this day. When Fourth Sister encountered such misfortune this time, I was truly worried. Having the marriage settled would give me peace of mind. In presenting my case to Old Madame today, I’m only expressing my intentions. Without matchmakers or betrothal gifts at present, I’m not asking Old Madame to agree immediately. I only ask for this opportunity—I will handle everything else properly.”

His decision wasn’t made on a whim—he had his concerns. Hearing Commander Shen’s words earlier, it was clear there were other hidden aspects to this case that he didn’t know about. He instinctively felt it was meaningless for Qing Yuan to struggle for survival alone in the Xie family’s great dyeing vat. Her various hardships awakened his protective instincts. He hoped to become someone Qing Yuan could trust and rely on, even become her salvation. Once their marriage was arranged, certain people in the Xie family would have to carefully weigh the consequences before trying to harm Qing Yuan.

But while he was still contemplating this, he suddenly realized another person might be preparing to intervene. Commander Shen’s power needed no explanation, which sparked an even more urgent feeling in his heart. If he didn’t act first, the Xie family might, after careful consideration, choose to ally with the currently favored official. An imperial official who controlled all security inside and outside the imperial city was truly the best choice for a son-in-law. He had to hurry and hurry more. Tonight was the best opportunity. At this moment when misfortune had just struck and then suddenly settled, Old Madame might well agree to this marriage.

Indeed, Old Madame found reassuring promises in his words. Although Qing Yuan was well-liked, her mother’s influence on her would always remain. If she could truly marry into a marquis’s family, it would be good both for Qing Yuan herself and for the entire Xie household—it would be a fine marriage alliance.

Old Madame looked at Qing Yuan and said gently, “Fourth Miss, what are your thoughts on this matter? The Young Marquis seems very sincere, but we need your agreement as well.”

The most important person in this marriage proposal finally had a chance to speak. Qing Yuan first blushed, also surprised by Li Congxin’s constancy, but as she gradually calmed down, she felt everything was truly inappropriate.

Everyone in the room was watching her, waiting for her response. Perhaps everyone thought she had no reason to refuse, and Qing Ru’s acidic glares had the effect of adding fuel to the fire. However, marriage was a lifelong matter. Qing Yuan was very calm about such things, unlike those sheltered young ladies who would lose their minds and become flustered at the mere mention of a talented young man coming to propose.

She maintained that mild and cautious manner, saying to Li Congxin: “Originally, as a lady in the inner quarters, it wouldn’t be proper for me to respond to your proposal myself. But since Grandmother shows her love by asking my opinion, I shall speak frankly to the Third Young Master. First, I must thank you for your kind intentions and the many ways you’ve helped our family lately—I truly appreciate your friendship. However, your sudden proposal today, in my view, is quite inappropriate.”

This response surprised everyone present. They had thought this marriage was almost settled, but unexpected complications arose from Qing Yuan’s side. While the aunts and concubines exchanged glances, even Qing He and Qing Ru were greatly puzzled.

Li Congxin looked somewhat disappointed, a trace of melancholy flitting quickly across his brow, but he quickly said, “Fourth Sister has always been thorough. I was indeed too hasty this time.”

Qing Yuan smiled slightly and said in a gentle voice: “I’m glad Third Young Master understands my meaning. It’s not for any other reason, but just that those words you spoke earlier truly made my heart flutter with anxiety. You said you planned to establish a separate household, but you are the legitimate son of a marquis’s family, destined to inherit the title and family business. If you were to become estranged from your parents and cut ties with your household for someone like me, I would be causing you to be unfilial and disloyal. Such blame, please forgive me, but Qing Yuan absolutely cannot bear it. Since ancient times, marriage has required parental command and the matchmaker’s words. If the Third Young Master cannot follow his parents’ wishes, then please do not raise this matter again. Though I grew up in the Chen family, my grandfather was well-read, and I understand these principles.” As she spoke, she glanced at Old Madame, “Grandmother, these are my humble thoughts. If there’s anything inadequate, please guide me.”

Old Madame nodded with a long sigh: “With such understanding, how could I as your grandmother break the rules? This is exactly how it should be. The Young Marquis’s character and learning are beyond reproach, but this one matter indeed cannot be rushed. We all understood the Marchioness’s meaning before, and if something were to happen again, our Xie family also has a face to maintain. Young Marquis, you see… Fourth Miss understands your intentions, but as a young lady, she’s too shy to speak too clearly, so let this old woman make the decision. If your noble household’s Marchioness agrees, we also have the goodwill to help this union succeed. However, if she doesn’t approve, then please seek another match.”

It was truly regrettable—everyone except Qing Ru and her mother felt the regret. A fine marriage prospect like this would be very difficult to implement; it would depend on the young marquis’s abilities. But no matter how capable he was, with Youzhou being a thousand li from Hengtang, convincing his family wouldn’t happen overnight. By this calculation, achieving this good match wouldn’t be easy.

But Li Congxin wasn’t anxious. He had the determination to succeed at all costs. Such is the human heart—the more unobtainable something is, the more it weighs on one’s mind. He looked at Qing Yuan and said: “Sister shares Old Madame’s opinion? As long as my family agrees, Sister is willing to give me this chance?”

Qing Yuan smiled faintly, “Even if there’s an agreement, if it’s a reluctant agreement, then the Young Marquis should think thrice. After all, family harmony is most important. There are many girls in the world, but parents—you only have these two. Please prioritize your family’s honor.”

These words likely carried the intention of making him give up, but as long as she left an opening, he would try no matter what. Li Congxin didn’t stay for the meal but turned and left, leaving a room full of people each with their thoughts, their gazes interweaving like fabric.

Madam Pei sighed, “I see this Young Marquis is truly sincere.”

Madam Jiang shook her head, “But he has a formidable mother.”

“All mothers in the world are the same, each hoping for their children’s best,” Madame Hu said with a cool smile, implying that if something was unsatisfactory, it meant the child’s choice didn’t meet standards—someone like Fourth Miss would only make their marquis’s household a laughingstock.

Only now did Old Madame relax, pressing her brow and saying: “One moment in heaven, the next on earth. I thought your master’s official troubles were bad enough, who knew today would surpass that.” She waved her hand, “The feast is set in the flower hall, but I have no spirit for it. You all go ahead and eat.”

But if Old Madame wouldn’t eat, everyone would rather not eat. Who hadn’t gone eight hundred years without eating—who would touch that feast now?

Since everyone expressed having no appetite, Madame Hu said: “Distribute it to those who went with Fourth Miss. After such a fright, they should be comforted.”

Qing Yuan made a sound and said: “Mother, there’s also that servant boy who died so unclear a death. We should give some explanation.”

Madame Hu said listlessly: “Call in his parents, allocate thirty taels of silver from the accounts, and that will settle sending off the person.”

So in Madame Hu’s eyes, a human life was worth only thirty taels of silver. Recently, a fake letter extorted fifty taels from her, but now a living person had died because of her and was only worth thirty taels.

Soon everyone left the main room. Seeing Qing Yuan’s value had increased manifold, even Madam Jiang became much warmer toward her, earnestly telling her to go back and rest well, restore her spirits. Then she added sheepishly: “I see you can speak to Commander Shen. Your brother is currently seeking a position. When you’re free, could you put in a few good words with Commander Shen, and see if he can place both your brothers? After all, you’re siblings.”

The “both brothers” she referred to were Madam Jiang’s sons Zhengyuan and Zhengde. Those two brothers were cut from the same cloth of ignorance and incompetence and had never spoken half a word to Qing Yuan normally, but now it was all “your brother, your brother”—it seemed rather amusing to hear.

Qing Yuan said: “Second Aunt, please don’t harbor such thoughts. There’s no logic in having someone save your life and then asking them to arrange positions. I can barely avoid trouble now, why would I go inviting more problems!”

Baoxian seized the opportunity: “Miss has had a fright and traveled between two places. Your eyes are swollen with fatigue. Let’s go back quickly.”

So the mistress and servant hurriedly left. Madam Jiang was left hanging, and while angry enough to stamp her feet, she had no recourse. She turned and headed toward the moon gate.

Meanwhile, Qing Ru followed her mother to her courtyard, crying: “Mother, did you hear? Brother Chunzhi wants to marry Fourth Miss…”

Madame Hu had a belly full of anger with nowhere to vent. Hearing her daughter’s whining tone, she couldn’t help but snap: “Shut your mouth! If it weren’t for you, how would things have come to this today? All day long it’s Chunzhi this, Chunzhi that—has lard clouded your mind? Those blind fools, what’s worth your attention? Have all the good men in the world died out that you must have him?”

Qing Ru was stunned by her mother’s outburst, but in an instant, she unleashed all her stubbornness, stamping her feet on the ground: “Yes, they’ve all died out! I just want him, even if it’s just to prevent Fourth Miss from getting her way, I still want him!”

Madame Hu’s head ached from her nose. She rubbed her temples and closed her eyes.

Second Miss was a muddle-head. Even now she hadn’t figured out that the troublesome one wasn’t Li Congxin, but Shen Run. Fourth Miss was attracting increasingly prominent figures. Just consider how Shen Run had previously extorted ten thousand taels of silver from the Xie family—if he got hold of evidence about this incident, he might well drain the Xie family dry. Moreover, Old Madame knew nothing about this matter. Fourth Miss was her granddaughter no matter what—if she found out that she, as the principal wife, had secretly done these things, how could she possibly forgive her!

The more she thought, the more her head hurt, and the more frightened she became. Qing Ru was still making a fuss, and she had become somewhat numb by the end, saying vaguely: “Alright, alright, we’ll think of another way.”

Qing Ru sobbed, as if the sky had fallen: “What way is there? Fourth Miss has already agreed…”

In Dangyue Pavilion, Baoxian was equally worried.

“Miss, do you truly plan to marry Third Young Master?”

Qing Yuan shook her head. For some reason, this question brought Commander Shen’s face to mind, and she shuddered, imagining how that Commander would deal with her if Li Congxin’s proposal today had succeeded.

Baoxian didn’t understand: “If so, why didn’t Miss refuse him?”

Qing Yuan removed the small lotus purse from her waist and placed it on the bedside, saying softly: “It was just a delaying tactic. When Old Madame saw I was interested, she naturally shifted all her attention to the Third Young Master, making it easier to put off the Commander. I know the Danyang Marquis’s household likely won’t fulfill Third Young Master’s wishes—this marriage won’t succeed.”

“What if it does?” Chuntai crouched by her feet, helping her change into soft shoes, looking up to ask, “What if he fights with his family, insisting on marrying only you, threatening to become a monk if he can’t marry you? The Marchioness won’t be able to resist him!”

“If it comes to that…” Qing Yuan sighed, “Back and forth, it would necessarily take several months. Even if Old Madame agreed, we’d still have to wait for the master’s letter… If after such a long time, I still haven’t managed to make any progress, it would mean I’m useless, unable to avenge my mother. In that case, I might as well get married—I can’t spend my whole life in the Xie family!”

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