Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and suddenly it was July. While people were still discussing the Crown Prince’s wedding, preparations for the Prince of Cheng’s wedding were beginning. Due to these two grand weddings, Qin Wan felt the capital’s streets were livelier than before.
The carriage traveled west along the main road and soon arrived outside the house on Copper Coin Lane. When the carriage stopped, Qin Wan alighted, and Bai Ying went forward to knock on the door. The gate quickly opened, and Old Man Han happily bowed to Qin Wan.
After entering the house, Qin Wan asked, “How are the matters I asked Old Man Han to investigate a few days ago?”
Old Man Han immediately replied, “Miss, I’ve found out. This Official Li prepared a white jade ruyi scepter for the Crown Prince’s wedding banquet and a fine inkstone for the Prince of Cheng. Though the Prince of Cheng’s wedding hasn’t started yet, these were ordered by Official Li long ago, so it wasn’t difficult to learn about them.”
A white jade ruyi and an inkstone… looking at these two gifts, they didn’t seem particularly extravagant. Given the Crown Prince’s status, a slightly better gift wouldn’t be inappropriate.
“Were there no additional gifts?”
Yue Ning mentioned that gift-giving in the capital was quite elaborate – one gift was given openly, another in private.
Old Man Han shook his head, “That I don’t know. This Official Li lives very frugally, and his servants rarely go out to buy expensive items. Recently, only the white jade ruyi and inkstone were purchased.”
Li Mu Yun must have received many rewards from the Emperor, but imperial rewards couldn’t be given to others. Gifts from other friends wouldn’t be appropriate to regift, and items given as tribute to him wouldn’t be proper to give to the Crown Prince and Prince of Cheng either. So this time, he likely had to buy new gifts.
Qin Wan nodded, “Very well, I understand. Is there anything else about the Li family?”
Old Man Han shook his head, “Nothing else discovered, though it’s strange that this Official Li is almost thirty but still unmarried. He’s the youngest third-rank official in court – by all rights, he should have married long ago.”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed. Li Mu Yun had remained single for many years without taking a wife – indeed strange.
“Are any of his family members with him?”
Old Man Han continued shaking his head, “No. He’s not from the capital, and he’s the only master in his residence. He has only about a dozen servants in total. He spends his days either at court or in his residence. Very few people visit him, and he rarely goes out to meet friends. He gives the impression of being very reclusive.”
The position of Chief Justice wasn’t as powerful as the Six Ministries – after all, in the Crown Prince and Prince of Cheng’s succession struggle, the judicial branch didn’t play a major role. Yet somehow this position had triggered the tragic execution of Prince Jin’s household and the Shen family.
“Very well, I understand.” Since Old Man Han wasn’t involved in official circles, Qin Wan didn’t want to ask too much. She changed the subject, “By the way, what about finding craftsmen to help Young Master Sun rebuild his house as I asked a few days ago?”
Hearing this, Old Man Han smiled, “Don’t worry, Princess. Everything’s arranged. Not only arranged, but I’ve been helping Young Master Sun oversee the progress these past few days. Young Master Sun is very generous, and the craftsmen are all reliable – you can rest assured.”
Qin Wan was puzzled, “You’re overseeing the progress?”
Old Man Han was elderly and not in good health. Finding craftsmen was fine, but overseeing progress meant daily trips back and forth – this wasn’t her intention.
Old Man Han smiled, “Yes, haven’t you heard? Young Master Sun bought a house right in the next street over from us.”
Qin Wan was startled, and a thought flashed through her mind, “Which house did he buy?!”
Old Man Han sighed, “Young Master Sun is new here, and I don’t know what he was thinking, but he bought a convicted official’s residence from the government, right in the next street. I asked Young Master Sun about it, but he said it was fine. From his manner, he didn’t seem to have been deceived, so I didn’t ask further. Since it’s close by, I’ve been helping to oversee things.”
Though Old Man Han hadn’t spelled it out completely, Qin Wan already knew which house Sun Mu Qing had bought. Her heart felt both helpless and touched. After a while, she said, “Since it’s so close, I’ll go take a look.”
Old Man Han quickly accompanied Qin Wan to the next street. Sure enough, the dilapidated nameplate of the former Shen residence had been removed. It wasn’t yet noon and more than ten craftsmen were working inside. Seeing this scene, Qin Wan couldn’t help but sigh.
She should have bought this house earlier, but for a young lady from the Marquis Manor to buy a convicted official’s residence would have been too conspicuous and strange. She hadn’t expected Sun Mu Qing to buy the house outright.
Her senior apprentice brother had such a sincere heart, but she was destined to disappoint his deep feelings and loyalty.
“Princess, look, they’re all reliable people, not wasting any time.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Then please keep watching over things, Old Man Han. Not only is Young Master Sun new to the capital, but he’s also inexperienced with these matters at home. Please help oversee things and make sure they renovate the house beautifully.”
Old Man Han agreed repeatedly, and Qin Wan got back in her carriage to leave.
Though July’s heat was still oppressive, early mornings and evenings were particularly cool. This summer had been lively with the Crown Prince’s wedding, but glimpses of autumn’s melancholy could already be seen. When Qin Wan returned to the Marquis Manor, she saw many rewards being delivered from the palace at the gate. Lady Hu was joyfully counting them, and seeing Qin Wan return, she quickly beckoned, “Wan’er, these are rewards from your sister. There are two boxes of pearls for you – come take a look.”
Since Qin Chaoyu became Crown Princess, though Lady Hu was happy, the Marquis Manor had one less person. So Lady Hu took even better care of Qin Wan, making up for the regret of her daughter not being by her side.
Qin Wan walked over to Lady Hu and saw the room full of jewels and fine silks. She asked, “Why did the Crown Princess bestow so many gifts today? Is it a special occasion?”
Lady Hu smiled, “It’s not special – isn’t the Qiqiao Festival coming up? Though the palace doesn’t celebrate this festival, it’s still a holiday, isn’t it?”
Qin Wan suddenly realized – yes, the Qiqiao Festival was in two days.
Thinking about it, Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile wryly. Palace rewards usually came only on major festivals, and the Qiqiao Festival wasn’t a major celebration for all people. The palace maids liked to celebrate it, and young men and women outside would celebrate too. Qin Chaoyu sending rewards was really to showcase the Marquis Manor’s elevated status.
At least Qin Chaoyu hadn’t forgotten her. Qin Wan accepted the two boxes of pearls without ceremony and stayed to chat with Lady Hu.
Lady Hu said, “Now that Yu’er’s marriage is settled, I’ve started worrying about Yan’er’s marriage. Looking around the capital, there are many accomplished young ladies, but I can’t make up my mind.”
Qin Wan’s eyebrows raised – Lady Hu wanted to find a wife for Qin Yan!
Qin Yan had reached the age of adulthood, and now that Qin Chaoyu was Crown Princess, the Marquis Manor’s status had risen. This was indeed a good time for marriage. “Does Third Brother have anyone in mind?”
Lady Hu smiled wryly, “That’s just it – he doesn’t, which is why I can’t decide.”
Qin Wan thought for a moment and said, “If Third Brother has no one in mind, then naturally Aunt must help him look. Though there are many good young ladies in the capital, there aren’t many who match Third Brother in both family status and position.”
Lady Hu smiled happily, “Exactly right. Our family is different now from before. Whoever marries your Third Brother will become the Marchioness and mistress of the household – we can’t be careless about status.” After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “What do you think about the Duke of Weiguo’s daughter?”
Peng Fan Jin?! Qin Wan was surprised. Thinking of Peng Fan Jin, the first thing that came to mind was her admiration for Yan Chi.
Qin Wan even felt that Peng Fan Jin might prefer Yan Chi more.
Moreover, Peng Fan Jin had a martial spirit – was this the kind of young lady Lady Hu preferred?
Not wanting to change Peng Fan Jin’s fate with just one word, Qin Wan hesitated before saying, “Aunt, although Miss Peng is beautiful, I’ve heard she has great ambitions and, like Yue Ning, enjoys martial arts. Though the Duke of Weiguo no longer goes to battle, his daughter inherited his spirit. Aunt, do you prefer a gentle and virtuous daughter-in-law or one who practices martial arts?”
Hearing this, Lady Hu’s brows slightly furrowed, but her expression quickly calmed. She smiled, “Whether gentle and virtuous or practiced in martial arts, I saw Miss Peng last time, and her conduct was very proper. She hasn’t lost her manners despite her love of martial arts, and I think that’s enough. Yan’er’s martial arts are also excellent – if she enjoys this pursuit, they’ll have something to discuss in the future. As long as she comes from a good family, her interests don’t matter, as long as she can wait to become the Young Master’s wife.”
Qin Wan understood – since Lady Hu had brought up Peng Fan Jin, she must have already decided on this choice. No matter what Qin Wan said, she wouldn’t easily change her mind. In the current situation, if the Marquis Manor produced a Crown Princess and then allied with the Duke of Weiguo’s family through marriage, the formerly preeminent Duke of Zhongguo’s family would be overshadowed by the Marquis Manor!
“Aunt makes sense. Will you ask Third Brother about it?”
Lady Hu took Qin Wan’s hand, “Of course I’ll ask. I’m planning to hold a banquet at the Qiqiao Festival and invite Miss Peng to visit. You can talk with her then and see what she’s like.”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly inside – what was there to see? As long as she wasn’t completely lacking in manners and propriety, you probably wouldn’t dislike her…
Though helpless, Qin Wan could only agree. Lady Hu continued telling Qin Wan about Miss Peng’s many virtues as if trying to convince Qin Wan that this marriage was meant to be. Finally, after Qin Wan praised Lady Hu’s good judgment a few times, she was satisfied and let Qin Wan go. Returning to Pine Breeze Court, Qin Wan kept sighing – she had taken on another difficult task.
……
……
The seventh day of the seventh month, the Qiqiao Festival, arrived in the blink of an eye, bringing with it Lady Hu’s instructions.
To make it seem less deliberate, Lady Hu had invited Qin Shuang back home and sent an invitation to Yue Ning.
Given Yue Ning’s noble status, her marriage would be arranged by the Grand Princess and Empress Dowager. Moreover, since the An Yang Marquis Manor had good relations with the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor because of Qin Wan, there was no need to consider Yue Ning for marriage.
Thinking the Qiqiao Festival would be livelier with more people, Qin Wan also sent an invitation to Meng Yao. So by the time Peng Fan Jin arrived with her mother at the Marquis Manor, four young ladies were waiting for her.
Peng Fan Jin’s mother seemed to understand Lady Hu’s intentions. Looking around the entire capital, whether in character, appearance, family background, or talent, Qin Yan was indeed an excellent choice for a husband. So Lady Peng didn’t mind her daughter being evaluated today.
“Greetings to Lady Peng…”
With Qin Chaoyu absent, Qin Wan was Lady Hu’s primary helper. As soon as Lady Peng brought her daughter to the main hall, Qin Wan eagerly came forward to bow. Lady Peng quickly raised her, smiling, “How could I accept the Princess’s bow? Princess, you’re too kind. I’ve seen you before at palace banquets and thought the Qin family was truly blessed – not only having the Crown Princess with her heavenly beauty but also you, Princess, with your celestial grace. Sister Hu, you’re truly fortunate.”
Lady Hu laughed behind her sleeve and took Peng Fan Jin’s hand, “Sister, don’t praise me. I’d say Fan Jin surpasses both of mine by far. Everyone says Fan Jin has the Duke’s spirit – such determination is rare. My Yu’er and Wan’er can’t compare. As it happens, Princess Yongning is here today – Fan Jin can discuss martial arts with her.”
Lady Peng was deeply moved to hear this, “Oh my, Sister, Princess Yongning is here too? You know, this girl Fan Jin has been influenced by her father since childhood and loves these pursuits. At home, I’ve tried countless times to discourage her, worried she wouldn’t find a good marriage. Sister, you’re so understanding, even more considerate than I am as her mother.”
Though the Great Zhou’s etiquette wasn’t extremely strict, noble families still placed great importance on young ladies’ virtue, appearance, and accomplishments. Yue Ning could practice martial arts because her status was so high that others dared not comment, but although Peng Fan Jin’s family background was excellent, it couldn’t compare to Yue Ning’s. Lady Peng had worried that Lady Hu would find her daughter crude, but unexpectedly, Lady Hu was catering to her daughter’s interests. This show of respect was quite earnest, and Lady Peng was very satisfied.
Lady Hu looked Peng Fan Jin up and down, “Sister, you’re being too modest. I think Fan Jin is excellent in every way – I wish she could be my daughter. Both my younger children are skilled in martial arts, and even the Marquis doesn’t like young people being too delicate. Besides, Fan Jin has both beauty and dignity. Practicing martial arts strengthens both body and mind – it couldn’t be better.”
Peng Fan Jin had naturally met Lady Hu and Qin Wan before. Presumably instructed by Lady Peng, she wore a gentle smile from the moment she entered. As the two ladies exchanged pleasantries, she maintained perfect composure, though Qin Wan could see that Peng Fan Jin’s face was probably stiff from forcing a smile.
Qin Wan had to intervene, “Aunt, the Princess, and Meng Yao are waiting in the back. Shall I take Miss Peng to meet them?”
Lady Hu quickly said, “Oh, I forgot! Today is the Qiqiao Festival, and the girls are playing in the back. Fan Jin, don’t be formal – just go play with Wan’er. We don’t stand on ceremony here.”
Lady Hu truly seemed to want to pursue Peng Fan Jin for Qin Yan. Every word emphasized that she not only didn’t mind Peng Fan Jin’s love of martial arts but liked it very much, hoping to dispel any concerns Peng Fan Jin might have.
Peng Fan Jin, also eager to leave the front hall, immediately nodded in agreement. Qin Wan took her hand and led her out. As soon as Peng Fan Jin left, Lady Hu drew Lady Peng closer, “Sister, I’m absolutely sincere. Later, I’ll have Yan’er and Ye’er come to pay their respects. You can have complete faith in the children I’ve raised.”
With Peng Fan Jin gone, neither Lady Peng nor Lady Hu needed to keep up pretenses. Lady Peng quickly said, “I’ve seen the Young Master several times – looking around the entire capital, I can’t find a more handsome young man…”
As the two mothers took turns praising each other’s children, Qin Wan led Peng Fan Jin toward the back garden. In the garden pavilion, Yue Ning, Meng Yao, and Qin Shuang were already waiting.
As soon as they left the front courtyard, Peng Fan Jin let out a breath, “Thank you, Princess, for the rescue.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan’s heart stirred – though this Miss Peng had inherited the Duke’s martial spirit, her thoughts were quite delicate. Qin Wan said, “Miss Peng probably knows why you’re here today?”
Peng Fan Jin smiled wryly, “Of course I know.”
After sighing, Qin Wan noticed she seemed somewhat listless and asked, “Does Miss Peng find my Third Brother unsuitable?”
Peng Fan Jin replied with a mix of amusement and distress, “I’ve barely met the Young Master – how could I judge whether he’s suitable? It’s just that now, both our mothers are concerned about this.”
Qin Wan felt she had asked too hastily and said, “Never mind, Miss Peng doesn’t need to think about anything else. Today you’re just here for the Qiqiao Festival. Come, Princess Yongning and the others are dividing red threads in the back.”