The moment Old Madam Ling spoke those words, Ling Jingshu’s heart finally settled.
This was the true purpose for which she had come to Old Madam Ling today.
Since Lu Qian had already implored Ling Shi to propose the match, Ling Shi had certainly been whispering in Old Madam Ling’s ear as well. If she was to resolve the trouble of Lu Qian entirely, approaching matters through Old Madam Ling was the most suitable path.
“Thank you, Grandmother.” Ling Jingshu’s eyes shimmered with grateful tears, relief written plainly across her face, and she let out a long breath. She then rose and settled close beside Old Madam Ling.
This appearance — vulnerable, helpless, placing her full trust and reliance in another — was precisely what best won Old Madam Ling’s favor.
Old Madam Ling took Ling Jingshu’s hand and deliberated in silence for a moment.
An unmarried young lady suffering from such a strange ailment was indeed not something to be made public. Once it spread, not only would Ling Jingshu’s reputation be damaged, but the Ling Family’s dignity would also suffer.
Ling Jingshu had not dared reveal this matter to Ling Wuye, clearly out of concern that it might reach Li Shi’s ears. Li Shi was all sweet smiles on the surface but bitter and calculating within; her outward show of propriety was impeccable, yet what lay at her core — could that truly be concealed from Old Madam Ling’s eyes?
If Li Shi were to learn of this matter, she would likely stir it into a roaring scandal on purpose.
Therefore, this matter absolutely could not be allowed to spread.
But then — how was she to explain things to Ling Shi and Lu Qian?
“Granddaughter is unfilial, causing Grandmother this vexing worry.” Ling Jingshu’s voice sounded near Old Madam Ling’s ear.
Old Madam Ling came back to herself, and sighed: “Shu Jie’er, I will not conceal anything from you. A’Qian’s feelings for you — your aunt has already spoken to me about it. She wishes to propose the match on A’Qian’s behalf. I originally had reservations, given that A’Qian is two years younger than you, and was unwilling to agree to this union. However, A’Qian has a most stubborn nature, and declared before your aunt that he would marry no one but you. Your aunt also told me: first formalize the engagement, then wait until A’Qian reaches sixteen before the wedding takes place.”
“Though the Lu Family cannot compare to the noble aristocratic houses of the capital, they are still a family of distinction and standing. A’Qian is the legitimate son of the household, and much favored by your uncle. Should you marry into the Lu Family, your own blood aunt would be your mother-in-law — she would never mistreat you. All things considered, it truly is a fine match. And so I have already given your aunt my word.”
So it was exactly as she had expected!
Ling Jingshu’s inward scoff was all cold disdain, yet what showed on her face was anxious alarm: “But I hold toward Cousin Qian only a sibling’s regard and harbor no other feeling for him whatsoever. And now, on top of that, I have contracted this strange ailment. Should it never be cured, I fear I may never be able to marry…”
As she said this, she raised her sleeve to cover her face and began to sob in quiet little gasps.
Old Madam Ling felt both pained and helpless: “Do not be so distressed. This sort of strange ailment — I have truly never heard of anything like it. But the capital is full of renowned physicians. Perhaps it can be cured.”
If… this illness could not be healed, then speaking of marriage in the future would indeed be an enormous obstacle.
Unable even to bear so much as the brush of fingertips without retching — how could she marry and bear children?
Well, these were all concerns for the future. What needed to be addressed immediately was the matter at hand.
Fortunately, she had only given Ling Shi a verbal promise and had not announced anything publicly. No one in the entire Ling household was yet aware. She would find a quiet moment to privately explain the circumstances to Ling Shi and dissolve this verbal engagement.
Old Madam Ling deliberated briefly and said: “As for your aunt — I will make things clear to her myself. You need not worry.”
Ling Jingshu’s weeping subsided gradually, her reddened eyes still glistening as she said: “Grandmother, Cousin Qian is still young, and at his most stubborn and headstrong age. If he were to learn that this match was not to be, he would likely kick up a fuss without end. By that time it would become known to everyone, and neither the Lu nor the Ling Family would look well — and it would wound the affection between our two families.”
“It would be better to soothe him with kind words and put this matter off for the time being. When A’Xiao and I go to the capital, he will not be able to see me — and the obsession in his heart will slowly fade on its own. After some time has passed, once Aunt takes him back to Jizhou, the truth can be told to him then. By that point, even if he wished to make a scene, there would be nothing he could do.”
Old Madam Ling thought it over and felt this was also a fine idea — both tactful and unlikely to wound either party’s dignity or feelings.
“Very well, let us do it your way.” Old Madam Ling’s brow smoothed, and she smiled: “You foolish child — falling ill and yet coming out of it sharper and more resourceful than before. You consider matters far more thoroughly than you used to.”
Ling Jingshu wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeve and replied sweetly: “Granddaughter watches Grandmother speak and conduct herself every day and always manages to learn a thing or two.”
This flattery was a touch blatant, yet Old Madam Ling found it most agreeable to hear. Then, thinking again of Ling Jingshu in the full bloom of her youth, afflicted with this strange ailment of unknown curability, she felt an even deeper surge of tenderness: “Traveling away from home, and seeking medical treatment on top of it — one must bring more silver along for security. In the next few days have your people quietly pack your things in secret, and come to your grandmother before you depart. Grandmother will make sure everything is properly prepared for you.”
Ling Jingshu expressed her gratitude with overwhelming emotion: “Grandmother, you treat me so well. I truly do not know what to say…”
“Foolish girl — would it not be far too distant and formal of you to say such things to your grandmother?” Old Madam Ling said with a smile: “Grandmother’s only wish in her heart is for you and A’Xiao to both be well. If this journey to the capital can restore A’Xiao’s sight and also cure your strange ailment, grandmother will have no further regrets.”
“As for marriage…” Old Madam Ling paused, then continued: “You are still young — there is no urgency in speaking of a match. Once your illness is cured and you have returned to Dingzhou, I will find you a fine match.”
Old Madam Ling did not yet know that when Ling Jingshu left Dingzhou, she had absolutely no intention of ever coming back.
Ling Jingshu replied softly in agreement.
Grandmother and granddaughter chatted on about this and that for a while longer before Ling Jingshu took her leave.
After all that effort and persuasion — winning over both Ling Wuye and Old Madam Ling, arranging everything in good order — the tightly wound string in Ling Jingshu’s mind finally eased a fraction.
Lu Qian’s nature was frighteningly obsessive. A direct refusal was entirely useless. Simply leaving like this might not put the matter to rest forever either. Still, it would at least get her through this immediate crisis for now.
These things, Ling Jingshu did not breathe a single word of to Ling Xiao: “…A’Xiao, I have already secured Father’s and Grandmother’s permission today. They have both agreed to let me accompany you to the capital for treatment.”
Ling Xiao was overjoyed: “Is that true? Both Father and Grandmother agreed?”
“Yes. Father will speak to First Uncle personally, and we will set out for the capital along with them. Grandmother also said she will prepare more silver for us to take along as security.” Ling Jingshu held Ling Xiao’s hand and said gently: “However, before we leave, we must keep this news secret. Apart from Father, Grandmother, and the two of us, no one else is to know.”
Ling Xiao was taken aback: “Not even Mother and Elder Brother?”
A chill glinted briefly through Ling Jingshu’s eyes, and her voice dropped low: “We cannot say anything. Especially not to Mother. She would never be glad to see your eyes healed and your condition restored to normal — we must guard against her interfering.”
Ling Xiao was startled again, an unsettled, chilling feeling spreading through him: “A’Shu, why would you suddenly say something like this? Mother may be cold and distant toward the two of us, but surely she would not actually harm me?”
Ling Jingshu answered his question with one of her own: “A’Xiao, do you truly believe that the fall that blinded you back then was simply an accident?”
Ling Xiao’s entire body gave a shudder, his beautiful yet unfocused eyes flooded with shock: “A’Shu… are you saying Mother secretly had someone harm me back then? But at the time, she was confined to her quarters recuperating from her pregnancy. It was Xia Yinniang who was managing the courtyard. The servants who waited on me were also selected by Xia Yinniang. After I fell, lost consciousness, and woke up unable to see, she was more frantic than anyone. She invited physician after physician to treat my eyes from every quarter…”
Ling Jingshu cut Ling Xiao off calmly: “It is precisely because her performance on the surface was so flawless that no one ever thought to suspect her.”
The words had formed at the tip of his tongue — do you have evidence? — yet Ling Xiao swallowed them back down in silence.
In terms of genuine closeness, Li Shi could not begin to compare with Ling Jingshu. Ling Jingshu devoted everything to his wellbeing; if he kept pressing and questioning, would he not be wounding Ling Jingshu’s feelings?
Ling Jingshu seemed to perceive what was on Ling Xiao’s mind, and softened her voice: “This is only my suspicion. I truly have no evidence to prove that what happened back then was her doing behind the scenes. Even so, taking a few extra precautions is never a bad thing. Let us keep it concealed for a few days more. When we are just about to leave, it will not be too late to let her know.”
By that time, even if Li Shi harbored all manner of resentment in her heart, she would have no time left to act.