The senior maid Qing Jun hurried in, her voice excited: “Old Madam, Minister Su from the Ministry of Rites has come to visit.”
Old Madam Deng hadn’t yet reacted when Old Lady Jiang couldn’t help but say: “Is it that Minister Su who also serves as Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy?”
“Replying to the Old Lady, it is indeed Minister Su.”
Old Lady Jiang curled her lip: “Sister-in-law, your eldest son hasn’t gotten into trouble, has he?”
She had long felt it was a miracle that her dim-witted nephew had managed to stay safely in the Hanlin Academy for over ten years. What was meant to come had finally arrived.
Old Madam Deng’s face darkened: “Old Lady, you cannot speak carelessly. Hong Song, go invite the master to receive the guest. Qing Jun, help me go see Minister Su.”
“I’ll go with my sister-in-law. If there’s trouble, I can help mediate for your eldest son.” Old Lady Jiang also stood up.
Old Madam Deng shook her head and went to the front reception hall.
Minister of Rites and Chancellor of Hanlin Academy, Su He, was drinking tea. Upon seeing Old Madam Deng arrive, he put down his teacup, stood up to greet her, and spoke directly: “Old Madam, I’ve come as a matchmaker for Marquis Jing’an’s residence.”
Old Madam Deng couldn’t help but be stunned upon hearing this.
Although she had just told Old Lady Jiang that Marquis Jing’an’s residence might come to propose marriage again, that was only said in anger. In her heart, she thought it completely impossible. Who knew Marquis Jing’an’s residence would send someone again, and this time, besides the matchmaker, they had invited the Minister of Rites!
Regardless of whether she agreed or not, at least at this moment, seeing Old Lady Jiang’s extremely shocked expression, Old Madam Deng felt elated.
Third Girl was so promising – she was indeed her granddaughter!
Seeing Old Madam Deng stunned, Su He cleared his throat: “Old Madam?”
Old Madam Deng came to her senses, her heart already full of conflict.
That Marquis Jing’an’s residence could invite the Minister of Rites as matchmaker showed their complete sincerity. Although Zhaozhao was a bit young, young girls would always grow up. Being able to marry Marquis Guanjun and become a First-Rank Marquis’s wife was surely better than remaining an old maid in the Li family for life.
Should she agree? Agree? Or agree?
Just as Old Madam Deng was struggling internally, she suddenly felt Old Lady Jiang pull her from behind and immediately sobered up.
She couldn’t be impulsive, absolutely couldn’t be impulsive!
Old Madam Deng coughed and said seriously, “Minister Su, I understand your purpose, but marriage matters require parental consent. As a grandmother, it’s not proper for me to overstep my bounds. Please wait for my eldest son to arrive, and Minister Su can discuss with him.”
Su He was taken aback.
He had heard that his dim-witted subordinate was very filial and respectful to this old mother. How could this old madam not interfere in her granddaughter’s marriage?
Old Lady Jiang began coughing violently.
Was this old sister-in-law of hers stupid? The Minister of Rites had personally come to the door, yet she was still putting on airs!
Her eldest son had told her that due to poor handling of the Qiao family fire case in Jia Feng, once the current case was concluded, punishment was certain. The Li residence’s situation wouldn’t be good then. Now there was finally an opportunity for advancement, yet the West Residence didn’t know how to seize it!
This whole family must be sick!
Li Guangyan’s wife, Lady Wu, stood behind Old Lady Jiang, her eyes turning cold.
This was the difference between her mother-in-law and the West Residence’s Old Madam.
If her mother-in-law had been as reasonable as the West Residence’s Old Madam, how would her Jiaojiao have ended up with her current reputation?
Old Madam Deng looked over with concern: “Is the Old Lady tired? Lady Wu, quickly help the Old Lady return to the East Residence to rest early.”
Since Old Madam Deng was dismissing her in front of Minister of Rites Su He, Old Lady Jiang naturally couldn’t say more. Full of frustration, she was helped away by her daughter-in-law.
Just after leaving the West Residence gate, Old Lady Jiang sternly ordered: “Send someone to watch the West Residence. Report any news immediately!”
Lady Wu mockingly tugged at her lips and said gently: “Understood.”
Given her mother-in-law’s condescending attitude toward the West Residence over the years, even if Third Miss truly climbed to high branches, the East Residence probably wouldn’t benefit.
Her mother-in-law’s eyes were blind, and her heart had become muddled too.
But she didn’t care. Let this old lady make a fuss – otherwise her master would be dissatisfied again.
Soon, Li Guangwen hurried from Yahe Courtyard to the reception hall.
Upon seeing Su He, Li Guangwen was shocked and muttered: “It’s not that serious, is it? I just skipped work once, and you chased me to my home?”
Su He stroked his beard helplessly: “What nonsense are you muttering? Do I have that kind of free time?”
Li Guangwen secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Good, he wasn’t here to complain to his mother!
“Then Minister, you’re here to—”
“I’m here to propose marriage.”
Li Guangwen looked wary: “Minister, I remember you only have one grandson who hasn’t married, right? And he’s only eight years old.”
A son-in-law too young wouldn’t know how to be caring, and at least wouldn’t make green pepper and pork strips as drinking snacks for him.
Su He was both amused and exasperated: “Keep talking nonsense and I’ll dock half a year’s salary!”
Li Guangwen mentally calculated.
His monthly salary was eight shi, half a year wasn’t even fifty shi, while his prospective son-in-law’s annual stipend was two thousand shi—
Thinking this way, dock away freely – it couldn’t get any less anyway.
Su He was almost amused by Li Guangwen’s completely indifferent expression. Remembering his purpose, he ultimately didn’t scold and explained why he had made this trip.
“Marquis Jing’an’s residence is seeking marriage with our Third Miss for their second young master?” Li Guangwen blinked. “Their residence’s second young master is Marquis Guanjun, right?”
“Correct.”
“Then fine, I agree.”
Su He nearly spat out the tea he had just sipped.
Hadn’t he heard that not long ago, a matchmaker had been driven away from the Li family? He thought he’d need to spend effort persuading them. The other party agreeing so easily left him somewhat unprepared.
Old Madam Deng was also surprised and cleared her throat as a reminder: “Eldest son, you know what you’re saying, right?”
“I know. Minister Su is serving as a matchmaker for Marquis Jing’an’s residence. I think it’s good, so I agreed.”
Su He suddenly felt quite pleased.
So this dim-witted subordinate agreed because he was serving as matchmaker – his face was quite valuable!
“Since you’ve agreed, I’ll go back and tell Marquis Jing’an. The rest can be discussed properly between your two families. This guarantor’s job is complete.”
“Minister Su has worked hard, please stay for tea.” Old Madam Deng said quickly.
Su He waved his hand: “Never mind, I’d better take the good news to Marquis Jing’an sooner.”
Just after Su He left the Li family, those watching the Li residence quickly spread this news to various households.
Jinlin Guards Commander Jiang Tang received this news and thought it over repeatedly, finally sighing.
Although His Majesty had intentions of recruiting Marquis Guanjun as an imperial son-in-law, he hadn’t spoken explicitly. He’d better report this news to His Majesty tomorrow. Otherwise, being rewarded with immortal pills twice in one day was too much to bear.
Early the next morning, Jiang Tang hurried to the palace, only to learn from Wei Wuxie that His Majesty had entered seclusion for cultivation.
“Grand Commander, please return. Last night, the National Teacher observed the stars and saw that within seven days, there would be purple qi coming from the east, extremely suitable for seclusion cultivation. His Majesty will emerge from seclusion in seven days.”
Jiang Tang touched his nose and went back.
In the imperial palace, the newly appointed National Teacher gently sighed.
Marquis Guanjun’s favor was not easy to repay.