Eleventh Young Lady smiled and said: “Whether there is genuine sincerity, I cannot say for certain, but the Zhuo Family’s genuine desire to form a marriage alliance with us — that much is real.”

The Grand Matriarch gave a slight nod and said: “Tomorrow is Elder Chen’s family wedding, isn’t it? When you go, you might as well chat more with Madam Li and Zhou’s Third Young Mistress. Let word spread that the Zhuo Family wishes to form a marriage alliance with us!”

Eleventh Young Lady was somewhat surprised.

The Grand Matriarch smiled and said: “She came herself today to deliver the Dragon Boat Festival gifts, and then went to see Zhen Jie’er. Those who don’t know may be fine, but those who do know will likely think our two families are close to making a match.”

Eleventh Young Lady suddenly understood and smiled: “Even if I say something to Madam Li and Madam Zhou, it would only be women’s talk — it doesn’t count for anything official.”

“Exactly.” The Grand Matriarch smiled and said, “But don’t say too much either. If the marriage doesn’t come to pass, you don’t want to find yourself in an awkward position.”

If she said too much and the marriage fell through, people would inevitably speculate that she had no voice in household matters.

Eleventh Young Lady smiled and replied, “Yes,” when a young manservant came in: “Chief Steward Bai says the man the Marquis sent to gather information has returned. Should he come in directly to report, or shall a Nanny be sent to inquire?”

The Grand Matriarch smiled and said: “I’m already old — let him come in directly to report!”

The manservant acknowledged and left. In the room, aside from Nanny Du and a few women over fifty who remained to serve, everyone else withdrew.

Eleventh Young Lady sat in the west side chamber accompanied by Hupo. The room was perfectly quiet, and the words spoken in the main hall could be heard with complete clarity.

“Although he is from a branch of the Wang Family, it is from the legitimate line. His grandfather once helped manage the household affairs of the main family. In the generation of Young Master Wang’s father, there were five brothers — he was the second. The fifth uncle became the Commissioner of Fujian Province. Young Master Wang’s father once passed the licentiate examination, but his subsequent examinations went poorly. Five years ago, he took over the family business within the branch and helps manage household affairs. His mother is from Baoding, and her family is also a prominent clan in that area. After marrying in, she bore three daughters and one son. She is known for her humble and gentle nature, and is well regarded among the sisters-in-law as a woman of virtue. Of the three daughters, one married into Baoding, one married the nephew of Official Li, Deputy of the Court of Judicial Review, and one married the son of Scholar Han of the Hanlin Academy — all respectable and upstanding families. Master Wang has always been strict with Young Master Wang. Despite his young age, the young master carries himself with composure and steadiness. He formerly studied at the Wang Family clan school, and later studied under Scholar Han of the Hanlin Academy. Last year, he just passed the preliminary civil examination. By his side is a maidservant who has served him since childhood, three years older than he is.”

The Grand Matriarch rewarded him one tael of silver and dismissed him. She then turned to ask Eleventh Young Lady: “What do you think?”

Eleventh Young Lady thought about that maidservant who was three years older than Young Master Wang… yet she understood that in the eyes of the Grand Matriarch and others, this was not really a concern at all. She smiled and said: “I wonder what the child looks like?”

“It’s not as if you’re deciding this very moment.” The Grand Matriarch heard this and smiled, “It just so happens the fourth son is away from home — you can look around at your leisure.” She then shared some amusing stories about matchmaking, and when Zhun Ge returned from school, asked him a few questions about his studies.

Zhun Ge answered with animated enthusiasm, and Eleventh Young Lady felt reassured.

Then Second Young Mistress came with Zhen Jie’er and Xu Lingkuan, and Fifth Young Mistress came with Xin Jie. Knowing that Xu Lingyi had gone out on business, no one was particularly surprised. After Xu Siyu and Xu Sijie arrived, the whole family ate together in a festive mood. Second Young Mistress stayed with Zhen Jie’er to attend to the Grand Matriarch as she rested, while everyone else returned to their own quarters.

Eleventh Young Lady had barely stepped through the door when Wen Yiniang and Qiao Yiniang arrived right behind her.

The two of them paid their respects to her, and Eleventh Young Lady raised her teacup in acknowledgment.

Qiao Lianfang bent her knees slightly, about to bow and take her leave, when Wen Yiniang suddenly produced two handkerchiefs from her sleeve: “Madam, would you take a look at these two handkerchiefs and tell me what you think?”

Eleventh Young Lady accepted the handkerchiefs.

One was moon-white, embroidered with the design of the goddess Magu presenting birthday gifts; the other was bright red, with a phoenix perching among parasol trees.

Wen Yiniang stepped forward a few paces until she stood before Eleventh Young Lady and smiled: “A few days ago while sorting through my trunks, I thought of these two handkerchiefs with their fine embroidery, and also remembered that Madam has expertise in such matters. I specifically searched them out. I do not know whether Madam will like them or not.”

The patterns were intricate, the needlework exquisite — they were truly rare and exceptional pieces.

Why this sudden impulse to give her handkerchiefs?

Could it be because of the words Xu Lingyi had used to reproach Qin Yiniang?

Eleventh Young Lady saw Qiao Lianfang standing to the side and felt it would be inappropriate to refuse. She smiled and asked Hupo to put them away: “Zhen Jie’er has just been learning needlework these days — let her have a look and broaden her horizons.”

Wen Yiniang’s face immediately broke into smiles: “As long as Madam can find a use for them, that is all that matters.” She then added, “The Marquis is not at home — why don’t I come keep night watch tonight?”

Not just Eleventh Young Lady, but every maidservant and matron in the room looked surprised.

Was this not being a little too servile?

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became somewhat strange.

“Madam has always been generous and kind to us — we ought to have some awareness too.” Wen Yiniang quickly smiled and explained. “The truth is, when the Marquis is usually home, he and Madam have so much to talk about that this servant doesn’t feel it proper to always be coming and going in Madam’s presence.” As she said this, she covered her mouth and laughed, casting a glance at Qiao Lianfang.

Qiao Lianfang paused, her lips pressing tightly into a line.

“…Today, seeing that the Marquis is away from home, it seems only right that this servant do her part.”

Wen Yiniang addressed her as “Madam” at every turn and referred to herself as “this servant” throughout, reminding Eleventh Young Lady of the saying: *Those who offer favors without cause are either treacherous or thieves.*

“There is no need!” Eleventh Young Lady smiled and raised her teacup again. “When I have need of you, I will give my instructions.”

Qiao Lianfang bowed her head in acknowledgment and withdrew. Wen Yiniang looked as though she still wished to say something, but Eleventh Young Lady had already risen and was heading toward the inner chamber. A flicker of disappointment crossed Wen Yiniang’s eyes, and she too withdrew.

The next day, Eleventh Young Lady had barely gotten out of bed when Hupo leaned close and said quietly: “Madam, Wen Yiniang came before it was even light out!”

What matter could make her so urgent?

Thinking of Wen Yiniang’s persistence, Eleventh Young Lady considered for a moment, then said: “Let her in — she will not rest until she has spoken her piece!”

Hupo smiled and went out to invite Wen Yiniang in.

Wen Yiniang saw Eleventh Young Lady seated at the dressing table and hurried over. Smiling, she held up the box of hairpins and ornaments: “Madam has dressed your hair in a tree-peony style today — are you going out?”

At home, Eleventh Young Lady usually twisted her hair into a simple bun.

“Today is Elder Chen’s family wedding.” Eleventh Young Lady gestured toward the small stool nearby. “Wen Yiniang, please sit down and speak.”

Wen Yiniang smiled and sat down on the small stool.

Eleventh Young Lady had a young maidservant bring her tea.

Wen Yiniang sat beside her, making idle conversation.

“Madam’s garment today is so beautiful. Was it a gift from the Palace during the New Year? This servant sees it is quite fashionable…”

Whether Elder Chen and Xu Lingyi were on close terms, Eleventh Young Lady did not know, but between their households’ womenfolk, there was no occasion for calls unless something significant arose. So Eleventh Young Lady going to attend the wedding banquet was different from the Gan Family — the Gan Family was a relation by marriage, so she needed to go and offer congratulations on the day the trousseau was displayed. The Chen household was a colleague family, so as long as she arrived for the main banquet that evening, it would not be considered discourteous. Although it was still early, she still needed to pay her respects to the Grand Matriarch, manage household affairs, and review Zhen Jie’er’s embroidery from the previous day… With Wen Yiniang continuing to circle around without ever coming to the point, she had no choice but to say: “Why has Wen Yiniang not come together with Qiao Yiniang?”

Wen Yiniang seemed to hesitate at this, and spoke with some faltering: “This servant… this servant heard that yesterday, the wife of Deputy Minister Zhuo of the Ministry of War came in person to deliver the festival gifts to Madam…” She gazed at Eleventh Young Lady with eyes full of expectation. “And also specifically went to see the First Young Lady…”

So it was about Zhen Jie’er’s marriage!

No wonder she had been speaking in such roundabout terms yesterday in front of everyone.

Eleventh Young Lady sighed inwardly.

No matter how indifferent Wen Yiniang had appeared toward Zhen Jie’er ordinarily, now that the turning point of Zhen Jie’er’s fate — her betrothal — had arrived, a mother’s heart is bound to her child. She could no longer watch from the sidelines with cold detachment. She had even placed herself in a position of humility, fearing to offend those who held the power to change Zhen Jie’er’s destiny…

She thought of Fifth Yiniang. She thought of her own fears and anxieties when she had been in the Luo household.

Eleventh Young Lady pointed to the embroidered cushion stool beside her and said: “Wen Yiniang, come sit closer and speak.”

Wen Yiniang stared at Eleventh Young Lady in astonishment.

Eleventh Young Lady nodded, her expression serious: “Please, come sit closer.”

Only then did Wen Yiniang dare believe what she had heard. She moved with hesitant, restrained steps to the embroidered stool and sat down.

Eleventh Young Lady then dismissed the serving attendants from the room and sat facing the mirror to put on her earrings herself.

“Let me help!” Wen Yiniang quickly rose and stepped forward.

“There is no need!” Eleventh Young Lady gently shook her head, and told Wen Yiniang everything about Madam Zhuo’s visit in full detail.

Wen Yiniang listened with brightening eyes: “Then the First Young Lady…”

“The Marquis’s intention is to observe a while longer,” Eleventh Young Lady said. “The mourning period has only just ended.” She then told Wen Yiniang about Madam Zhou acting as matchmaker on behalf of her nephew, and Madam Li seeking a match for her second son. “The Marquis and the Grand Matriarch have both instructed me to go about and make inquiries. When I attend Elder Chen’s family wedding today, I also hope to meet the eldest daughter-in-law of Elder Liang’s family — she should also be attending the Chen family wedding…” She spoke softly of her plans.

As Wen Yiniang listened, the tension visibly left her body. She saw Eleventh Young Lady rise to fetch her clothes after putting on her slender earrings of red gold set with moon-white jade magnolia flowers, and eagerly moved to help her dress.

Eleventh Young Lady gently declined.

The two exchanged polite words, and seeing Eleventh Young Lady’s determination, Wen Yiniang finally relented and stood to the side watching — yet several times appeared about to say something, then held back.

After all, the matter concerned Zhen Jie’er’s future, and Wen Yiniang was not the kind of woman without her own views. She would certainly have opinions of her own.

Eleventh Young Lady simply asked her directly: “Does Wen Yiniang have something she wishes to say?”

And finding Eleventh Young Lady’s manner so candid and open, Wen Yiniang weighed her words carefully before saying: “In my view, the Zhuo Family is the better choice!”

Eleventh Young Lady was somewhat taken aback.

Wen Yiniang quickly explained: “By all accounts, the Wang Family sounds the best. But above Young Master Wang there is Madam Zhou’s branch, and below him the branch with a Provincial Commissioner in Fujian. It is a large household that cannot easily be divided. Who knows when Young Master Wang will have his own opportunity to rise? In the end, he will be living at others’ mercy. The Zhuo Family may be simpler, but Deputy Minister Zhuo comes from a military background and has served as a garrison commander for many years out in the field — his family is certainly very prosperous. Furthermore, he is one of the Marquis’s former subordinates…”

She meant that Deputy Minister Zhuo would certainly be wealthier than Young Master Wang’s family, and would, for the Marquis’s sake, treat Zhen Jie’er with great regard.

“Moreover, although Madam Zhuo is young, Deputy Minister Zhuo is already in his twilight years. If something were to happen… she would have to think carefully for the sake of her two sons’ futures. Otherwise, why would she be willing to humble herself so completely?”

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