On a sunny day, Jiang Si took Aman to the Treasure Pavilion to choose some jewelry. Since her grandmother had given permission, she certainly wouldn’t refuse out of pride.
The Treasure Pavilion was one of the top jewelry stores in the capital, frequented mostly by ladies from wealthy families. Although these ladies could have jewelry sent to their homes for selection, women throughout history seemed to share a common trait – even if they didn’t buy anything, just going out for a stroll put them in a different mood.
As Jiang Si was selecting jewelry, a middle-aged woman with a gentle demeanor but ordinary attire was looking at a tray full of accessories, seemingly dazzled by the choices. She glanced at Jiang Si and smiled warmly, “Would this young lady mind helping me with something?”
Although Jiang Si hadn’t expected the woman to suddenly address her, she showed no sign of surprise. With a gentle smile, she asked, “What can I do for you, Madam?”
Jiang Si’s polite yet warm response made the woman’s smile even more genuine. “I get overwhelmed when I see so many things and can’t decide. I was hoping you could give me some advice.”
The woman’s request wasn’t unreasonable, and Jiang Si certainly wouldn’t refuse such a small favor. She stepped closer and asked, “What kind of jewelry are you looking for, Madam? Hairpins, earrings, or bracelets?”
The woman slightly furrowed her brow, “Any of those would do.”
Jiang Si asked further, “Are you buying for yourself or as a gift? If it’s a gift, may I ask the age of the recipient?”
The woman smiled, “It’s a gift. My niece from my maiden family is coming to visit in a few days, and I want to prepare a couple of welcome gifts for her. As for her age,” the woman glanced at Jiang Si and said, “She’s about the same age as you, young lady.”
Hearing this, Jiang Si had a good idea of what to choose. Her eyes scanned the gold and silver jewelry, and she quickly picked out three items.
One was a golden willow leaf hairband with filigree work, another was a pair of red jade earrings with kingfisher feather inlay and pearl drops, and the third was a box of silk flowers with pearl centers.
“Does the young lady like these?” the woman asked, somewhat hesitantly.
Jiang Si smiled and explained, “For girls our age, elaborate hairpins can be too much. This golden hairband is appropriate and elegant without being overstated – it’s a safe gift. However, since you’re giving it to your niece, there’s no need for it to be overly expensive. I think these red jade earrings and this box of exquisitely crafted pearl silk flowers would probably please the young lady…”
As Jiang Si patiently explained her thoughts, the woman was secretly observing her, her smile deepening the more she looked.
“Thank you so much, young lady. Without your help, I really wouldn’t have known how to choose today.”
“You’re too kind, Madam. I’m glad if my suggestions were helpful.”
“You’re the one being polite, young lady. If you’re not busy, would you like to join me for tea at the teahouse next door? It would be my way of showing my gratitude.”
Jiang Si politely declined, “Although I’d love to have tea with you, Madam, I’ve been out for a while and should be heading back now.”
“I see. Well, take care then, young lady. I hope we’ll have the chance to meet again someday.”
As soon as Jiang Si left, Madam Zhen hurriedly went to a private room in the neighboring teahouse.
Seeing Madam Zhen enter, Zhen Shicheng asked with a smile, “How did it go?”
Judging by his wife’s expression, she was satisfied.
Madam Zhen nodded with a smile, “She’s indeed a fine girl. I deliberately wore ordinary clothes today and asked for her help in choosing jewelry. Of the three items she picked, the most expensive was a golden filigree hairband. This type of hairband looks elegant but is light and not too costly. The other two items are things young girls like but aren’t expensive. It shows that this girl has a kind heart and can considerately think from others’ perspectives. What’s more impressive is that she could express herself beautifully without making others feel uncomfortable. Moreover, for a young girl to be so patient with a seemingly ordinary stranger is truly rare…”
After listening to Madam Zhen’s long commentary, Zhen Shicheng rubbed his ears and asked, “Are you satisfied now?”
Madam Zhen wanted to nod but felt it would be losing face, so she just gave Zhen Shicheng a sideways glance.
Zhen Shicheng laughed heartily, “Shall I go and have a word with the Earl of Dongping then?”
“Go ahead. Haven’t you seen how distracted that boy Heng has been these past few days? If we don’t act soon, I’m afraid he’ll develop lovesickness.”
While “developing lovesickness” might be an exaggeration, Zhen Heng had indeed been feeling unsettled these past few days.
He had never believed in love at first sight, but the way that young lady had appeared before him was too special, and her beauty was breathtaking.
After all, Zhen Heng was just a young man in his prime. If the girl who had fallen from the sky that day had been ugly, he certainly wouldn’t have allowed these romantic thoughts to continually ferment, eventually leading to the idea of proposing marriage.
He wondered if his father had gone to talk to her father yet.
Zhen Heng took out the scroll and looked at it again, his heart full of anticipation.
Zhen Shicheng had arranged to meet Jiang Ancheng for tea at the Tianxiang Teahouse.
When Zhen Shicheng tactfully brought up the matter of their children’s marriage, Jiang Ancheng was completely stunned.
Had he heard correctly? Someone was interested in his daughter? Although he knew his daughter was wonderful and someone was bound to recognize her value, this seemed too sudden.
“Although my son isn’t outstanding, he has some talent for studying. I believe he’ll be able to support a family with his abilities in the future. Please rest assured about that, Brother Jiang.”
Jiang Ancheng nodded, “Brother Zhen’s son is much more promising than that unfilial son of mine.”
The two had exchanged some tips on educating (disciplining) their sons that day, and out of curiosity, Jiang Ancheng had inquired about Zhen Heng.
What he found out left him amazed.
Composing poetry at three and reading history at seven was impressive enough, but to have earned the title “Young Master Jade” by defeating a talented youth from Xiliang shortly after arriving in the capital – this was truly someone else’s child.
Zhen Shicheng waved his hand dismissively, “It’s all the same. Sons always give their parents worries. But don’t worry, Brother Jiang. Our family doesn’t have a tradition of taking concubines, and my son will be the same. If he dares to take a concubine, I’ll be the first to break his legs.”
Hearing this, Jiang Ancheng was immediately interested.
Not taking concubines was indeed a great advantage. If Brother Xie hadn’t had a concubine back then, there wouldn’t be such troubles now.
Jiang Ancheng had long decided that since his eldest daughter was already married, there was nothing he could do about it. But if his son ever dared to take a concubine, he’d give the little brat a good slap to knock some sense into him. As for Si’er, she should marry a man who would be devoted to her alone. Otherwise, it would be better to keep her at home for life rather than let her suffer in the future.
Indeed, for Jiang Ancheng, who cherished his daughter like a precious jewel, this one point outweighed a thousand other virtues in a potential son-in-law.
Zhen Shicheng, being perceptive, noticed Jiang Ancheng’s obvious interest and stroked his beard with satisfaction.
This marriage proposal was very likely to succeed.
Jiang Ancheng, still rational, pondered for a moment and said, “My wife passed away early, and my daughter has her own opinions. I’d like to ask for her thoughts on this matter before deciding.”
Zhen Shicheng was momentarily surprised, then nodded, “Of course, that’s only natural.”
No wonder Miss Jiang was so independent; she had an unusual father.
Thinking that he too was an unusual father, Zhen Shicheng felt even more favorably towards Jiang Ancheng.
After bidding farewell to Zhen Shicheng, Jiang Ancheng returned to the Earl of Dongping’s residence and excitedly called Jiang Si to his study.