Yining came back to her senses and followed Old Madam Wei and Wei Ling into the main hall. She knelt before them and said, “Grandmother and Father, you’ve gone to great lengths for my marriage. I’m very grateful, and this situation arose because of me… But I have something to say. I’ve never met Second Young Master He. Marrying him rashly would be no different from marrying Cousin Cheng Lang.”
Cheng Lang had already told her that Second Young Master He wasn’t clean either. Yining didn’t want to deal with a stranger’s affairs right after getting married.
Old Madam Wei, thinking Yining disliked Second Young Master He, said gently, “Why don’t you meet him first, Yining? I’ll invite his grandmother to bring him over for tea tomorrow. You can observe from behind a screen.”
Yining shook her head and said, “Grandmother, you misunderstand. Marriage is a major life decision that should be made by you two. I should simply obey—” It would be improper for a young lady to arrange her marriage. But in her case, Yining wanted to try. After all, she had her guards as part of her dowry! “Why don’t you let me choose for myself?”
She already had a plan. Her third brother had once offered to help her. She wondered if his word still held after all this time.
She had made up her mind after witnessing so much lately. How could she not have thought of it—
If she were to truly marry someone, marrying a stranger like Second Young Master He would require adjustment after the wedding. She didn’t know his character or how he would view her. Could they determine he was a good person based solely on having a “gentle and honest personality”? That seemed far too arbitrary!
In that case, why not marry Luo Shen Yuan?
He was, after all, the future Grand Councilor. Countless young ladies dreamed of marrying him. She would be taking advantage of the situation.
If this went on any longer, who knew when it would end? She didn’t want to struggle anymore. But she wasn’t sure of Luo Shen Yuan’s current intentions, so she said nothing.
Wei Ling sighed, “Very well! You can choose. With your father backing you, your in-laws won’t dare mistreat you!”
Yining stood up, smiling as she curtsied to thank Wei Ling. She then said softly, “Regarding today’s incident with Cousin Cheng Lang, Father should ensure the household staff keep quiet…”
Wei Ling nodded. Even without Yining’s reminder, he would have helped conceal the matter. The Duke of Ying’s household had deep ties with the Cheng family. Even if the marriage fell through, Cheng Lang was still Yining’s cousin. Wei Ling was also planning to visit the Cheng family tomorrow to explain the situation to Old Master Cheng. With Cheng Lang’s mistress pregnant, it became a matter of lineage—too significant for Cheng Lang to handle alone.
Old Madam Wei asked Yining to accompany her to the small Buddha hall in Jing’an Hall to burn incense. Praying to Buddha would help calm their minds, and she wanted to soothe Yining’s mood. Yining agreed, supporting the old madam’s hand as they returned to Jing’an Hall.
Wei Ling took a sip of tea and summoned the steward of Zhigao Hall. He ordered him to call in the maids and servants who had been stationed outside earlier, one by one, for questioning.
By now it was evening. Outside Yuijing Hutong, where the Duke of Ying’s mansion was located, the area was bustling. Peddlers set up stalls, the beef shop was cutting meat, and the cold tea stand had already closed for the day. With the cold tea season-ending, they would soon start selling soy milk. A carriage, surrounded by guards, passed through the busy market area and stopped at the gates of the Duke of Ying’s mansion.
The entrance to the mansion, however, appeared tranquil. The noise from the market was distant, and the red gauze lanterns under the eaves were already lit, befitting the style of an aristocratic household.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and a calling card was handed out from inside. The guard at the gate, recognizing its importance, immediately bowed and said, “Please wait a moment, Lord Luo. I’ll announce you right away.”
Wei Ling was delighted to hear that Luo Shen Yuan had arrived. During the battle at Pingyuan Fort, if not for Luo Shen Yuan informing him about the spy and planning the counterattack strategy, Wei Ling might not even be alive today. Moreover, he had heard that earlier that day, the Emperor had issued an edict praising Luo Shen Yuan for his contributions in managing flood control through river dredging and wooden piling techniques, promoting him to Vice Minister of Works.
Wei Ling had the servants invite Luo Shen Yuan in.
Moments later, he saw Luo Shen Yuan walking in slowly, bowing to him: “Your Grace, it’s been a while.”
He wore the court dress of a third-rank civil official—a scarlet robe with a red and white silk sash, leather belt, and official pendant. It accentuated his tall, straight posture, giving him an air of solemnity.
Luo Shen Yuan sat beside Wei Ling as a servant brought tea. Wei Ling smiled and said, “Congratulations are in order. You’re now the Vice Minister of Works. At your age, others would consider themselves lucky to be a sixth-rank department director.”
“It’s thanks to my teacher’s strong recommendation. Otherwise, with my experience, I’d have to wait a few more years,” Luo Shen Yuan replied with a smile.
Though Wei Ling was a military official, he was no brainless warrior. He knew how difficult it was to become a third-rank official. Luo Shen Yuan was just steps away from the Grand Secretariat. Of course, Wei Ling didn’t mention this. He took a sip of tea and thought of Yining’s marriage prospects. Suddenly, an idea struck him!
Of course! He had been worrying. Luo Shen Yuan was Yining’s third brother and now an important figure in the court. Why not ask him to help think of a solution? He must have quite a few connections by now.
“Your timing is perfect,” Wei Ling said. “Since the palace banquet, I’ve been worried about Yining’s marriage. Her grandmother suggested the He family’s second son, while I considered her cousin Cheng Lang. But neither seems suitable. Now Yining is in a difficult position, and I don’t know what to do.”
Wei Ling continued, “You and I have a deep relationship, a bond forged through life and death. You’re also Yining’s third brother. As they say, ‘An elder brother is like a father,’ so you’re almost like a senior relative to Yining. Why don’t you help advise us? Do you have any suitable candidates in mind?”
Luo Shen Yuan remained silent for a moment.
Yes, in others’ eyes, he was just Yining’s elder brother. They couldn’t imagine anything else. Wei Ling had always treated him as a peer, considering him almost a senior relative to Yining.
Luo Shen Yuan said, “Actually, I came here for this very matter.” He looked up and said steadily, “…Your Grace, I’ve come to propose marriage.”
“I wish to marry Yining.”
Wei Ling turned his head abruptly upon hearing this, his mouth agape.
It took him a long time to recover before he asked again, “Lord Luo, what did you just say?”
“I know Yining is in a difficult situation, and a hasty marriage is unlikely to yield a good match,” Luo Shen Yuan had anticipated Wei Ling’s reaction. He set down his teacup and said, “But marrying me would solve her problems. As her brother, I will naturally protect her and ensure she isn’t mistreated. I’m now a third-rank official, so she would enter the household with the title of a third-rank lady. Moreover, I’m busy with court affairs all day, so I have no time for other matters. My household is quite peaceful.”
Wei Ling finally regained his composure.
Yining’s third brother wanted to marry her. From his tone, it seemed he wanted to help Yining.
But he was Yining’s brother, who had watched her grow up!
Wei Ling looked at Luo Shen Yuan again. Of course, he had to admit that the likes of Second Young Master He couldn’t hold a candle to him. He was already the Vice Minister of Works, his appearance was impeccable, and his skills and strategies were formidable. How else could he have established himself in the court full of old foxes?
Although he was Yining’s brother… they weren’t blood-related! His willingness to make such a sacrifice for Yining showed his genuine care for her.
Wei Ling’s tone softened involuntarily: “While that may be true, I’m certainly grateful that you’re willing to help her like this. But if you’re sacrificing yourself to help her, I must advise you to think it through carefully. After all, if you truly marry, Yining will be your wife no matter what. You won’t be able to change your mind later.”
Had Wei Ling misunderstood?
Luo Shen Yuan laughed bitterly to himself. He desperately wanted to marry Yining. If he truly just wanted to help her, he had plenty of other means. Why would he need to sacrifice himself?
In this matter, it was unclear whose desires were being fulfilled. The Duke of Ying thought too highly of his selflessness. He was the one who wanted this, not Yining.
“You don’t have any better candidates,” Luo Shen Yuan added. “From what I know, He Wenqing had an affair with his father’s maid and was caught. The maid was later beaten to death and dragged away. As for Yining’s cousin Cheng Lang, his affairs are in disarray. It’s better if I marry Yining. I can give her the honor and dignity she deserves when she marries, and I can protect her.”
Hearing Luo Shen Yuan’s words, Wei Ling stood up and paced back and forth.
The He family’s second son had such a scandal. Truly, appearances can be deceiving. Getting involved with his father’s maid was utterly immoral. Fortunately, Yining hadn’t agreed!
Luo Shen Yuan’s reasoning made sense. His willingness to marry Yining was the best option. Even Cheng Lang couldn’t compare to him… What was there to worry about? Losing Cheng Lang but gaining Luo Shen Yuan!
“That’s indeed excellent!” Wei Ling sighed with relief and sat down. “I think this can work. As for your sibling relationship—we’ll say that when Yining was fostered in your family, Old Madam Luo had already arranged this marriage. But seeing that Yining was still young, you never mentioned it. Now that Yining has grown up, it’s natural to bring it up.”
The more Wei Ling spoke, the more he felt this could work: “With my testimony, surely no one will say anything. You’re at the peak of your career now, and the Emperor values you highly. Others wouldn’t dare to criticize.” He stood up and called for a servant, asking him to summon the young miss. Turning back with a smile, he added, “This girl just said she wanted to make her own decision about marriage. We should ask for her opinion.”
Yining, upon hearing that Luo Shen Yuan had arrived, returned to the East Garden with her maids.
When she reached Zhigao Hall, she only saw Wei Ling sitting on the high seat, a faint smile in his eyes. She felt confused.
Turning around, she saw Luo Shen Yuan standing behind her. He wore his formal scarlet court robe, the official pendant hanging down, looking tall and straight. The evening sun shone on his shoulders and profile, casting patches of light and shadow. He smiled slightly and extended his hand, saying, “Yining, come with me.”
Where did he want her to go?
Yining was led out of Zhigao Hall by him. Outside, through the weeping willows, the vast expanse of the setting sun was visible. The lush vegetation made it feel like a dream.
Luo Shen Yuan stood beside her, his voice deepening as he said, “I’ve come to propose marriage.” Yining wanted to say something, but he shook his head, “Yining, if you still can’t accept me, at least agree to this. There’s no other way. I promise we can remain as siblings for now, until you’re willing to… Is that alright?”
Yining didn’t know what to say.
She had been ready to agree to marry him all along.