Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Frightened by the incident with Yan Ningxin, Yan Yingqi and Lady Zhen were determined to play it safe when it came to Qian Niang's marriage. Qian Niang had been writing letters to Zhao Fang all along, only to find out that Zhao Xian had married the daughter of a local scholar, which left her deeply disappointed. Fortunately, what was lost in one place was gained in another. Now that the gloom at home had lifted, they had arranged an excellent match for her.

When Ying Niang came to visit Yao Niang, she said, "Guess what? Sister Zhao ended up marrying into our family after all."

"How so?" Yao Niang paused her embroidery work.

Ying Niang smiled, "Madam Jun has no son, so she adopted a nephew from the clan. It just so happened that Sister Zhao could marry him."

Yao Niang nodded, "A cousin marriage, making us even closer." After their return, they had kept their relationship with the Shen family a secret from everyone except Yan Yingqi and Yan Jingzhao, especially since Shen Linfeng had yet to pass the imperial examinations, and his future was uncertain.

Ying Niang, who had a lot on her mind, continued, "You know, Second Sister has been secretly writing to Sister Zhao. But the Zhao family only wants to marry their daughter into our family. High families marry daughters to lower families; they’ve figured this out well."

"Is that so?" Yao Niang laughed.

Ying Niang huffed, "Why not? Besides, it’s almost impossible for the Zhao family to marry Second Sister, but marrying Zhao Fang here is very likely."

"That’s true," Yao Niang agreed, knowing that Qian Niang’s feelings for Zhao Xian were not as simple as they seemed. She asked, "I wonder which family Second Sister mentioned. Do we know them?"

Ying Niang replied, "There are some leads. It’s the Wen family, whose head recently became Prime Minister again."

Yao Niang nodded, "So it’s the Prime Minister’s family. What a wonderful match."

"Wen Prime Minister has seven sons and three daughters. The one being considered is the youngest, and the age difference between the older brothers isn’t significant," Ying Niang added.

The match seemed excellent, but there were concerns. Even if he were Prime Minister again, how long would it last? Three to five years would be generous. With so many sons of similar ages, would the youngest benefit from the family’s influence?

But Yao Niang still said, "Being from the Prime Minister’s family is better than most others."

Ying Niang thought of Shen Linfeng and remarked, "High birth is good, but nothing beats earning it yourself. If he passes the imperial examinations, that would be truly strong."

"You’re right. As the saying goes, the blessings of a gentleman last for five generations, but if the son is unworthy, what good is high birth? The decline of a noble family is common," Yao Niang said, feeling less anxious about the future because even without their father, they had their brother and grandfather, both high-ranking officials.

Ying Niang loved hearing this and sat down to watch Yao Niang embroider. She couldn’t help but ask, "What are you embroidering?"

"Summer is coming, and it will get hot again. I’m making some handkerchiefs for myself," Yao Niang said, usually painting and playing the zither in her free time.

Ying Niang sighed, "We have to go to the Gong family tomorrow. I’m increasingly reluctant to go out."

Yao Niang replied, "If the adults say we should go, we can’t refuse, can we?"

In Ying Niang’s view, with Qian Niang’s marriage settled and Shen Linfeng’s examination results pending, her own marriage would soon be discussed. It was said that Father originally intended for Second Sister to marry Wang Mian, but Wang Mian had already been chosen as a son-in-law. Finding a young scholar now wouldn’t be easy.

"Hey, Fourth Sister, is your cousin coming with us?" Yao Niang tied off a thread and asked about Zhen Li.

Ying Niang replied, "Of course, she’s also our cousin."

Yao Niang smiled, "Speaking of cousins, I think of Cousin Xin Wan. She’s not young anymore. I wonder what her family thinks?"

Mentioning Xin Wan, Ying Niang was taken aback, "If you hadn’t brought it up, I might have forgotten."

While Ying Niang chatted, Yao Niang thought about other things. Her father had always been close to Vice Premier Gong. Now, with Second Sister marrying the Prime Minister’s son, did this mean Father was aligning himself with the Prime Minister?

No wonder Father didn’t seem too concerned about the Shen family’s proposal this time.

However, in politics, such alignment was risky. If you could betray one person, you might betray another. This was a matter of integrity.

With the three-year term nearing its end, whether Father would be promoted or retained depended on the court’s recommendation. Perhaps this marriage was a sign of loyalty.

She thought deeply, while Ying Niang, watching her embroider, eventually dozed off.

After finishing the handkerchief, Yao Niang saw Ying Niang sleeping and instructed everyone not to disturb her, covering her with a blanket. Qingdai whispered, "Fourth Miss is really sound asleep."

"She always falls asleep easily. I admire her," Yao Niang smiled and shook her head.

The next day, she accompanied Lady Jie, Lady Zhen, and Ying Niang to the Gong family. Lady Jie, now an Anren, no longer had the status of a secondary wife.

The Gong family knew that regardless of what Lady Zhen said, Yan Jingzhao was Lady Jie’s son. They wouldn’t hesitate to interact with Lady Jie now that she was an Anren.

"Mother, I’m so happy to be able to go out with you," Yao Niang said joyfully.

Lady Jie patted her daughter’s head, "But you’ll have to socialize with many people. It’s better to be alone sometimes."

In reality, Lady Jie wanted to find a suitable match for Yan Jingzhao. She had no leads, and Lady Guan had visited three times, her intentions clear.

Unexpectedly, at the Gong family, they met Lady Shen, Shen Mo, and the wife and daughter of the Deputy Minister of Revenue, Lady Li and her daughter. These families were close, so seeing each other here was not unusual.

Lady Shen had met Yao Niang once before, about two years ago. Seeing Lady Jie and her daughter enter, she observed them closely. Lady Jie, though slightly younger than Lady Zhen, looked around twenty, very young and innocent, with a lively charm. As for the third daughter of the Yan family, she stood out among her sisters, wearing the same dress but appearing exceptional.

Her beauty surpassed her mother’s. Even in an orange-red dress, she looked graceful and charming, with a touch of youthful innocence, yet not entirely childlike. Her figure was well-proportioned, making her exceptionally attractive.

Yao Niang, of course, noticed Lady Shen and Shen Mo. Thinking of Shen Linfeng, she resolved not to show any signs.

"Greetings to Madam Gong and Lady Gong," Yao Niang bowed immediately.

Seeing Yao Niang again, Lady Gong couldn’t help but exclaim, "It’s been a while since I last saw you. You’ve grown even more beautiful." To Lady Gong, Yao Niang was the true daughter of heaven, with a grandfather as a first-rank governor, a father as a Minister of Appointments, and a brother as a junior compiler in the Imperial Academy, all while possessing both beauty and talent.

Yao Niang replied, "You flatter me, Madam. I am but a simple girl." Her fair cheeks turned pink, as if she were blushing.

"Tsk tsk tsk, Second Lady, I don’t know how you raised such a lovely daughter. Anyone who sees her would be delighted," Lady Gong held Yao Niang’s hand tightly.

Lady Jie waved her hand, "She’s quite mischievous at home. It’s her second sister who is quiet, and Fourth Sister is even better."

Such words from Lady Jie were rare, and both Lady Gong and Lady Shen understood why Yan Yingqi loved her. Her character was superior to Lady Zhen’s. Lady Zhen felt a pang of jealousy, never expecting the third daughter to take such a different path, possibly with her husband’s help, keeping it all a secret from her.

But she suppressed her displeasure, acting like a close sister to Lady Jie, and introduced her to Lady Gong, "My younger sister is the most reserved and modest. The third daughter is the same. Honestly, I wish the third daughter were my own. Look, the sachet I’m wearing was embroidered by our third daughter."

One must always appear generous and magnanimous when outside, Zhen thought. Whatever Xie could do, she would strive to do even better.

Otherwise, if the family's reputation suffered, it would harm all the unmarried girls in the household. The Yan family could no longer afford any more scandals.

Lady Shen nodded upon seeing this. Apart from Yan Ningxin, everyone else in the Yan family seemed quite normal.

People like Lady Gong, at this stage, naturally praised everyone to their satisfaction, without showing any special favor on their faces. The young ladies also accompanied their mothers, sitting obediently by their sides, listening to the adults converse.

Yao Niang glanced at Miss Li sitting opposite her. It was said that Mother had come today specifically to see this young lady. Miss Li had been in mourning for three years at home and was now seventeen, very beautiful, though somewhat slender.

Thinking of how Yan Jingzhao preferred plump and charming women, Yao Niang believed that Mother usually took her and her brother’s preferences into account and might just let this matter go. However, choosing a wife shouldn’t be based solely on appearance; one should also consider temperament.

"This is black tea, not the kind we usually drink. Why don't you try it and see how it tastes?" Lady Gong smiled.

Lady Shen, who was fond of tea, nodded. "I find it quite good. But I can't get used to Enshi Yulu. Someone gave me some recently, but it tastes like water."

"It seems you prefer strong tea. I have some Pu'er that just arrived. You should try it; even our old lady finds it delicious," Lady Gong said with a smile.

Such occasions were actually quite boring, mostly about food, clothing, and daily life, but one had to pretend to listen attentively and respond appropriately, which required considerable skill.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lady Gong said, "The Marquis of Chengguo’s polo match is said to be held this year. You can all go and enjoy it. We didn’t have such things in our youth; it’s better for the younger generation."

Lady Li then said, "My daughter doesn’t know how to play either. I was hoping Lady Gong could help us find a teacher."

"Of course, I do know someone," Lady Gong replied.

At this moment, Shen Mo suddenly asked Yao Niang, "Miss Yan San, how is your polo training coming along?"

Yao Niang shook her head. "I’m not very good at it."

"If you don’t mind, I can teach you," Shen Mo offered.

Lady Shen nodded inwardly. Whether it succeeded or not, they had made an effort, avoiding any accusations of discord from Lord Gong. So, Lady Shen smiled and said, "Yes, why don’t you sisters come to our house? We have a horse field. Although my sister Shen isn’t the best at polo, she can certainly teach you."

Yao Niang looked at Xie. Xie wouldn’t be as ostentatious as Yan Ningxin had been. Since the Shen family hadn’t formally proposed, how could she allow her daughter to go to the Shen family? If it worked out, fine; if not, all previous efforts would be in vain.

Therefore, Xie said, "Thank you for your kindness, Lady Shen. We will definitely visit and learn from her when we have the chance."

She neither agreed nor disagreed, and visiting to learn might mean never visiting again. Lady Gong, who moved among these families, knew more than others. Xie was Yan Yingqi’s confidante and understood him best. It seemed that Shen Mo wouldn’t be a match for Yan Jingzhao.

Xie indeed hadn’t considered Shen Mo, knowing well about her connection to Prince Qi’s heir. It was said that the prince had already started selecting a bride in his fiefdom, so Shen Mo wouldn’t marry there. Given her past relationship with the Yan family, it was unlikely.

Lady Shen’s face stiffened momentarily but quickly returned to normal. Zhen felt relieved, but seeing Lady Li opposite her, her mood inexplicably improved. She glanced at Miss Li again. Could it be her?

Miss Li felt somewhat inferior. Seeing the three Yan girls dressed in splendid attire and behaving with arrogance, especially Miss Yan San, who was truly a great beauty, she felt disheartened. Despite spending two years slimming down, she still couldn’t match their beauty and figure.

"This cake is delicious," Yao Niang said after taking a bite of the mung bean cake, finding it sweeter than usual. She whispered to Ying Niang.

Ying Niang, due to Lady Shen’s presence, maintained a refined demeanor, while Miss Li explained, "The mung beans are peeled before being made into the cake, with a bit of red bean paste added. Instead of sugar syrup, we use sweet osmanthus honey."

"Oh, Miss Li knows a lot about food," Yao Niang smiled.

Miss Li blushed slightly, embarrassed. She had always been fond of eating, which was why she couldn’t lose weight, but her culinary skills were excellent.

Seeing Yao Niang asking questions, Lady Li said proudly, "My daughter has other talents, but she loves making soups and cakes. Wherever we go, she always asks for recipes. I didn’t want her to cook, as a young lady shouldn’t risk getting her skin oily, but she insists."

"I will definitely ask Miss Li for advice in the future," Yao Niang’s eyes sparkled.

Miss Li’s face turned slightly red, but she was sincere, "If you like mung bean cakes, I’ll make some and send them to you in a couple of days."

As the conversation turned to food, Xie and the other ladies, being experienced matrons, also shared their insights. Yao Niang, seeing that her mother had steered the topic, breathed a sigh of relief.

Unexpectedly, two days later, Miss Li really sent several boxes of mung bean cakes, tasting exactly like those at Lady Gong’s, and even included the recipe.

"Miss Li is indeed sincere. She really sent the mung bean cakes," Yao Niang put a piece in Xie’s mouth.

Xie smiled. "They are quite good."

"Mother, could Miss Li become my future sister-in-law?" Yao Niang asked.

Xie smiled but remained silent.

This time, choosing a bride must be done carefully, with thorough investigation.

Yao Niang then sent a box of hibiscus tea to the Li family. Miss Li found the hibiscus tea beautifully packaged and drank it with her favorite small teapot that day, even sharing it with her mother.

Lady Li was amused and exasperated. "Look at you, acting like a child. You’re already seventeen."

"So what? The tea Miss Yan San sent is really good. Just try a sip," Miss Li insisted on feeding her mother.

Lady Li poked her daughter’s head. "You’re so grown up, yet you act like a child. You need to think about finding a good husband. Although you’re the daughter of a Deputy Minister of Revenue, finding a young and talented man isn’t easy."

Miss Li, of course, understood. She recalled the fleeting glimpse of the Yan family’s eldest son picking up the ladies, her heart racing.

But she couldn’t say anything because she couldn’t compare to Shen Mo. Her family, though of the Li clan from Longxi, had only risen to prominence in recent generations, with her father achieving success. Her mother was a second wife, and her brothers had different mothers.

Actually, marrying Yan Jingzhao wasn’t her main concern. She found Miss Yan very beautiful and adorable, with no sense of class distinction.

Xie wasn’t very skilled at reading people, but Yan Yingqi, having served as Deputy Minister of Appointments for years, prided himself on his ability to judge character. When Xie included Miss Li in her considerations, he suggested, "It’s easy to fake for a short time, but hard to maintain long-term. Why not invite Miss Li to our home for a visit?"

"That’s a good idea," Xie approved.

Suddenly, Yan Yingqi added, "Shen Linfeng is going to take the imperial examination tomorrow."

Xie was puzzled. "What are you telling me this for?"

"Aren’t you thinking of marrying Yao Niang to him?" Yan Yingqi thought he was just reminding her.

Xie shrugged. "Let him go."

Yan Yingqi was speechless: "I'm telling you, that boy submitted fifty essays, and I heard they were better one after another. He's the only one in our dynasty to pass the third level."

"So what? I don't think the Shen family has any intention of it." Jie Shi even felt her daughter wasn't inferior at all.

Yan Yingqi wanted to pinch her cheek but was afraid of hurting her, so he finally flicked her nose: "You silly girl, if he passes the examination, he will be the youngest talent in our dynasty. The emperor will meet him personally, and his future prospects are boundless. Where will your daughter stand then? Sometimes people need to be bold. What does it matter if Lady Shen approves or not? If Shen Linfeng recognizes our daughter, that's enough."

After saying this, he whispered a long string of instructions in Jie Shi's ear.

Jie Shi looked at her husband with difficulty and said somewhat dazedly: "Yingqi, if you were a woman, I wouldn't be able to compete with you."

Yan Yingqi wasn't angry; instead, he laughed heartily: "That means I can thrive anywhere. You take your honest daughter and listen to me tomorrow, understand?"

**

After passing the fifty essays, the next step was the palace examination. Two others were also participating, both of whom were truly talented. Shen Linfeng was actually quite nervous inside.

Lady Shen, of course, knew her son would be taking the examination the next day, so she came over specially that evening.

"Lin'er, you're taking the examination tomorrow. Mother believes you will do well."

Shen Linfeng nodded: "I will do my best, Mother."

Lady Shen smiled again: "Your father also believes you can do it. He told me not to let you work too hard. Why don't you rest early today?"

"I can't sleep, Mother. I want to read a bit more," Shen Linfeng said.

Lady Shen didn't say much, fearing it might affect his mood.

The next day, Yao Niang got up early to dress, with Jie Shi urging her: "Yao Niang, hurry up. Your brother's carriage is already waiting."

"Isn't Brother at the Imperial Academy? Why does he have to come?" Yao Niang applied lip rouge to her lips.

Jie Shi waved her hand: "He has already taken leave. Hurry up, wear this veil. Your father said you should dress nicely today."

Yao Niang showed a reluctant expression: "Why does Father have to manage everything?"

Jie Shi teased: "Your father is no ordinary man. Really, I used to think he was just good in politics, but now I realize he knows a lot. He really has several tricks up his sleeve."

Unfortunately, Yao Niang had woken up before dawn to get dressed and yawned: "Mother, Father's idea is terrible. I still want to sleep."

"Good daughter, hurry up!" Jie Shi urged.

Yao Niang finally got up and glanced at Jie Shi, who waved her hand: "Go quickly."

Yao Niang nodded heavily.

Outside, Yan Jingzhao was waiting for her. It was the first time Yan Jingzhao had done something like this, and he felt a bit awkward: "Sister, our carriage will go faster. Hold on tight."

"Okay." Yao Niang got into the carriage.

Yan Jingzhao, who claimed to have no experience, thought to himself that his father was indeed a opportunist. Before, when it wasn't clear whether Shen Linfeng could participate in the palace examination, his father held back. Now, he acted swiftly, reacting too quickly.

It was said that while others were still watching, his father had already made his move. There was also the second sister who was to marry the seventh son of Prime Minister Wen. His father said that although this person was average in the imperial examinations, he excelled in overall management.

The second sister was a concubine-born child, which didn't affect her marriage prospects, but the person she was to marry needed to stabilize the Yan family. This way, the Yan family could dispel the shadows and, if the third sister and Shen Linfeng could become a couple, it would be a perfect match, indicating that the Yan and Shen families remained harmonious. The Yan family highly valued Shen Linfeng.

Having such a brother-in-law as Shen Linfeng would be great, especially since he had heard that during the journey back to the capital, Shen Linfeng and the third sister got along quite well.

As he thought, the carriage arrived at the destination. Surprisingly, Shen Linfeng arrived later than they did. He had stayed up late the previous night and slept in the next morning, drinking a bowl of ginseng soup to regain his energy.

Unexpectedly, he saw Yan Jingzhao as soon as he got off the carriage. Yan Jingzhao walked over quickly and congratulated him: "Brother Shen, congratulations on making it to the palace examination."

Shen Linfeng smiled: "Thank you." But seeing him come specifically to find him, he couldn't help but ask: "Is there something Bojing needs from me?"

Yan Jingzhao pointed to a nearby carriage: "It's not me looking for you, but someone else is looking for you."