Chapter 60

Chapter 60

"The Yan family agreed?" Lady Shen found it hard to believe.

In her eyes, Yan Yingqi was not the type to compromise when he felt he had done something wrong. Originally, Lady Shen had only come to ask out of courtesy.

Naturally, she discussed it with her husband: "Since the Yan family has agreed, let's set the wedding for the twelfth month. That way, it won't be too cold."

Mr. Shen thought about it. Yan Yingqi was currently jumping through hoops to secure the position of Minister of Rites, and he was well-connected, making him a strong candidate. In the future, he might advance even further. Now that the Yan family had agreed, it might be to make up for the failed marriage alliance between the Yan and Shen families last time.

To be honest, this Miss Yan San actually had a better background and character, and their son wouldn't be at a disadvantage.

Seeing Yan Yingqi's energetic demeanor, he could have another twenty or thirty years in his career. This match with the Yan family would be excellent.

"Very well, you can handle the arrangements," Mr. Shen nodded in agreement.

Lady Shen then went to discuss the details with the Yan family. Lady Jie said, "Lady Shen, I have a request. As you know, if it weren't for your proposal, we wouldn't have been willing to marry our daughter so soon. Shen Linfeng is an adult, but Yao Niang hasn't reached the age of marriage yet. If they consummate the marriage too early, it could harm their health. So, I request that we wait until she reaches the age of marriage before proceeding."

These words were taught to Lady Jie by Yan Yingqi, and she added her own thoughts.

"That is very reasonable," Lady Shen understood that the Yan family cherished their daughter deeply. The more they valued their daughter, the better it would be for their son-in-law in the future.

Lady Jie smiled, "Lady Shen, you are truly understanding. To be honest, I only have these two children, especially my daughter, who grew up with me. I am very reluctant to part with her. But her father says that we were at fault in the past, and now your request is justified. Linfeng has already entered the bureaucracy and indeed needs someone to take care of him. She is still young, and if there are any shortcomings, please be lenient."

Lady Shen, seeing Lady Jie's heartfelt words, nodded in agreement, "Parents' love for their children is truly touching. Rest assured, I will treat your daughter as my own. I will regard her as my daughter."

Words like treating her as a daughter, Lady Jie had heard from the old lady of the Shen family before, but the outcome was known to all, so she didn't believe it.

But on the surface, Lady Jie said, "Lady Shen, you are such a kind person. Our daughter having you as a mother-in-law is her great fortune."

Then, Lady Jie discussed many details, and they set the wedding date for the eighth day of the twelfth month, before the Winter Solstice, when Yao Niang would join the Shen family.

This meant that the wedding was only two or three months away. Originally, they planned for Li Shi to enter the family at the end of the year, but Lady Jie changed the date to the tenth month.

Even Yao Niang refused, throwing a tantrum at her parents: "Daughter should at least wait until next year. It's too early to marry. Why should we do what they say? I refuse; I won't marry."

Yan Yingqi pointed at her and said, "That's the attitude I want you to keep."

"Father," Yao Niang was really angry.

But Lady Jie privately explained, "If you don't marry now and go into mourning, even if you say you are from a different branch, your father is responsible for both branches, and the grandfather on that side is also your direct grandfather. You would have to wait three years before marrying. You must understand that Shen Linfeng is already an official in the Imperial Academy, and you can't be too complacent."

Only then did Yao Niang understand, but she hadn't heard any news before. Lady Jie repeatedly instructed her, adding, "If it weren't for your fourth sister being too young, your father originally planned for her to marry as well."

Yao Niang was now fifteen years old, and she would be fourteen and a half when she married. Although she was young, the consummation of the marriage wouldn't happen immediately. Ying Niang was one year younger than Yao Niang, which would indeed be too young.

"Doesn't that mean I'll be a bride in just a few months?" Yao Niang was speechless.

Lady Jie said, "What are you afraid of? In terms of the greater good, you are the one who will mend the relationship between the Shen and Yan families. Personally, your eldest sister's dowry will be given to you as compensation to the Shen family, and I will provide you with an additional dowry. Your father will contribute ten thousand from the family funds, and your grandparents will also contribute. My dear, you will gain both respect and material benefits. You will have to marry eventually anyway."

Lady Jie had come to terms with it.

"Mother, I really can't accept it. There are so many people in the Shen family, and I don't know anyone. What if Shen Linfeng changes his heart? And I wish I could marry at eighteen." Yao Niang grumbled, not wanting to leave her parents and familiar surroundings.

Lady Jie smiled, "My dear, a grown girl cannot stay with her parents forever. When I was your age, I married your father, knowing nothing. But you are ten times more knowledgeable than I was. The Shen family may not be bad."

Yao Niang felt that things were changing too quickly. Her mother even personally went to the Jinghai Marquis's residence to invite Lady Liu, the commander's wife, to be the Quanfu. Surprisingly, Lady Liu agreed.

To express her gratitude, Yao Niang painted a rose beauty portrait, as Lady Liu's name contained the character for "rose."

Lady Liu looked at Yao Niang and sighed, "I never thought it would be you who would become a couple. Don't worry, this time you will have a long and happy marriage."

"Thank you for your kind words," Yao Niang suddenly felt grown-up.

Lady Liu held the painting and looked at Yao Niang again, "Miss Yan San, with your appearance and character, you are truly a virtuous and talented woman. I believe you will have a good life."

Yao Niang stood up and thanked her, "Thank you for your efforts in our family matters last time. We are grateful for your help this time." She liked Lady Liu, the commander's wife, because most people would avoid them after the previous failure, but she came with a smile and promised to do her best.

Lady Liu waved her hand, "Don't say that. I am happy to help."

"I apologize for any inconvenience."

"How could there be any inconvenience? Honestly, Miss Yan San, I have traveled throughout the provinces, and I have never seen a more beautiful girl than you. The Shen family is fortunate to have you."

Yao Niang blushed, "You are too kind."

Lady Liu looked at the girl who seemed like a rose fairy in the painting, with flowers made into clothes, looking like a celestial being. Even more charming was the yellow bird in her hand, making her look even cuter. She had always had a good impression of Miss Yan San, and now that she received such a beautiful painting, how could she not like her?

Originally, she felt sorry for Shen Linfeng, as he was the worst off when Yan Ningxin eloped.

But now she thought, this young man was truly blessed, and this match was much better than the previous one.

Sometimes, losing in one place means gaining in another.

The engagement between Yao Niang and Yan Jingzhao proceeded simultaneously, and the main house's Lady Zhen was busy arranging the marriage for Qian Niang. Lady Zhen was naturally dissatisfied with Yan Yingqi marrying Yao Niang to Shen Linfeng, a talented man, and giving her the dowry originally intended for Yan Ningxin.

She hinted at her dissatisfaction, but Yan Yingqi's stance was clear: "All of this is to compensate the Shen family. We were at fault back then. If they don't want the dowry, we can't force them to take it. Yao Niang is taking the place of Ningxin."

Lady Zhen thought, what does it mean to take someone else's place? Why not let her own daughter take the place?

She finally realized that her husband was biased, and she couldn't argue with him. If she caused a scene, it would only make others think she was unpopular in the household.

"Yes, as you say," Lady Zhen replied, then casually mentioned, "I remember that Xin Shi is also of marriageable age. Sir, you praised the Zhou family's young master. If they were to marry, I think it would be a good match."

Yan Yingqi shook his head, "No, Zhou Lingguang is young and ambitious. My niece should find someone more steady. Leave the arrangements for Second Sister to you. I have already instructed the accountant."

"Yes, sir," Lady Zhen smiled in response.

Compared to the Yan family, Yao Niang had started to accept the reality, but Shen Linfeng felt that this matter was nothing short of a dream come true. He laughed heartily and asked, "Mother, is this really true? Is the Yan family willing to let their Divine Consort sister marry me?"

"Divine Consort sister? Is she the third daughter of the Yan family?" Lady Shen was somewhat taken aback by the name.

Shen Linfeng nodded eagerly, "Yes, that's her name. I only just found out myself. Mother, don't you think her name sounds beautiful?"

Lady Shen was surprised, "It does sound a bit divine."

Shen Linfeng stood up again, "Mother, Divine Consort sister loves swinging on swings. I'll have someone set one up in front of my courtyard later."

Seeing her son so joyful, Lady Shen felt a twinge of sadness, "At least try to be a bit more composed; it's been years since I've seen you like this."

Shen Linfeng couldn't hide his smile, "I'm not young anymore, and now that I finally have a chance to marry, how can I not be happy? I hope Mother won't blame me."

"I never thought the Yan family would actually agree to the marriage, and they even invited Lady Liu, the wife of Commander Liu, to be the Quanfu Lady. Although Lady Liu is young, she is quite capable," Lady Shen said with a smile, making small talk with her son.

Shen Linfeng wasn't particularly interested in these trivial matters and simply responded with an "oh." His mind was already wandering elsewhere. He needed to ask his clan uncle to send some Shu brocade, as it made beautiful and vibrant clothing.

Then he heard Lady Shen say, "Silly boy, your bride is still young. I was thinking that you might need two more maidservants to attend to you. I've discussed this with the Yan family, and Lady Yan agreed. When their young lady comes over, we'll make sure to settle everything properly. Don't worry, the two girls I've chosen for you are both very well-behaved."