Chapter 78

Chapter 79: Strategy

Eleven Miss was in high spirits. Upon returning to her room, she found the "Da Zhou Nine Domains Gazetteer" and reclined on the large heated bed by the window to read.

Dongqing beckoned Amber outside for a chat.

Knowing that the marriage was most likely not going to happen and that Eleven Miss was planning to become a nun, both were heartbroken and at a loss for words. As they stood there looking at each other, they saw Xu Mama and several maids accompanying Madam Du, who was from the elder madam of the Xu family's entourage, walking in.

Both were taken aback, but Madam Du had already seen Amber and Dongqing and greeted them with a smile, "What are you two doing standing here? Where is Eleven Miss?"

Amber and Dongqing hurriedly stepped forward to greet Madam Du, smiling, "Our Miss is engaged in reading inside. We stepped out for a walk to avoid disturbing her."

"Oh!" Madam Du's eyes twinkled slightly as she smiled, "I have been sent by the elder madam to deliver something to Eleven Miss. Would you kindly inform her?" Her tone was very polite.

As representatives of the elder madam, they dared not show any negligence. Dongqing went personally to inform her, while Amber drew back the curtain to usher Madam Du inside.

Madam Du admired the tasteful arrangement of orchids and verdant leaves on the flower stands and long tables in the room, nodding in quiet approval. Seeing Eleven Miss dressed in a somewhat worn stone-blue brocade jacket, her face radiant with a natural glow, Madam Du was even more pleased.

Last year, she was still a little girl, but this year she had changed significantly... truly reflecting the saying that a girl changes greatly as she grows.

She offered a smile and a bow to Eleven Miss, saying, "The fan you embroidered was of exquisite craftsmanship, and she was exceedingly fond of it. As it happens, the apricots at home have ripened, so she asked me to bring some for you to taste." As she spoke, a young maid standing behind her presented a box.

Amber took the box, and Eleven Miss expressed her gratitude to the elder madam for her thoughtfulness. Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Madam Du rose to take her leave.

Eleven Miss sensed that something was not quite right and ordered Amber to open the box.

Inside were green apricots, no bigger than lotus seeds, clearly unripe and inedible.

They had specifically sent apricots...

Her expression changed slightly, and she immediately instructed Amber, "Go and ask what Madam Du discussed with the matriarch."

Amber had an inkling of what was going on and quickly responded, "Yes," then went to Coral.

Soon, she returned, "Miss, Madam Du did not come alone. She was accompanied by the old Marquis of Yongchang. It is said that the old Marquis was entrusted by the elder madam to propose marriage. The patriarch had already given his consent and personally wrote your birth date for the old Marquis to take to the Yongping Marquis Estate."

Eleven Miss still held a sliver of hope, "Could it be that what Fifth Brother-in-law said was untrue?"

"No," Amber gently shook her head. The elder madam knew about this matter, which is why she sent Madam Du to see the matriarch. She also said that the Xu family is not ungrateful or untrustworthy. Since the marriage contract has been agreed upon, it should be honored. Other matters would be handled by the Xu family, and the matriarch should rest assured and prepare the dowry. The wedding would take place once the Marquis returns. The matriarch was very pleased and is discussing with the elder madam about preparing the dowry for you!"

Eleven Miss took a deep breath.

Other matters would be handled by the Xu family!

This is the true Xu family, isn't it?

The strength hidden beneath their low-key demeanor!

Eleven Miss had considered this before. Since the Emperor prevented the Empress Dowager's relatives from entering the palace, it indicated that the Emperor currently had the power to do so and also subtly revealed his attitude towards the Empress Dowager's relatives approaching the core political circle. She thought that with Lord Xu not at home, the Xu family might not notice. Unexpectedly, the elder madam was truly a woman of decisive action. Not only did she notice, but she also acted swiftly and decisively...

She had underestimated the Xu family of Yongping Marquis Estate!

Eleven Miss's expression became more serious.

Dongqing, however, was very happy, "Heaven has mercy! The Marquis has not let our Miss down."

Eleven Miss couldn't help but frown.

Binju nodded repeatedly, "Who says otherwise? The Marquis will return in May, let's hope nothing changes by then." She then asked Amber, "Don't you think so?"

Amber seemed a bit absent-minded. When Binju asked her, she responded with an "Oh," and vaguely said, "If everyone agrees, I don’t have any objections either!"

Binju was a little annoyed.

Ever since Amber went to Ten Miss’s room to flaunt herself, Binju had not been able to warm up to her.

Meanwhile, Eleven Miss felt a small pang in her heart.

"...When I went, she was reading. It was 'The Nine Regions of Da Zhou.' The cover was worn and frayed, showing it was well-read. She was wearing a somewhat old stone-blue jacket and looked very calm." The elder madam nodded slightly, "I didn’t expect her to be so calm at such a young age. I was initially worried about her, but now it seems unnecessary."

"It’s not unnecessary!" Madam Du laughed, "You’re looking out for her! If she knew, she’d surely be grateful." She added, "When I explained my purpose, the Luo family members looked pleased. Like you, I was a little worried about Eleven Miss. But when I saw her, she was no different from usual. Her demeanor alone is enough to match Lord Xu."

The elder madam nodded, a hint of relief in her eyes, "That’s good, very good. I just hope she can fulfill her duties after marrying into our Xu family and help our family thrive." She then asked, "What did the Luo family say?"

"The matriarch said that Ten Miss’s marriage will be finalized in the next couple of days. She assured us not to worry, as the marriage will go smoothly."

The elder madam was slightly surprised, "Ten Miss’s marriage is already in the works?"

Madam Du smiled, "From what I gathered, it’s already decided. However, the matriarch didn’t elaborate, so I didn’t press further. Should I send someone to inquire?"

"No need," the elder madam shook her head dismissively, "She always likes to be secretive. It’s better we don’t meddle." Their conversation gradually shifted to Lord Xu’s marriage. "The date is set so quickly, but we mustn’t skimp on the formalities. Have the third son repaint the small courtyard east of the main house for the new couple. As for furniture, there’s no need for the Luo family to rush; items bought in a hurry are rarely good. I remember I have a set of huanghuali wood dowry, let’s give that to them. Also, see where in the courtyard we can plant some flowers and plants, and get it done before summer starts. I heard that when Fifth Miss married, she had four maids and two families as dowry. Following that, it might not be enough. Eldest Miss’s former people can stay if she wishes, otherwise, they can remain in their original courtyard. Carefully pick a few clever maids and kitchen staff for her..." She detailed everything meticulously.

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Meanwhile, the patriarch had sent someone to fetch Lord Wang. Hearing that the Luo family wanted to rush the marriage, Lord Wang, aware of the recent rumors about the Yongping Marquis Estate, understood the situation and agreed with the patriarch to set the engagement date for the second day of the fifth month and the wedding for the tenth day of the fifth month.

The matriarch was quite pleased.

The patriarch, however, felt uneasy, "It’s a bit unfair to Ten Miss!"

The matriarch pursed her lips and did not respond, instead discussing the dowries with the patriarch.

"For Ten Miss, we’ll follow Fifth Miss’s standard. For Eleven Miss, I want to give a bit more. Although it’s also twenty-four items, the quality should be better, and the quantity slightly more... so she won’t feel disadvantaged when she marries into the Xu family."

The patriarch, uninterested in these trivial matters, simply said, "You handle these matters. Just make sure no one gossips!"

The next day, when the Wang family’s steward accompanied Lord Wang to collect the dowry list for the official marriage documents, the steward muttered, "Just one courtyard and a hundred acres of land!" His tone was quite disdainful.

The patriarch, hearing this clearly, turned red with anger, "Our family has more than one daughter. We won’t shortchange any, nor will we favor one at the expense of others. If you find it unsatisfactory, then return our daughter’s birth details!"

The Wang family was taken aback by the patriarch’s firmness.

Lord Wang, however, was furious and glared at the steward, coldly saying, "Am I the matchmaker here, or are you?" This silenced the Wang family’s steward.

Eleven Miss felt disheartened upon hearing this.

The Wang family’s attitude clearly showed they did not respect the Luo family. But she had her own worries.

When Fifth Miss married, she took two families and her attendants with her. Recently, the matriarch bought two maids and two families, presumably for Ten Miss. It seemed she could only take four maids and two families... No matter what, the Luo family had to maintain fairness on the surface.

Deciding whom to take with her was a problem.

Eleven Miss intentionally asked Amber, "...What do you think we should do?"

Amber’s face showed a hint of seriousness.

She knew this was a crossroads and an opportunity she had earned through her diligent service to Eleven Miss over the past year.

Although she was given by the matriarch, Eleven Miss would surely take her to the Xu family. But what after that? The matriarch wouldn’t clash with Eleven Miss over a maid. Moreover, she had been closely observing Eleven Miss and found her not just gentle and kind—her gentleness was mixed with aloofness and politeness, her kindness with low-profile and endurance. What most alarmed her was that Eleven Miss never complained. Whether treated unfairly or hearing unpleasant rumors, she remained calm and composed... After all, Eleven Miss was only a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl!

Whenever she thought of this, Amber felt a bit scared.

What would it be like if Eleven Miss ever lost her temper?

The thought flashed by, but she didn’t hesitate for a moment, "Dongqing is already twenty this year, with many family responsibilities. If you leave, the matriarch might hastily pair her with a servant." Amber honestly shared all she could think of, "Dongqing must be taken. Binju serves you very diligently, and although Zhuxiang doesn’t speak much, she was introduced by the concubine, and I think she’s quite good. As for Qiu Ju, she’s clever but a family servant... Once we’re at the Xu family, there might be things she can’t find out."

She meant that Dongqing, Binju, and Zhuxiang were all loyal to her. Qiu Ju, whose parents were in the Luo family, could help gather information, but at the Xu family, her advantage would be lost. If one had to be eliminated among the five, it should be Qiu Ju. Quite insightful.

However, a significant reason for keeping Qiu Ju was that she didn’t want to put her in a difficult position later. After all, no one knew what would happen after she went to the Xu family, especially what demands the matriarch might make. If it was just about protecting Chun Ge’s life, that was her duty and manageable. But she feared the matriarch might have other intentions...