Chapter 313

Chapter 318: Bustling (Part 1)

Elevenniang smiled and said, "I can't tell how much sincerity there is, but it's clear the Zhuo family genuinely wants to form this marriage alliance with us."

The Dowager nodded slightly. "Tomorrow is Minister Chen's family wedding, isn't it? When you go, make sure to chat more with Lady Li and Lady Zhou. Let the news spread that the Zhuo family wants to marry into our family!"

Elevenniang was somewhat surprised.

The Dowager chuckled. "Today, she personally delivered Dragon Boat Festival gifts and even went to see Zhenjie. If others don’t know, it’s fine, but if they do, they’ll likely assume our two families are close to sealing the deal."

Elevenniang suddenly understood and smiled. "Even if I say something to Lady Li or Lady Zhou, it’s just women's gossip and doesn’t count for much."

"Exactly," the Dowager agreed with a smile. "But don’t overdo it. If the marriage doesn’t happen, you might end up in an awkward position."

If she spoke too boldly and the marriage fell through, people might assume she had no say in the household.

Elevenniang smiled and acknowledged, "Understood." Just then, a page boy entered. "Steward Bai says the men Lord Xu sent to gather information have returned. Should they report directly, or should we send a matron to inquire?"

The Dowager smiled. "At my age, let them report directly."

The page boy left. Except for Madam Du and a few other matrons in their fifties attending, everyone else withdrew.

Elevenniang sat in the western side room with Amber. The room was quiet, and every word from the main hall could be heard clearly.

"Though a collateral branch of the Wang family, they are of the main lineage. His grandfather once managed the family’s internal affairs. By his father’s generation, there were five brothers, with his father being the second. The fifth uncle is the Fujian Provincial Administration Commissioner. His father earned his xiucai degree but made no further progress. Five years ago, he took over the family business, assisting with internal affairs. His mother is from Baoding, her family being an established gentry family. After marriage, she bore three daughters and one son. She is known among her sisters-in-law for her humility and virtue. The three daughters married well—one to a family in Baoding, one to the nephew of the Court of Judicial Review’s Magistrate Li, and one to the son of Han of the Hanlin Academy—all respectable and upright families. Mr. Wang has always been strict with his son, who, though young, behaves with maturity. He first studied at the Wang family school and later under Han of the Hanlin Academy. Last year, he passed the tongsheng examination. He has a bondmaid who has attended him since childhood, three years his senior."

The Dowager gave the messenger a silver tael and dismissed him. Turning to Elevenniang, she asked, "What do you think?"

Elevenniang thought about the bondmaid three years older than Mr. Wang... She knew this wouldn’t be an issue in the Dowager’s eyes, so she smiled and said, "I wonder what the child looks like?"

"It’s not like you have to decide now," the Dowager laughed. "Since Lord Xu isn’t home, take your time considering options." She then shared some lighthearted marriage stories. When Chun Ge returned from his lessons, she asked him a few questions about his studies.

Chun Ge answered excitedly, and Elevenniang felt reassured.

Later, the Second Madam arrived with Zhenjie, while Xu Lingkuan and the Fifth Madam came with Xinjie. Learning that Lord Xu was away on business, none showed particular surprise. When Xu Siyu and Xu Sijie arrived, the family shared a congenial meal together. The Second Madam stayed with Zhenjie to attend to the Dowager, while the others retired to their own courtyards.

Elevenniang had barely entered when Lady Wen and Qiao Lianfang arrived.

After making their greetings, Elevenniang served tea.

As Qiao Lianfang began a slight curtsey to take her leave, Lady Wen suddenly produced two handkerchiefs from her sleeve. "Madam, what do you think of these?"

Elevenniang took them.

One was pale blue embroidered with Magu Presenting Peaches, the other bright red with a phoenix alighting on wutong branches.

Lady Wen stepped closer and smiled. "I found them while sorting my trunks the other day. The embroidery is exquisite, and knowing your expertise, I thought you might appreciate them. I hope you like them."

The designs were intricate, the needlework refined—truly exceptional specimens.

Why suddenly gift her handkerchiefs?

Was it because of Lord Xu’s reprimand to Qin Yi?

Not wanting to refuse in front of Qiao Lianfang, Elevenniang smiled and had Amber accept them. "Zhenjie has been learning needlework lately. Let her study fine examples."

Lady Wen’s face lit up. "I’m glad they’re of use." She added, "Since Lord Xu isn’t home, perhaps I could stand night duty?"

Not just Elevenniang, but even the maids and matrons in the room exchanged startled glances.

Isn't this attitude a bit too servile?

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned somewhat peculiar.

"The madam has always been generous with us, so we ought to be more mindful," Lady Wen hurriedly explained with a smile. "It's just that when His Lordship is home, he and Madam have so much to talk about, and it wouldn't be proper for me to always be around." She covered her mouth with a light laugh and glanced at Qiao Lianfang.

Qiao Lianfang froze slightly, her lips pressing tightly into a thin line.

"...Today, seeing that His Lordship isn't home, I thought it only right to do my part."

Lady Wen repeatedly addressed her as "Madam" and referred to herself as "this unworthy one," which reminded Eleven Miss of the saying, "Unwarranted flattery often hides ulterior motives."

"That won't be necessary!" Eleven Miss smiled and lifted her teacup again. "I'll summon you if I need anything."

Qiao Lianfang lowered her head and replied with a "Yes," then withdrew. Lady Wen seemed about to say more, but Eleven Miss had already risen and headed toward the inner chamber. A flicker of disappointment flashed in Lady Wen's eyes before she, too, retreated.

The next morning, just as Eleven Miss had gotten out of bed, Amber whispered in her ear, "Madam, Lady Wen arrived before dawn!"

What could be so urgent?

Considering Lady Wen's persistence, Eleven Miss pondered for a moment before saying, "Show her in—she won't leave until she's had her say!"

Amber smiled and went to fetch Lady Wen.

Upon seeing Eleven Miss sitting before the dressing table, Lady Wen hurried over, beaming as she held a box of hair ornaments. "Madam, why have you styled your hair in a peony hairstyle today? Are you going out?"

Ordinarily at home, Eleven Miss simply tied her hair casually.

"The Chen household is celebrating a wedding today," Eleven Miss pointed to a small stool nearby. "Lady Wen, please sit and speak."

Lady Wen smiled and took a seat on the stool.

Eleven Miss had a maid serve her tea.

She sat nearby, keeping up polite conversation.

"Madam, this dress of yours is so beautiful. Was it a gift from the palace during the New Year? It seems quite fashionable..."

Eleven Miss wasn't sure how close Minister Chen and Lord Xu were, but the ladies of their households seldom called unless for major occasions. Thus, this banquet was different from the Gan family's—the Gan family were relatives by marriage, so their presence was expected, and they had to offer congratulations on the dowry display day. Minister Chen's family were colleagues, so arriving in time for the evening banquet was sufficient. Though it was still early, she still needed to pay her respects to the elder madam, handle household affairs, and inspect Zhenjie's needlework from the day before... Since Lady Wen kept dancing around the real subject, Eleven Miss finally asked, "Why didn't you come with Qiao Lianfang?"

Lady Wen hesitated for a moment before speaking haltingly, "This unworthy one... heard that yesterday, Lord Zhuo, the Vice Minister of War, sent his wife personally to deliver New Year's gifts to Madam..." Her gaze at Eleven Miss was filled with anticipation. "She even went out of her way to see the eldest daughter..."

So it was about Zhenjie's marriage!

No wonder she had been so roundabout in front of everyone yesterday.

Eleven Miss sighed to herself.

No matter how indifferent Lady Wen had seemed toward Zhenjie before, when it came to this turning point in Zhenjie's life—her marriage—a mother's heart won out, and she could no longer remain detached. She even lowered herself, fearing to offend those who could shape Zhenjie's future...

Eleven Miss was reminded of her own mother and the fears she had harbored in the Luo household.

She gestured to an embroidered stool beside her. "Lady Wen, come sit here and speak."

Lady Wen gaped at her in astonishment.

Eleven Miss nodded solemnly. "Come, sit here and speak."

Only then did Lady Wen dare to believe what she had heard. With hesitant, stiff movements, she moved to sit on the stool.

Eleven Miss dismissed the attendants in the room and put on her earrings herself in front of the mirror.

"Let me help!" Lady Wen quickly rose and stepped forward to assist.

"No need!" Eleven Miss gently shook her head and then explained Lady Zhuo's purpose in coming to Lady Wen in detail.

Lady Wen listened with shining eyes. "Then the eldest daughter..."

"Lord Xu wants to wait and see," Eleven Miss said. "We've just come out of mourning." She then told Lady Wen about Lady Zhou proposing a match for her nephew and Lady Li seeking a marriage for her second son. "Lord Xu and the elder madam have instructed me to visit more and look around. This time, when I attend Minister Chen's wedding banquet, I also hope to meet the eldest daughter-in-law of Minister Liang's family, who should be there for the celebration..." She softly shared her plans.

Lady Wen’s whole body relaxed upon hearing this. Seeing Eleven Miss put on delicate red gold-inlaid moonstone magnolia earrings and rise to fetch her clothes, she eagerly stepped forward to help her dress.

Eleven Miss politely declined.

After some polite back-and-forth, Lady Wen, noticing Eleven Miss's firm stance, finally relented and stood aside, though she seemed to hesitate several times, as if wanting to speak.

After all, this concerned Zhenjie's future, and Lady Wen was not one to lack opinions. She surely had her own thoughts.

Eleven Miss straightforwardly asked, "Lady Wen, do you have something to say?"

Seeing Eleven Miss's openness, Lady Wen carefully replied, "I think the Zhuo family is a good choice!"

Eleven Miss was slightly surprised.

Lady Wen hurriedly added, "The Wang family might seem the best choice on the surface. But with Lady Zhou's branch above and the Fujian Provincial Administration Commissioner's family below, the Wangs are a large household unlikely to allow division of the household. It’s unclear when Mr. Wang will make his mark—he’d always live under others' scrutiny. The Zhuo family may seem less prominent, but Lord Zhuo comes from a military background and has served as a regional commander for years, so their wealth must be substantial. Moreover, as Lord Xu’s former subordinate..."

Her implication was that Lord Zhuo’s family was undoubtedly wealthier than Mr. Wang’s and would highly value Zhenjie due to Lord Xu’s influence.

"And though Mrs. Zhuo is young, Lord Zhuo is already in his declining years. If anything were to happen... for the sake of her two sons' futures, Mrs. Zhuo would have to give it careful consideration. Otherwise, why would she be so deferential?"