Chapter 319

Chapter 324: Dragon Boat Festival (Part 1)

Fifth Concubine was startled and looked at Eleven Lady in confusion. "Eleven Lady... has proposed a marriage for Twelfth Sister?"

Since nothing was settled yet, Eleven Lady had not wanted Fifth Concubine to worry about it. But now, with Sixth Concubine’s tearful outburst, she had no choice but to explain the situation. "...The family seemed decent, so I mentioned it to Madam Luo."

"Did Madam Luo disagree?" Fifth Concubine mused after hearing this.

Given Sixth Concubine’s reaction, it was clear Madam Luo had refused.

Before Eleven Lady could answer, Sixth Concubine interjected, "She stubbornly insists that Twelfth Sister is too young and won’t agree to the match." Tears welled up in her eyes again. "A family of good standing, the eldest son, already with imperial examination credentials, of sterling character—where else could we find such a good match? She says Twelfth Sister is too young, but who gets married right after a proposal is made? The betrothal rites alone take three or four years. By then, Twelfth Sister would be of marriageable age." She added bitterly, "The master has said we’ll return to Yuhang after summer. Once we leave Yanjing, finding someone like Mr. Wang—with his character and background—will be harder than scaling the heavens. She’s only refusing because Mr. Wang is from a lesser branch, his family isn’t wealthy, and she thinks Twelfth Sister won’t gain any advantage from the marriage, neither in wealth nor reputation. Just look at the marriages of our other young ladies..."

She stopped herself, remembering Eleven Lady was present, but her resentment remained. "Must it be like Ten Miss’s marriage, where only reputation mattered, and no one cared if she lived or died?"

Sixth Concubine’s words echoed Eleven Lady’s own concerns.

Daughters were meant for alliances. The match she had proposed for Twelfth Sister was undoubtedly the best for the girl herself, but it offered no benefit to the Luo family. In terms of practical gain, Wang Ze, being from a lesser branch of the Wang family, couldn’t compare to Lord Xu, the Yongping Marquis. In terms of reputation, Wang Ze was merely a scholar serving in the household of the Marquis of Zhennan—how could he compare to Qian Ming, who was already a Juren?

But as a married-out daughter, Eleven Lady only had the right to suggest, not decide.

She hinted to Sixth Concubine, "Mr. Wang has a younger brother who became a scholar at twelve. Even the Marquis of Zhennan holds him in high regard. If not for Mr. Wang’s uncle, he would have already married a cousin from his aunt’s side. Why don’t you bring this up with Father and Elder Brother? They must have their own considerations."

"Will... will that work?" Sixth Concubine asked doubtfully. "If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be more convincing to say you want to build ties with Lady Zhou, hence proposing this match for Twelfth Sister?"

Though sharp-witted, Sixth Concubine’s limited life experience made her thinking rather narrow-minded, and explaining things to her was often difficult.

Eleven Lady smiled. "Try saying it my way first. If that doesn’t work, then mention my wish to befriend Lady Zhou."

Sixth Concubine still hesitated, so Eleven Lady added, "But if this marriage does come to pass, there’s something I must remind you of. Mr. Wang’s family is indeed poor. Since he refuses aid from the heir of the Marquis of Zhennan, he likely won’t accept support from his wife’s family either. His scholarly achievements may stop here. Such a son-in-law..."

"Eleven Lady," Sixth Concubine said solemnly, "a match should balance both sides. If Mr. Wang were wealthy or willing to accept help, how would our Twelfth Sister ever have this chance?" She looked at Eleven Lady earnestly. "We understand this logic."

Eleven Lady nodded slightly and smiled. "Then let’s wait for Lady Zhou’s news. If it works out, you may need to persuade Twelfth Sister."

"Twelfth Sister may not compare to Eleven Lady," Sixth Concubine said modestly, "but she understands this much. Whether this succeeds or not, she knows of your kindness."

Reassured by Sixth Concubine’s words, Eleven Lady settled her mind. After lunch at her family home, she returned to the Lotus Lane estate.

Early the next morning, Madam Luo came calling.

"If the Wang family is also willing, what more can we say? When the time comes, we’ll rely on you to pass along word."

It seemed the Luo family had carefully weighed the pros and cons of the match.

Eleven Lady understood. She had Madam Luo stay for lunch and personally escorted her to the moon gate.

In the afternoon, Lady Zhou arrived.

"Whether I get my matchmaker’s gift depends entirely on your word."

Meaning the Wang family had no objections.

It was truly a joyous outcome. Eleven Lady smiled. "I was just worrying over what design to embroider on your shoes."

Lady Zhou beamed but then sighed. "My sister-in-law’s eyes are going, and the household lacks a proper mistress. I was initially worried Twelfth Sister might be too young. But as it turns out, my sister-in-law has been worried the family coffers were thin, fearing a wedding now would be too shabby. Truly, this is fate tying the knot."

Eleven Lady nodded in agreement and accompanied Lady Zhou to see the Dowager.

The Dowager was also delighted. "As if the heavens ordained it!" She then invited Lady Zhou to dine with them. [Note: A Juren is a degree holder in the imperial examinations, signifying advanced scholarly achievement. The Yongping Marquis refers to a noble title, indicating high social status.]

Lady Zhou laughed and said, "My sister-in-law is waiting with bated breath for me to bring back news! I'll come bother you again in a couple of days. Today, I'm off to mooch a meal at my sister-in-law's place."

The elder madam chuckled but didn't press her to stay, instead asking about Princess Fucheng: "...What has she been up to at home these days?"

"She's been driven to distraction by our Fang Jieer, helping her feed cats every day!"

"Feed cats?"

Lady Zhou laughed, "During the New Year, my cousin who serves as Provincial Administration Commissioner in Fujian sent two cats—white fur, one green-eyed, one blue-eyed. Fang Jieer dotes on them and insists on feeding them herself, afraid others won't care for them properly. A while ago, she went to the palace with the princess and developed a rash. After taking medicine for over half a month with no improvement, the princess suspected it was the cat fur causing the trouble and wanted to give the cats away. Fang Jieer threw a fit and refused, so the princess had no choice but to assign two maids to help feed them. But Fang Jieer still wasn't satisfied and kept checking on them daily. Eventually, the princess moved the cats to her own courtyard to keep an eye on them."

"Such a thing!" The elder madam laughed. "Tell your mother-in-law I'd like to visit tomorrow and see these rare creatures that have our Fang Jieer so enchanted."

Princess Fucheng, being the emperor's aunt, and the elder madam, as the empress's mother, though not at odds, were not particularly close either. For the elder madam to suddenly propose visiting Princess Fucheng's residence over a cat...

Eleven Miss and Lady Zhou were both taken aback.

But Lady Zhou quickly recovered and exclaimed, "Ah, what a rare honor to have you visit!" Her laughter tinkled. "The princess would be overjoyed if you came! She's been hoping for someone to visit." She then piled on the welcoming remarks.

"Then it's settled," the elder madam nodded with a smile, setting the visit for early afternoon.

Lady Zhou repeatedly agreed and made her exit.

Eleven Miss saw Lady Zhou out to the moon gate before returning to the elder madam.

"You're all busy," the elder madam told Eleven Miss. "Madam Du can accompany me tomorrow."

There seemed to be more to it.

Noticing the elder madam's reluctance to elaborate, Eleven Miss didn't pry further and simply agreed, then went to arrange the trip.

The next day, after seeing off the elder madam, Eleven Miss returned to Bowstring Lane.

The Luo family had invited Fourth Son-in-law Yu Yiqing as matchmaker, while the Wang family enlisted the heir of the Marquis of Zhennan. The two families exchanged betrothal letters and had the betrothal settled before summer. All this came later. When Zhenjie heard, she pulled at Eleven Miss's sleeve and giggled, "So Mother was playing matchmaker!" The weather had turned warm, and the household had begun serving mung bean soup. She handed a bowl to Eleven Miss and asked, "Will you really make Lady Zhou a pair of shoes?"

"Of course!" Eleven Miss laughed. "I promised her!"

"Then, will Twelve Aunt also be cooped up at home with her needlework like Huijie?"

"Not yet," Eleven Miss explained, seeing her curiosity. "Twelve Aunt is still young. Both families agreed to wait until she has her hair-pinning ceremony before the wedding. In a couple of years, she'll be shut away doing her needlework at home!"

Zhenjie grinned. "Then I'll make a door curtain for Twelve Aunt too!"

She had already made one for Huijie.

As Eleven Miss gazed at Zhenjie's cheerful face, she thought of Lord Xu.

As the Dragon Boat Festival drew near, there was still no word from him. She wondered how his affairs were progressing—especially since many decisions rested on his return, notably Zhenjie's marriage.

The Zhuo family had been being awfully attentive, sending gifts frequently.

Lost in thought, Lady Wen entered with account books.

Zhenjie and Lady Wen shared an awkward look.

Eleven Miss invited Lady Wen to sit. Zhenjie excused herself, saying, "I'll get some mung bean soup," and hurried out.

Lady Wen eyed the fluttering curtain before turning to Eleven Miss. "I've gone through the household accounts. The kitchen's running up the biggest bills..."

Eleven Miss turned her attention to reviewing the accounts with Lady Wen.

A young maid came in to announce, "Lady Lin from the Weiyuan Marquis' household has arrived!"

Eleven Miss promptly invited her in.

Lady Lin brought several gold-painted Sichuan fans: "These were made by our Huijie herself, for Zhenjie." She also presented several baskets of honey peaches, adding, "I know you don't need these, but this is just a token of my gratitude. If not for you, our Huijie wouldn’t have been able to focus on her needlework." It was a special thank-you gift for her.

After modestly declining and having Amber accept the gifts, Eleven Miss inquired about Huijie: "I heard the wedding is set for next May?"

Lady Lin’s expression darkened slightly as she nodded with a hint of melancholy: "They’ve been pushing for it!"

Just as Eleven Miss was about to offer some comfort, the young maid announced, "Mrs. Zhuo has arrived!"

"Please show her in," Eleven Miss replied, her voice unintentionally sounding resigned.

Lady Lin, however, raised an eyebrow and whispered, "I’ve heard the Zhuos wish to arrange a marriage with your family. Is it true?"

It seemed the rumor had already spread quietly among them.

Eleven Miss nodded.

Lady Lin teased, she said, "Judging by your reaction, you still have to entertain her. Is it a case of 'neither fish nor fowl'?"

Feeling it improper to speak ill of the Zhuos, Eleven Miss smiled and said, "It’s merely that Lord Zhuo is good friends with our marquis."

Lady Lin easily caught the implied meaning: "Had I known earlier, I might have gotten in on the act and played matchmaker for your Zhenjie too!"