Chapter 6 006 The Turmoil of a Swapped Marriage

Chapter 6: The Turmoil of the Marriage Swap

The sound of maids sweeping and sprinkling water in the courtyard, the footsteps passing by under the eaves—Wang was oblivious to it all. His words echoed in her ears, and she saw his excited, determined face before her.

He never once considered whether the Qin family would agree, nor had he thought about Qiao Wanyue's temperament and whether she was suited to marry into a marquis's household. He hadn't even considered how the outside world would view the Qiao family or Qiao Wanyue if the switch was made—they would gossip badly about both the family and her. She couldn't bear to see that happen.

Wang silently draped a robe over her shoulders and sat on the edge of the bed, studying him. After a sleepless night, his eyes were bloodshot, dark circles prominent beneath them, his face utterly exhausted. Yet because of the idea of switching marriages, his eyes gleamed with a shrewd, lively glint.

Wang sighed softly. She understood Qiao Zhuofan's reasoning well enough. The Qiao family wasn't a major clan in the bustling capital; at best, they had some standing. If they ever ran up against a family like the Qins, they'd be crushed to dust. Without allies in the court, his official career had reached its peak. Marrying into a prestigious family was the only way to gain the protection of a powerful family. Unfortunately, Qiao Yingxin was unwilling.

But what about her Wanyue? Was she willing?

Wang's heart was heavy. After a long pause, she said, "Please think twice about this marriage switch, my lord. Forget whether the Qin residence will agree—even the elders of the Qiao family will be the first to refuse. Wanyue is not of Qiao blood; they will not consent. The marquis's household has strict rules and tight security. That child loves her freedom and leisure. Marrying into the marquis's household would trap her. The mistress of a grand family must manage household affairs, but Wanyue knows nothing—she only knows how to eat and enjoy herself."

"She has nothing to offer except her looks. Drop it."

Wang's words reached Qiao Zhuofan's ears, but he only picked what he wanted to hear and ignored the rest. All she had said boiled down to one thing: Qiao Wanyue could not marry Qin Yan. But to Qiao Zhuofan, as long as she bore the name Qiao, she was a daughter of the Qiao family, and she had to marry.

You don't raise a daughter for nothing.

"You are just a woman. Don't meddle in this. I know what I'm doing."

Wang opened her mouth to speak, but tears fell at his words. Yes, she was a woman, ignorant of court affairs and unable to untangle the web of family interests. But why couldn't she meddle in her daughter's marriage? It didn't matter who Qiao Wanyue's biological father was—she was still born of Wang's womb, and that gave her the right to intervene.

"Wanyue is my daughter. I cannot stand idly by regarding her marriage. Please forgive me, my lord."

In ten years of marriage, this was the first time husband and wife had turned cold shoulders to each other—over their daughter's marriage.

Wang was angry, and so was Qiao Zhuofan. At that moment, looking at Wang's beautiful face, he felt a pang of tenderness, but the thought of the benefits of an alliance with the Qin family hardened his heart again.

"She is my daughter too. Would I do anything to hurt her?"

Wang was in tears. Qiao Zhuofan glanced at her, softening his tone a little. "We cannot give up this match. You know that. Alright, let me handle this. Just stay out of it. I'll talk to Wanyue myself."

"Aren't you just worried that she'll be bullied and wronged in the marquis's household? Rest assured, Qin Yan may not be perfect, but he will at least give her the dignity expected of the lady of the house."

Wang wiped her tears. "Anyway, I don't agree."

Unmovable, Qiao Zhuofan thought. Seeing he couldn't persuade Wang, he decided not to waste any more words. Once the matter was settled, she would have no choice but to agree.

Outside the door, a maid carrying a basin of water hesitated, hearing the voices rising and falling inside. The head maid came over and waved for them to leave first and come back later. The maids had just turned to leave when the door opened and Qiao Zhuofan stepped out. The head maid then went in to comfort Wang.

In the early morning, the best time for sleep, Qiao Wanyue was sound asleep. She didn't know what she was dreaming of, but a faint smile curled her lips. However, her sweet dream didn't last long before someone woke her. Zhu Qing chirped in her ear, "Your father is here."

Without opening her eyes, she muttered, "Father has gone to court. Who are you fooling?"

-

She buried her head in the pillow and went back to sleep.

Zhu Qing grew anxious and shouted in her ear, "The master is really here, waiting for you outside."

Qiao Wanyue's sleepy eyes opened, still clouded with drowsiness. It was a pain to be woken up so early.

"Coming this early—is something up?"

Zhu Qing nodded. "Probably."

Qiao Wanyue got out of bed, quickly washed and dressed, then went to see Qiao Zhuofan. She couldn't help wondering: Why isn't Father going to court? What does he want with me? Could sister have complained about me? That must be it.

Nervous and cautious, she went to meet Qiao Zhuofan, trembling a little. Her voice even faltered: "Father, you—you're looking for me? Aren't you going to court today?"

Qiao Zhuofan grunted in acknowledgment, then beckoned her over. "Sit down and let's talk."

Sitting beside him, Qiao Wanyue was very uneasy. Her dark, round eyes stole a glance at him. Strange—Qiao Zhuofan was acting gentle, with a smile on his face, looking unusually kind.

So it wasn't about the incident at the Qingxin Temple. Then what was it about?

"Father, what is it so early in the morning?"

Qiao Zhuofan smiled. "You've reached the age for betrothal. Your mother has been looking into matches for you recently. Is there anyone you fancy?"

Coming specifically to ask about marriage? Qiao Wanyue couldn't figure it out, but she answered obediently, "Marriage is decided by parents—I have no objections."

That should be fine, right? She'd said the same to her mother. Anyway, Mother wouldn't let her marry badly. But what if Father had taken a liking to some other scholar and not that Wang one?

Qiao Wanyue muttered inwardly, hoping her father wouldn't pick another scholar. She was sick of hearing about scholars.

Qiao Zhuofan was quite satisfied with her answer and praised her for being sensible. "Very good. You are very understanding. In that case, I'll arrange another match for you. What do you think?"

"Alright. Does Mother know?"

"She knows. Your opinion matters—after all, you are the one marrying."

That was what he said, but Qiao Wanyue wasn't fool enough to think she had any real say. Those words were just for appearances.

She said nothing aloud, but her mind was racing with countless thoughts. She stared at Qiao Zhuofan without blinking, waiting for him to go on.

Which young master could it be? I hope it's not another scholar.

"What do you think of the Qin family?"

"Which Qin family? What's the young master's name?"

Qiao Zhuofan sipped his tea while observing her reaction. "The Ning'an Marquis Residence on Furong Lane. The Qin family."

The Ning'an Marquis Residence—that was Qin Yan's mansion. Qiao Wanyue was shocked. Seeing he looked serious and wasn't joking, she thought for a moment before answering, "The second branch or the third branch?"

The Qin family was large; it could be a collateral branch. Qiao Wanyue's shock faded quickly, and she took it in stride. She wasn't too bothered about marriage—she'd have to tie the knot sooner or later, and she could accept whoever it was.

Qiao Zhuofan gave her a meaningful glance, took another sip of tea, and set it down. "Neither. It's the main branch."

The main branch—that meant Qin Yan's branch. Qiao Wanyue had been able to accept it just now, but upon hearing it was Qin Yan's branch, she didn't want to. She didn't have such grand ambitions. Marrying a scholar was good enough. She didn't want to enter a marquis's household.

"Father, that's not good. The second young master Qin is only fifteen, two years younger than me. By the time he comes of age to marry, I'd be twenty. That won't work. Not appropriate." She shook her head in refusal.

Qiao Zhuofan chuckled. This girl thought he was talking about Qin Yan's younger brother. She still hadn't grasped his intent. He'd have to be blunt.

"The second young master Qin is still young. How could I marry you to him?"

At his words, the girl's fair face turned pale. She began to understand, but how could this work? Qin Yan was betrothed to her sister, and they were about to break off the engagement. How could he marry her? This was...

Thinking about Qiao Zhuofan's attitude and his earlier words, a bold idea hit her. Could it be that he wanted her to take her sister's place and marry Qin Yan?

Qiao Zhuofan's next words confirmed her suspicion.

"I want you to marry Qin Yan, are you willing?"

So that's what this was about. Qiao Wanyue opened her mouth in surprise, unable to speak for a long moment. She stared unblinkingly at Qiao Zhuofan, trying to spot any hint of a joke on his face—but there was none. He looked dead serious and determined.

Qiao Zhuofan wanted her to take her sister's place and marry into the marquis's family.

"Father, I, this—"

She was unwilling, but the second she opened her mouth, his face changed, so she stopped.

Qiao Zhuofan cleared his throat and said, "I really care about this marriage. It brings a lot of good to the Qiao family. In the future, your brother will have an easier time getting an official position; he won't end up like me, stuck at fourth rank at my age with no way up. Besides, you're at the age for marriage talks—isn't that two birds with one stone? Marry into the marquis house, and you'll be rich and comfortable for life."

She listened quietly, lowering her head to conceal the emotions in her eyes.

She was the one nobody really needed in the Qiao family, and the only contribution she could make was to obey their wishes and marry well. Thinking about it, what he said made some sense. Marriage was all about what your parents said anyway, so it didn't really matter.

Other than being older, having a sour face, and being pretty quiet, Qin Yan wasn't that bad otherwise. Moreover, whether Qin Yan was willing to marry her was another matter entirely. She guessed that her father would first convince her, then persuade Qin Yan. So, she might as well say yes for now.

The girl looked up, her pretty face all smiles, sweet as could be. "Alright, I'll listen to Father."

Qiao Zhuofan's expression relaxed. "Good, good. Now that's my girl."

She just smiled and said nothing, then after getting rid of him, she went back to sleep.

It got warmer, and with the window half-open, she could hear faint sighs coming from outside.

-

The girl rested her chin on her hands, blinking, looking helpless and innocent. After listening to her mother's endless nagging and sighing, Qiao Wanyue lost her patience and wanted to get up and walk around.

But her mother held onto her, pouring out her heart, though it all went in one ear and out the other.

"Mom, stop worrying. This marriage is never going to happen."

Her mother went quiet. "What do you mean?"

"Come on, Qin Yan's no fool. He won't just do whatever Dad says. If Dad brings it up, he'll just get even angrier."

Her mother went quiet. Yeah, she hadn't thought of that—she'd been too worried.

"Go on, get some rest."

"Want me to leave? What are you up to?"

Her mother knew her well; she immediately guessed that Qiao Wanyue was up to something.

"I'm going to write a letter to Su Su."

It was too boring. She wanted to write and ask about that nice place Su Su had mentioned last time—could she take her to see it? She couldn't have anyone present when writing; she didn't want anyone to see it.

"Just writing a letter, nothing else."

"Oh, no, nothing."

She stood up, pulled her mother up, and pushed her toward the door, urging her to leave quickly and stop watching her. Instead, she should go watch Qiao Shaoan.

"Please go. Father should be back from the Qin residence soon."

After convincing her, Qiao Zhuofan had immediately gone to the Qin residence. It had been two hours; by his calculation, he should be returning soon.