Chapter 12 012 The Marriage is Settled

Chapter 12 012 The Marriage is Settled

In the afternoon, the wind picked up, and the temperature dropped a bit. The wind rustled the leaves of the loquat tree in the courtyard, and some small fruits were blown off, which was a pity.

Her mood having been spoiled by someone, Qiao Wanyue stayed indoors the entire afternoon, either sleeping or lying around in a daze. Zhu Qing, holding a few green fruits, came in to show her, muttering under her breath.

The loquats were ripe enough to eat; it was a pity they were blown off by the wind. There would be so many fewer to enjoy.

Hearing some of that, Qiao Wanyue’s blank expression softened, and she burst out laughing. Slowly sitting up from the daybed, her cheeks rosy and fair, she smiled and said, "Zhu Qing, I didn't expect you to be such a foodie. Losing a few is no big deal. By the time the loquats are fully ripe, who knows how many the birds will have eaten. Don't worry about it."

"It's better to feed the birds than to waste them now."

That was true. Feeding the birds wasn't a waste.

Qiao Wanyue lay back down, turning on her side. Her figure was curvaceous, with a narrow waist that looked like it could snap with a pinch. Yet she had flesh where it mattered, not appearing frail.

Zhu Qing cast an envious glance at her upper body and cheerfully asked, "What do you want for dinner? There's fresh carp and freshly stewed meat."

The girl changed positions, lying flat and staring at the ceiling for a moment before saying, "I want chicken legs, big chicken legs."

Zhu Qing gasped. "Not fish? I thought you wanted fish."

She didn't want fish at all. She was just bored, so she went to the backyard to play and fish just to pass the time. Zhu Qing really thought she wanted fish. If she truly craved fish, she'd go to the river with Su Su next time, enjoy the scenery while fishing.

The best would be to grill it right there, the freshest.

Unfortunately, neither of them could go out now. They'd have to wait and talk about it later.

"No fish. I want big chicken legs."

"Alright, I'll go to the kitchen."

Zhu Qing turned and went to the kitchen to give the order. She returned shortly, empty-handed.

The door creaked, and Qiao Wanyue, swinging her legs, turned her head to ask, "Back already? Is the chicken leg ready?"

"No."

Zhu Qing came over and said, "The cook said the master ordered that we all dine together tonight, so nothing else is prepared."

"Eat together? Father didn't mention it."

Qiao Wanyue propped herself on her side and called for Hongmei outside, then asked her, "Has anyone come from the main courtyard?"

"No," Hongmei answered from outside, having heard their conversation. She guessed, "They might be busy now and will come later."

Qiao Wanyue said "oh" and told Zhu Qing to forget it for today. Qiao Zhuofan has been irritable lately. If he said they'd dine together, then they would. Qiao Wanyue didn't want to be scolded at this critical moment.

Not even half an incense stick later, Qiao Zhuofan's page boy came to relay the message: "Second Miss, the master says dinner will be in the main hall tonight. There is an important matter."

"Alright, I understand."

Once the servant left, Qiao Wanyue immediately put on a different expression, sat up straight, and pondered what the important matter could be. Probably about Qin Yan calling off the engagement. She was glad she had known what to do and kept quiet; otherwise, she would have been the one kneeling in punishment.

When it was almost time for dinner, Qiao Wanyue got up, washed up, and headed over. As it happened, she ran into her younger brother Qiao Shaoan on the way. The siblings hadn't seen each other in a while, so they were especially affectionate.

Qiao Shaoan asked her, "Second Sister, I heard outside that Eldest Sister's engagement has fallen through. Is that true?"

Qiao Wanyue was greatly startled. How did word travel so fast. Bad news travels fast.

"What else have you heard outside?"

Qiao Shaoan attended the academy and traveled back and forth daily, so he heard more than she did.

"They also say Eldest Sister was having a secret rendezvous, which is why Lord Qin Yan wants to call off the engagement. They say she's immoral and flighty. And..." Qiao Shaoan racked his brains.

Stop. Qiao Wanyue covered his mouth. No more. She had heard enough. She wondered if Qiao Yingxin even knew how harsh the rumors were.

"Don't get into any fights or arguments over this later. Father is angry."

Qiao Shaoan, only eight years old, nodded quickly. "I know."

"Don't get into any fights or arguments over this. If you have to fight, find another excuse."

He snorted. He wasn't stupid enough, why would he fight over this.

"She's not my real sister. I won't stand up for her."

The child was blunt, saying whatever came to mind. Qiao Wanyue flinched. She covered his mouth again and pinched his cheek, whispering, "You mustn't say that, especially at home. If someone hears, all hell will break loose."

Qiao Shaoan pushed her hand away. "I know."

Then he added in a grumpy tone, "Don't cover my mouth next time. Your hands smell too nice."

With that, he ran off, afraid his second sister would go after him.

Qiao Wanyue stood with her hands on her hips, watching him run off, fuming. "What's wrong with smelling nice? Do you want me to stink you up instead?"

-

As the sky darkened, the maids began lighting the lanterns. Qiao Wanyue sat waiting for a while before Qiao Zhuofan finally arrived.

All five family members were present. Qiao Zhuofan arrived last. The atmosphere was somewhat tense. Everyone was lost in thought, wondering what important matter Qiao Zhuofan wanted to discuss. When they saw his smiling face, they relaxed a little. At least he was in a good mood, not furious about Qiao Yingxin's broken engagement.

Lady Wang spoke first: "The dishes are all served. The children are already hungry."

Qiao Zhuofan was unusually agreeable today. Instead of scolding them, he said cheerfully, "If you're hungry, go ahead and eat. We're a family; no need for all these formalities."

That said, they still waited until Qiao Zhuofan picked up his chopsticks before starting to eat.

The meal was quiet, with only the clinking of bowls and chopsticks. After a while, Lady Wang noticed Qiao Zhuofan hadn't spoken yet and took the initiative to ask, "Didn't you have something to say? The whole family is here. Feel free to speak directly."

Qiao Zhuofan nodded repeatedly, a smile fixed on his face. Then he said to Qiao Yingxin, "Your engagement with the Qin family is called off. As for you and Ding Chengyou, have him send a matchmaker to propose. That matter is settled."

After a few words, several pairs of eyes turned from Qiao Zhuofan to Qiao Yingxin. They hadn't expected the engagement with the Qin family to be canceled so quietly, without their knowledge.

Moreover, now that the engagement was broken, why wasn't Qiao Zhuofan angry? In fact, he agreed to Qiao Yingxin's marriage to Ding Chengyou. Strange, very strange. Something must have happened that they didn't know about. They didn't ask, just stared at the father and daughter.

From unease to surprise, a smile slowly spread across Qiao Yingxin's lips. She thought she had misheard and confirmed, "Father, is that true? You agree to my marriage to Ding Chengyou? You're not lying to me?"

"I'm your father, why would I lie to you?"

Qiao Zhuofan's tone was serious, not like he was deceiving her. Qiao Yingxin finally believed him and said thank you several times happily, flattering Qiao Zhuofan in the process. Qiao Zhuofan was unusually jovial, presenting a picture of father-daughter affection. The confrontations of previous days seemed to have vanished.

After all, they were biological father and daughter with blood ties.

Qiao Wanyue remained silent, constantly picking up food with her chopsticks and eating, but her eyes were busy, darting around. She glanced at Qiao Zhuofan, then Qiao Yingxin, then the carefree Qiao Shaoan, and finally fixed her gaze on Lady Wang.

They might not care, but Lady Wang couldn't. As the mistress of the household, she had to interact with other families daily. She needed to clarify some things.

Lady Wang picked up a bite of food with her chopsticks but sighed and put it down, too troubled to eat.

"Did the Qin family suddenly agree to break off the engagement? Did they make any demands?"

That was what Wang Shi really wanted to know. Judging from Qiao Zhuofan's earlier behavior, the cancellation of the engagement with the Qin family wouldn't have made him act like that. There must be something behind it.

Sure enough, Qiao Zhuofan nodded, cast a sidelong glance at Qiao Wanyue, and then said to Wang Shi, "Yes, the engagement between Qin Yan and Yingxin is called off, but the betrothal with Wanyue is set. They'll come soon with the betrothal gifts."

As soon as the words were spoken, the others at the table froze in shock, looking at Qiao Zhuofan to see if he was telling the truth. The news was so shocking that it took them a while to snap out of it.

Qiao Yingxin threw her chopsticks onto the table and snorted coldly, "Hmph, you got off easy this time. You must be thrilled, finally marrying into the Qin family."

Qiao Zhuofan glared at her, and Qiao Yingxin immediately shut up, sitting there discontentedly.

Thanks to Qiao Yingxin's outburst, Qiao Wanyue and Wang Shi finally came to their senses. They hadn’t misheard: Qiao Zhuofan had said that she and Qin Yan were engaged. Was this the Qin Yan she knew? The Qin Yan of Ning’an Marquis Manor, Marquis Qin himself?

Qiao Wanyue spoke up first: "Father, are you sure you heard right? Qin Yan wants to marry me?"

"Absolutely true." Qiao Zhuofan nodded happily, astonished that Qin Yan had actually agreed to his proposal to marry Qiao Wanyue. When he went to the Qin residence, he was nervous, and after he made the offer, it felt like a dream.

"Today, when I went to the Qin residence, Qin Yan told me in person: if you are willing to marry him, he is willing to take you. This marriage is a match made in heaven."

Qiao Wanyue’s mind buzzed. Qiao Zhuofan was still talking, but she didn’t listen to a single word. If she had known Qin Yan would agree, she should never have nodded when Qiao Zhuofan asked her earlier. What should she do now?

She stared at Qiao Zhuofan, the words of refusal on the tip of her tongue: "No, I disagree. The Qin family is a high and mighty household; I can’t aspire to such a connection. This marriage is invalid. Father, please turn it down."

This wasn’t a match made in heaven; it was a disaster sent from above.

Hearing her refusal, Qiao Zhuofan’s face darkened, and he put on the airs of an elder. "Children’s marriages have always been decided by their parents. Besides, I asked for your opinion before, and you said that marriage matters are for parents to decide. Now that it’s settled, you change your mind? Were you deceiving me before?"

"I, daughter, I’m not..."

All explanations were futile. To be a good daughter meant to obey.

Qiao Yingxin had not obeyed, so she was punished. She could not afford to disobey; she was not a biological daughter of the Qiao family and had no right to be willful. Her only use to the Qiao family was probably to be obedient and marry into a good family.

She took a deep breath, then came to terms with it. Marquis or scholar, what difference did it make? Both were men, and Qin Yan was a handsome man with a good character. She wasn’t losing out.

Qiao Wanyue remained silent, sighed in resignation, and continued eating. She hadn’t eaten her fill yet.

The atmosphere at the table was tense. Wang Shi patted Qiao Shaoan’s shoulder, signaling him to leave first. Qiao Shaoan obeyed this time, glanced at Qiao Zhuofan, and then followed the servant out. Qiao Yingxin didn’t leave; she wanted to stay and watch the drama.

After the maids and servants withdrew, Wang Shi spoke up: "With Wanyue’s temperament, she’ll cause trouble if she marries into the Marquis’ household. Besides, with our background, we really can’t aspire to such a high marriage."

As soon as Wang Shi opened her mouth, Qiao Zhuofan knew what she was going to say. He impatiently glanced at the mother and daughter. "Then tell me, what kind of person should she marry? Scholar Wang? Or Scholar Li?"

She only wanted to marry a scholar, and the matches Wang Shi had arranged were all scholars. Qiao Zhuofan knew this well. Now, bringing it up openly carried a hint of mockery.

The atmosphere grew heavier, and the room fell into a suffocating silence.

If this continued, the couple might grow estranged. Qiao Wanyue didn’t want to see that happen.

Suddenly, Qiao Yingxin let out a scornful laugh, breaking the silence. She was glared at by Qiao Zhuofan, so she held back a little, but couldn’t suppress the sneer on her lips.

Qiao Zhuofan looked at them and continued, "You are her mother, and I understand it’s natural for you to want to protect her. But think about it: is it really good for her to marry a poor scholar? What if he never passes the imperial exams and spends his life in mediocrity? The Marquis’ household is different—at least the wealth and honor are guaranteed."

"Don’t talk about ‘aspiring too high’ anymore. As long as Qin Yan doesn’t feel that way, the opinions of others don’t matter. Since Wanyue bears the surname Qiao, she is my daughter, and my daughter cannot marry a poor scholar."

The daughters of the Qiao family must consider the family’s interests. That was what Qiao Zhuofan meant, and Wang Shi understood. But she had countless worries in her heart. The stepmother of the Qin family was not an easy person to deal with.

Wang Shi’s eyes reddened. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Qiao Zhuofan said, "Alright, this matter is settled. No need to discuss it further."

Wang Shi was dissatisfied and wanted to argue, but Qiao Wanyue tugged at her sleeve and said, "Mother, I’m grown up now. It’s time for me to marry. The Marquis’ household is wonderful—who knows, I might even earn the title of Lady of Honor someday. People will have to bow to me when they see me. I am very satisfied with this marriage."

Then she turned to Qiao Zhuofan and expressed her thanks: "Father, I appreciate all your hard work and effort on my behalf."

Her attitude shifted quickly. Qiao Zhuofan stared deeply at her, then smiled, very pleased with her performance. This was the kind of daughter the Qiao family should have.

"Wanyue knows how to act properly."

Thus, the engagement between Qin Yan and Qiao Wanyue was settled, at least as far as Qiao Zhuofan was concerned.

Wang Shi hesitated several times, wanting to speak, but was stopped by Qiao Wanyue each time. The key to this matter wasn’t Qiao Zhuofan—it was Qin Yan. If Qin Yan agreed to marry her, there was no point in arguing with Qiao Zhuofan.

The only way was to convince Qin Yan.

Qiao Wanyue continued eating as if nothing was wrong, occasionally looking up to give Wang Shi a slight smile, reassuring her not to worry.

Throughout the meal, everyone’s thoughts were tangled. The happiest was undoubtedly Qiao Zhuofan. He ignored the expressions on others’ faces, his joy evident. Finally, he was connected through marriage to the Qin family.

Now, all they had to do was wait for Qin Yan to present the betrothal gifts.

Qiao Yingxin sneered as she looked around, then said sarcastically, "Congratulations, Mother, on becoming relatives with the Marquis’ household. Just as my sister said, with Qin Yan’s power, you’ll surely become a Lady of Honor. I congratulate my sister in advance."

Qiao Wanyue lifted her eyelids indifferently and was about to speak, but Qiao Zhuofan cut in coldly, "Shut up. If you’re not eating, go back."

Now that Qiao Wanyue’s status had changed, Qiao Zhuofan naturally sided with her and her mother. Qiao Yingxin couldn’t stand it and couldn’t eat anymore. She stormed off angrily.

At the door, Qiao Zhuofan called her back: "Come back. Have Ding Chengyou come over soon. It’s now or never."

The Qiao family didn’t want to create an ugly scene, so they had agreed to the marriage.

"I understand."

Qiao Yingxin left, and the three of them continued their meal.

Before returning to her room, Qiao Wanyue specifically told Wang Shi not to let her matters affect her relationship with her father.

Since the marriage was decided, it was decided. She had to marry someone sooner or later, and Qin Yan was decent in all respects. She was satisfied. Wang Shi gazed at her with fondness and finally nodded.

Back in her own room, Qiao Wanyue was not as calm and happy as she had appeared. Instead, she paced back and forth in agitation, immediately picking up a brush to write a letter to Lin Susu, asking her to help think of a way out.