Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Nanny Feng was, of course, more than willing, beaming as she thanked her and took on the job.

"The county princess thinks so highly of me—I'll make sure everything is taken care of, clear as day."

Pei Yun nodded. Just then, a maid outside reported that Miss Pan had come by.

Qin Pan came in from outside, wearing a white brocade jacket with embroidered cross-collars over a yellow silk over-garment stitched with crabapple blossoms. Her hair was done up neat and tidy, with white jade and pearl hairpins tucked in. She looked fresh and pretty, like a spring lily just opening up.

She clearly hadn't expected so many matrons in the room. Caught off guard, she stopped in the doorway for a beat before coming in with her two maids.

"Sister-in-law."

Pei Yun smiled and waved her over to sit beside her. The matrons below all bowed and said their hellos.

Qin Pan's ears turned red. She nodded in acknowledgment, then whispered to Pei Yun, "Did I interrupt something, sister-in-law?"

It was obvious she'd walked in on household stuff. If she'd known, she would've come later.

"I'm just about done handing out orders—you came at the perfect time." Pei Yun smiled, then glanced over the matrons. "Alright, you can all go do your thing now."

The women had been itching to slip off and chat with Nanny Feng about their assignments. At Pei Yun's dismissal, they quickly said yes and shuffled out, bumping into each other in their hurry.

"What's the rush?" Qin Pan asked curiously. "Surely sister-in-law isn't about to hand out rewards?"

"If I started handing out rewards on day one of managing the household, wouldn't the silver just pour out like water?" Pei Yun joked, then waved her hand. Bixiao brought over two cups of freshly brewed Junshan Yinzhen tea.

"They're in a hurry to split up something way more valuable."

With that, Pei Yun warmly said, "Try this—it's this year's new tea, an imperial tribute. I got some from the Empress Dowager. Do you like it?"

Pei Yun watched Qin Pan's almond-shaped eyes light up as she took a polite sip and went on and on about how fragrant and refreshing the tea was. She smiled and said, "I know you like tea. I'll have some wrapped up for you to take home when you go."

Qin Pan's blush spread from her ears to her cheeks. She quickly declined, "How could I take this? Such fine tea, and from the Empress Dowager at that—how would I dare drink it?"

"Isn't tea for drinking?" Pei Yun replied. "I'm not really into it myself. As for your fourth brother, His Majesty will surely give him more—no need to worry about that."

Only then did Qin Pan nod a little. "Then thanks, sister-in-law."

Yeah, out of everyone in the household, her fourth brother and sister-in-law's place was the richest—they naturally had everything they needed.

As Pei Yun chatted, she thought to herself how weird it was that someone as flashy and frivolous as Madam Tang could have raised such a sweet, well-behaved daughter.

Of Madam Tang's three kids, the oldest, Qin Sheng, didn't need much explaining—he'd clearly been spoiled rotten as the first child by Madam Tang and the old Duke. He was no good at books or fighting, had a slick tongue and not much going for him, but with a doting mom and a lucky birth, he'd never have to worry about a comfortable life.

As for Qin Chu, Pei Yun had heard he was raised by Madam Meng as a kid. She'd never met Madam Meng, but figured she must've been way more reliable than Madam Tang. Qin Chu's success couldn't really be credited to Madam Tang.

But Qin Pan had been raised entirely by Madam Tang, and as the youngest daughter, she should've been spoiled rotten. Yet she was quiet, proper, and obedient—not much like her mom except in a few features.

When Pei Yun first got there, she'd even wondered if Qin Pan and Qin Shun had been swapped at birth. Qin Shun from the west compound looked way more like Madam Tang than Qin Pan did, and the two cousins were born the same year.

Of course, that was pure nonsense—they were born the same year but not the same day. Pei Yun just thought it to herself.

Pei Yun watched Qin Pan sip her tea with a smile, then suddenly remembered something. She turned to Nanny Xu. "Nanny, I need to ask you a favor—"

Before she could finish, Nanny Xu smiled and cut in: "I get it. Don't worry, County Princess—I'll head over myself in a bit."

It was so refreshing to talk to someone sharp. Pei Yun's eyes crinkled into crescents as she nodded.

Nanny Xu said her goodbyes and left.

Qin Pan watched from the side, a bit confused, but didn't dare ask about stuff between her sister-in-law and her servant. If it was private stuff not meant for sharing, asking would just make things awkward. So she drank another half cup of tea before remembering the message her mom had told her to pass along.

"Sister-in-law, my memory's terrible—I totally forgot the second I walked in." Qin Pan said apologetically. "Mom asked me to tell you that morning greetings are off for the next month. She says she needs some peace and quiet and won't be seeing anyone."

This was good news for her.

Though Madam Tang wouldn't go so far as to throw her mother-in-law weight around in front of Pei Yun, sitting through the rambling, all-over-the-place conversations between Zhou and Madam Tang every morning was enough to give anyone a headache.

Pei Yun's smile got even bigger at that. She immediately asked, "It's almost time to go pay respects to Mother—has anyone told Third Sister-in-law?"

"Don't worry, sister-in-law. Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law talked with Mother for a while last night—they already know." Qin Pan answered without hesitation. "Besides, Third Sister-in-law's family came to visit today, so she and Third Brother have been hosting guests since early morning."

Pei Yun hadn't known about that, but family visits were normal enough that she didn't think twice about it. She had patience for Qin Pan and even had some time to worry about the girl's marriage prospects.

"Pan'er, let's not be all formal with each other. You must already know why Mother sent you to see me."

At Pei Yun's words, Qin Pan looked down and started fidgeting shyly—which confirmed that Madam Tang had already talked to her. Pei Yun smiled and continued, "No need to be shy. You're of age now, and the family's been talking about marriage arrangements for you and Shun'er for a while. But even though betrothals are usually decided by parents and matchmakers, I've always thought that since you'll be spending your whole life with someone, you should at least see them first."

At such personal talk, an unmarried girl like Qin Pan naturally felt shy—especially since she was so reserved. But Pei Yun was so straightforward that it gave Qin Pan some courage, and she even dared to tease her brother and sister-in-law.

"Did you see Fourth Brother before your marriage was set up?"

She'd seen him, sure—but her impression of Qin Chu at the time had been... just so-so.

But in front of Qin Pan, Pei Yun was generous in saving her brother's face. She smiled and said, "Of course. Your brother is elegant and handsome—I was really taken with him."

Qin Pan burst out laughing, clearly way less tense than before.

"So Mother's idea is for me to take you to the Rong Prince's polo gathering. As you know, most of the eligible young gentlemen and ladies in the capital will be there. So—want to go check it out?" Pei Yun picked up a white jade fan nearby and gently fanned herself.

Qin Pan was not particularly skilled at polo or cuju, but the gathering wasn't restricted to those who could play. Still, compared to girls skilled in horsemanship, she would have fewer chances to show herself off.

Pei Yun waited patiently until Qin Pan finally nodded. "It's always good to see more of the world. Then I'll trouble you, sister-in-law."

"Nonsense—what trouble?" Pei Yun said cheerfully, then instructed, "Just that there will be quite a crowd that day, and it'll be dusty. Bring a veiled hat and stay close to me. If you happen to spot a young gentleman who seems promising, go have a chat—"

"Sister-in-law!"

Qin Pan's face flushed crimson as she grabbed a handkerchief to cover her face. Pei Yun, delighting in teasing the girl, burst into laughter herself.

When their laughter subsided, Qin Pan leaned closer to Pei Yun and whispered, "Sister-in-law, let me tell you something—but don't tell Fourth Brother."

Pei Yun nodded, solemnly assuring her that she was a woman of discretion and would never spread gossip.

But what Qin Pan shared wasn't gossip at all.

"Sister-in-law, you must have heard that Second Aunt wants to betroth Shun-jie to Prince Zhao?"

This was hardly a secret. Madam Sun's ambition was entirely natural—the blood ties were right there, and Prince Zhao's and Noble Consort Sun's power and position were equally evident. If Shun'er truly married into the Prince Zhao's household, she might even become empress one day. The second branch of the family would truly soar.

But Pei Yun knew that Prince Zhao's marriage was currently in the Empress Dowager's hands. Still, if Noble Consort Sun and Prince Zhao were both agreeable, the Empress Dowager's temperament suggested she wouldn't object.

Pei Yun nodded and said quietly, "Nothing's settled yet—you mustn't go spreading that around."

"I understand." Qin Pan nodded quickly, then sighed, her lips turning down in a gloomy expression. "But Mother heard about it and believes it wholeheartedly, as if the imperial decree had already been issued."

"You know Mother's temper, sister-in-law—nothing in this world she hates more than being outdone, especially by the west compound. So—"

"So Mother is urging you to marry into a prestigious family as well?" Pei Yun raised an eyebrow and interjected.

Qin Pan nodded with a sour face.

It was common for a young woman of marriageable age to discuss engagements, and Qin Pan hadn't thought much of it initially, simply planning to marry once her elders found a suitable match. But when her cousin had landed a match that was practically sky-high, her mother grew restless, nagging her day and night not to be outdone by Qin Shun.

Pei Yun was at a loss for words after hearing this—isn't this just ridiculous? What match could possibly outrank the primary consort of the eldest imperial prince?

Unless Qin Pan were to marry into the palace as a consort.

"Mother is just being hasty; don't take it to heart," Pei Yun could only console her. "Having families of equal standing matters, but surely Mother also wants you to live well in the future."

"And with our family's standing, if we were to marry up, it could only be into the imperial household," Pei Yun said, stroking her hair. "But with your temperament, marrying into the royal family probably wouldn't be a good fit."

Pei Yun's words hit the mark, and Qin Pan's eyes reddened. Her mother's intention was for her to marry into the imperial family just like Qin Shun, so as not to get stomped on by the second branch of the family.

But Qin Pan had no desire to marry up; she only wished for a match of equal or slightly lower standing, so she could live freely. Yet her mother's constant pressure left her deeply disheartened.

Seeing her low spirits, Pei Yun joked lightly, "Well, nothing is set in stone yet. Perhaps Shun Jie'er and Prince Zhao's marriage is but a pipe dream, and then you'll have nothing to worry about."

Author's note:

None.