Chapter 273 - 272: Flawless Execution
Xie Yunzhen understood Mingzhu’s thoughts and, in order to let her focus on resting during her pregnancy, he held a banquet in his own name.
The number of invited guests was numerous, no less than twenty people.
There were talented scholars from humble backgrounds, known for their good conduct, profound knowledge, and handsome looks.
There were also heirs from prominent families.
As long as the family had a clear lineage and they were not unattractive, Xie Yunzhen extended invitations.
The invitations were sent out unexpectedly, delivered from the Duke Mansion on the second day of the new year.
The timing was set even more hurriedly.
It was held on the fifth day of the new year.
Although it wasn’t explicitly stated that it was to find a match for Xie Yunling, the fact that most of the invitees were unmarried young men spoke volumes.
Xie Yunzhen held a noble title and was highly valued by the Emperor, so although some felt it was embarrassing to be chosen like goods,
in respect of Xie Yunzhen, those invited happily accepted the invitation.
Not everyone could receive this invitation; being invited meant one had caught the eye of the Lord.
In the future, it might even lead to a closer relationship with Xie Yunzhen.
This was indeed a good opportunity!
Even with Xie Yunzhen’s support, Mrs. Guan made backup preparations.
While Xie Yunzhen held the banquet, matchmaking elsewhere continued unabated.
Firstly, a last-minute breach of engagement would appear capricious and unreliable.
Secondly, Mrs. Guan felt more assured with people she had personally selected and knew well.
Thirdly, Mrs. Guan wanted to take her daughter out to see more of the world so that after marriage, she wouldn’t lack insight and be looked down upon by her in-laws.
The originally planned matchmaking and the banquet were scheduled with only one day in between.
Nominally, it was a meeting between two families to visit a temple for incense-burning and vegetarian meals.
But the real intent was obvious to anyone with insight.
Xie Yunling wanted Ji Mingzhu to accompany her, but Xie Yunzhen refused.
Recalling past events, Xie Yunling did not persist.
After dressing up elegantly, she left with Mrs. Guan.
Throughout the journey, Mrs. Guan advised her, "Whether you like him or not, don’t express your opinion. Wait until we get home, then tell your mother."
Getting engaged isn’t that easy; even if the match is satisfactory, a decision can only be made after thorough consideration.
In public, Xie Yunling knew how to behave.
Her straightforwardness was reserved for her family.
"Mother, you’ve spent a fortune teaching me etiquette. If I still spoke recklessly, your money would be wasted on me, and you might not be distressed, but I’d die of regret."
"During the festive season, don’t say inauspicious things."
Xie Yunling laughed, "Money is a good thing; it shouldn’t be spent in vain."
Seeing her daughter’s money-loving expression, Mrs. Guan found it amusing.
"Our family has never let you suffer. Why are you always talking about money? Others might think we’re a merchant family, reeking of copper."
Xie Yunling disagreed with this notion.
She instinctively retorted, "Merchants would complain we’re too uptight, rigid! Pedantic!"
For once, Mrs. Guan didn’t scold her.
She just embraced Xie Yunling, "A bit of rigidity is no harm; at least it prevents big mistakes. If one is too eccentric, at worst they might be misunderstood, at best they could cause catastrophic trouble. We’re just ordinary women, without the power to turn tides. Living a peaceful life could be a blessing."
Xie Yunling leaned against her mother, her expression slightly serious.
But she said nothing.
Instead, she hugged Mrs. Guan’s arm, "Mother, I’ve grown up. Even if I’m married, I won’t cause you trouble."
Mrs. Guan replied, "If your in-laws bully you, you don’t have to endure it. Not to mention your brothers will back you up, even without them, I won’t allow others to mistreat you."
Xie Yunling felt a surge of emotion.
Some say a married daughter is like spilled water.
Others say noble daughters who enjoy wealth and luxury should marry for the benefit of the family.
She felt very fortunate.
Having enjoyed wealth and luxury, yet not forced to contribute to the family alliances.
And her family doted on her greatly.
Moved, Xie Yunling’s eyes brimmed with tears.
Afraid her mother would notice something amiss, she quickly took a few deep breaths.
Jokingly, "If my in-laws bully me, there’s no way I could endure it; even if I can’t fight back, can I at least hurl some insults?"
Mrs. Guan nodded, "You can!"
One can be modest, but never the one everyone pushes around, otherwise life will not be easy wherever you go.
Just like the Commandery Princess, she never physically confronted Duke Mansion’s people but always had the upper hand verbally.
Knowing she isn’t easy to provoke, people in the mansion avoid her when they can.
Though many secretly curse Princess An He for being narrow-minded and harsh, there are times Mrs. Guan truly envies her.
Such a vibrant and carefree person is rare indeed.
With the confidence her family provided, Xie Yunling was no longer afraid of marriage.
She then asked, "If they are truly excessive, or I regret it, can I divorce?"
This time, Mrs. Guan didn’t immediately give her an answer.
Society is harsh on women; although a divorced woman can remarry, gossip will surely follow.
This would undoubtedly be a storm.
It isn’t easily circumvented just by living behind closed doors.
"Mother?"
"Let’s deal with that if it happens; you haven’t even married yet, why think of divorce?"
Xie Yunling remained unaffected by this, "I’m just assuming."
"Think positively."
Xie Yunling fell silent.
She merely thought to herself that she had ample money and a supportive family. If her in-laws dared to mistreat her, she would divorce!
If anyone gossips about her, she’d go to the frontier to find her brother and Sister Mingzhu.
The world is vast; she’ll always find her place.
She must ensure she doesn’t suffer grievances.
Otherwise, wouldn’t it be a waste of fate, born into a wealthy nest?
The carriage slowly rolled past the long street toward the city gate.
On the high building by the street, stood a tall figure.
"Are the arrangements made?"
"Young General, everything is in order. That person, from a humble background, also received an invitation from Mr. Xie. His approach to Miss Xie is flawless."
Young General Wei still felt uneasy, "Are we sure he’s not up to something?"
"Mr. Xie is usually meticulous, but he isn’t aware that the destitute scholar’s widowed sister-in-law is actually his arranged wife since childhood. If it weren’t for my acquaintance with them from the same hometown, we’d still be in the dark."
With Xie Yunling’s temperament, if she knew about this situation, she surely wouldn’t spare him a glance.
But other candidates were either flawless or from prestigious families, making them hard to manipulate.
Although this person is unworthy of Xie Yunling, he is the most advantageous for him.
He tapped his fingers on the railing, "Help him cover it up; don’t let anything slip."
If Xie Yunling fancied someone, Xie Yunzhen would surely scrutinize their background again.
Once any discrepancies are found, he would never let Xie Yunling marry.
He must add fuel to the fire, ensuring this marriage takes place.
Once Xie Yunling marries, holding this leverage, the person would be afraid to touch her.
After settling the Wei family’s problems and sending off Zhao Yuqing, he would assist Xie Yunling in divorce.
They would marry and unite their families!