Chapter 278 - 277: Choosing a Brother-in-Law
Aside from Lan Ci, Xie Yunling had also chosen another young nobleman.
He wasn’t an heir, but he was born into a legitimate line.
With the protection of his family, as long as he didn’t make a major mistake, he could live his life smoothly.
Mrs. Guan felt uneasy. The banquet hadn’t ended yet, but she went to discuss Yun Ling’s marriage with Second Young Master Xie.
If there was no issue with the two people she had in mind, it would be better to settle it early.
Ji Mingzhu also wanted to ask Yun Zhen whether the selection process would affect Yun Ling.
If it would, it would be best to deal with it as soon as possible.
To avoid being caught off guard, preventing any negative consequences for Yun Ling.
After the banquet ended, Ji Mingzhu accompanied Xie Yun Zhen to see the guests off.
She advised Yun Ling, "Don’t go out during this period, just stay in the courtyard."
Xie Yunling nodded, "My teacher assigned me lessons to complete before the Lantern Festival."
Ji Mingzhu was still at ease with her.
Though Yun Ling was lively and active, she was also persuadable and had never done anything rebellious.
She touched Yun Ling’s hair and said, "Leave everything to your brother. Eat when you should, sleep when you should. Don’t overthink."
Concerning her lifelong happiness, Xie Yunling could not help but worry.
But seeing Mingzhu appear so calm and confident, Xie Yunling felt her worries might be excessive.
She believed in her brother and sister-in-law, entrusting them to handle everything.
Staying well in the courtyard and not causing them trouble was the best choice.
Xie Yun Zhen had attended countless banquets, but hosting one himself was a first.
He found it quite annoying.
But since he had invited people over to choose a husband for his sister, he couldn’t neglect them.
The guests were all men, and the women of the family couldn’t step forward. Xie Yun Zhen had to muster the patience to entertain them.
He didn’t involve himself in their discussions.
Nor did he put any thought into the Emperor’s selection of concubines.
Without needing to think, he knew that the Emperor was expanding his harem at this time to balance court politics.
The Wei Family already had an Empress, so they probably wouldn’t choose another Wei girl to enter the palace.
As for the Xie Family, if they truly wanted to select someone for the palace, they could pick from the daughters of concubines.
It didn’t necessarily have to be Yun Ling.
Now, with the recent war, the population was sparse, the national treasury empty, and there was an urgent need to recuperate.
As long as the Emperor wasn’t foolish, he wouldn’t ignite fires everywhere, causing unrest in the court at this time.
Xie Yun Zhen wasn’t the Emperor’s major concern, so as long as he said he didn’t want Yun Ling to enter the palace, the Emperor would likely oblige.
Even if he didn’t, Xie Yun Zhen had ways to resolve it.
Mingzhu cherished Yun Ling so much that he wouldn’t let Mingzhu be worried or sad.
As for that ravenous place, whoever wanted to go, could go.
In any case, it wouldn’t be Yun Ling.
Xie Yun Zhen had it figured out, so he didn’t focus much on the matter.
Others were engaged in lofty discussions about court politics and livelihood in various regions...
While his mind was preoccupied with whether the child was pestering Mingzhu.
If her appetite remained poor, should she start eating supplements to prevent malnutrition for herself and the child?
Thinking about it, he also started planning their departure from the capital.
Arrangements had to be made in advance, to ensure Mingzhu wouldn’t tire. At that time, they should bring a few more cooks. If her appetite wasn’t good, they could prepare a variety of dishes for her.
Xie Yun Zhen was lost in his thoughts, completely ignoring what the others were discussing.
Finally, enduring until the hour to disperse, Xie Yun Zhen breathed a sigh of relief.
He didn’t even know who Yun Ling and his second aunt had taken a liking to.
Just as he was about to go to the attic to find Ji Mingzhu, he saw her approaching from afar with gold in tow.
Xie Yun Zhen quickly went to meet her.
He naturally supported her arm, "Did the child bother you?"
"No."
With an indistinct gaze upon her, Ji Mingzhu lightly coughed, "Let’s send the guests off first."
Xie Yun Zhen took her hand in return and whispered, "Have you decided on someone? Should I keep them back for a word?"
Ji Mingzhu named two people, "Don’t make it public yet, you should further investigate their backgrounds."
Keeping them back now would undoubtedly tell everyone who Yun Ling had set her sights on.
Nothing was confirmed yet, and premature news could harm a young lady’s reputation.
Xie Yun Zhen followed Ji Mingzhu’s advice.
Holding her hand, he led her out of the mansion to send off the guests.
Back then, Xie Yun Zhen’s infatuation led him to do many unbelievable things, which everyone in the capital knew about.
Who would have thought, after so much time had passed, Mrs. Ji would still be so favored.
It’s hard to tell if it’s her own charm.
Or if the Duke himself was a passionate lover.
Affectionate couples were rare, but such public displays of affection were unheard of.
For a moment, everyone had a sense of admiration for Ji Mingzhu.
Being able to hold the Duke’s heart, this Mrs. Ji was indeed remarkable.
Seeing her polite demeanor, well-mannered and dignified, not servile nor arrogant.
Those present also felt more favorable towards Xie Yunling.
After all, Mrs. Ji was raised by Mrs. Guan of the second house, who was said to have a sister-like bond with Xie Yunling.
Birds of a feather flock together.
The young Miss Xie must be quite an intriguing person as well.
At the entrance to the Duke’s mansion, they bid farewell to Xie Yun Zhen one by one.
"My Lord Duke, when you leave the capital, we may not be able to see you off, so we wish you and your lady safe travels now. When you return next, it will be our time to welcome you back with a grand banquet."
A young nobleman expressed.
Even if the marriage didn’t work, maintaining good relations with the Duke’s mansion was beneficial for their families.
This was one of the reasons no one missed the banquet.
Xie Yun Zhen nodded, "Until we meet again."
Receiving an invitation from Xie Yun Zhen meant he held them in regard.
His overly kind demeanor during the banquet indicated no one had spoken or acted out of turn, annoying him.
Even if they didn’t catch Miss Xie’s eye, the trip was worthwhile.
Everyone present was discerning. Seeing Xie Yun Zhen frequently glance at Ji Mingzhu with concern, they understood that Mrs. Ji might need rest.
They didn’t linger much longer, exchanged a few pleasantries, and boarded their respective carriages.
Lan Ci lingered at the back, not engaging with others, looking somewhat out of place.
He only stepped forward and bowed after everyone else had left.
He uncertainly asked, "My Lord Duke, do you still have any vacancies under your command?"
Ji Mingzhu was slightly surprised. Mr. Lan was known for his vast knowledge, and his eyes, often misty, made it hard to discern his true thoughts. He must be a meticulous person.
He should have known that today’s banquet was for Yun Ling’s prospective match.
And not for recruiting subordinates for Xie Yun Zhen.
Since Xie Yunling had taken a liking to him, Ji Mingzhu didn’t leave; she also wanted to hear Mr. Lan’s true intentions.
Xie Yun Zhen raised an eyebrow, "For the capable, there’s naturally a need."
Lan Ci cupped his hands, "I am willing to follow the Lord Duke. You may test me as you wish, and if I pass, I ask that you give me a chance."
Ji Mingzhu pinched Xie Yun Zhen’s palm, not quite understanding what this man was up to.
Xie Yun Zhen rubbed the back of her hand in reassurance.
He straightforwardly said, "Today, I’m only choosing a brother-in-law."
"To be favored by Miss Xie would be my honor."
Ji Mingzhu had been observing Lan Ci.
Perhaps it was a trick of her mind, but she thought she saw him blush and seem a bit nervous.
Different from the nervousness in front of Xie Yun Zhen.
"Mr. Lan, have you met Yun Ling before?"
Lan Ci grew more embarrassed, murmuring, "Back then, my sister-in-law and I had just arrived in the capital. You were hit by a carriage. My sister-in-law and I were present, and we met a few more times in the city afterward."
After speaking, he subconsciously glanced at Xie Yun Zhen.
He dared not mention that during that time, his sister-in-law had scolded the Duke harshly.
Saying he was poor at judging people, unable to see through manipulative women.
Wasted his pair of eyes!
Having lived with his sister-in-law for many years, he knew "manipulative woman" was a derogatory term...