Chapter 286 - 285: A Turning Point
Liu Xu stayed at the Duke Mansion for half a day and had lunch before leaving the Xie family.
Young General Wei had always been keeping an eye on this marriage and thought he needed to push for it to be successful.
But as he watched now, something seemed amiss.
If the Xie family disapproved of Lan Ci, they would certainly make things difficult for Liu Xu, forcing her to retreat.
But Liu Xu behaved normally, showing no sign of being frightened or humiliated.
Although she didn’t make a fuss, her demeanor was no different than usual.
Yet, no matter how one looks at it, something seemed off.
Murmuring to himself, "Could it be that Miss Xie has really taken a liking to Lan Ci?"
The servant pondered over the wording in his mind, afraid of saying the wrong words and hurting his master’s feelings.
Beyond parental consent and matchmaker arrangements, matters of the heart also require mutual willingness.
Miss Xie had already rejected the Young General.
It was unclear what the Young General was thinking, suddenly becoming obstinate against everyone.
Whether it was pride or just contrariness, who knew?
When others insist he cannot marry Miss Xie, he becomes even more determined...
Cautiously he added, "Young General, the big picture is most important. As long as the Wei family stands firm, getting any woman you desire is merely a matter of words, isn’t it?"
It was precisely because he cared too much about the family’s interests that he couldn’t act as he wished.
With a cold glance at the servant, "Don’t jinx it!"
The Wei family, having produced an Empress, and with the Empress’s own son established as the Crown Prince, was naturally unshakeable!
"Have Zhao Yuqing come see me."
He had official duties and couldn’t focus on Xie Yunling all day.
The idea was Zhao Yuqing’s, so she was responsible for managing the situation.
If something went awry, she wouldn’t survive either.
Meanwhile, he could rightfully marry someone else!
Lan Mansion.
The news Liu Xu brought back allowed Lan Ci’s anxious heart to finally settle.
Bowing, he said, "Thank you, sister-in-law, for your efforts on my behalf."
Liu Xu teased, "You are our family’s hope. If you succeed in this season’s imperial examination, I would also benefit as your sister-in-law."
"If you marry Miss Xie, I’ll benefit all the same, so don’t feel pressured. Prepare well and aim to top the exam list."
She always spoke forthrightly.
This was one of the reasons Lan Ci respected Liu Xu; she treated him like an elder sister, sincerely, allowing him to study at the academy with peace of mind.
Favor as small as a drop of water should be repaid with a spring.
Lan Ci wanted to say that regardless of whether Liu Xu married in the future, she would always be his sister-in-law.
On second thought, that title didn’t actually benefit her.
Only by advancing in his career and providing her shelter would he truly repay her.
Nowadays, Liu Xu wasn’t short of silver, but business involved dealing with many people, and she needed someone to back her.
Whether for himself or for Xie Yunling and Liu Xu, he needed to dedicate himself fully.
He must pass the exam in one go!
Liu Xu asked, "Regarding Young General Wei, don’t confront him directly. You can pretend to be pitiful or incompetent... Just deceive him first, lest he hinders your exam participation."
Lan Ci smiled slyly, "Wouldn’t that make me what you called a ’green tea’?"
"What’s wrong with being a ’green tea’? Isn’t it a kind of strategy?"
Liu Xu, brimming with energy, said, "All’s fair in love and war. As long as the goal is achieved, pretending a bit doesn’t hurt."
Sincerely, she added, "Miss Xie is pure-hearted, a rare good girl. Since you like her, you should overcome all obstacles and not bring danger to her."
Lan Ci understood Liu Xu’s intentions.
If Young General Wei continually kept an eye on Xie Yunling, there was no telling when he might play tricks.
Lan Ci himself wasn’t bothered.
But for Miss Xie, this was a potential threat.
"I have a plan."
Liu Xu didn’t ask further.
Lan Ci had already reached adulthood, and if she kept questioning everything, what difference was there between her and a old nanny?
"I didn’t bring Miss Xie a gift today. For the Lantern Festival, I want to give her a glazed lantern. Could you help me draw the designs?"
Lan Ci’s usually calm gaze showed a hint of bashfulness.
Clearing his throat, he asked, "What kind of design do you want?"
Liu Xu scolded, "Must you ask me for everything? Are you just a blockhead?"
Lan Ci was a bit embarrassed.
Before coming to the capital, he had only been interested in studying.
He truly didn’t know what girls liked.
Concentrating, he thought, "I’ll draw a few designs and have a few lanterns made. I’ll give them all to Miss Xie."
He then retrieved a few silver notes from his study and handed them to Liu Xu.
A total of two hundred taels.
This was money he had earned himself.
Feeling a bit self-conscious, Lan Ci added, "If it’s not enough, could you cover the rest for me, sister-in-law? I’ll repay you later."
Lan Ci’s calligraphy and paintings had the mark of a master. If he wished, he could earn silver from it.
Liu Xu knew he wasn’t just making empty promises.
Not standing on ceremony, she decisively accepted the silver notes, "You’re willing to spend money on a girl you fancy, not bad!"
Her words hit home, and Lan Ci’s earlobes turned as red as if they might bleed.
Stammering, he said, "I’ll go work on the designs now."
...
Before the Lantern Festival, a major event happened in the capital.
The official wife of Mr. Zhao suddenly passed away due to illness.
Usually, the family affairs of a minor official wouldn’t cause a stir.
However, earlier in the year, the Emperor had granted a marriage alliance between Zhao Yuqing and Young General Wei.
Thus, the Zhao family naturally garnered much attention.
Originally, they could’ve started preparing for the wedding after the New Year, but now that Mrs. Zhao had passed, Zhao Yuqing needed to observe three years of mourning.
Three years was enough time for many changes to occur.
For Mrs. Wei, this was tremendously good news.
With enough time to maneuver, her son’s marriage prospects could change.
Compared to bringing Zhao Yuqing into the family and later divorcing to remarry, the current situation was far preferable.
However, this meant her son would have to live alone again, without someone to care for him.
Mrs. Wei thought, once things settled, she would find a concubine for her son.
Whose fault was it but Mrs. Zhao’s for conveniently dying at such a time?
There was no way they would let their legitimate son mourn for the Zhao family.
"Madam, the Young General is here to pay his respects."
"Let him in quickly."
Formalities had to be maintained, and upon seeing her son, Mrs. Wei immediately instructed, "Go visit the Zhao family. Zhao Yuqing is your nominal fiancée, so both emotionally and logically, you should go offer incense."
Young General Wei was in a good mood and didn’t refuse his mother’s arrangements.
He and Zhao Yuqing had a three-year agreement, and now he wouldn’t have to marry her. By then, he could shift the responsibility onto Zhao Yuqing.
Truly, how fortunate!
He needed to think of a way to prevent Xie Yunling from getting engaged.
Otherwise, if he married a woman who had been married before, wouldn’t everyone ridicule him to death?
"Mother, when you have time, visit the Duke Mansion and pay respects to the Commandery Princess."
"Are you still set on Xie Yunling?"
The Emperor didn’t favor this marriage, and Mrs. Wei didn’t want to anger His Majesty.
"Just delay it for now."
"But..."
"Mother, do you really wish for me to marry Zhao Yuqing?"
"Of course, Mother hopes you’ll marry an outstanding wife in every way."
"Then listen to me."
Mrs. Guan was considering Xie Yunling’s lifelong happiness.
But this Commandery Princess was different. Her first consideration was always interests!