chapter 5

chapter 5

After the flower banquet, Zhao Yuan politely declined the He family’s proposal.

From a side chamber, I overheard him tell my aunt, “Miss He is narrow-minded, blindly credulous, and incapable of consideration. She is not suited to become the senior daughter-in-law of this household.”

My aunt had also learned what happened that day. Displeased, she said, “Then let the matter end. Madam He was exceedingly rude at the banquet as well. Every other question was about Yan’er, as though before we could marry her daughter, we first had to dispose of Yan’er however they pleased. Nothing has even been settled, yet already they reach too far into our household!”

I understood. The He family must have made extensive inquiries before deciding to marry their daughter into the estate.

Perhaps a servant had let slip that I was once considered as Zhao Yuan’s concubine, causing them to regard me as a grave threat.

Then I heard my aunt say, “You may take your time finding a wife, but your cousin’s future cannot be delayed. I have two candidates in mind. Make some inquiries for me and see whether either man’s character can be trusted.”

Recently, she had identified two possible husbands for me. One was the twenty-six-year-old brother of the Vice Minister of Works’ wife. His wife had died of illness the previous year, leaving him a daughter, so he was a widower.

The other was an eighteen-year-old concubine-born son from the third branch of the Duke of Ying’s household.

Both came from eminent families. These matches represented the very best my aunt could secure for me.

Without the praise I had won after showing myself at the flower banquet, even these proposals would never have reached me.

I could not see Zhao Yuan’s expression. I only heard him say flatly, “I have met Madam Shi’s brother. He is ugly and not even five chi tall. He would be unsuitable.”

So the man was a veritable squat troll…

A cold sweat broke over me.

My aunt asked, “What of the other?”

“The duke’s third branch is already descended through a concubine, and this young man is himself the son of a concubine…”

The rest went without saying.

My aunt considered it. “The Duke of Ying’s family has six branches still living together. There are more than a dozen daughters-in-law and sisters-in-law alone, so the relationships are certainly complicated. But with a ducal house behind him, outsiders will still show them respect. Yan’er is clever and capable; she may be able to manage it. Go and look into the young man. If his character is sound and his appearance acceptable, we can still consider him.”

Only after a long pause did Zhao Yuan answer, “Very well.”

As a young woman, I could neither socialize freely outside nor investigate a prospective husband myself.

At moments like this, the value of having a brother became obvious.

Of course, if I had a brother of my own, I would never have been driven out of Yangzhou and forced to travel all the way to the capital.

Now that Zhao Yuan was helping me, propriety suggested I sew something or prepare a dish to thank him.

But he was guarded and did not like me. I feared even an innocent gesture might invite suspicion, so I behaved with perfect openness and did absolutely nothing.

The next day, I visited Feng’er in the outer study and brought him a new hat I had made.

“It will turn cold after the beginning of autumn. You rise early for your lessons, so don’t let yourself freeze.”

The hat followed the latest fashion, and I had edged it with a narrow band of gray fur. It was exceptionally handsome.

Feng’er loved it and refused to take it off.

I warned him, “Remember, I made this with my own hands. Don’t let anyone take it from you.”

He studied under the great scholar Master Fang with several other boys. The last handkerchief I made for him had ended up as a gift to a classmate.

I had made him demand it back.

“Don’t worry!” Feng’er promised readily. “It’s so nice, I won’t give it to anyone.”

I tapped his forehead. “See that you don’t.”

Having grown up without siblings, I could not help loving such an adorable little brother.

My days in the estate were numbered. I wanted to be as good as possible to my aunt and Feng’er while I remained.

The two of us were laughing when a servant announced Zhao Yuan’s arrival.

The marquis and marchioness had devoted all their attention to Zhao Yuan over the years, so they were far less strict about Feng’er’s education. Their approach to the younger boy was largely to let him grow as he pleased.

Zhao Yuan, however, feared his brother might become an ignorant wastrel and came from time to time to inspect his studies.

At the news of his arrival, I hurriedly rose to leave.

Zhao Yuan glanced at me. “There is no need to rush away. I will escort you first. I happen to have something to discuss.”

When he said there was business, he meant it.

I quickly agreed.

Zhao Yuan told Feng’er, “I will return shortly.”

Reluctant to see me go, Feng’er whispered, “I’ll see you again at dinner.”