Chapter 71: Chapter 71: The Ones You Like Aren’t Everywhere
The perfect jade bracelet paired with a wrist as delicate as jade truly complemented each other, just as the eldest son had said.
The old lady saw this and said nothing. She had seen plenty of treasures from the palace. Her private collection held things far grander than this, not to mention that this was something for the young; the old lady wasn’t eager to look.
Ying Man’er was quite envious; that item was visibly superior. Her own courtyard didn’t have anything of that caliber, and she felt quite bitter.
She had noticed back at Biri Pavilion that the Heir treated this maid very differently.
Which family’s maid wears clothes more exquisite than the young mistress’s?
And whose maid wears accessories made of the finest materials?
The Heir truly showed unusual favoritism towards Qu Fulan, even better than his own family; it’s not an exaggeration to call it partiality.
Though she harbored complaints in her heart, she dared not voice them directly. On the way back, she couldn’t resist sowing discord in front of the Third Miss.
"Why did Second Cousin only give her a gift? Fulan is just a maid, we’re the Heir’s true family. I might let it slide, but you are the Heir’s legitimate cousin."
The Third Miss didn’t know how to respond to such words.
Some things simply defy logic, especially since it was Second Brother’s possession to give away at will.
Though she also liked that item, she wouldn’t dwell on it if Second Brother chose not to give it to her.
"The old lady hasn’t had much of an appetite lately, and the food Fulan made managed to rouse it. Second Brother rewarding her isn’t out of line." It’s the only explanation she could offer.
Ying Man’er disagreed, "She only made something good today, and yet Second Cousin’s gift arrived immediately. It shows that even if she hadn’t cooked well to improve the old lady’s appetite, Second Cousin would have given her the gift anyway. What does that mean without any reason?"
Qu Fulan was unaware of anyone speaking ill of her behind her back, but she could imagine that after the Heir gave her such a valuable item, there would be people envious in secret.
If she had the choice, she’d avoid wearing such heavy things that hindered her work.
But the Heir Pei had spoken, leaving her no room to refuse.
Returning to the kitchen to make breakfast, she instructed a maid to take pancakes to the second household, while she delivered breakfast to the Heir.
At the doorway, she heard the old lady talking to the Heir inside; no one was outside to announce her presence.
Just as she was about to speak up, the Heir’s voice rang out, "Miss Liu? She’s different outside than at home. I heard she’s quite domineering within the family, Grandma, don’t be fooled by appearances."
Qu Fulan realized they were discussing marriage again and hesitated on whether to enter. If she stayed out too long, the breakfast would get cold and be unappetizing, but entering might cause disruption.
Amid her indecision, a voice came from inside, "Come in."
It seemed the Heir had detected her footsteps, so Qu Fulan pretended she hadn’t heard anything and stepped inside.
Once inside, she noticed Hua Hao and Yueyuan were also present, indicating that nothing was being discussed that required secrecy.
The old lady continued, "Be honest with me. Have you investigated the backgrounds of all marriageable girls in the Capital City?"
Pei Ji’an rubbed his nose, "Grandmother, I’m not that capable. It was merely on the day I went to Sunset Building, the Liu Family was also present, and I overheard a bit of conversation."
The old lady couldn’t help but sigh. Currently, her eldest grandson’s marriage was unresolved, and her second grandson was too selective.
But still, she didn’t worry about the eldest grandson’s marriage; the critical issue was the second grandson, whose tastes seemed too high. He seemed dissatisfied with everyone. While he’s young now and it’s not alarming, if he grows older without marrying, people might start gossiping about problems.
"You shouldn’t be so picky, or you might end up as a monk someday," the old lady chided sternly.
Pei Ji’an took a bite of rice noodles, swallowed, and reassured, "Rest assured, Grandmother, such a thing will never happen. I promise you’ll have a plump great-grandson to hold one day."
Even knowing he was just saying it to comfort her, the old lady was delighted, "Remember your words. Without that treasured great-grandchild, you’ll see how I’ll deal with you."
The old lady then remembered something else and continued, "Speaking of which, Ying has been in our household for quite some time and is now of marriageable age. I am old and lack the energy to manage everything. Since you have vast connections, keep an eye out for any suitable matches, and let me know. I’ll lend a hand."
Normally, such matters should be handled by the elders, not an unmarried man.
But since the Third Miss in the second aunt’s household wasn’t yet married, and the other illegitimate daughters all depended on her, Ying Man’er, after all, was just an outsider. The second aunt couldn’t manage everything alone, and the old lady had to take on some of the burden.
With her strength not as it once was, and her grandson efficient at resolving issues, the grandmother had become accustomed to relying on him for help.
Pei Ji’an didn’t decline, "Grandmother, what kind of match would you consider suitable?"
The old lady replied, "A family with a simple household, and a young man who strives for progress."
A family with a simple household wouldn’t be a wealthy one. The old lady wasn’t confused enough to endorse a mismatched marriage.
"I will keep an eye out," Pei Ji’an agreed swiftly.
Having brought up Ying Man’er’s marriage, the old lady couldn’t help but think of another match.
"Manager Yu, who once took a sword for your father, had a daughter named Yinhua. She should be of age by now, right?"
Pei Ji’an nodded, "Indeed, she has come of age. Do you have any thoughts, Grandmother?"
The old lady pondered for a moment, saying, "I’m worried that now, with one arm gone, it might affect his daughter’s marriage. After all, he became that way saving your father, so her marriage prospects should be looked after."
"Alright, rest assured, Grandmother. I will definitely find her a good family to marry into."
When discussing others, the Heir agreed so readily that the old lady felt a bit imbalanced, "No matter how urgent their situation is, it’s not more pressing than yours. When your situation is settled, then I can rest easy."
Witnessing the matchmaking scene unfold, Qu Fulan found it somewhat amusing. She thought forced marriages only happened to modern people, not expecting ancient ones had it worse.
Modern people at least get pressured into marriage in their late twenties, but here they are urged before turning twenty.
Perhaps noticing Qu Fulan suppressing a smile, Pei Ji’an glanced at her and then said, "Grandmother, aren’t you putting me in a difficult spot? If I don’t marry someone I like, and the household becomes disharmonious later, it will cause endless complaints."
The old lady almost wanted to knock her naughty grandson with her cane, "You’re babbling again. When did I ever say you couldn’t marry someone you like? Point them out if you claim to like someone."
"Finding someone to like takes time. They’re not just lying around everywhere, are they?"
Before the old lady could respond, Pei Ji’an added, "I have other matters to attend to, but I’ll chat with Grandmother when I have time. Fulan, didn’t you mention you have a fascinating storybook? Entertain the old lady, and as long as she is pleased, everything is negotiable."
The implication was that if the old lady was satisfied, he would agree to let her manage the affairs of Zhaoying Building.