Chapter 57: Chapter 57: I Heard You Finished Reading the Account Books
The Heir Pei said to spread the news of the Qian Family choosing a son-in-law from the Pei Family, and not just the noble circles in the Capital City, but even ordinary families’ gossip will drive the Qian Family to despair.
This move is like killing someone without leaving a trace.
Mr. Qian is still an official, but every step he takes from now on will be very difficult. Those who wish to curry favor with the Pei Family will not let him live in peace for a single day, and he will likely collapse soon.
As for the Qian Family’s daughter, she will never marry in this lifetime, and perhaps won’t even dare to leave the house.
Who would dare marry a woman who, being the daughter of a mere sixth-rank official, dares to pick and choose among the Pei Family men, with her eyes set high, ignorant of the world?
There might even be women who admire the Pei Family men forming groups to throw rotten vegetables and eggs at the Qian Family.
The Qian Family will have to pay for their ignorance and foolish actions for the rest of their lives.
This method is most harmful and sounds satisfying, but in practice, it’s not feasible.
Qu Fulan concluded based on the Pei Family’s situation: "The Old Madam and the Second Madam likely do not want to see the Pei Family affected in any way."
Although public opinion will not affect Mr. Pei’s marriage, Qu Fulan dares to say that as long as Mr. Pei is willing, there are plenty of noble young ladies in the Capital City eager to be stepmothers to Tuan.
However, rival families or peers will inevitably use this matter to mock Mr. Pei, saying he was actually rejected by the daughter of a sixth-rank official.
Therefore, they ultimately chose the first option.
Just as Heir Pei had Qu Fulan choose the worst idea, Pei Yuan left the Old Madam’s room and on his way, stopped by the Lixiang Courtyard, where Qu Fulan served tea to the two of them, then stood at a distance, ready to be called upon at any time.
Pei Ji’an looked at the person sitting across from him and smiled, "Big brother, is there something you want from me?"
Pei Yuan showed a hint of embarrassment on his face, "This incident must have made my second brother laugh at me."
Pei Ji’an chuckled, "There’s no need for formalities between family, there’s nothing to laugh about."
Upon hearing this, Pei Yuan’s expression did not relax; instead, he seemed a bit hesitant.
Pei Ji’an said, "Big brother, just speak your mind."
Only then did Pei Yuan speak, "Through this incident, I’ve come to realize the importance of marrying a virtuous wife. If we don’t prevent it now and marry the Qian Family’s daughter, she’s such a hypocritical woman who would disrupt our household, and it would be too late for regret."
Pei Ji’an listened to Pei Yuan’s words without showing any emotion.
After Pei Yuan finished speaking, his expression also turned a bit heavy, "Therefore, I would like to trouble my second brother to help me with my future marital affairs."
Pei Yuan does not lack connections of his own, but compared to his second brother, he’s like a minor talent compared to a master. There are many things others can’t inquire about, but his second brother can, like inquiring about young ladies in the boudoir; his people cannot do it.
Indeed, Pei Yuan knows that inquiring about young ladies in the boudoir is inappropriate, so he finds it difficult to speak about it. Yet, due to the Qian Family’s actions, he feels extremely cautious about his future marriage and can’t help but come shamelessly to ask his second brother for help.
Speaking of which, his first marriage was lucky. Although he didn’t have deep feelings for his deceased wife, she was respectful to her elders, well-behaved, and very virtuous in life.
Perhaps the first marriage went too smoothly, leading him to be indifferent about a second marriage, almost marrying an oblivious woman without knowing the world’s height.
Pei Ji’an smiled, "Big brother, rest assured, the next time you consider marriage, I will certainly help you investigate in advance. After all, Tuan is my nephew, and of course, I want him to have a good mother."
Upon receiving the answer, Pei Yuan felt much calmer and then got up to leave.
Pei Ji’an remained in the pavilion, continuing to drink tea, staring ahead, lost in thought about something. Qu Fulan hesitated for a moment but did not go forward to disturb him.
The matter of the account books was undoubtedly important, but not urgent for the moment.
Uncertain how much time passed before the Heir Pei seemed to return to his senses and looked in her direction, "Why don’t you come over?"
Qu Fulan walked over and said, "I saw the Heir was contemplating something and didn’t want to disturb."
Pei Ji’an chuckled lightly, "I heard you’ve finished the account books and want to report to me?"
"Yes, only I don’t know when the Heir will be available; I might have quite a bit to say," Qu Fulan replied truthfully.
Pei Ji’an lightly moved his eyebrows, "How much?"
Xiao Family.
Every day Prince Xiao leaves early and returns late, sometimes staying at Lion Mountain for six or seven days before coming home. This was understandable before, but now Mrs. Xiao knows that the military exercises at Lion Mountain have already stabilized and don’t require constant oversight.
She even saw Heir Pei that day returning to the Capital City for leisure; why must her own son continue to remain in that place?
It’s said that no one understands a child better than their mother, so Mrs. Xiao naturally saw through her son’s intentions.
He was still resentful about how she abruptly called him to an arranged meeting with a young lady that day.
But what’s wrong with the Zhou Family’s daughter? She’s a real noble young lady, well-matched with the Xiao Family, and Mrs. Xiao is highly satisfied.
But her son left in a hurry that day, staying away for several days.
Now that he’s finally returned, Mrs. Xiao would not allow him to continue acting recklessly, yet she first inquired about her son’s health and career, nagged about family matters, and only then brought up the main issue.
"Now that you’ve reached the age where it’s appropriate to get engaged, the Old Madam is most concerned about your marriage every day. I talked to her after seeing the Zhou Family’s daughter last time, and she also approved. You’re so introverted and don’t share your thoughts with family. What’s your take on this matter? If you’re satisfied, then our two families can..."
"Mother, I’m busy with work now. It’s not fair to delay another family’s daughter’s lifelong affair," Prince Xiao said seriously.
"How is it delaying her lifelong affair? If you agree, marry her, and she’d be part of our family, someone who understands you better, what’s wrong with that?"
"Forgive me, Mother, I’m just here to fetch some things. I must return to Lion Mountain afterward..."
Mrs. Xiao finally couldn’t hold back any longer and said angrily, "Don’t use Lion Mountain as an excuse to fool me. Even the Heir Pei has returned. Why are you still staying there? Don’t forget you have a sister. If you, as an older brother, don’t marry, won’t that delay her marriage?"
Xiao Shiqing remarked, "If my sister finds someone she likes, let her marry. When happy occasions come, rules can naturally be put aside."
Mrs. Xiao found that mentioning her daughter didn’t work either, couldn’t contain her temper but knew scolding wouldn’t work on her son, so she had to suppress the anger and said, "You think it’s simple. People will say, how come the brother hasn’t married yet, but the sister is in such a hurry to get married? Is she that eager?"
"Who dares say that, I’ll settle the score with them," Xiao Shiqing retorted.
Mrs. Xiao was almost gasping with anger, "What do you mean, are you planning to continue like this and let the Old Madam keep worrying about it?"
Xiao Shiqing paused briefly and said, "Just two years, please grant me this time, Mother."
This statement was clear enough. Mrs. Xiao was so furious she was nearly speechless and refused to pretend any longer, "For someone from the Li Family, you want to let the family elders worry for two years and make your sister wait in vain for two years? Qing, since when did you become so stubborn and unreasonable?"
Whatever else Prince Xiao said afterwards, Xiao Shinuan didn’t continue to listen.
She already knew that her brother had no intention of marrying, so naturally, her own marriage would be delayed indefinitely.
Xiao Shinuan clenched the handkerchief in her hand and turned to leave.