Chapter 9: Settle the Marriage First

Xiao Die twitched the corner of her mouth and lowered her head, saying softly, "Mistress was also deceived by others; I hardly consider myself wronged."

Lin Qingshuang lowered her eyes and smiled gently, her fingertips pressing tightly into her palm.

With the incident settled, Sheng Hong smiled and turned to Hua Lan, speaking warmly, "Hua’er, this is Young Master Zhao."

Upon hearing this, Hua Lan offered a graceful bow. Since she had only seen Zhao Han indistinctly through the screen that day, she subtly glanced at him as she raised her eyes. His handsome face and dignified bearing caused her ears to flush faintly with shyness and timidity.

Zhao Han quickly withdrew his gaze and returned the greeting, "Miss, you look well."

Hua Lan smiled softly and then stepped back behind Wang Ruofu, every gesture exuding the elegance of a refined lady.

"Dear nephew, come with me to the study."

Sheng Hong patted Zhao Han on the shoulder and headed straight toward the central courtyard.

Inside the study, the scent of sandalwood lingered softly.

Sheng Hong lifted a cup of Liu An tea freshly brewed by a maid, gently blowing off the froth, then took a small sip and said, "The household has been unsettled; today must have been a spectacle for you, dear nephew."

Zhao Han smiled faintly.

"There is an old saying that every family has its own difficulties. Uncle is busy managing countless affairs and cannot attend to every single matter."

Seeing Zhao Han so understanding, Sheng Hong sighed softly.

"Ultimately, I neglected Madam Wei and her daughter. The thaw after heavy snow is the coldest time. Today, seeing Minglan dressed so lightly truly troubled me."

His words were sincere, though whether he would still feel the same after visiting Lin Qingshuang’s room was uncertain.

"Better late than never. Young nephew, though Sixth Miss seems quiet and reserved, she conceals a keen spirit. I believe she can understand uncle’s hardships."

"You are right. Tomorrow I will arrange for more maids and older women to care for the mother and daughter."

Sheng Hong paused, then continued, "Nephew, over these three years, I have witnessed your talent and character. You have also just met my eldest daughter Hua Lan. What do you think of her?"

Zhao Han raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The eldest miss is gentle and dignified, steady and composed, embodying the grace of a noble lady from a distinguished family."

Sheng Hong stroked his beard with a smile, pride shining in his eyes.

"To be honest, when Hua’er was born, I had just been assigned to a harsh, cold region and could not even find a proper wet nurse. Those years were tough with me."

"As she grew older, I was busy with official affairs while the madam managed the household, so Hua’er was raised by the matriarch."

"Hua’er’s present grace is all thanks to the matriarch’s careful upbringing."

---

Zhao Han smiled, realizing that Sheng Hong confided these inner household matters precisely because he intended to arrange this marriage.

"I have long heard of the matriarch of the Yongyi Marquis’s only daughter. To this day, I have not had the honor to pay my respects, which is somewhat discourteous."

Sheng Hong waved his hand. "That’s simple. Next time you have free time, just send word beforehand, and the servants will arrange your visit."

"Actually, there is another matter I wish to ask you about today."

"Please, uncle."

Sheng Hong furrowed his brow, pondering briefly before speaking, "Would you be willing to marry Hua’er?"

Zhao Han’s eyes brightened briefly, then he composed himself, standing respectfully with hands clasped, saying solemnly, "I am unworthy, but if I can unite in marriage with the eldest miss, I will cherish it deeply, hoping to bring honor to Uncle Sheng by soon raising a family."

Seeing his sincere and proper response, Sheng Hong laughed heartily twice. "I knew I did not misjudge you."

"Since your parents have both passed, let me arrange a propitious day before the New Year to exchange betrothal letters and finalize the match. After you achieve success in the imperial examination, we will proceed with the formal engagement and wedding."

"What do you think?"

Sheng Hong’s plan was impeccable, leaving no room for objection.

Moreover, since the Sheng family was currently giving a daughter in marriage, any hesitation on Zhao Han’s part would seem immature.

Zhao Han quickly clasped his hands in agreement. "I will follow whatever arrangements you see fit, Uncle Sheng."

Meanwhile, in the madam’s quarters—

Wang Ruofu lay half-reclined on the soft couch, frustrated, clutching Hua Lan’s slender hand like a green onion, and fuming, "Why did you stop me just now? It was plainly that Lin Qingshuang, that vixen, who did all this."

"If we just tie up Lady Guan and interrogate her, she will surely confess."

Standing nearby, Nurse Liu shook her head in disappointment.

Hua Lan’s eyes flickered, as if stars twinkled within. She sighed softly.

"Mother is becoming more confused. Lin Xiao Niang is smooth-tongued and skilled at twisting right and wrong. Before Father, she only needs a few words to turn black into white."

"Even if Mother extracts the truth from Lady Guan, I’m afraid Lin Xiao Niang will counter-accuse Mother, forcing a false confession and framing her."

Wang Ruofu’s mind went blank, her mouth opening and closing, speechless as she looked at Hua Lan.

Nurse Liu frowned. "Miss, you speak perfectly. Madam and Lin Xiao Niang have been at odds for years—haven’t they suffered enough in silence?"

"If it weren’t for Young Master Zhao stepping in to smooth things over, who knows how today’s chaos would have ended?"

Wang Ruofu’s eyes widened, her chest rising and falling rapidly. After a long pause, she spoke.

"I thought Young Master Zhao was just joking around, but I didn’t expect he would see this clearly."

"That Lin Qingshuang, why doesn’t heaven strike her down with thunder?"

Nurse Liu looked helpless. "Madam, I believe His Lordship has already seen that Lin Xiao Niang is the mastermind behind this. That’s why he’s reluctant to investigate further. We must wait quietly for the right moment to deal with her."

"Besides, Madam, you should learn to temper your temper. Remember, time is on our side."

Hua Lan gently patted Wang Ruofu’s back, soothing her.

Wang Ruofu sighed deeply. She knew all too well her temper was too impulsive.

But whenever she saw Lin Qingshuang’s affected and coquettish manner, she couldn’t help but flare up, wishing to have her betrayed at once.

After a moment of frustration, Wang Ruofu looked toward the window and saw the light still burning in Sheng Hong’s study.

She smiled softly at Hua Lan and whispered, "After today, do you think Young Master Zhao is suitable?"

"Mother, why do you ask this all of a sudden?"

Hua Lan quickly turned away, her delicate cheeks blooming with a visible blush.

"Since it’s taking so long, I guess Father is probably discussing your marriage with Young Master Zhao."

"Young Master Zhao is a promising young man. Who knows, you might even receive an official rank in the future."

In this era, an official rank was undoubtedly the highest honor a woman could attain.

A titled lady not only received a stipend from the court but also had the privilege of attending banquets at the palace during grand festivals and celebrations.

There were two ways to obtain such a rank: either through one’s own exemplary virtue and talent, achieving merit for the court, or through one’s husband or son’s elevated status, sharing in their honor.

Wang Ruofu’s greatest dream in life was to be bestowed such a rank, just as her own mother was, basking in glory.

She knew she could hardly expect to earn it through Sheng Hong, so now she pinned her hopes on Sheng Changbai.