Chapter 33: Negotiation (III)

Seeing his father and elder brother on the verge of losing their composure, Xiao Jingmin took over the negotiation. His second brother was unreliable, as he was now staring daggers at Fang Yufu, his gaze so intense that it seemed capable of boring holes through Fang’s body.

“Minister Fang, isn’t it inappropriate for you to set your sights on my niece, who can barely string a full sentence together?”

“Of course, we’re not suggesting marriage now. We could arrange the engagement and revisit the matter when the children grow older. As for the wedding itself, we’ll follow your preferences. If there are any other conditions, feel free to propose them.”

“My only condition is that you stop thinking about my granddaughter. If you dare say another word, do you believe I will let you walk out of this house alive?” General Xiao slammed his palm down, shattering the small tea table beside him.

“General Xiao, are you threatening the Fang family? Your family refuses to give up your grandson and won’t allow a granddaughter to be promised either. Are we still family allies? If the noble General Xiao breaks his word, how does he plan to maintain his standing in the capital once this gets out?”

Madam Fang shrieked, her tone sharp and grating. She lacked refinement but felt justified, raising her voice to embolden herself and bolster her husband’s position.

This time, Fang Yufu didn’t stop his wife’s tantrum. He needed time to calm down and figure out the next steps.

Xiao Jingmin chose not to argue with a woman. Instead, he calmly sat down and sipped tea, waiting for her to tire herself out before continuing the discussion.

Fang Qinglian’s heart was a storm of emotions. The Xiao family’s rejection of a marriage proposal for their granddaughter gave her a glimmer of hope. It seemed her grandfather had miscalculated.

Between marrying off a granddaughter and welcoming a daughter-in-law, it appeared that the latter was easier for the Xiao family to accept. Should she seize this opportunity? Her heart began to stir with excitement.

After Madam Fang’s fiery outburst, she looked around. Her family members had been watching her, but her opponents? They were either sipping tea or remaining silent.

Realizing her passionate display had been dismissed, Madam Fang trembled with rage and nearly collapsed.

“Grandmother, don’t be like this. Let’s discuss this calmly,” Fang Qinglian said softly, supporting her grandmother with an expression full of concern.

Her exaggerated gentleness earned a derisive snort from Fang Qinghe.

Fang Yufu obediently kept quiet. He didn’t want to let this opportunity slip away but also didn’t dare provoke the Xiao family further. Most of the Fang family members in the capital were present here. If the Xiao family decided to silence them permanently, the old and young alike would be at their mercy.

“Given the current situation, let’s be clear. Minister Fang has mentioned that it’s inappropriate for his granddaughter to marry into our family. As for others, there’s even less possibility. If you’re willing to give up this arrangement, whether you want money or goods as compensation, our Xiao family is happy to oblige.

This way, we remain relatives, continuing to visit and maintain ties. Isn’t that the best outcome for everyone? Surely you don’t want the two families to turn against each other—it benefits no one. With Minister Fang’s wisdom, I believe he wouldn’t resort to such measures. Am I right?” Xiao Jingkang suppressed his anger and spoke calmly.

“The atmosphere today isn’t suitable for discussing this matter further. Let’s talk another day,” Fang Yufu deflected, evading Xiao Jingkang’s proposal.

Postponing the discussion made Xiao Jingkang suspect that if they left things unresolved today, rumors of the Xiao family breaking their word and reneging on agreements might spread throughout the streets tomorrow.

“If Minister Fang truly wishes for our families to unite through marriage, then choose a granddaughter now. We’ll exchange eight-character horoscopes and betrothal letters today,” General Xiao declared, having run out of patience. He regretted the circumstances for his son Xiao Lin but decided to make up for it in other ways later.

This wasn’t the outcome Fang Yufu had hoped for. He desperately tried to reverse the situation. If things continued down this path, his granddaughter might not survive after entering the Xiao family, leaving him empty-handed. This wasn’t what he wanted—not out of love for his granddaughter, but because it would be meaningless.

“What’s the matter? Changed your mind?” General Xiao saw through the scheming and dismissed it. This was the only viable solution now.

When the eight-character horoscopes were exchanged, Xiao Lin would meet them in person. If they were satisfied, the union could proceed. If not, both parties could go their separate ways.

If they wanted to spread rumors, so be it. Who would remember this incident after a year or two? Ultimately, they would gain nothing.

“We should at least let the children meet before deciding.”

“In whose family does a marriage not follow the parents’ orders and matchmakers’ arrangements? Exchanging the horoscopes before meeting is not too late.”

“Then…” Fang Yufu hesitated.

“Grandfather, I’m willing to stay, but the marriage can be discussed later.” Fang Qinglian, fearing her grandfather might give the opportunity to her cousin or that she’d be promised to another suitor, quickly expressed her intentions, feigning selflessness.

“Does Sister wish to marry the Xiao family’s young master? Hardly,” Fang Qinghe retorted, annoyed by her cousin’s interference.

“You! What do you mean?”

“Why don’t you ask yourself what you’re staying for?”

“I… I… I’m staying to serve Auntie.”

“Do you think everyone is a fool?” Fang Qinghe decided against sparing her cousin’s dignity any longer, frustrated by her pretense.

“I won’t argue with you, my younger sister, as you are naive.”

“Am I naive, or do you have ulterior motives? You know the answer better than anyone.”

“Sisters shouldn’t speak ill of each other. I’m thinking about our family.”

“Indeed, Qinglian is always such a thoughtful child,” Madam Fang praised, seizing any chance to commend her granddaughter.

“Then ask her what she’s staying for,” Fang Qinghe fumed. She, who genuinely wanted to marry into the Xiao family, couldn’t bear her conniving cousin gaining favor.

“Of course, it’s to care for Auntie. What else?”

First, secure the engagement and then move in—it wasn’t a flawed plan.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m thinking,” Fang Qinglian replied sweetly.

“You see…” Fang Yufu started to feel his granddaughter staying wasn’t entirely unfeasible.

“To stay, she must have a legitimate status. Exchange the horoscopes, meet face to face, and if everyone agrees, we’ll discuss her staying,” General Xiao said, ready to summon Xiao Lin.

“No, I don’t want to be engaged now,” Fang Qinglian refused, realizing an engagement would complicate her plans.

“Qinglian, don’t be shy. This was arranged between the families years ago,” Madam Fang gently coaxed.

“Hmph,” Fang Qinghe couldn’t help smirking, anticipating her cousin’s impending embarrassment.

“Qinglian, what’s wrong?” Fang Yufu, observing his granddaughter’s odd behavior, finally realized her motives weren’t pure. Spoiled by her grandmother, she had grown selfish. Had Qinghe been more beautiful, he wouldn’t have brought this pair of dim-witted grandmother and granddaughter to the capital in the first place.

“Miss Fang, are you unwilling?” Xiao Jingkang asked, his calm demeanor restored.

“Qinglian, if you have conditions, speak up. Grandmother will help, and General Xiao is here. Everyone cares for the younger generation and will accommodate your wishes,” Madam Fang assured, believing it reasonable for her granddaughter to make requests during a marriage negotiation.

Both families, driven by misunderstandings and personal agendas, continued to circle each other in an increasingly tangled web of intentions and misconceptions.