Chapter 134

Wen Yuanqiao brought up the topic of arranging a marriage for Nianxi with Madam Li.

Nianxi had just turned sixteen after the New Year, and the couple had long agreed to let their daughter marry no earlier than eighteen.

With two years still ahead and the New Year approaching, Madam Li asked in confusion, “Why the rush?”

Wen Yuanqiao didn’t want to mention the disgraceful matter involving King Jing, so he vaguely replied, “It’s better to get engaged first.”

Having a prospective husband would put an end to the vile intentions of certain people.

However, as the topic of engagement arose, the couple couldn’t help but think of Gu Ci. He was a fine young man with such rare good nature and character, and he even got along well with Nianxi. If only he were still in the capital…

After a moment of consideration, Madam Li said, “Nian’er likely doesn’t have the heart for an engagement now.”

Young love is often hard to forget.

The couple fell silent for a while. Then Madam Li asked, “Did something happen?”

Wen Yuanqiao had always avoided the topic of his daughter’s marriage, so his sudden initiative today must have a reason.

“It’s nothing, just a casual thought,” he said.

Wen Yuanqiao, though not adept in worldly matters, was a good husband who genuinely cared for his wife. If Madam Li were to know about King Jing’s disgraceful matter, she would surely be distressed and anxious, losing both appetite and sleep.

“I just remembered something; I’ll head to the study first,” he added.

Having been married for many years, he feared exposing his thoughts before his wife and hurriedly left.

Wen Yuanqiao spent several days in the study, poring over the eligible young men in the capital. But the more he looked, the more disheartened he became. After scrutinizing from every angle, he found no one worthy of his daughter, Nianxi.

Fortunately, King Jing had been quiet recently, which gave Wen Yuanqiao a brief respite. But given it concerned his daughter, he didn’t dare let his guard down.

After days of deep contemplation, during which a few strands of his hair turned white, he finally recalled someone. In every aspect, this person matched well with Nianxi—steady, reliable, humble, and courteous. Without further delay, he sent someone to invite him.

Unfortunately, the servant came back to report, “Lord Pei is occupied with external affairs and is currently not in the capital.”

“Did he mention when he might return?”

“Around the end of the year.”

Wen Yuanqiao calculated the dates and realized it wasn’t far off, so he calmed down, deciding to wait for Pei Jian’s return to discuss the matter further.

Currently, it was widely known in the capital that Pei Jian had someone he fancied.

Thanks to Han Lin, who truly excelled in social matters, even Wen Yuanqiao, a scholar who usually paid no attention to outside gossip, had heard about it.

Wen Yuanqiao had already devised a plan: Pei Jian having someone he liked was quite convenient, as his daughter, Nian’er, also had someone in her heart. If King Jing refused to give up, he could claim that these two youngsters were already engaged!

Once the situation with King Jing blew over, Pei Jian and Nian’er could peacefully go their separate ways since neither had feelings for the other.

In this way, his Nianxi could remain at home for a few more years before getting married.

Brilliant!

Nianxi had no idea about her father’s careful thoughts and plans. Lately, her energy had been entirely devoted to Liuji Pavilion.

Enlightened individuals do not care solely for their elders or children; they ensure the elderly are cared for, the strong are utilized, the young are nurtured, and the widowed, orphaned, childless, and disabled are all supported.

Having once faced death herself, Nianxi understood the preciousness of life better than anyone.

Lady Chengjing established the Liuji Pavilion to aid the impoverished and ill. There, Nianxi had encountered countless individuals fighting for their lives, which gave her an even deeper appreciation for the value of living.

Happiness is never a gift from others; it originates from the richness and fulfillment of one’s inner self.

The past Nianxi had been overly sentimental and conflicted, losing herself because of a man’s gradually fading affection.

She didn’t go to Liuji Pavilion every day, but every time she did, she worked with great care. She was especially patient and meticulous with impoverished women and children and invited several of them to work at Fusheng Banzhan.

She knew her strength was limited, but, like the faint light of fireflies, it could add brilliance to the sun and moon, and the tiniest specks of dust could help enrich the mountains and seas.

After organizing and distributing remedies for cold-related coughs that day, Madam Xu approached her. She said, “This winter is particularly harsh, and there are more elderly and children suffering from colds. Thank you for your hard work these days.”

Madam Xu was the head of Liuji Pavilion. She had once been the Emperor’s wet nurse, and after he ascended the throne, she was granted the title of First-Rank Lady, a position of great honor. However, her only daughter passed away young, and her husband also died, so she assisted Lady Chengjing in managing the various affairs of Liuji Pavilion.

Nianxi didn’t feel that the work was hard. She shook her head gently and replied, “It’s really not hard at all, but the medicinal herbs like Platycodon and Ophiopogon for treating coughs are running low. If we don’t replenish them in time, it may become difficult to continue.”

Hearing this, Madam Xu grew even more pleased and said, “Others will handle those matters. Are you free the day after tomorrow? Madam Xian has invited you to her residence.”

Lady Chengjing, Madam Xian, had always been a legend in the capital and a role model for women. Nianxi had never met her before, and upon hearing about the invitation, she became so excited that her face turned slightly red: “I’m free! I’ll be sure to arrive on time!”

The more she learned about Liuji Pavilion, the more she admired Lady Chengjing, who had founded this charity—resolving the suffering of the world as a woman, truly a noble deed!

Seeing her excitement, Madam Xu felt even happier and was about to praise her further when Nianxi’s maid, Lan Zhi, came searching for her.

“Miss, Madam has asked you to return home quickly.”

“What’s the matter?”

“The Empress’s birthday is approaching, and she has invited the noble ladies of the capital. Madam sent me to fetch you back so you can prepare your attire for the grand banquet the day after tomorrow.”

The Empress had always been frugal. In previous years, her birthday celebrations had never been grand or extravagant. This year, she had even stated early on that, with the war in the northern border pressing, she, as the leader of the imperial harem, must lead by example, exercising diligence and thrift.

“Why so sudden?”

Lan Zhi glanced at her young lady and said, “It’s said that Young General Gu won a great victory in battle. The Emperor is delighted and is taking this opportunity to celebrate during the Empress’s birthday.”

Upon hearing Gu Ci’s name, Nianxi froze for a moment. She then turned to Madam Xu and apologized, “Madam…”

Madam Xu already understood the situation and smiled to console the young lady in front of her, “Then let’s reschedule.”

“Yes.”

When Nianxi returned home, the embroiderers from the tailoring workshop that Madam Li had called were already waiting in the hall to take Nianxi’s measurements for her new dress.

“Mother, the Empress’s banquet is the day after tomorrow. Isn’t it a bit late to make a dress today?”

Madam Li, who was sorting through the fabrics delivered by the cloth shop, replied without even looking up, “I’ve paid a high price—they’ll finish it in time.”

Nianxi had grown taller this winter. Every time Madam Li tried to make her a few new clothes, Nianxi would always brush it off.

Madam Li knew in her heart who her daughter was doing this for.

Before Gu Ci left for the battlefield, her daughter would dress up radiantly every day, like a blossoming flower. But after he left, throughout this winter, her once lively daughter spent all her time in the drab Liuji Pavilion, which pained her deeply as a mother.

But she couldn’t express that pain. After all, who hasn’t done a few foolish things when heartbroken?

Since Gu Ci’s departure from the capital, there had been countless rumors and gossip spread by bitter, sharp-tongued women accusing Nianxi of being fickle and insincere.

Madam Li herself had secretly shed tears a few times over this. Let alone her fifteen-year-old daughter!

Madam Li had already decided that today, she would dress Nianxi beautifully to show those narrow-minded, foul-mouthed people how outstanding her daughter was!

She understood her daughter best—Nian’er was straightforward and honest. She couldn’t let go right now, but given time, she eventually would.

Madam Li wasn’t the least bit worried.

After all—Yanli seemed like quite a good match!