Chapter 1 — Cousin, You’re Too Polite

After a spring rain had just fallen, the lingering snow melted away, and the garden echoed with the drip-drop of falling water.

Under the eaves of the corridor, a little maid came running quickly along the covered walkway. She rushed into the main hall and bowed joyfully.
“Old Madam, the young master has returned!”

Seated on the soft couch at the head of the hall, the Old Madam—dignified and elegant—let out a breath of relief and nodded repeatedly.
“Good, good. As long as he’s back.”

The people below the hall all broke into smiles.

The Fifth Young Miss, who had been acting spoiled beside the Old Madam, grinned brightly.
“Not long ago, the heavy snow blocked the mountain pass, delaying Big Brother’s return to the capital by half a month. I already said nothing would happen, but Grandmother still worried too much.”

The Old Madam patted her hand with a smile.
“Yes, I worried too much. Since when has Xian’er ever caused the family concern?”

While they spoke, the thick door curtain was lifted by a maid, and a tall figure stepped inside. He was dressed in a white fox-fur cloak, his tall frame upright as jade. His handsome face was as flawless as warm jade, yet his clear eyes carried a trace of aloofness—like snow on the mountain peak, beautiful but distant.

“Grandmother, Mother.” Xie Xianyu bowed in greeting.

The Old Madam smiled in relief.
“This time you carried out the Emperor’s order to the south of the Yangtze and were gone for three months. You’ve worked hard. How did the matter go?”

“All went smoothly. I have already reported back to His Majesty at the palace. Only, when returning, I encountered heavy snow blocking the roads, which delayed me a few days and caused Grandmother to worry.”

“No matter, no matter. It’s fine as long as you’re safe.”

The First Madam smiled with composure.
“This Jiangnan salt tax case was of great importance. The fact that His Majesty entrusted Xian’er with it shows how highly he regards you.”

“Xian’er has never been one to cause worry,” she added, “but as for this marriage matter…”

She hurried on, “Many families have inquired. I’ve already shortlisted a few. Xian’er is already past twenty; indeed, we can’t afford to delay this matter any longer.”

The Third Madam flattered with a smile.
“With Xian’er’s talent, the young ladies of the capital are all watching eagerly. Just recently, the Marquis of Yongchang’s residence, Duke Chen’s residence, even the Princess Royal’s palace, have all sent invitations—each intending marriage ties.”

The Xie clan was the foremost among century-old noble families. As the legitimate eldest son of the main branch, Xie Xianyu was undoubtedly the heir.

And he lived up to expectations—gifted since childhood, outstanding in ability, now only twenty and already firmly established in court. He had even resolved the long-standing Jiangnan salt tax corruption case.

Naturally, his marriage was a matter of great interest.

The Old Madam turned to him.
“Do you have someone in mind?”

His voice was calm.
“I leave it entirely to Grandmother and Mother’s decision.”

The Old Madam nodded with a smile.
“Even so, you should take a look yourself. Later, let your mother send you a list of candidates. This is your lifelong matter—better to find one you truly like.”

“If Big Brother is too lazy to choose, I’ll help him! With so many spring banquets coming up, I’ll be sure to help Big Brother pick!” the Fifth Miss, Xie Xiuzhu, chirped.

“You’d better not. If you pick someone who matches your temper, once she enters our house, wouldn’t we be in constant chaos?”

The one speaking fanned himself with a teasing smile.

“Uncle, what nonsense are you saying!” Xiuzhu nearly leapt up in anger.

“See that? Look at this temper of hers. If her husband doesn’t please her one day, she might just strike him,” Xie Zizhou shook his head with mock sympathy.

Laughter filled the hall.

Xie Xianyu tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping faintly to the back. In the corner, a young woman was also laughing at Xiuzhu’s flustered reaction. She showed no trace of disappointment, nor did she look at him.

The Old Madam embraced Xiuzhu with a smile.
“Alright, alright, don’t make fun of her. She’s still young. Once she grows a bit older and is engaged, she’ll naturally mature.”

The First Madam shook her head, smiling.
“Old Madam, don’t spoil her. Still, speaking of it, Xiuzhu’s marriage should be considered too. She’s already fourteen; next year she’ll be of age. It’s time to find her a good match early.”

The Old Madam nodded.
“Yes, not only Xiuzhu, but also Xiuyun and Xiulin—both should be considered…”

She paused, then suddenly seemed to recall something. Her eyes lifted toward a quiet girl seated at the very end.

The girl wore the plainest dress, unlike the Xie girls in bright reds and greens. Her hair was pinned with only two silver hairpins. Her delicate face bore little trace of cosmetics, yet it could not hide her breathtaking beauty. Among a crowd, she stood out at a glance.

“How old is Wan’er now?” the Old Madam suddenly asked.

Wanru froze for a moment before replying softly.
“I am sixteen this year.”

“Already sixteen… Poor child, with no parents to arrange your marriage.” The Old Madam sighed.

Xu Wanru hurriedly rose and bowed.
“I am already endlessly grateful for Old Madam’s kindness in taking me in. Wanru is willing to serve you all her life.”

The Old Madam smiled gently.
“It was not my decision to take you in, but Xian’er’s. You should thank him.”

In truth, the Xu and Xie families were only distantly related. Each year, many so-called poor relatives came to seek favors, only to be sent off with a bit of silver, rarely meeting the Old Madam.

If not for Xie Xianyu’s intervention, how would she have found a place in the Xie household?

Wanru’s obedient eyes brimmed with gratitude.
“If not for Cousin’s kindness, I cannot imagine what my fate would be. I will forever remember this favor.”

Xie Xianyu’s calm voice held no emotion.
“It was but a small effort. Cousin, you’re too polite.”

Xie Xiuzhu shot her a contemptuous look and snorted.

The Old Madam, seeing such harmony between cousins, nodded in satisfaction.
“Wan’er is a sensible child. But truly, what woman does not marry? Soon, the triennial spring examination will bring many scholars to the capital. Perhaps among them there may be a suitable candidate—if one passes the exams, he would have a bright future. I’ll have someone look out for you.”

Wanru lifted her eyes in surprise, gazing at the Old Madam’s kindly smile. Her eyes flickered faintly, betraying a trace of longing.

Suddenly she felt a sharp, cold gaze fall upon her. Startled, she quickly lowered her eyes.

The Old Madam only thought she was shy and did not press further, merely instructing the Third Madam.
“You should also keep an eye out for Wan’er.”

The Third Madam smiled, but her tone was perfunctory.
“Yes.”

A lowly relative who had come to seek shelter—being given a place to stay was already mercy. And now they were even to worry about her marriage? Did she really take herself as a true Xie daughter?

Xie Xianyu suddenly stood. His voice remained calm.
“Grandmother, I’ll return to change clothes first.”

“Go, go. You must be tired from the journey. Rest well.”

“Yes.”

He bowed and strode out.

As he passed Wanru, she noticed mud stains on the hem of his robe. He was always so fastidious—what urgent matter had made him rush home in such haste?

Once he left, the Old Madam too felt weary and waved her hand.
“That’s enough. Everyone may disperse.”

The family rose to bow, then departed.

Wanru walked out of Shou’an Hall, preparing to return to her small courtyard.

A year ago, she and her younger brother had come to seek refuge with the Xies. The Old Madam, at Xianyu’s behest, had granted them a small courtyard near the western garden. Though remote and consisting of only two rooms, Wanru was already content.

At least within the Xie household, she and her brother would be safe from bullying.

Thus, this past year, she had done her utmost to serve the Old Madam diligently and tread carefully among the family, just to preserve these rare, peaceful days.

Her steps were slow and thoughtful, the Old Madam’s words still echoing in her mind:

“Wan’er is already sixteen. It’s time she marries.”
“If there is a suitable candidate among this year’s examinees, we’ll look into it for you.”

If she could marry… if she could marry openly and honorably…

“Cousin.”

A familiar voice startled her. She quickly composed herself and smiled.
“Qing’an, what is it?”

Qing’an lowered his voice.
“The Young Master asked me to invite Cousin over.”

Wanru’s smile faltered for a moment, but quickly returned.
“I understand.”