Chapter 12: Marriage [Edited]

Seeing that the other party was indeed inconvenienced, Shen Xin naturally did not try to persuade her to stay, but smiled faintly, “Then we’ll have to do it next time.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Tong quickly turned and hurried away, her urgency clear. Shen Xin glanced at the man on the second floor with interest before turning her attention back.

The capital city was neither too big nor too small, but Xia Tong couldn’t believe her bad luck in constantly running into acquaintances. After she retrieved her clothes, she rushed back home, not daring to linger outside.

Perhaps due to her connection with Lin Qin, in the following days, she received numerous invitations to various gatherings from other families. After attending a flower-viewing banquet, she lost all interest in such events, which were mostly filled with gossip and showiness. She concocted an excuse of feeling unwell and declined all further invitations.

Since the old lady treated her well, fulfilling her every need, Xia Tong didn’t hesitate to ask for jewelry and other treasures, secretly having Qing’er pawn them. They were both using each other. Why not take advantage of the opportunity?

“Five hundred… one hundred… two hundred fifty…”

“Miss, the Old Madam wants to see you,” Qing’er suddenly announced as she entered.

While clumsily calculating on her abacus and noting the amounts on paper, Xia Tong decided to visit her aunt the next day for more money. After all, the more money, the better. It was really unfair that the heroine, an unfavored legitimate daughter, was richer than her.

“What does Grandmother want this time?” Xia Tong asked, not lifting her head, accustomed to the matriarch’s frequent calls to lecture her.

At this, Qing’er stepped closer and whispered in her ear, “I heard the Duchess is here.”

The clattering of the abacus came to an abrupt halt, and Xia Tong furrowed her brow, feeling anxious. Why would the Duchess come to their Xiahou Manor?

Regardless, she knew she couldn’t delay. Straightening her clothes, she hurried to the old lady’s courtyard.

As soon as she arrived, she heard Lin Qin’s spoiled voice coming from inside. Peeking through the door, she noticed several people gathered in the room. Xia Min and others were dressed to the nines, while sitting opposite the old lady was a graceful middle-aged woman with a pleasant smile, dressed in a deep purple floral satin gown, exuding elegance and warmth.

“Granddaughter greets Grandmother and the Duchess,” Xia Tong said, stepping forward and bowing politely.

The woman in a flowing aquamarine dress looked charming, with a delicate oval face that was refreshing and devoid of the arrogance typical among noblewomen. She radiated a calm and noble demeanor, making her quite appealing.

Seeing a faint smile on her mother’s face, Lin Qin had nothing to understand. She immediately smiled and went over to hold Xia Tong’s hand, “Sister Tong, you are so late. I must punish you to take me around.”

Her words elicited light laughter from everyone, but Xia Min’s eyes glinted with jealousy.

“Qin’er, don’t be rude,” the Duchess lightly reprimanded her.

“It doesn’t matter. I, an old lady, like this girl’s lively personality.” The old lady laughed beside her.

Xia Tong stood quietly by, unsure of what role she was playing in this unexpected drama.

“Old Madam Xia is always fond of joking. If my girl could be as obedient and sensible as the fourth girl, the master and I would be very satisfied.” the Duchess said with a resigned shake of her head.

Upon hearing this, the old lady merely smiled and glanced at Xia Tong with satisfaction. “Tong’er is indeed a sensible girl. She has never made an old lady like me worry about anything.”

The atmosphere felt somewhat transactional, and Xia Tong sensed that the Duchess’s sudden visit was not as simple as it appeared—it might even involve her.

“Sister Tong, would you take me out for a stroll?” Lin Qin pulled her arm insistently.

Xia Tong looked at the old lady, who showed no objections, then lightly tapped Lin Qin on the forehead. “You just want to play.”

“Of course not!” Lin Qin pouted sweetly.

As the two of them left, Madam Zhang immediately exchanged glances with her daughter, who promptly followed after them, clearly still hoping to befriend Lin Qin.

At this moment, the old lady signaled for everyone else to leave. Soon, only a few maids remained in the room.

With Lin Qin gone, the atmosphere lightened considerably. The Duchess slowly set down her teacup and smiled gently, “You’ve truly raised a good granddaughter, Old Lady. If I had a daughter like the Fourth Miss, I can only imagine how much worry it would save me.”

“Not at all, Qin’er is wonderful too. If my grandsons weren’t already married, I would have liked to become in-laws with you,” the old lady replied with a hint of regret.

Hearing this, the Duchess’s eyes flickered as she gently caressed her jade bracelet, her expression turning serious. “Actually, that’s not impossible. Although the Old Lady’s grandsons are married, my son Yi’er hasn’t yet engaged, and he is only a few years apart from the Fourth Miss. It would be a suitable match.”

After hearing the words, the old lady slightly lowered her eyes without responding immediately. However, she secretly thought to herself, So the Duchess came here for this matter. No wonder they say no one visits the temple for no reason. Why would she suddenly pay a visit otherwise?

But her calculations were precise. Their fourth young lady was someone in the running to become the crown princess. Although the Duke family was good, it couldn’t compare to the position of crown princess. As long as that position remained undecided, their fourth young lady couldn’t easily be married off.

Seeing that the old lady didn’t respond, the Duchess cursed inwardly, Old fox! But outwardly, she maintained a sincere tone and said, “To be honest, Yi’er is about to be transferred to Shanxi. If the old lady is willing, we can settle the matter now. My husband can even request an imperial decree from the emperor for a marriage, and I assure you that the fourth young lady will not be mistreated.”

Upon hearing this, the old lady still didn’t speak, taking sips of her hot tea with an unchanged expression.

“Tong’er is still young. Actually, her cousins ​​are not bad either.” The old lady suddenly said.

At these words, the Duchess’s face revealed a half-smile. “You must be joking. Who could possibly compare to the fourth young lady in both appearance and bearing?”

By this point, the matter was quite clear. The Duchess was a bit irritated. This old woman keeps trying to stall me with these unremarkable girls. Xia Min’s appearance was not outstanding, and her personality was loud and foolish. Xia Ning was a bit more clever, but the heir’s wife at the Duke family needed was tolerance, not the petty tricks of a concubine.

Moreover, her son had taken a liking to Xia Tong. She knew what the old lady was up to, but the crown princess position was reserved for her daughter, Qin’er. Marrying Xia Tong now would be killing two birds with one stone.

“It’s not to boast, but my Yi’er is the top scholar, known for his literary talent, and among the younger generation in the capital, he stands out. He will eventually inherit the entire Duke family. If the fourth young lady marries him, both my husband and I will treat her as our own. To show our sincerity, the shop on West Street will be part of her dowry. Additionally, we’ll give up 30% of the salt tax profits from the capital. What do you think?”

The bold words made the old lady’s heart skip a beat. She had to admit she was tempted. The salt tax profits had long been controlled by the Duke family, and they were a huge source of revenue. If they could get a share, it would greatly benefit the Xiahou family.

The fragrance of tea lingered in the air as the atmosphere inside the room became tense, with each party calculating their own interests.

*

Meanwhile, unlike the tense negotiations, Xia Tong was having a great time, thanks to Xia Min, who had suddenly decided to tag along with them for some unknown reason.

As they walked to a pavilion, Xia Min kept pestering Lin Qin with conversation, even trying to push Xia Tong aside. Finally, Lin Qin couldn’t take it anymore. She looked at Xia Min, clearly annoyed, and said, “Third Miss, I have some private matters to discuss with Sister Tong. Could you excuse us?”

Seeing Xia Min’s smile freeze on her face, Xia Tong could barely suppress her laughter. But remembering how Xia Min had mocked her earlier, she innocently blinked and said, “Cousin, you are wearing such a beautiful outfit today. Wouldn’t it be a pity if you don’t go out for a walk?”

At that, Lin Qin couldn’t hold back her laughter, chuckling aloud.

Xia Min, however, glared fiercely at Xia Tong before reluctantly leaving.

Once she was gone, Lin Qin sat down in the pavilion, still fanning herself and laughing. “Your cousin really is a fool. Look at her clothes! She’s practically dressed in bridal red, as if she’s about to get married. It’s hilarious.”

While Lin Qin continued laughing, Xia Tong only responded with a few lighthearted remarks. In reality, Xia Min was just trying too hard to impress the Duchess.

“Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to tell you. My brother is getting transferred to Shanxi in a few days. I don’t know what the emperor is thinking, sending him away so suddenly. I’ve heard that Shanxi is a harsh place, and I’m not sure if my brother can handle it.” Lin Qin sighed with worry.

Xia Tong offered a few words of comfort but didn’t say much since it wasn’t really her concern.

Suddenly, Lin Qin looked around cautiously, then leaned in close, blinking her big eyes. “Do you know why my mother and I came here today?”

Xia Tong shook her head, looking confused.

“How can you be so clueless? My mother came here to arrange a marriage with your Xiahou family! Soon, we’ll be one family, and I’ll have to start calling you sister-in-law!”

The more Lin Qin spoke, the more excited she became, her face full of playful teasing. Meanwhile, Xia Tong was utterly dumbfounded, as if she’d been struck by lightning. What kind of absurd joke is this?!

“That’s not a funny joke. If you keep talking like that, I’ll get upset.” Xia Tong frowned and turned her head away, clearly displeased.

She was already planning to escape. She had no interest in a lifetime of family feuds and inner-court struggles.

Seeing that Xia Tong didn’t believe her, Lin Qin quickly grew anxious and said in a rush, “I’m not lying! My brother specifically asked our mother to come here to propose!”