Chapter 60: A Request

It wasn’t General Xiao’s grand birthday this year, but since all three of his sons held official positions, and everyone in the capital knew that General Xiao was the Emperor’s legitimate son and the mentor of the Crown Prince of King Jing, it was impossible for the celebration to be low-key. The public wouldn’t allow it.

Thus, the Xiao family began their preparations early. Having organized similar events before, Tong Mingyu was no longer the frantic novice she had been the first time. Everything followed established routines and went smoothly. While overseeing the arrangements for the banquet, she kept a close eye on her daughter’s studies.

Ever since she learned about the “drawing lots” incident between her daughter and her younger brother-in-law, she dared not let her guard down. She feared that something even more unexpected might happen if she wasn’t careful.

Her husband said she was making a fuss over nothing, and her father-in-law, apart from praising her daughter’s cleverness, didn’t say a word more. Among the family, only her mother-in-law, herself, and Ah Yang were concerned. The rest of the family wholeheartedly accepted her daughter’s behavior with enthusiasm.

Her daughter needed not only her mother’s supervision but also the guidance of a competent governess. Tong Mingyu felt that it would take at least three to five years of proper education before she could let her daughter venture out.

To address this matter, Tong Mingyu specially made time to visit her elder sister, Tong Minglan, the third lady of the Wen family. After explaining her concerns, Tong Minglan reassured her, “Don’t stress yourself too much. Ping’an is just a little mischievous at times; it’s not as bad as you think.”

“You don’t know the half of it, elder sister. The peculiar things she’s done go far beyond this one incident. I’m truly worried.”

“I actually like her spirited nature. Why didn’t you bring her along? My mother-in-law was just talking about her the other day.”

“She’s at home practicing her writing!” Actually, she had been punished to stay at home and practice her writing. Tong Mingyu knew very well that her daughter only acted mischievous at home. When she was out, her behavior was no less proper than any other lady’s.

“She’s been punished by you, hasn’t she?” Tong Minglan said with a faint smile.

“Don’t laugh at me. Help me think of a solution.”

“Your timing is perfect. Yesterday, I overheard my mother-in-law mention a renowned governess from the palace who is planning to retire. According to her, this governess is looking for a suitable family to live with in her later years. However, you know how selective such people can be. An ordinary child won’t meet her standards. But I have faith in Ping’an. If I hear any news, you’ll be the first to know. Don’t worry!”

“A governess from the palace? Many people must be vying for her. I wonder if she would consider Ping’an.”

“If Ping’an can’t satisfy her, then I doubt anyone else could.”

“Stop flattering me. Is there anything I should prepare?”

“No need to stress. My mother-in-law is on good terms with this Madam Ruan. When the time comes, she can put in a good word for Ping’an. This should significantly increase the chances.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you, sister.”

“No need for such formalities between sisters.”

The two chatted further about Tong Minglan’s soon-to-be-married 17-year-old son, Wen Yan. Then the topic shifted to Xiao Yi. The two cousins were only a year apart—one was about to marry, while the other still had no prospective in-laws.

Thankfully, Xiao family men tended to marry late. Given her son’s age, waiting another two or three years wouldn’t be an issue.

Feeling relieved that there was now a way forward regarding her daughter’s education, Tong Mingyu returned home in high spirits.

As soon as she entered, she was informed that her parents had arrived, and her mother was currently playing with her daughter in the elegant garden.

“Mother, why did you and Father come in person? Is something the matter at home?” Tong Mingyu asked urgently.

“Don’t worry; everything at home is fine. I came to tell you something, and as for your father, he’s already taken Ping’an to the study in the front yard with your father-in-law,” replied Madam Tong with a smile.

“It’s my fault. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to visit you and Father,” Tong Mingyu said, feeling deeply guilty.

“We’re all family. Whether we visit or not, it’s the same,” Madam Tong reassured her daughter.

“I heard you visited your elder sister.”

“Yes.” Tong Mingyu then recounted everything in detail to her mother, concluding with a sigh, “Ping’an may look well-behaved and sensible, but the things she does… truly leave one at a loss whether to laugh or cry.”

“My granddaughter is simply clever.”

“Please stop praising her, Mother. I’m at my wit’s end.”

“She’s just a child. If she can’t be carefree at home, it’d be too pitiful. Besides, Ping’an, though young, knows her boundaries. You’ve never heard of her making mistakes in public. Isn’t that enough? Don’t stifle her into becoming a dull girl who knows nothing but rules. That would be truly frightening!”

Tong Mingyu pondered this, comparing the image of a rigid, rule-abiding girl to her lively and mischievous daughter. She found her daughter far more endearing.

Madam Tong didn’t interrupt her daughter’s musings. She became even more convinced that her decision, shared with her husband, was correct—Ping’an should marry into the Tong family. With her grandparents and uncles around, no one would dare mistreat her. Since she wouldn’t be the main wife, she could live a carefree life.

After a brief silence, Madam Tong remembered her purpose for coming. Matters regarding Ping’an’s future could wait, as she was confident there was no better match than their own family.

“At a banquet, I overheard Miss Yu from the Ministry of Rites mentioning that she’ll be coming to your house for the general’s birthday celebration. From her tone, it seems your family has agreed to a match between her and your fourth brother-in-law. What’s going on?”

“This Miss Yu must be delusional. We’ve never agreed to anything. Since Master Yu can’t approach my father-in-law and can’t find my fourth brother-in-law, he’s been pestering my husband and second brother-in-law. Can you believe this? We’ve already clearly refused. But out of consideration for her reputation, we didn’t make it public. Who knew she’d go this far!”

“Be cautious during the banquet. Keep an eye on the Yu family, especially Miss Yu. Make sure nothing happens. Also, inform your younger brother-in-law to be vigilant.”

“I’ll make a note of it.”

“Your younger brother-in-law should get married soon to avoid such troubles. Ah Yi is not young anymore. I’ve noticed a few suitable ladies. Your second brother and sister-in-law have already decided on a daughter-in-law. Now, it’s just Ah Yi left,” Madam Tong whispered.

“Please keep an eye out for me. Actually, Ah Yi can wait another two years. The Xiao men marry late. If his fourth uncle doesn’t marry this year, he will likely do so next year or the year after. Even if we don’t pressure him, my father-in-law won’t allow any more delays.”

“That’s true.”

The mother and daughter chatted away until noon. Qin Shi hosted a lavish luncheon to entertain the in-laws.

Everything went smoothly, except for the two old patriarchs, who got a bit too tipsy.

“Let Ping’an stay with me at the Tong family for a few days,” slurred Tong Shangshu, his speech slurred and his eyes bleary.

“No way! I can’t bear to part with her!” General Xiao, though slightly more sober, was visibly wobbly.

“Do you plan to keep her with you forever? Let me tell you, in ten years, Ping’an will belong to the Tong family!”

“What do you mean?” Feeling that his in-law’s words carried an underlying implication, General Xiao became agitated.

“Father, you’ve had too much to drink. Let me escort you home,” Tong Mingyu said, breaking into a cold sweat.

Whenever the topic of Ping’an’s future came up, her father-in-law would erupt with fury. This was no exception.

“Tong, explain yourself! What do you mean Ping’an belongs to the Tong family?” General Xiao demanded, visibly irked.

Madam Tong quickly stepped in, realizing this wasn’t the right time to broach marriage discussions. Judging by General Xiao’s brewing anger, it was best to make a hasty retreat.

While the family scrambled to calm the two elders, the pair continued their slurred argument, creating quite a lively scene.