Chapter 9: Engagement

The provincial governor's grandson was having his naming ceremony, and originally, Lady Zhen had planned to attend. She considered herself Yan Yingqi's legitimate wife, and such events were her responsibility. However, she did not expect that Yan Yingqi would bring Lady Jie instead, which left her somewhat disgruntled. But as usual, she kept her feelings to herself.

Old Lady Yu called her son over and asked, "Why did you take her this time?"

"Mother, what's wrong with that? Everyone knows I have two wives. Besides, Jingzhao and Yao Niang are growing up; they should go out more. Lady Jie's character is well-known throughout the household; she has always been uncompetitive." Yan Yingqi was quite candid.

At her age, Old Lady Yu did not interfere in her son's domestic affairs, but she said, "How can Lady Zhen handle this?"

Yan Yingqi smiled and replied, "Lady Zhen knew my situation before she entered the door. Back when Father was involved in the South Mountain case, he retired to protect her grandfather's position. Her grandfather promised to support me in my career and even arranged for her marriage to me. I told the old Prime Minister about my dual inheritance, and they assured me that Lady Zhen would get along well with Lady Jie. Since she came into our home, I have treated them both fairly. She has been with me in the capital for years, while Lady Jie stayed alone in Jin Ling without complaint. You know, Jingzhao may be the third aunt's grandson, but he is still your direct grandson."

When a man cares deeply for a woman, he wants to shower her with all the world's treasures and show everyone how well they match.

If Lady Jie were now plump and haggard, no man would remember her fondly.

Now, their brief separation makes their reunion feel like a new beginning. Old Lady Yu, being experienced herself, knew this. Moreover, Lady Jie had always been considerate towards her. When Yan Yingqi and Lady Zhen were in the capital, it was Lady Jie who took care of her and often sent her needlework. Frankly, she was even more attentive than Lady Zhen.

However, because Lady Zhen was her legitimate daughter-in-law, she could not openly express her preference.

Hearing her son's explanation, she could not object.

Lady Jie had secured the opportunity to go out with her children. Today, they were attending a banquet, so the Yan family traveled by sedan chair. Jin Ling was a bustling city, and when Yao Niang returned from the northwest, she also traveled by sedan chair. However, since then, she had rarely gone out.

"Mother, it sounds so lively outside!" Yao Niang exclaimed happily.

Lady Jie took a white jade lotus seed candy from her purse and put it in her mouth. "Yes, when I was young, I came to Jin Ling once with my brothers. We visited my aunt's house with my grandmother. The boat ride made me sleepy, and my legs felt weak after getting off the carriage, but sitting in the sedan chair made me want to look around."

Yao Niang looked at her mother curiously. "Mother, were you about my age back then?"

"Yes, roughly the same. My cousin and I went to the temple fair together. I was chosen as a little jade maiden next to Guanyin. They gave me a small wooden plaque, saying I could eat for free at the temple fair." Lady Jie mentioned this with a mix of embarrassment and pride.

Yao Niang clapped her hands. "Wow, Mother, you're amazing! If only I could see you as a little jade maiden back then."

Lady Jie's heart used to be clouded, but her daughter was like a little sun, always cheering her up. Whatever she said, her daughter supported her, remembering even the smallest details.

With her daughter's encouragement, she smiled continuously until they stepped out of the sedan chair. Yan Yingqi noticed her smile and thought that bringing her out was indeed the right decision.

The provincial governor's wife had already heard the introductions. In the official world, few people are foolish. Yan Yingqi's family situation was well-known. Although she had met Lady Zhen, today she encountered Lady Jie, so she refrained from mentioning Lady Zhen.

Upon entering, Lady Jie shone like a pearl in a dark room, her beauty and grace akin to a celestial maiden. Even the provincial governor's wife praised her, "Lady Yan truly has a beautiful appearance."

Lady Jie smiled modestly. "You flatter me." She then introduced Yao Niang, who gracefully greeted everyone.

Because Yao Niang's father was the Nanjing Ministry of Rites Vice Minister, and the Yan family was a prominent local clan, she was the center of attention, receiving many valuable gifts.

This occasion was also an opportunity for everyone to meet and socialize. Lady Jie even saw her cousin, her aunt's daughter, Lady Ping, the current wife of the Xuzhou Prefect. Such occasions usually did not include her, but Lady Ping's family was a local clan, and her father was the Shandong Censorate, securing her a place.

Reuniting with her cousin, they had much to talk about, and Yao Niang listened attentively.

"Sister, how have you been? It's been so long since we last met. Unfortunately, I must leave for the capital tomorrow," Lady Ping said regretfully.

Lady Jie smiled. "Indeed, in a few days, our eldest son will be engaged. I hoped you could stay longer to witness the engagement."

"This cannot be helped," Lady Ping sighed, then inquired about the engagement details.

Lady Jie explained, "It's with the Guan family from Jin Ling. The girl's father is a Hanlin Academy scholar. After the betrothal, we'll prepare for the wedding in two years. You must come and share a cup of wine with us then..."

Lady Ping, overhearing this, expressed her heartfelt sentiments. "Cousin Jie, you have better fortune than me. I only have daughters."

"Cousin, your husband listens to you. Who doesn't envy his devotion?" Lady Jie knew that Lady Ping had married down, and although her husband was poor, he respected her. Even without a male heir, the Ping family did not blame her and had dismissed the concubines.

Lady Ping found this bitter. Her in-laws schemed, and she had to use her dowry. Her husband did not have a proper concubine but still enjoyed the company of maids. Unlike Lady Jie, who now represented the Ministry of Rites Vice Minister's family and whose son was marrying a scholar's daughter, even her young daughter received admiration.

...

After conversing with Lady Ping, Lady Jie received compliments from others. She also brought Yao Niang to socialize with the guests. Mrs. Gu arrived late but approached Lady Jie immediately.

Lady Jie did not mention Mrs. Gu's interactions with Lady Zhen. Her presence today as Yan Yingqi's representative showed her ability to gain his recognition, signaling to Mrs. Gu that her daughter was not Lady Zhen's daughter-in-law but hers.

Mrs. Gu dared not underestimate Lady Jie, who realized, as Yao Niang said, that being good was not enough. Ultimately, one needed a man's support to secure a place.

...

The engagement process for Yan Jingzhao had reached the formal proposal stage. The Yan family first sent a matchmaker to exchange birth dates and marriage documents. Now, the final step remained.

According to the law, the marriage is confirmed through the presentation of betrothal gifts. Even without a formal document, the acceptance of these gifts signifies the engagement.

Old Lady Three had prepared the betrothal gifts meticulously. Sheep, wine, silk, brocade, gold, and jewels were all exquisite items. The third branch of the Yan family hosted a feast, and Lady Zhen and the second and third ladies joined in the celebration.

"Sister, today is your day," Lady Zhen said, feigning genuine happiness for Lady Jie.

Lady Jie responded joyfully, "Yes, Sister. With the engagement settled, my mind is at ease."

Though they had secretly competed, they maintained a cordial facade. Lady Zhen realized that her opponent was not as weak as she had imagined. Lady Jie's past humility was due to indifference, but if pushed too far, she could retaliate.

The adults had their own thoughts, but the children were simple and carefree. Lady Jie let Yao Niang entertain her sisters, showing them around the courtyard and playing on the swing. Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

At this moment, Yan Jingzhao's maid Mingyue arrived with a set of mohele dolls. These dolls, originally Buddhist deities, were later used as toys or gifts during the Qixi Festival.

"Master said to give these to you and your sisters to play with."

For some reason, her brother seemed kinder lately, sending her cherries yesterday and mohele dolls today.

Each set was worth thousands of coins, and three sets were quite valuable. Despite his engagement, he still thought of her.

Suppressing her surprise, Yao Niang placed the dolls on the table and shared them with her sisters.

Xin Wan looked on with great envy. It was said that Yan Jingzhao and Yao Niang originally had an average sibling relationship, but now it seemed that blood ties could not be severed, especially since she herself was alone. Although she had her grandmother and cousin, as well as an aunt who treated her well, it wasn't the same as having parents and siblings.

At noon, everyone enjoyed the feast and watched the performance. Since they were all family, the matriarchs removed the screens. Among them, Yan Jingzhao was naturally the main character today, but Zhou Lingguang caused a significant stir.

He wore a jade-colored robe, not overshadowing the host, with white jade holding back his hair, making his face even more like a piece of jade, elegant and refined.

Yan Rubei had never seen him in person before. Seeing him today, her face flushed, and her heart raced. Even Zhao Fang, usually carefree, kept glancing at Zhou Lingguang, let alone the others.

"Third Sister, is this a golden peach?" Xin Wan asked.

Yao Niang came back to her senses and glanced at the fruit platter. "Yes, but Sister, your spleen and stomach are weak. You shouldn't eat too many peaches. Later, there will be cherries served; you can have those instead."

Xin Wan smiled. "Third Sister, look, there are exactly two peaches in this fruit platter. How fitting."

Two peaches? Two peaches to kill three warriors. Yao Niang looked at Xin Wan, understanding her implication. But she smiled and said, "Cousin Xin, I think one peach would be even more fitting."

The two cousins exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.