Chapter 34

“What?!” The mother and son were both startled. “Marry whom?”

The two exchanged a glance. The Marquis of Jing An frowned and asked in a gentle voice, “Heming, you said you want to marry Miss Su? Which Miss Su?”

Shen Ji smiled faintly. “The daughter of General Su Huai, who is currently residing in the Jing An Marquis Estate—Miss Su Zhenyue.”

At these words, the mother and son were even more astonished.

Shen Ji was young and had a boundless future. In this year of the great examination, once he passed the imperial examinations, his marriage prospects would surely rise to a new level. He might even find a match that could aid his official career.

Why, of all times, would he want to marry an orphan who was living under someone else’s roof, and before the Spring Examination at that?

The Marquis of Jing An’s brow furrowed. Without saying whether he agreed or not, he simply asked in confusion, “The national mourning period has just ended, and the Spring Examination hasn’t even happened yet. Why the rush to settle your lifelong affair?”

Old Madam Wen also chimed in, “That’s right. I thought you would only consider marriage after the Spring Examination, once you’ve made the honor roll.”

Shen Ji smiled, his voice carrying the distinct clarity of a young man. “What the Marquis and Old Madam say is reasonable. I, Shen Ji, had also planned to wait until after the results were announced, but I am truly afraid of losing a fine lady, so I must secure this engagement in advance.”

As he spoke, he presented his eight characters.

Old Madam Wen’s eyelids twitched. She hadn’t expected him to have even brought his eight characters with him.

She didn’t look at it closely, merely placing it aside as she asked suspiciously, “Heming, did the two of you do something you shouldn’t have during the national mourning period?”

Although her words were not explicit, everyone present understood the implication.

Shen Ji froze, his brow knitting slightly as he firmly denied it. “How could the Old Madam think such a thing? Miss Su was raised by the elders of the Marquis Estate since she was a child. She is dignified, generous, and abides by the rules of a maiden’s quarters. What could she possibly have done? It is I who have long heard that a hundred families will seek the hand of a household’s daughter, and I merely wish to gain a head start.”

“You’re right. I was thinking too much,” Old Madam Wen said, her expression softening upon hearing his words. “Do you truly wish to marry her?”

“Yes, I sincerely ask for her hand,” Shen Ji affirmed with a nod.

“You want to marry her, but do you understand her situation?”

Shen Ji’s expression turned serious. “I understand some of it. I know her father was a general who sacrificed his life for the country, and that she has grown up in the Marquis Estate. She is a kind and clever young lady.”

“But both her parents are dead.”

Shen Ji said softly, “So are mine.”

“How can that be the same?” Old Madam Wen couldn’t help but frown. “Although your parents have passed away, your uncle and aunt are still here, and you have the support of your clan in Qingzhou. Her entire family has been wiped out.”

She genuinely doted on Shen Ji as if he were her own maternal grandson. While she didn’t dislike Su Zhenyue, she felt that Shen Ji deserved better. When her grandson Gu Yuanchen had wanted to marry Su Zhenyue, she had been unwilling, feeling that her family background was too poor and her fortune too thin. Why was it that now her maternal grandson also wanted to marry her?

Seeing that her words were rather unpleasant, the Marquis of Jing An quickly reminded her in a low voice, “Mother!”

Old Madam Wen realized her words had been inappropriate. Her lips moved, but she said no more.

Shen Ji kept his eyes lowered, pretending not to have heard.

The Marquis of Jing An cleared his throat and mused, “I watched A Yue grow up. She is indeed a good girl. Although she has no parents or brothers, the Marquis Estate is her home. However, I am not her biological father, after all. I cannot rashly agree to this marriage on your behalf. I must first ask for A Yue’s opinion.”

“The Marquis is right. That is as it should be,” Shen Ji nodded in deep agreement.

—Shen Ji was not yet entirely clear on Old Madam Wen’s attitude, but he had some idea of what the Marquis of Jing An was thinking.

Therefore, he had deliberately chosen to come when the Marquis was present, and he did not mention their “mutual affection,” only that he was the one seeking the marriage.

He was certain that with the Marquis of Jing An here, the matter would surely be settled.

“How about this? You go rest in the side room for a bit and have a cup of tea. I’ll have someone call her over to ask,” the Marquis of Jing An said, ordering a servant to lead Shen Ji to the adjacent Warm Pavilion to rest.

However, after Shen Ji left, the Marquis of Jing An was in no hurry to send for Su Zhenyue. Instead, he first discussed the matter seriously with his mother. “I think this marriage is feasible.”

“How is it feasible?” Old Madam Wen asked, displeased.

“Mother, please hear me out,” the Marquis of Jing An said with a smile. “This Shen Ji is no ordinary man. He is bound to pass this year’s Spring Examination.”

Old Madam Wen said, “I know that.”

“I often regret that Shen Ji is not our family’s true maternal grandson. I’ve been thinking about how to bring him closer to the Gu family. Just a few days ago, I was lamenting that Zhenzhen is too young to be betrothed. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be wonderful to strengthen our ties through marriage?”

Old Madam Wen narrowed her eyes slightly. “So that’s what you were thinking…”

“Yes. Didn’t Mother ask me to formally adopt A Yue as my goddaughter? If they are truly wed, Shen Ji’s birth mother was the Gu family’s adopted daughter, and his wife will be the Gu family’s goddaughter. With this, how could the relationship between our two families remain distant?” The Marquis of Jing An paused for a moment, then added vaguely, “Besides, as for Her Highness the Princess’s side of things, it would be better for A Yue to be married off sooner rather than later.”

Old Madam Wen pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. “There is some sense in what you say. It’s just that I had originally planned to pick a provincial scholar of upright character for A Yue after the examination results were out and marry her off to somewhere far away. I never thought about her and Heming…”

“I hadn’t thought of it either, but isn’t this what Heming himself wants? And it only benefits our family, with no drawbacks,” the Marquis of Jing An said with a smile.

The Old Madam sighed. “In my heart, I still feel that Heming’s wife should be someone better.”

The Marquis of Jing An smiled. “The Old Madam is kind and dotes on the younger generation, which is normal. But ultimately, he is the one getting married, so we must also consider his wishes.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Old Madam Wen finally nodded. “Alright, let’s agree to it then.”

“The Old Madam is enlightened.” The Marquis of Jing An stood up and ordered someone to summon Su Zhenyue.

— — — —

At this moment, Su Zhenyue had just returned from Qingfeng Courtyard.

Today was the first day after the national mourning period.

Early in the morning, after forcing down a few bites of breakfast, she put down her chopsticks and went to Qingfeng Courtyard to discuss matters with Shen Ji.

—Although Shen Ji had claimed a few days ago that she didn’t need to worry and he would handle it himself, how could she truly feel at ease entrusting something that concerned her life and future entirely to someone else?

Unexpectedly, upon arriving at Qingfeng Courtyard, Ping An told her, “Miss Su, my young master is not here.”

“Not here? Where did he go?”

“He went to Chunhui Hall to pay his respects to the Old Madam. My young master specifically instructed that if Miss Su came, she should return to the West Wing Courtyard and wait,” Ping An said with a straight face.

Su Zhenyue’s heart pounded. She nodded distractedly. “Alright, I understand.”

She was tempted to go to Chunhui Hall to see the situation for herself, but in the end, she chose to return to the West Wing Courtyard and wait.

Since Shen Ji had told her to wait, she would wait.

There was nothing to be afraid of.

“Miss, Sister Jialan is here,” Doukou’s voice suddenly rang out.

Su Zhenyue’s spirits lifted. She quickly lifted the curtain and came out, and sure enough, she saw Jialan, who served the Old Madam, standing gracefully in the courtyard.

“Miss Su, the Old Madam and the Marquis want you to come over right away. There is an important matter.”

A hint of curiosity appeared on Su Zhenyue’s face. “Sister Jialan, did they say what it’s about?”

“You’ll know when you get there, Miss. In any case, it’s not a bad thing.” Jialan covered her mouth with her hand and smiled, then looked Miss Su up and down a few times, thinking to herself, With such ethereal beauty, it’s no wonder the young master is so smitten.

Observing her expression, Su Zhenyue vaguely guessed what was happening, and her heart grew tense. She smiled slightly, trying her best to appear normal. “You’re right, sister. I’ll go over right now.”

The journey from the West Wing Courtyard to Chunhui Hall took less than half a quarter of an hour.

Along the way, Su Zhenyue’s heart was in a tumult. But once she actually arrived at Chunhui Hall, she calmed down. Following Jialan inside, she curtsied respectfully.

“Zhenyue greets the Old Madam and the Marquis.”

The Marquis of Jing An smiled benevolently. “No need for ceremony. Have a seat.”

Someone quickly brought over a round stool.

Su Zhenyue said a word of thanks and carefully sat down. Her head was lowered and her back was straight, making her look dignified and well-behaved, but in reality, her heart was in turmoil.

After so much planning, it all came down to today.

The Marquis of Jing An was usually busy with official duties and rarely paid attention to the inner residence’s affairs. It had been a long time since he had seen this daughter of his old friend.

Seeing her today, he couldn’t help but nod in silent approval. The little girl who had once barely reached his waist was now a graceful and elegant young woman. And she had grown into a great beauty.

It was strange. Although he could vaguely see her father’s shadow in her brows and eyes, she was far more beautiful than her father had been.

The Marquis of Jing An cleared his throat, his face full of paternal affection. “A Yue, I’ve called you here today for a particular reason. There is a marriage proposal, and the Old Madam and I would like to ask for your opinion.”

Su Zhenyue’s heart leaped into her throat.

“We would like to betroth you to Shen Ji, Shen Heming. What do you think?”

Su Zhenyue raised her eyes and answered clearly and firmly, “Thank you, Marquis and Old Madam, for your kindness. I am willing.”

She agreed so readily that the Marquis of Jing An was taken aback for a moment, the speech he had prepared rendered useless.

—The Marquis of Jing An had originally thought that since the Gu family had previously intended for her to marry Gu Yuanchen, and now that the marriage had fallen through, it was being changed to Shen Ji, a maternal cousin studying for the exams in the Gu residence. He had been worried that Su Zhenyue would feel a sense of disparity, looking down on the provincial scholar with an unknown future after being considered for the noble Marquis Estate’s Heir Apparent.

He hadn’t expected her to agree just like that.

She had some foresight, at least.

The Marquis of Jing An’s thoughts turned. They were both living in the Gu residence; could it be that the two of them had feelings for each other? Hadn’t it been said that Heming was the one who came to her rescue when the manor was attacked that night?

This was good too. It saved him the trouble of further persuasion.

The Marquis of Jing An smiled. “Excellent. Just as I said, a talented man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven. A perfect pair.”

Old Madam Wen also smiled. “Yes, it’s quite good.”

If nothing else, the two were at least well-matched in appearance.

The Old Madam instructed the maid by her side, “Quickly, go and ask the young master to come over.”

“Yes.” The maid hurried to the Warm Pavilion to deliver the message.

Su Zhenyue kept her head slightly bowed, a shy smile on her face, but her hands, resting on her lap, clenched unconsciously.

It’s done, it’s done, it’s really done!

“Heming is my nephew, and it’s not me, his uncle, boasting. With his talent, he will surely have a place at the Palace’s Qionglin Banquet in the future.”

Su Zhenyue softly echoed, “Young Master Shen is brilliant and talented. He will certainly achieve great things.”

“Indeed.” The Marquis of Jing An stroked his beard and smiled, very pleased with her attitude. He then continued, “A Yue, for all these years, I have always treated you as my own daughter. In my heart, there is no difference between you and Zhenzhen. Now that you have found a good match, I can finally give your father a proper account.”

Su Zhenyue quickly stood up, graceful and polite. “Zhenyue will always remember the Marquis’s kindness in raising and teaching me.”

The Marquis of Jing An was even more satisfied.

As they were speaking, Shen Ji entered once more.

As soon as he saw him, the Marquis of Jing An said with a broad smile, “Heming, you’ve come at just the right time. I just asked, and A Yue has also agreed. This marriage is now settled.”

Shen Ji turned his head to glance at Su Zhenyue.

Coincidentally, she was also looking at him.

Their eyes met for a brief moment. Shen Ji gave an almost imperceptible nod before looking away. “Thank you, Marquis. May I ask the Marquis to bear witness so we can sign the marriage contract today?”

Su Zhenyue’s heart skipped a beat.

As expected, Shen Ji was extremely efficient. With his help, today’s matter was visibly much easier.

Without her needing to say a word, he had taken care of everything.

“Ah?” The Marquis of Jing An was stunned. “Today?”

Although he didn’t oppose the marriage, wasn’t this a bit too fast? Who had ever heard of discussing a betrothal and signing the marriage contract on the same day?

Old Madam Wen also chided, “You child, why are you in such a hurry?”

Shen Ji smiled and replied with a straight face, “I am a bit hasty. But since it concerns the great matter of marriage, I can only feel at ease once the contract is signed and registered with the authorities, making it truly official.”

But in his heart, he thought, When it comes to being hasty, I can’t compare to one ten-thousandth of Miss Su’s impatience. If this isn’t truly settled today, I’m afraid she’ll turn around and find someone else.

“This…” The Marquis of Jing An and Old Madam Wen exchanged a look, both finding it a bit strange.

A suspicion even arose in the Marquis of Jing An’s mind. “Could it be that this has been the custom in your Qingzhou in recent years?”

Shen Ji’s expression didn’t change. “Yes, it is.”

Listening from the side, Su Zhenyue wanted to laugh, but her nose tingled with a sour feeling.

Shen Ji’s attitude was resolute, and his preparations were thorough. Not only did he produce two copies of the marriage contract on the spot, but he had even invited an old military aide to act as the matchmaker.

The Marquis of Jing An was rather dumbfounded, but he turned to look at the quietly standing Su Zhenyue. A sudden realization dawned on him. He seemed to understand.

It was understandable for a young man to be fond of beauty.

Perfectly understandable.

Hadn’t Yuanchen nearly defied an imperial decree and refused a marriage for her sake back then?

Who hadn’t been young once?

Since the Marquis of Jing An was intent on winning over Shen Ji, he did his best to facilitate the matter and was now extremely cooperative.

Thus, the marriage contract was signed on the spot.

Leaving Chunhui Hall, Su Zhenyue still felt a bit dazed.

She looked at the marriage contract again and again, confirming the black ink on white paper, set in stone.

This time, it was really done.

Suddenly, the sound of familiar footsteps came from behind her, drawing closer.

Su Zhenyue stopped and looked back to see Shen Ji walking toward her.

“Cousin…” She smiled at him instinctively, but tears welled up uncontrollably.

The young lady’s eyes were red-rimmed, her dark pupils shimmering with moisture, yet they were astonishingly bright.

Shen Ji sighed, feeling a little helpless. “What are you crying for? Hasn’t the matter been settled?”

“I know, I’m just too happy. I didn’t mean to cry, the tears just won’t stop on their own.” Su Zhenyue took a step back and gave him a solemn, sincere curtsy. “Cousin, thank you.”

Shen Ji’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment. “You don’t need to thank me. I’ll go to the government office to register this first. You have someone spread the news.”

“Mm,” Su Zhenyue nodded.

She knew very well that the more people who knew about their engagement, the better.

It would be best if the news reached the Princess’s ears, making her completely abandon the idea of requesting an imperial decree for marriage.

Shen Ji turned and took two steps forward, then suddenly stopped.

Su Zhenyue was puzzled. “What is it? Cousin, is there something else?”

Shen Ji stared at her without blinking, silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “Now that we’ve signed the marriage contract, we are an engaged couple. Before long, we will be married.”

Su Zhenyue’s eyelashes trembled, and she felt inexplicably nervous. “Mm, I know.”

I know what I’m getting into, she thought.

From the very first time she approached Shen Ji, she had been prepared to spend the rest of her life with him.

Shen Ji’s brow twitched slightly. He thought to himself, Once we’re married and move out, no longer troubled by all these messy affairs, we’ll be together day and night. Sooner or later, she will truly fall for me.

Shen Ji had always been very confident in himself.