The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 168 - A Marriage Proposal

It seemed rather odd for a Jinyiwei commander to come seeking a marriage proposal. Could he really be asking to marry one of the Marquis Mansion's daughters? Eldest Master Song's gaze toward Chen Xiang turned unfriendly, already considering showing him the door. While the Marquis Mansion did have girls of marriageable age, they were not bargaining chips to be traded.

If Chen Xiang's intention was to marry one of the Marquis Mansion's girls to forge ties or use this to acquire those secret letters, he had another thing coming. The old lady thought even further—apart from the girls of the Song family, there was also Chen Jinxin, living with them. With Chen Xiang's cunning, he would know the Song family wouldn't easily agree to marry off their daughters, so he must be targeting Chen Jinxin. Marrying her wouldn't just secure a potential lead on the secret letters; it could also provide intel on the Marquis Mansion's plans and movements.

The room grew unsettlingly quiet. Chen Xiang, breaking the silence with a cough, dropped his earlier nonchalant demeanor. He stood up, solemnly bowing to the old lady and Eldest Master Song, "This matter may seem abrupt, but I did not come for official business or personal affairs. I seek a wife, and I humbly ask for your approval."

Eldest Master Song's expression darkened, and he tried to contain his anger. Forcing a smile, he replied calmly, "Commander Chen, your words confuse us. If you seek a wife and have someone in mind, you should go to the Taichang Temple, hire a matchmaker, and follow the proper steps. Why come here seeking our permission? Moreover, marriage is traditionally decided by parents and matchmakers. We're not relatives or close acquaintances, so why should we involve ourselves in your marriage?"

Song Chuyi sighed inwardly. Eldest Master Song's integrity was both a virtue and a potential source of trouble. Offending Chen Xiang, known for holding grudges, could bring future difficulties. Yet, it was also reassuring that Eldest Master Song's integrity meant the Song family girls wouldn't suffer the same fate as the second young lady, who ended up in a failed marriage.

Chen Xiang remained silent for a moment, then raised his head, his eyes sincere. He glanced at Eldest Master Song before turning to the old lady, sighing deeply. "Aunt, Brother, you know my background... How can someone like me speak of parental approval and matchmakers? If only I had uncles like you, I wouldn't be alone. You know my family's situation, and as a Jinyiwei, who would dare marry their daughter to me? I'm not getting any younger, and my parents in the afterlife would likely curse me for my lack of filial piety... So, I came up with a thought..."

The old lady suppressed her turbulent emotions, glanced at Eldest Master Song, and smiled warmly at Chen Xiang. "What nonsense are you talking about? You're young and accomplished; many mothers in the capital would be eager to have you as a son-in-law. But after all that, I still don't understand what you mean. I'm old and don't like to think too much. Just tell me clearly, which family's girl have you set your eyes on? If you want me to play matchmaker, that's not a big deal..."

Qingtao clutched Ziyun's hand so tightly that her nails nearly dug into Ziyun's flesh, causing Ziyun to grit her teeth in pain. Seeing their nervousness, Song Chuyi couldn't help but laugh and patted their hands. "What silly thoughts are you having? I'm still so young. No matter how ambitious he is, he wouldn't dare target me..."

Qingtao and Ziyun, realizing their mistake, sheepishly released their grip and sighed in relief. Song Chuyi's calm and clever demeanor often made them forget she was only nine years old, worrying that Chen Xiang might want to take her away.

From the other room, Chen Xiang's voice slowly began to speak.

"Then I won't hide it from you, Aunt and Brother. I came here for Miss Chen."

So, it was really about Chen Jinxin. Despite having anticipated it, the old lady was still taken aback, her shock evident as she looked at Chen Xiang. "What?!"

Qingtao and Ziyun exchanged worried glances, their hearts in their throats—Miss Chen was pitiful. If she fell into Chen Xiang's hands and lost her value, who knows what might happen to her.

Song Chuyi remained calm. She had guessed Chen Xiang's intentions the moment he mentioned marriage, so she wasn't surprised. Chen Xiang thought marrying Chen Jinxin would solve all his problems and help Xingfu eliminate future threats. But he was likely mistaken.

Chen Xiang's tone grew increasingly sincere. "Aunt, you might not know, but Miss Chen and I share some family ties... She is related to my uncle's branch of the family. When the Su family had such a big incident, my duties prevented me from helping her. Every time I think of it, I feel uneasy and deeply remorseful. Recently, as I grew older, people around me urged me to settle down. Perhaps it's from dwelling on this, but yesterday, I dreamed my parents told me to care for my cousin... We are both lonely, so why not support each other? It would ease my conscience regarding my uncle, and I'd have someone to care for. More importantly, it would save my cousin from living under someone else's roof... I know the Marquis Mansion is kind and generous, but my cousin cannot stay here forever. That's why I came up with this idea... The more I thought about it, the more I couldn't sleep, so I came here late at night to trouble you."

His words sounded sweet, but to those who knew him well, like the old lady and Eldest Master Song, it was unsettling. Ziyun whispered to Song Chuyi, worried, "Will the old lady find it hard to refuse his plea?"