The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 169 - Downfall

"I know that Aunt's family treats her like their own, and since we are of the same clan, this would be a union of kin. There is no reason to be insincere about this," Chen Xiang continued smoothly when the room remained silent. "Today, I came to ask Aunt's opinion first. If Aunt sees me as a decent person and is willing to fulfill my request, I will immediately go to Taichang Temple to hire a matchmaker and formally propose to marry my cousin, promising to live well together in the future."

Chen Xiang had done everything to save face, even though it wasn't customary to ask without a matchmaker. Given Chen Jinxin's unique status, his approach was commendable. If the Song family refused, people might think they had ulterior motives—why not marry off a good match like Chen Xiang? Could they be coveting something of Chen Jinxin's?

Qingtao, hearing Chen Xiang, was worried. "He's so persuasive; it might be hard for the old lady."

Eldest Master Song also found it troubling. If Chen Xiang had asked for any other Song girl, no matter how eloquent, the Marquis Mansion could refuse. But asking for Chen Jinxin, a girl without immediate family, under the Marquis Mansion's care but not a Song, was tricky.

Yet, the old lady remained calm. Chen Xiang thought he had considered everything, but he was missing crucial information. With Chen Jinxin holding such secrets, there was no way the old lady would let her fall into Chen Xiang's hands. Not just for Chen Jinxin's sake, but for the Marquis Mansion's, she had to prevent it.

She pondered for a moment, then coughed and looked at Chen Xiang seriously, "This proposal could indeed be good for Miss Chen, but her situation is somewhat special, as you know..."

"I understand," Chen Xiang's eyes gleamed, his shrewdness turning into sincerity. "But it's precisely because she's so young and without support that I had this thought... Even without parents and family, I don't mind. I'm not in a great position myself, so we could simply support each other."

The old lady smiled but didn't respond directly to him. Instead, she turned to Yushu, "Go call for Sanniang."

As Yushu left, she explained to Chen Xiang, "Sanniang has been with her since she was young, acting as her wet nurse. The old lady of the Su family specifically entrusted her to stay by Miss Chen's side. I've called her because some matters aren't for me to decide, and Miss Chen herself, being a young lady, can't come here personally."

Song Chuyi heard everything clearly from the adjoining room. She motioned to Qingtao and Ziyun, "Quietly follow Yushu, find Sanniang, and tell her about Chen Xiang's intentions. Also, remind her that the trouble caused by Lady Su last time was backed by Chen Xiang. She'll know what to do."

Qingtao and Ziyun exchanged a glance and nodded, then slipped out to find Yushu and Sanniang.

Inside, the room grew eerily silent, and the voices from the next room became even clearer to Song Chuyi.

"That's the right thing to do," Chen Xiang seemed more relaxed, sounding confident. "Given the old lady's instructions, when she comes to my place, I'll certainly take good care of her."

He came this time knowing Chen Jinxin's unique status, convinced the Marquis Mansion wouldn't keep her against her will. Previously, the Mansion had valid reasons to reject Lady Su's proposal, given her misconduct and her son's exile. But if they refused him, an eligible match, rumors would surely spread, questioning their true intentions. Public opinion could be damaging.

The idea that Song Chengru, a man known for not forming factions, would be eager to get rid of the hot potato of secret letters if he knew, played in Chen Xiang's favor. He believed Song Chengru would want to avoid getting entangled in messy politics.

Soon, Yushu returned with Sanniang. She bowed respectfully and stood quietly, waiting.

Old Lady Song glanced at Chen Xiang, who was seated on the right and subtly observing Sanniang. She looked at Sanniang with a gentle expression and said, "Sanniang, there is a matter I cannot decide alone and need to discuss with you. Your young lady is quite ill at the moment, barely able to speak a few words each day, so I didn't want to trouble her. Instead, I thought I would come ask you."

Sanniang responded quietly with an acknowledgment, her expression turning serious.

"This here is Commander Chen Xiang of the Jinyiwei," Old Lady Song gestured to Chen Xiang with her right hand, as though genuinely matchmaking him with Sanniang's lady. "He mentioned that he is related to your lady and came today specifically to ask for her hand. Although your old madam entrusted her to me, I wouldn't dare take such liberties and decide Miss Chen's lifelong matters without consent. So, I wanted to hear your opinion."

Sanniang quickly looked up at Chen Xiang, then decisively turned to Old Lady Song and shook her head. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Old Lady, but our lady cannot marry this Lord Chen."

Song Chuyi smirked slightly in her corner and let out a faint laugh.

Chen Xiang's face darkened instantly, a chill radiating from him as he exuded the lethal aura of a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. With a measured tone, he asked, "Oh? I wonder why that is. Could it be that I'm not worthy of your young lady's favor?"

Compared to Young Master Su, he was in a different position—there was no enmity between them, and his rank was even slightly higher, making him a suitable match. Yet this woman had so strangely and decisively refused him without hesitation. Could it be she still held a grudge over his role in the Su family's investigation?