The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 170 - Miscalculation

Sanniang kept her head lowered, her profile showing only her high cheekbones and nose. The tension Chen Xiang brought made the hall feel icy. Eldest Master Song glanced at the old lady, who subtly shook her head, signaling she had a plan. Trusting his mother, Eldest Master Song refrained from speaking, watching Sanniang with curiosity.

"Sanniang, listen carefully. This is Commander Chen, a promising young talent..." Eldest Master Song began.

Sanniang quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Old Lady and Eldest Master. However, our young lady has no intention of marrying. If she cannot stay here, we will seek refuge with our clan. Though the Chen family has declined, surely there is a place for us to live."

Her words cleverly framed the situation, making it seem as if the Song family was forcing a marriage. Qingtao couldn't help but admire her wit. "She made it sound like we are pushing her to marry... Now the old lady and Eldest Master can't ignore their wishes."

Song Chuyi tapped the table, pleased with Sanniang's approach. By stating their willingness to leave, they avoided accusations of coercion.

Eldest Master Song, feeling awkward, coughed several times and said, "What are you saying? Our mansion would never force you to leave. Commander Chen's proposal is generous and sincere. We called you to understand your young lady's wishes. We would never force you into marriage. What do you think of this proposal?"

Chen Xiang's face was growing strained. As a Jinyiwei commander, even though he had to bow to princes, how many dared to accept his salute? Apart from the emperor, the Jinyiwei regarded everyone as potential targets for investigation. Ministers feared him like a tiger, yet here was a mere maid treating him as if he were nothing. It was infuriating.

Despite his anger, he couldn't cause a scene—Sanniang might be disrespectful, but she was Miss Chen's person, and the Song family had been polite. This only confirmed to him that the Songs were unaware of the secret letters; otherwise, they'd be foolish to help him so willingly.

After contemplating for a while, he sneered at Sanniang, "I've heard that you're a loyal servant entrusted by the old lady of the Su family. If you're loyal, why not consider your lady's future? I'm not perfect, but I'm sincere in my proposal. Why refuse without consulting her? Do you intend to burden the Marquis Mansion forever? Even if you find it comfortable here, does she? No matter how kind the Marquis Mansion is, it's not your own home. She might not want to remain under someone else's roof forever."

Sanniang remained unfazed by Chen Xiang's attempt to intimidate and persuade her. She turned to look directly at him, her voice tinged with sarcasm, "When Lady Su caused trouble here, she warned our lady that refusing her son's proposal would lead to imprisonment by you. Didn't she mention our lady's strange illness?"

What an idiot! Chen Xiang cursed Lady Su silently but feigned surprise. "Lady Su? I only saw her during the confiscation. How could she use my name to scare others? Am I that terrifying?" Recovering quickly, he asked, "What illness? Isn't Miss Chen in good health? If that's your concern, I'll ensure she receives the best medical care."

Sanniang sighed, her expression softening, "You must have seen the scene during the Su family's downfall. Our lady nearly lost her life falling into the water... Though the Marquis Mansion has cared for her well, she speaks less and less, sometimes not uttering a word all day. How can she marry or manage a household in this state?"

Realizing the shocking extent of this situation, Chen Xiang felt a wave of relief, his face returning to a warm smile. "So it's nothing serious after all. With sincerity, even the hardest hearts soften. If I treat her well, she will naturally recover over time. Trust me, I will take good care of her."

Tears glistened in Sanniang's eyes as she looked at Chen Xiang, her voice trembling, "Are you certain?!"

Seeing success within reach, Chen Xiang relaxed even more and cheerfully confirmed, "Of course."

"And you don't mind that her reputation is damaged and she may never bear children?" Sanniang pressed, almost stepping closer to Chen Xiang. "You know she was once betrothed to Su's eldest son..."

Although aware of the engagement, Chen Xiang hadn't known they consummated it! Stunned, he stood rigid, unable to respond immediately. While his marriage to Chen Jinxin was for strategic gain, it wasn't a trivial affair. He, a high-ranking commander, would host grand weddings and invite influential friends. The rumor of him marrying a dishonored woman who couldn't bear heirs would make him a laughingstock.