The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 117 - A Good Match

The noblewomen of the capital generally disliked the heir of the Marquis of Jinxiang's household. First, his appearance was rather delicate, bordering on effeminate. Second, rumors circulated that he was in poor health and unlikely to live long.

Lady Fan stared at the light steam rising from her teacup, glancing at her son through the haze before quickly looking away. Her expression was as indifferent as ever. "Your previous engagement is off. Their family got entangled with the weaver's affairs. You'll need to consider another match."

The issue with the weaving bureau in Yangzhou had surfaced a year ago, but confirmation had only recently arrived. Even the elderly woman who had once nursed the Emperor couldn't protect the Zhang family; they were doomed to fall.

Since the Zhang family was on the way down, the Marquis of Jinxiang's household saw no reason to be dragged down with them. They had already sent a messenger to Yangzhou to return the betrothal token and annul the engagement. From that point on, the two families would go their separate ways.

Han Zhengqing had never been one to care for virtue or morality; otherwise, he wouldn't have clung so persistently to Lady Fan back then. It was all because, with the passing of Duke Han, the title had been reduced to that of a Marquis, and each generation saw a further decline. Of the four great dukedoms, the Han family was by far the weakest, its estate dwindling to the point that he resorted to shamelessly asking Lady Fan to marry him as a second wife.

When his future in-laws faced disaster, he severed ties quickly. The 40,000 taels of silver notes left by the Zhang family at the Marquis' household were immediately returned, along with all items related to the Zhang family.

It was rumored that the young lady of the Zhang family hanged herself the following day. But what did that have to do with Han Zhengqing or the Marquis of Jinxiang's household? Life went on without the slightest ripple. In his letter, Han Zhengqing explicitly instructed that there was no need to send anyone for condolences—they should act as though they knew nothing of the affair.

Han Zhi, recalling this, let a mocking smile play at his lips as he nodded. "I already have someone in mind."

Lady Fan, usually aloof even toward her own children, was surprised by this sudden announcement. She looked up at him briefly, then lowered her gaze, watching the thin mist from her teacup, and replied coolly, "You've never mentioned it. Which family's young lady?"

With a slight smile, Han Zhi took a sip of tea and replied in a casual tone, "The Sixth Miss of the Song family. Eighth Miss Song is gone now. If we don't secure Sixth Miss Song soon, I fear neither Mother nor Father will sleep peacefully at night."

Lady Fan ignored the sarcasm in his words, lightly pressing a handkerchief to her lips. "Forget about the Song family."

Noble Consort Song was in a life-and-death feud with Noble Consort Xian, and nobody knew exactly what was happening in the palace. Given their close relationship with Zhou Weizhao, their future could end up just as bleak as the Zhang family's.

After a pause, Han Zhi responded, "But Cousin and Aunt's views differ from yours."

Lady Fan fell silent, unwilling to continue the discussion.

Han Zhi left the house and, upon stepping outside, saw the carriage from the King of Zhennan's household waiting. He watched as it rolled away, then turned to his guard, Liu Fu. "Is Ye'er back?"

No one else from the King of Zhennan's family moved with such urgency.

Liu Fu bowed and confirmed, "Yes, he's headed to Juyi Tower."

Ye Jingchuan had been spending his days at Juyi Tower since his return, but this time, he wasn't headed there. Instead, he went directly to the Marquis of Changning's residence, eager to see Song Jue.

When he was younger, Song Jue's grandmother, the Old Lady Song, appreciated Ye Jingchuan's family status and manners and allowed him into the inner courtyard. But now, as everyone had grown older, it was no longer appropriate for him to visit the inner quarters where the young ladies resided.

Unable to find Song Chuyi, he came to see Song Jue and asked as soon as he saw him, "Is it true? It's really happening?"

Song Jue, on a rest day and feeling bored at home, didn't mind Ye Jingchuan's frequent visits. The young man had just returned with a generous gift for his little son and, having matured under the guidance of Guo Huaiying over the past two years, had become steady and composed. Song Jue now enjoyed his company.

Hearing Ye Jingchuan's question, Song Jue raised an eyebrow. "Seems like this news grew legs. Even you, fresh back in the capital, have heard about it."

He was referring to Song Chumi's engagement—a match with a scholar who was preparing for the upcoming exams. Although the family was poor, the young man was earnest and hardworking, with only an elderly mother to care for, a wise and understanding woman herself.

The Old Lady Song couldn't bear to see Song Chumi's future slip away entirely. She personally visited the estate where Song Chumi had been hidden and spent an entire night talking with her, ultimately deciding to support the Third Lady's wishes. Age and grief had softened her heart, especially after losing her daughter during her trip to Qingzhou. Although there was no way to alter the fate of her deceased daughter, she could still offer a chance to those still alive.

Lady Yun, the Third Lady of the Song family, wept with relief, finally seeing Old Lady Song as a true mother figure. She no longer complained; after all, though her daughter's future husband was poor, he was industrious and practical, supporting himself and his mother with their small plot of land. Without Old Lady Song's intervention, including a personal letter to the Old Master Song, her daughter would likely have spent her days in a temple, dedicating her life to prayer.

Glancing at the large ceramic urn in Song Jue's study, which held several scrolls, Ye Jingchuan laughed. "Who says the news grew legs? It's more like someone thinks they deserve all the credit and can't stop telling everyone. I nearly grew calluses on my ears from hearing about it at Juyi Tower."

There weren't many others who frequented Juyi Tower. Song Jue instantly knew he was referring to Shen Qingrang and frowned before relaxing again. "Well, the matchmaker was indeed the heir's wife this time, so he has some right to feel proud."

Ye Jingchuan had long known what the Shen family was scheming—to anchor themselves to the Song family, which appeared as a stable and flourishing ally. Lady He worked tirelessly on this marriage arrangement, hoping to reconnect with the Song family through the third branch.

Thinking of Shen Qingrang's nature, his reckless words and actions in the past, and his current smugness, Ye Jingchuan's mood darkened as he frowned in silent frustration.