Qian Yuanbao smiled with ill intent, "Compared to those young ladies from prominent families, Qi Zhenzhen is indeed a good choice. You know, my old lady is eager for me to marry and have children. If I can't avoid it, why not?"
Gu Sinian's demeanor changed drastically. He looked at Qian Yuanbao with a cold face.
Qian Yuanbao trembled, "What are you doing? What are you doing? You're skilled in martial arts, are you going to silence me? Don't do that. Is our childhood affection less than that of a woman? You know me, I just have a loose tongue. If I were interested in Qi Zhenzhen, would I have to wait until now? After all, I collaborated with her before you even had feelings for her."
Feeling the chilling aura around him gradually weaken, Qian Yuanbao finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Are you trying to scare me to death?"
"Some jokes are not to be made lightly."
Truly, he had forgotten his brother now that he had a woman. Qian Yuanbao dared not mutter this aloud. "Anyway, I've told you. Whatever you want to do, it's up to your word."
"Don't rush to refuse. This matter isn't something that can be settled in a day or two. Coincidentally, with this matter in front of you, you'll also have some breathing room," Gu Sinian said slowly. "The Qian family can release news of discussing marriage with the Qi family, but they can't say who it's with. Let them guess."
"I must have owed you in my past life. In this life, I'll be your ox and horse, even helping you with your marriage," Qian Yuanbao said mournfully.
"If you help me, and you need my help in the future, I will not hesitate," Gu Sinian replied.
"Alright, I'll remember your promise," Qian Yuanbao said with a grin, hooking his arm around Gu Sinian's shoulder. "I just hope the person you painstakingly marry will be the one you desire."
Gu Sinian nodded, "Naturally."
Meanwhile, after Madam Qian returned to her residence, she sat on the soft couch, idly twirling prayer beads that emitted a faint fragrance.
These prayer beads had been fragrant since she first held them. Earlier, in the confined space of the carriage, the scent had filled the entire vehicle, yet Yuanbao showed no unusual reaction as he had before.
Because of his strange illness, none of the maids in the household could use rouge or powder, and she, who had the most contact with him, couldn't use any incense either.
The prayer beads in her hand were called "An Shen Xiang," said to bring peace of mind when worn close to the body.
Peace of mind wasn't important; what was important was the fragrance. Her grandson actually didn't reject it.
The young lady who presented these fragrant beads to the Old Madam of the Qi family was the niece of Madam Li's family. She seemed like a good match, perhaps her grandson's destined person.
Didn't Master Yuan Jue say back then that marriage is determined by fate? Even if the strange illness couldn't be cured, it wouldn't delay his marriage.
Now, it seemed to be proving Master Yuan Jue's words. Da Feng Novel Network.
However, she had just spoken to her friend about her granddaughter's matter, and this current matter couldn't be rushed. Fortunately, the second daughter of the Qi family was only thirteen, still two years away from her coming-of-age ceremony.
Changping Marquisate, Jinghua Courtyard.
Princess Consort Qin sat at the head of the table, while Madam Qin, another woman, Qi Mingzhu, and a girl of similar age stood there.
"Just a few days ago, you told me that the illegitimate sons and daughters wouldn't cause any trouble. What is this today? Aren't the waves big enough? They've managed to gain favor among the many noble families in the capital, and you, the mistress of the household, have lost all face!" Princess Consort Qin said sternly. "How did I teach you at home? You can't be soft-hearted when doing things, you can't leave any room. And you? You thought you had dealt with them back then, and now they're back?"
Madam Qin lowered her head, filled with regret.
"Mother, please calm down. Sister is just kind-hearted. Besides, although Sister manages the household, the Old Madam isn't idle. She restrains Sister in every way, making it difficult for Sister to do some things," another woman said, trying to placate Princess Consort Qin.
"You keep defending her. Once those two little vixens get a foothold, she'll have her share of suffering. I can finally see, neither of them is easy to deal with."
"Qi Yi seems straightforward, but that賤丫頭 is difficult to handle. Mingzhu has suffered losses at her hands," Madam Qin said indignantly.
"She's just a girl. Her marriage is in your hands. There will be a time when she cries for mercy," Princess Consort Qin said.
"Looking at how my mother-in-law is so affectionate with her now, the marriage might not be up to me to decide. Mother, teach me, what should I do? That Madam Yun hides in her courtyard all day, she doesn't cause trouble. These past few days since her return, the Marquis hasn't visited her courtyard. It seems he's completely tired of her. But with two children, her life in the mansion is quite comfortable."
"You are the嫡母, you must hold your ground. No one's marriage can surpass yours," Princess Consort Qin said unhurriedly. "At this point, you must remain steady."
"The Marquis betrothed that賤丫頭 to the Lu family in Jiangdong. The young man from the Lu family is very promising. I heard he will be coming to the capital soon to participate in the imperial examinations next year. The Lu family is a noble and reputable family. I think such a family would be a good match for Mingzhu. The marriage back then was just spoken words!" Madam Qin said.
"The Lu family?" Princess Consort Qin raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, it's suitable. Are you confident that the Marquis and your mother-in-law won't interfere? After all, that賤丫頭 gained a lot of favor in front of everyone today."
"So what if she gained favor? Madam Yun and the two little vixens lived in the village for several years. Who doesn't know them? Although they are now arranged to recuperate in the別苑, what if their old acquaintances find them? Can it be kept secret? If it can't be hidden, then not only the Lu family, but other families might not look favorably upon them. I've already instructed Madam Qin to keep an eye on those who have grudges against them, so they can 'reunite' at any time!"
Princess Consort Qin's face finally showed a smile. "It's good that you're not completely foolish! When you do things, make sure your subordinates are clean, so you don't get into trouble yourself."
Madam Qin nodded and then told Princess Consort Qin about the Duke's mansion.
Princess Consort Qin's furrowed brow reappeared. "Gu Sinian has a notorious reputation and is not favored by the Duke. How can such a person be worthy of our Mingzhu? They really think highly of themselves!"
Madam Qin sighed. "If it were our Prince's mansion, of course, we would refuse without a second thought. But for the Changping Marquisate... I'm stalling for now!"
"Marrying that賤丫頭 into the Duke's family could be considered a high-status marriage for a daughter. Who wouldn't praise you as a generous嫡母 for choosing a good marriage for your庶女? As for the homosexual preference, what young man isn't a bit flamboyant?" Princess Consort Qin said with a smile.
"That's what I thought, but I'm afraid my mother-in-law and the Marquis won't agree. That賤丫頭 knows how to coax people, which is much better than her concubine mother," Madam Qin said.