He thought this and asked, "These two are family members of the General's wife, they should know their character best. May I ask Madam to recommend a young master?"
Qin Shu intended to agree to whomever Zhou Wanyou named.
For a moment, both brothers looked at Zhou Wanyou.
Zhou Wanyou was troubled; frankly, she didn't want to recommend anyone.
Su Yunmo's eyes flickered, and he tugged at Zhou Wanyou's clothes, saying in a childish voice, "Mother isn't their family member. Uncle should ask Second Aunt. Second Aunt is the mother of the two older brothers."
Zhou Wanyou curved her lips and rubbed the little dumpling's face, then looked up and said, "Momo is right. Let Second Sister-in-law speak for herself."
Everyone's gaze shifted back to Dou Ying.
The two brothers looked at her even more intently.
Dou Ying thought for a moment and patted Su Xingzhe's shoulder, "If I'm being honest, my second son is more suited to Miss Qin."
"This child is both meticulous and caring. The Su family has strict rules, and he never flirts with others outside."
Heh!
What a lie, spoken without a second thought.
Su Yunmo secretly rolled his eyes.
Dou Ying praised him profusely, listing all the good qualities for Su Xingzhe, "Moreover, this child is very sensible in his actions and has a more stable temperament, much stronger than the eldest."
She had also observed these past few days that the young ladies in the capital were very picky and too serious when judging people. As soon as they learned that Xingzhe had been to prison, they dared not approach him again.
It would be difficult for Xingzhe to have a good marriage in the future. Now that there was such a good, convenient opportunity, it should be given to Xingzhe.
Xingfu would have plenty of good girls to marry in the future, so there was no rush.
These words caused the two brothers on the side to have different expressions.
Su Xingfu's face darkened, and he looked at Dou Ying with dissatisfaction, but he couldn't argue in front of outsiders.
Su Xingzhe, on the other hand, held his head high, as if what Dou Ying said was true.
Su Yinyin, seeing her two brothers' expressions, lowered her eyes and remained silent.
"Madam, I naturally believe you, but what is with Second Young Master's face?" Qin Shu asked with some curiosity.
If he was sensible in his actions, why was his face bruised and swollen, clearly showing he had been beaten?
Dou Ying pulled Su Yinyin beside her, "You may not know, but these three children are usually the best of friends. A couple of days ago, Yinyin was bullied, and her second brother went to reason with the bully, but was injured by the other boy."
The little dumpling, who was picking up food, stopped his chopsticks and narrowed his eyes dangerously.
Qin Shu also followed suit with a smile, "Some people's children really have no upbringing, resorting to violence and acting out so readily. One wonders what kind of parents raised such useless children."
Zhou Wanyou also narrowed her eyes.
Qin Shu turned to look at her, "General's wife, what do you say?"
Zhou Wanyou sneered, "Lord Qin is right. Families are naturally different. I think the Qin family and Second Sister-in-law's family are quite evenly matched, very suitable."
They had already reached a consensus, what else could she say?
She could only offer her blessings.
Qin Shu's eyelids twitched.
Why did he feel like the General's wife had suddenly gotten angry? Had he said something wrong?
Dou Ying's heart skipped a beat, realizing she had spoken out of turn, "Look, why are we talking about other things? What do you think about this marriage, Lord Qin?"
"As Madam says," Qin Shu sighed inwardly and waved his hand.
He was helpless now. It would be better to marry the person off sooner to get it over with sooner.
Poisoning imperial consorts and slandering the General's daughter, the Qin family truly could not bear such charges!
Rather than waiting for the Emperor's wrath and the ruin of their clan one day, it was better to send that unfilial daughter away now, and let her fate be whatever it may.
Dou Ying was overjoyed when he agreed and quickly poured him wine, "Since that is the case, I will tell my husband this good news when he returns, and the two families can set a date."
Great! Xingzhe could finally marry a noble lady, and the family's financial deficit could be covered by the Qin family!
A joyful atmosphere filled the room.
Su Xingfu, however, could not stand to stay any longer, "I have some other matters to attend to, so I will not keep you company. Please make yourselves at home."
The remaining matters had nothing to do with him, so it didn't matter whether he sat or not.
"Eldest Brother should leave. Today is my younger brother's good day, so I won't see you off. Farewell, Eldest Brother." Su Xingzhe's words carried a hint of pride and showmanship.
Su Xingfu snorted coldly and turned to leave.
"This child is truly ill-mannered," Dou Ying reprimanded him with dissatisfaction, then turned her face back with a smile, entertaining the guests.
Qin Shu did not take offense and felt much more relaxed, having settled one of his worries.
Su Yinyin looked at Su Xingfu's departing back, her eyes flickering slightly.
Su Yunmo snuggled into Zhou Wanyou's embrace and asked curiously, "Mother, wasn't there a pretty older sister coming to eat with us? Why didn't Momo see her?"
Everyone then remembered that it had been arranged for both families to dine together, but Qin Mingyan was not present.
Qin Shu cupped his hands, looking somewhat apologetic, "My daughter said this morning that she felt a bit unwell, as if she had a cold and couldn't speak, so she won't be coming."
As soon as that unfilial daughter heard that she was to be betrothed, she had been clamoring incessantly and even smashed the tea set.
If she hadn't been confined to her room and allowed to come, she would have surely disrupted this marriage.
"It's nothing, nothing. Since the young lady is unwell, I will have Xingzhe take some things to see her later," Dou Ying said understandingly.
Su Xingzhe's eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands under the table.
He had met Qin Mingyan once. Although she was a spirited young woman, she was quite good-looking. If he could take her as a concubine, wouldn't it be enjoyable day and night?
"Mother is right. Miss Qin is unwell, so I should go and inquire about her."
Su Xingzhe was impatient.
"This... my daughter has caught a cold, and it might be contagious, so perhaps it's best not to," Qin Shu said with some unease.
A servant entered from outside, "Madam, a young lady claiming to be Lord Qin's daughter is here to see you."
Qin Shu's mind buzzed.
How did that wicked creature get out! Hadn't he instructed the household staff to keep her under watch?
Su Xingzhe was very excited, "Then what are you waiting for? Hurry and invite her in."
Qin Shu's forehead was covered in cold sweat as he desperately thought of how to deal with the situation.
Su Yunmo tilted his head and said softly, "It's good that the pretty older sister is here. Guests should be welcomed grandly. How about Sister Yinyin goes to greet her?"
Su Yinyin glanced at him and pursed her lips.
Su Yunmo curved his lips and returned a smile.
Dou Ying nudged Su Yinyin, "Momo is right. Yinyin, hurry and go welcome your Sister Qin."
Now that Yinyin was becoming more sensible and eloquent, it was best to let her go first and win Miss Qin's favor.
"Yes." Su Yinyin bowed from under the table and walked out of the room.
Inside, the mother and daughter were still rejoicing as if they had found gold ingots.
Su Yinyin looked back at them and clenched her fists tightly.
From this moment on, the fate of everyone in the household would be in her hands!