Chapter 229: Chapter 229: Schemes (Part 1)
Chen Jinyu and her brother Chen Haoran are constantly bickering with each other, but in reality, they have a very close relationship. She is already thinking about match-making for her brother.
Jiang Shaohua glanced at her with a smile: "If it wasn’t for your brother’s marriage, why would I be so polite to Old Madam Xue?"
Chen Jinyu was first taken aback, then delighted, and grasped Jiang Shaohua’s hand: "Is the Commandery Princess really going to arrange a match for my elder brother?"
Jiang Shaohua nodded with a smile: "I do have that intention. So, I specially came today for some small talk with Old Madam Xue. When the right opportunity comes, I will probe into the Xue family’s thoughts."
Old Madam Xue is neither shrewd nor formidable, but she is fortunate to have a son who is a Governor. She has at least half the say in Miss Xue Liu’s marriage.
Chen Jinyu was extraordinarily happy, clutching the Commandery Princess’s hand tightly: "Commandery Princess, you are too kind!"
Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "We’ll stay in Zhi County for a few more days. If I’m not mistaken, Old Madam Xue will come to the county government soon."
...
"This Nanyang County Princess is extremely beautiful, clever, capable, and articulate."
After the Commandery Princess left, Old Madam Xue was still in high spirits, holding her granddaughter’s hand and chattering: "Such a good girl, I really don’t know whose son will be lucky enough to marry her."
With Old Madam Xue’s temperament, for her to say such things shows how much she appreciates and admires Jiang Shaohua.
Miss Xue Liu listened quietly and softly responded: "The Commandery Princess may not necessarily marry."
"If she doesn’t marry, does she plan to take a husband-in-residence?" Old Madam Xue instinctively continued, her face full of disapproval: "Back then, when Jiang Yan took Lu Xuan as a husband-in-residence, I was quite against it. It’s a natural law for men to marry and women to wed. A woman taking a husband-in-residence is not the right path."
"What fine young man would want to be a husband-in-residence? As for that Lu Xuan, I’ve seen him once before. He’s good-looking but just a decorative pillow."
"For someone like the Commandery Princess, it’s really a pity to take a husband-in-residence. She should marry a husband who is skilled both in literature and martial arts."
Miss Xue Liu gave her grandmother a meaningful look: "Grandmother, you are right. Ordinary young men are indeed unworthy of the Commandery Princess."
Sadly, Old Madam Xue didn’t catch the underlying meaning in her granddaughter’s words and cheerfully said: "Our Qi Lang is quite fine. His age is appropriate, and our family status barely matches. In terms of looks, Qi Lang is also a handsome young man. When Qi Lang arrives, I’ll take him to the county government to let the Commandery Princess see him. First, get familiar with the face, and we’ll talk about marriage in a few years."
Miss Xue Liu: "..."
So this was Grandmother’s plan all along.
Miss Xue Liu slightly frowned, unable to speak bluntly, and said tactfully: "There is a distinction between men and women. Such a visit seems a bit improper."
"How is it improper? I think it’s quite suitable." Old Madam Xue’s standards change according to who is involved. When it’s her precious grandson, nothing is inappropriate: "This matter is decided."
Miss Xue Liu pursed her lips, somewhat helpless.
Old Madam Xue pondered for a while before looking up and teasing: "You’re even a year older than Qi Lang. Don’t worry, Grandmother has always kept your marriage in mind! I will definitely find you a suitable husband."
She paused and whispered: "Do you remember last year’s Imperial Examination, when many women sent notes to the Inspector Mansion to meet this old lady?"
"They all had young unmarried sons in their families."
"I remained unperturbed and quietly asked people to inquire. Among those who visited, three families had quite impressive young men."
Miss Xue Liu blushed at her grandmother’s sudden remarks and softly said: "Grandmother is thoughtful. I do not wish to marry early and only want to be by Grandmother’s side."
Old Madam Xue laughed: "Silly girl, it’s only natural for men to marry and women to wed. A young woman’s best time is in these two years. It’s a time when good young men eagerly seek you out. There’s nothing to be shy about in front of Grandmother."
"Today, the mother of that Chen Sheren from Mr. Chen’s family also visited back then. Chen Sheren has an elder brother who passed the scholar examination at sixteen. Last autumn, he took the Imperial Examination but unfortunately ranked behind Sun Shan."
"A few days ago, Mr. Chen went to the Prefecture School to study. His mother specially sent a message. The Chen Family is decent. Chief Historian Chen is a close confidant of the Prince and has dealings with the courtiers. His official rank may not be high, but his capabilities are significant. County Magistrate Chen also passed the Imperial Examination. It’s just that Mr. Chen has had some bad luck in exams. When the opportunity arises, I want to meet this Mr. Chen."
A maiden waiting for marriage has a delicate face.
Miss Xue Liu blushed upon hearing this and quickly changed the subject.
...
Three days later, Xue Lin hurried to White Cloud Temple covered in dust.
When grandmother and grandson met, they barely exchanged words before Xue Lin was urged by Old Madam Xue to bathe and change into a bright blue brocade robe, with long hair tied up by a Jade Crown, and a Jade Pendant hanging from his waist.
That wasn’t enough. Old Madam Xue also stuffed a folding fan into her grandson’s hand.
"Take the folding fan, it makes you look more cultured. When in front of the Commandery Princess, open the fan and wave it a little."
Xue Lin was bewildered.
To be fair, Xue Lin was indeed quite handsome, enough to present impressively.
Miss Xue Liu slightly twitched the corners of her mouth, turning her head aside.
Old Madam Xue energetically led her grandchildren to the Zhi County County Government.
Jiang Shaohua got the news and led the crowd to greet them.
A bewildered Xue Lin, upon seeing the stunningly beautiful Commandery Princess, was first in awe of her appearance and demeanor, and finally realized his grandmother’s intention.
"Commandery Princess, this is my unsatisfactory young grandson Xue Lin." Old Madam Xue cheerfully pulled out her blushing grandson: "Qi Lang, quickly greet the Commandery Princess."
Xue Lin tried his best to remain calm and composed: "Xue Lin greets the Commandery Princess."
Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Please rise, Mr. Xue."
Xue Lin dared not make eye contact with the Commandery Princess. After expressing thanks, he naturally stood behind his grandmother.
Everyone entered the inner hall of the county government.
Jiang Shaohua invited Old Madam Xue to take the seat of honor with a smile.
Old Madam Xue was not polite and sat right down.
A few stewards nearby felt uncomfortable. Even County Magistrate Lei, who came to accompany the visitors, was feeling uneasy.
This Old Madam Xue, living so many years in vain. The Commandery Princess is polite to her out of respect for Governor Xue. But she really thinks highly of herself, taking such a seat without hesitation!
Miss Xue Liu was full of unease, but in such situations, couldn’t speak, only expressing apology with her eyes.
Jiang Shaohua smiled it off and sat below Old Madam Xue, asking about her Buddhist rituals. Once Old Madam Xue started talking, she couldn’t stop. Jiang Shaohua listened with a smile, occasionally nodding and agreeing.
The company found themselves drowsy from listening, utterly impressed with the Commandery Princess’s patience in dealing with Old Madam Xue.
Unbeknownst to them, Jiang Shaohua had honed the skill of entertaining others in the palace, spending her days with Empress Dowager Zheng in her past life.
It just depended on whether she thought the other party was worth her time and effort.