The snow had just cleared, making it a perfect day for a banquet.
Early in the morning, Madam Ban rose and, as was her custom, recited scriptures before the Buddha before quickly bathing and changing her clothes. After finishing her breakfast, she busied herself with changing her attire and styling her hair. By the time she stepped out, the sun was high in the sky.
The carriage traveled smoothly, and upon arriving at Prince Rui's mansion, she adjusted her hair bun again, asking, "Qiangwei, is my hair in order?"
"Madam, you've asked that for the fifth time," Qiangwei said, covering her mouth with a chuckle. "Those who know would understand you're visiting a daughter's home, but those who don't might think you're going to a matchmaking appointment."
"Oh, you cheeky girl, you dare to tease me now." Madam Ban shot her a glare but remained nervous. "This is the first time I'm showing my face as Xi Xi's mother. I mustn't embarrass Xi Xi."
"Don't worry, you won't. Look at how you're dressed today, beautiful and dignified. How many can compare?" Ever since receiving the invitation from the eldest young lady, Madam had been quite anxious. After so many years, she had finally remembered to buy herself new clothes and jewelry, all to ensure she wouldn't be outshone today. Qiangwei was the first to jump off the carriage and extend her hand to Madam Ban, only to see Madam Ban frozen in surprise.
Following Madam Ban's gaze, Qiangwei turned her head and saw Zeng Weiyang approaching gracefully with a smile. As she drew closer, she proactively extended her hand to Madam Ban and said in a petulant tone, "Mother, why are you only arriving now? Your daughter has been waiting for you for ages."
Qiangwei felt a chill crawl up her spine.
In the past, no matter how kindly Madam showed affection, the second young lady had always appeared as though she wished to stay a hundred miles away. For her to suddenly act this way today, even a fool could see her intention. Wasn't she trying to leverage the eldest young lady's standing to find a good husband?
Qiangwei really wanted to know where the second young lady got the nerve.
It was still early, and not many guests had arrived, but there were some.
Madam Ban couldn't bear to refuse her, so she took her hand to alight from the carriage, asking in a low voice, "Why are you here?"
"Mother, what a funny question. How could a sister not attend her elder sister's banquet?"
"Weiyang!"
Zeng Weiyang seemed not to grasp her displeasure and linked her arm, walking towards the main gate. "Mother, let's not stand at the entrance. Elder Sister must be eagerly awaiting us."
Madam Ban was pulled along for a few steps before sighing, "Weiyang, do you truly have to do this?"
Zeng Weiyang turned to look at her, a hint of resolve flashing in her clear, cold eyes. "Mother, don't you always know what your daughter wants? You used to say you wanted to compensate me. Today is a good opportunity."
"Weiyang, you must understand. Xi Xi is not a saint. You cannot hurt her, then act as if nothing happened, and expect her to perform sisterly affection in front of others."
"Weiyang understands, of course, but this is my only way out."
Madam Ban felt a headache coming on. "Can't you just marry an ordinary man? Why are you desperately trying to climb into a prominent family?"
"Naturally, it's to avoid being controlled. I've had enough of living as a subordinate." I couldn't choose my birth, but it didn't matter. A woman's marriage is a second chance at life. In her dreams, she was manipulated by Zeng Guangyi into marrying a good-for-nothing, who not only couldn't save her but also made her feel inferior in front of others.
Having finally escaped Zeng Guangyi, she absolutely refused to repeat the mistakes of her dreams and live a life of quiet desperation.
Madam Ban didn't try to persuade her further. She had said enough, both appropriate and inappropriate, in these past few days. As a stepmother, she believed she had done her utmost for Zeng Weiyang.
As for whether she could achieve her desires, or if she would be mistreated by her in-laws after achieving them, that was no longer her concern.
She brushed Zeng Weiyang's hand away. "This is the path you've chosen. Don't come back to me crying later."
Zeng Weiyang embraced her again. "Going in like this will make us seem more intimate, won't it?"
Madam Ban stopped and turned to look at her coldly.
Zeng Weiyang gritted her teeth, finally yielding under her icy gaze. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she narrowly managed to hold them back from falling.
What she said about compensating her was all just empty words, wasn't it? The moment her interests clashed with Zeng Weixi's, she wouldn't even show a shred of sentiment. A child without a mother is like a blade of grass. She only regretted not being born into a better family.
Madam Ban had already walked away. Zeng Weiyang gritted her teeth and followed, simultaneously wiping away her tears and adopting an obedient demeanor.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Cheng Beizheng, having abandoned his horse for a carriage, was earnestly advising Cheng Jiaojiao, "Jiaojiao, you're not getting any younger. If you don't get married soon, you'll be an old maid."
"Third brother, can't I just not get married? Look at the women in Uncle's family; they fight like jealous hens. The thought alone is terrifying."
"That's because they're blind, marrying someone like Uncle. Today, you choose carefully. I'm not asking for great beauty, but for good character."
"But people don't carve 'dishonest character' on their foreheads, do they?"
"You just take a look. If you fancy a few, note down their names. Your brother will help you vet their character."
Cheng Jiaojiao's expression faltered slightly. "A few?"
Cheng Beizheng coughed. "Your judgment isn't the best. You're unlikely to find a good match with just one. We'll pick a few and then filter them."
Cheng Jiaojiao: ...