Chapter 14: Stepmother Rejects the Match
Ming Wei originally wanted to follow and investigate, but just then Su Xuan and the others had returned. At the same time, someone from the Old Madam’s table summoned her and Su Xuan over, so Ming Wei had no choice but to suppress her curiosity and go with Su Xuan.
Faced with Cheng Yue, Ming Wei still felt uneasy and could only present herself as a demure and obedient young daughter.
Naturally, the center of attention was Su Xuan, who was loved and doted on by all. With her noble status, she was now of marriageable age, and many sought her hand. Ming Wei was merely a supporting figure—praised once or twice for her embroidery, having shown her face among the noblewomen, and then promptly forgotten.
The Old Madam was elderly. Although still in good health, she couldn’t handle too much excitement. After the banquet and performances, she instructed her three sons and their wives to entertain the noble guests.
Rongshantang
“The Old Madam just had a happy day, and now something like this happens!” Nanny Xu, the Old Madam’s trusted attendant, glared sternly at He Popo, who managed the flowers and plants in the courtyard, and scolded, “Ruining such a joyous day for the Old Madam. You can’t even manage your servants properly? If this gets out, what will become of the Marquis Estate’s reputation?”
He Popo was so frightened she dropped to her knees with a loud thud and begged for mercy. “Linghua must have accidentally fallen into the well and drowned! She was always mischievous. Seeing how lively things were today, she must have been wandering around—”
“She was wandering the garden at a time like this?” Nanny Xu’s voice turned colder. “And you dare say such things! Many little maids ran off to see the festivities, but none went into the garden! Besides, that well has been out of use for a long time. There’s barely any water in it—falling in wouldn’t drown someone, at most break a limb!”
Nanny Xu’s eyes suddenly turned sharp as she said coldly, “Or perhaps she saw or heard something she shouldn’t have, or got into a grudge with someone—”
At these words, He Popo turned pale and kowtowed rapidly. “This servant truly knows nothing—truly nothing! Please, have mercy!”
Seeing that He Popo only begged and couldn’t provide any useful information, Nanny Xu ordered her to be detained and summoned two capable older women to investigate.
“The Old Madam is back!” Just as Nanny Xu finished making arrangements, a sharp little maid ran in with the news. She quickly ordered everyone to keep quiet and not reveal a word before rushing out to greet the Old Madam.
Though the Old Madam looked cheerful, there was a trace of fatigue in her expression. Pearl and Gui Xiang, her two senior maids, helped her change and served her hot tea before quietly withdrawing, leaving only Nanny Xu behind.
“You’re still thinking about the Old Marquis and the young heir,” said Nanny Xu. Having served the Old Madam for decades, she could read her thoughts from the slightest movement. Today should have been a joyous day, but that weariness in her eyes might not have been from exhaustion.
The Old Madam smiled and nodded, speaking with emotion. “You always understand me. This marquis estate appears prosperous, but it’s all thanks to the Marquis and my eldest’s military achievements. The other three are useless. Especially Second's household—I can’t stand them. The concubines’ daughters under her care are all ruined, only Sixth Girl and Seventh Girl look decent.”
“She’s so petty—hard to believe she’s a daughter of a noble family!” The Old Madam was clearly displeased. “A good estate, and she’s bound to turn it into a mess!”
“You had the foresight to rotate the household management among the three wives. Now they balance each other out, and things haven’t gone too far. Besides, you’ve returned,” Nanny Xu reassured her. “You’re still in charge. Even Second Madam wouldn’t dare step out of line.”
The Old Madam sighed and said no more.
Nanny Xu served her tea and made small talk about the performances earlier.
As for the incident with the maid who drowned in the well, Nanny Xu hesitated and ultimately chose not to mention it. It was an ill omen on such a happy day, and without knowing the reason behind it, bringing it up would only upset the Old Madam. So she only spoke of pleasant things to lift her mood.
Once the Old Madam grew tired, Nanny Xu helped her rest, softly summoned two reliable young maids to stand watch, and then personally set out to investigate.
The matter was too suspicious. If Linghua hadn’t jumped in herself, then someone was bold enough to commit murder. Not only was Linghua one of the Old Madam’s personal maids, but taking a life so lightly was inexcusable. Nanny Xu had received great kindness from the Old Madam and held her in deep respect. She would never let the Old Madam’s name be tainted.
If she found the culprit... Nanny Xu’s eyes turned cold and she quickened her pace. She would not forgive them.
After a long day of feasting, the five sisters prepared to return to Yuxiang Garden together.
Ming Wei was still preoccupied with the matter of the maid and Su Xuan, her thoughts a jumble. She didn’t even notice Ming Fang glaring at her with cold eyes, full of biting sarcasm.
“Our Seventh Sister really is something now!” Ming Fang grew angrier seeing Ming Wei lost in thought. She threw her wide sleeve, embroidered with golden clouds, nearly hitting Ming Wei in the face.
“Second Household already produced a government lady with Eldest Sister. Now does Seventh Sister want to become a countess too?” Ming Fang’s beautiful face was full of mockery, even dragging Ming Rui into it.
Ming Wei was utterly confused. She looked genuinely innocent—because she was. She truly had no idea what this “Countess” business was about…
Ming Fang assumed Ming Wei was flaunting it on purpose and stormed off in a huff. She forgot her grudge with Ming Rong and got into the carriage with Ming Rui and Ming Rong.
“Fourth Sister is always like that—sharp-tongued but not ill-intentioned.” Left behind, Ming Lian and Ming Wei climbed into the black, flat-topped carriage. Ming Lian gave a helpless smile. “Still, you can’t completely blame her today.”
Ming Wei was still baffled. She quickly grabbed Ming Lian’s sleeve and said playfully, “Sixth Sister, I’ve been wronged—I really don’t know what I did to upset Fourth Sister! You like me best, tell me!”
“You!” Ming Lian tapped Ming Wei’s forehead with a fond smile. “She gave Grandmother the most expensive birthday gift among us. She was hoping to outshine everyone. But in the end, you stole the spotlight.”
Ming Wei had been watching Ming Lian closely since the word “birthday gift” was mentioned and noticed the hint of curiosity in her eyes. She pouted and said, “Why doesn’t she blame Third Sister then? Even without me, Third Sister’s gift would still have overshadowed hers.”
“That’s not the main issue.” Ming Lian didn’t press further and instead recalled something interesting. She smiled and said, “The Count of Shuning’s wife asked Mother about you just now. It seems she has matchmaking intentions.”
“Sixth Sister!” Ming Wei’s heart tightened at the mention of marriage, fearing Second Madam would agree. She forced herself to remain calm, her cheeks flushing. She clung to Ming Lian’s sleeve and protested, “If you keep teasing, I won’t let you off!”
Seeing Ming Wei’s face turn red, Ming Lian let the matter go. “I wasn’t teasing. That’s what Fourth Sister was mad about. She feels like you’re outshining her in everything now and took it out on you.”
Only then did Ming Wei recall that when she and Su Xuan had gone to the Old Madam’s table, she did feel someone observing her. But since most eyes were on Su Xuan, she had assumed the Countess was also looking at her and had merely caught her in the background.
“But what does that have to do with me?” Ming Wei’s voice grew softer. “It’s not like I begged for it… Besides, I don’t even want… that!”
“Our little Seventh Miss is shy!” Ming Lian was about to tease her but then sighed with some regret. “If it had worked out, it would’ve been a good match! The Count of Shuning has only the heir and two sons born of concubines. His wife wanted to match you with the second one, but—”
Ming Lian paused, then leaned close and whispered, “Mother said you’ve always been well-behaved and thoughtful. Since you’re still young, she wants to keep you around a few more years. So she turned down the proposal.”
Ming Wei’s first reaction was relief upon hearing Second Madam refused. But seeing the regret in Ming Lian’s eyes, she began to think deeper. Even if the match was with a concubine-born son, it would still be a proper marriage, and she’d be the legitimate wife. Once they divided households, she’d be the true matriarch. With her birth from the Chengping Marquis Estate, she had status, and the heir apparent of the Count of Shuning would surely treat his brother well. Life wouldn’t be too hard.
But Second Madam couldn’t bear to see a concubine-born daughter live well…
Her casual “keep you around a few more years” practically closed the door on all future marriage prospects. At fourteen, Ming Wei wasn’t in a rush, but she was already of marriageable age. Among noble families, arranging a match took time. At this rate, she would be delayed into old maid status.
Yet Second Madam never imagined that her interference would align perfectly with Ming Wei’s own wishes.
“Mother surely has her reasons,” Ming Wei said shyly, head bowed, fidgeting with her sleeves. “It’s always the parents’ decision—we don’t get a say.”
Ming Lian gently shook her head and sighed, saying nothing more.
The two fell silent. As they neared Yuxiang Garden, Ming Lian couldn’t help but ask about the embroidery of “Blossoms in Bloom.” “That plum embroidery was rare… The teacher Mother hired didn’t teach us that style, right?”
Ming Wei nodded without hesitation. There was no way to avoid this question. If it had been Ming Rong or Ming Fang asking, she might have dodged it, but Ming Lian had always helped her—she couldn’t lie.
“That…” Ming Wei leaned in and whispered, “Do you remember when we once went to the countryside estate…”
Faced with Cheng Yue, Ming Wei still felt uneasy and could only present herself as a demure and obedient young daughter.
Naturally, the center of attention was Su Xuan, who was loved and doted on by all. With her noble status, she was now of marriageable age, and many sought her hand. Ming Wei was merely a supporting figure—praised once or twice for her embroidery, having shown her face among the noblewomen, and then promptly forgotten.
The Old Madam was elderly. Although still in good health, she couldn’t handle too much excitement. After the banquet and performances, she instructed her three sons and their wives to entertain the noble guests.
Rongshantang
“The Old Madam just had a happy day, and now something like this happens!” Nanny Xu, the Old Madam’s trusted attendant, glared sternly at He Popo, who managed the flowers and plants in the courtyard, and scolded, “Ruining such a joyous day for the Old Madam. You can’t even manage your servants properly? If this gets out, what will become of the Marquis Estate’s reputation?”
He Popo was so frightened she dropped to her knees with a loud thud and begged for mercy. “Linghua must have accidentally fallen into the well and drowned! She was always mischievous. Seeing how lively things were today, she must have been wandering around—”
“She was wandering the garden at a time like this?” Nanny Xu’s voice turned colder. “And you dare say such things! Many little maids ran off to see the festivities, but none went into the garden! Besides, that well has been out of use for a long time. There’s barely any water in it—falling in wouldn’t drown someone, at most break a limb!”
Nanny Xu’s eyes suddenly turned sharp as she said coldly, “Or perhaps she saw or heard something she shouldn’t have, or got into a grudge with someone—”
At these words, He Popo turned pale and kowtowed rapidly. “This servant truly knows nothing—truly nothing! Please, have mercy!”
Seeing that He Popo only begged and couldn’t provide any useful information, Nanny Xu ordered her to be detained and summoned two capable older women to investigate.
“The Old Madam is back!” Just as Nanny Xu finished making arrangements, a sharp little maid ran in with the news. She quickly ordered everyone to keep quiet and not reveal a word before rushing out to greet the Old Madam.
Though the Old Madam looked cheerful, there was a trace of fatigue in her expression. Pearl and Gui Xiang, her two senior maids, helped her change and served her hot tea before quietly withdrawing, leaving only Nanny Xu behind.
“You’re still thinking about the Old Marquis and the young heir,” said Nanny Xu. Having served the Old Madam for decades, she could read her thoughts from the slightest movement. Today should have been a joyous day, but that weariness in her eyes might not have been from exhaustion.
The Old Madam smiled and nodded, speaking with emotion. “You always understand me. This marquis estate appears prosperous, but it’s all thanks to the Marquis and my eldest’s military achievements. The other three are useless. Especially Second's household—I can’t stand them. The concubines’ daughters under her care are all ruined, only Sixth Girl and Seventh Girl look decent.”
“She’s so petty—hard to believe she’s a daughter of a noble family!” The Old Madam was clearly displeased. “A good estate, and she’s bound to turn it into a mess!”
“You had the foresight to rotate the household management among the three wives. Now they balance each other out, and things haven’t gone too far. Besides, you’ve returned,” Nanny Xu reassured her. “You’re still in charge. Even Second Madam wouldn’t dare step out of line.”
The Old Madam sighed and said no more.
Nanny Xu served her tea and made small talk about the performances earlier.
As for the incident with the maid who drowned in the well, Nanny Xu hesitated and ultimately chose not to mention it. It was an ill omen on such a happy day, and without knowing the reason behind it, bringing it up would only upset the Old Madam. So she only spoke of pleasant things to lift her mood.
Once the Old Madam grew tired, Nanny Xu helped her rest, softly summoned two reliable young maids to stand watch, and then personally set out to investigate.
The matter was too suspicious. If Linghua hadn’t jumped in herself, then someone was bold enough to commit murder. Not only was Linghua one of the Old Madam’s personal maids, but taking a life so lightly was inexcusable. Nanny Xu had received great kindness from the Old Madam and held her in deep respect. She would never let the Old Madam’s name be tainted.
If she found the culprit... Nanny Xu’s eyes turned cold and she quickened her pace. She would not forgive them.
After a long day of feasting, the five sisters prepared to return to Yuxiang Garden together.
Ming Wei was still preoccupied with the matter of the maid and Su Xuan, her thoughts a jumble. She didn’t even notice Ming Fang glaring at her with cold eyes, full of biting sarcasm.
“Our Seventh Sister really is something now!” Ming Fang grew angrier seeing Ming Wei lost in thought. She threw her wide sleeve, embroidered with golden clouds, nearly hitting Ming Wei in the face.
“Second Household already produced a government lady with Eldest Sister. Now does Seventh Sister want to become a countess too?” Ming Fang’s beautiful face was full of mockery, even dragging Ming Rui into it.
Ming Wei was utterly confused. She looked genuinely innocent—because she was. She truly had no idea what this “Countess” business was about…
Ming Fang assumed Ming Wei was flaunting it on purpose and stormed off in a huff. She forgot her grudge with Ming Rong and got into the carriage with Ming Rui and Ming Rong.
“Fourth Sister is always like that—sharp-tongued but not ill-intentioned.” Left behind, Ming Lian and Ming Wei climbed into the black, flat-topped carriage. Ming Lian gave a helpless smile. “Still, you can’t completely blame her today.”
Ming Wei was still baffled. She quickly grabbed Ming Lian’s sleeve and said playfully, “Sixth Sister, I’ve been wronged—I really don’t know what I did to upset Fourth Sister! You like me best, tell me!”
“You!” Ming Lian tapped Ming Wei’s forehead with a fond smile. “She gave Grandmother the most expensive birthday gift among us. She was hoping to outshine everyone. But in the end, you stole the spotlight.”
Ming Wei had been watching Ming Lian closely since the word “birthday gift” was mentioned and noticed the hint of curiosity in her eyes. She pouted and said, “Why doesn’t she blame Third Sister then? Even without me, Third Sister’s gift would still have overshadowed hers.”
“That’s not the main issue.” Ming Lian didn’t press further and instead recalled something interesting. She smiled and said, “The Count of Shuning’s wife asked Mother about you just now. It seems she has matchmaking intentions.”
“Sixth Sister!” Ming Wei’s heart tightened at the mention of marriage, fearing Second Madam would agree. She forced herself to remain calm, her cheeks flushing. She clung to Ming Lian’s sleeve and protested, “If you keep teasing, I won’t let you off!”
Seeing Ming Wei’s face turn red, Ming Lian let the matter go. “I wasn’t teasing. That’s what Fourth Sister was mad about. She feels like you’re outshining her in everything now and took it out on you.”
Only then did Ming Wei recall that when she and Su Xuan had gone to the Old Madam’s table, she did feel someone observing her. But since most eyes were on Su Xuan, she had assumed the Countess was also looking at her and had merely caught her in the background.
“But what does that have to do with me?” Ming Wei’s voice grew softer. “It’s not like I begged for it… Besides, I don’t even want… that!”
“Our little Seventh Miss is shy!” Ming Lian was about to tease her but then sighed with some regret. “If it had worked out, it would’ve been a good match! The Count of Shuning has only the heir and two sons born of concubines. His wife wanted to match you with the second one, but—”
Ming Lian paused, then leaned close and whispered, “Mother said you’ve always been well-behaved and thoughtful. Since you’re still young, she wants to keep you around a few more years. So she turned down the proposal.”
Ming Wei’s first reaction was relief upon hearing Second Madam refused. But seeing the regret in Ming Lian’s eyes, she began to think deeper. Even if the match was with a concubine-born son, it would still be a proper marriage, and she’d be the legitimate wife. Once they divided households, she’d be the true matriarch. With her birth from the Chengping Marquis Estate, she had status, and the heir apparent of the Count of Shuning would surely treat his brother well. Life wouldn’t be too hard.
But Second Madam couldn’t bear to see a concubine-born daughter live well…
Her casual “keep you around a few more years” practically closed the door on all future marriage prospects. At fourteen, Ming Wei wasn’t in a rush, but she was already of marriageable age. Among noble families, arranging a match took time. At this rate, she would be delayed into old maid status.
Yet Second Madam never imagined that her interference would align perfectly with Ming Wei’s own wishes.
“Mother surely has her reasons,” Ming Wei said shyly, head bowed, fidgeting with her sleeves. “It’s always the parents’ decision—we don’t get a say.”
Ming Lian gently shook her head and sighed, saying nothing more.
The two fell silent. As they neared Yuxiang Garden, Ming Lian couldn’t help but ask about the embroidery of “Blossoms in Bloom.” “That plum embroidery was rare… The teacher Mother hired didn’t teach us that style, right?”
Ming Wei nodded without hesitation. There was no way to avoid this question. If it had been Ming Rong or Ming Fang asking, she might have dodged it, but Ming Lian had always helped her—she couldn’t lie.
“That…” Ming Wei leaned in and whispered, “Do you remember when we once went to the countryside estate…”
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