Chapter Thirty-Two: Wenxian Can No Longer Do It!

Although Madam Liu was usually the dominant one in daily affairs, when something significant happened and Lord Qin was angry, she dared not defy him. Her son’s marriage, however, was an exception.

Madam Liu was determined not to let her son marry a concubine’s daughter. Fearing her husband’s wrath, she also dared not bring up breaking the engagement with the Xue family again.

Just then, the gatekeeper delivered something from outside. “It’s from the Ninth Prince’s household!” he announced.

The Ninth Prince was their family’s great benefactor.

Madam Liu was overjoyed and instructed Qin Jianyu to open it: “What is it?”

It was quite apparent—it was an invitation.

Madam Liu had already heard of the grand banquet to be hosted by the Xie family, an event attended by princes and princesses alike. In fact, it was something of a matchmaking gathering among the noble families. Her heart beat faster—could this be an invitation from the Xie family?

“It’s an invitation from the Xie family!”

It truly was! Madam Liu nearly burst out laughing. She had always hoped to find a capable and advantageous match for her son among the noble families, but their foundation was still unstable since their recent arrival in the capital. Now, with the opportunity to attend the Xie family’s gathering, how could she possibly worry about not finding a suitable young lady?

Madam Liu cherished the invitation and said to Lord Qin, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t stop Ah Yu from going. This matter is mine to decide!”

……

At the same time that the Qin family received their invitation, the Kong family’s daughter also received one from the Xie family.

Though she was born of a concubine, the family regarded this as a rare chance to rise above their station. They prepared jewelry and fine clothes for her; in three days, she would certainly attend the Xie family banquet.

……

The Xie family’s banquet was set for dusk. That morning, at the Wen household—

Wen Xian, the most esteemed legitimate daughter of her family, could not possibly be absent from such an occasion.

She understood this was no ordinary banquet; the Emperor and Empress would both attend. The Emperor had thirteen sons and five daughters, half of whom were still unmarried.

With the imperial couple present, it was naturally possible they would select spouses for their children.

In her previous life, she had muddle-headedly married Xiao Yi, likely on the Emperor’s command.

So although that gathering had been uneventful for her last time, she knew she must attend, if only to make herself known before the imperial couple.

Wen Xian sat before her mirror while her maids dressed her.

Halfway through, her confidante, Gu Yu, entered.

Recently, Wen Xian had assigned Gu Yu to keep an eye on the Xue family. Noticing movement, she dismissed the other attendants and regarded Gu Yu in the bronze mirror.

Gu Yu stopped behind her, bowed, and reported, “The Xie family’s carriages are ready. They’ll depart before you do.”

Wen Xian asked, “Will Xue Eighth Lady attend?”

Gu Yu shook her head. “It’s said that Xue Eighth Lady is recently engaged and has no intention of going. She’s at home practicing calligraphy.”

Though Xue Fanzhi had a difficult temperament, she was talented in painting, the game of go, and self-cultivation, possessing a rare wisdom.

Wen Xian relaxed.

Last lifetime, she had failed to win Xiao Yi’s favor. This time, she was determined to defeat Xue Fanzhi and seize the Empress’s throne.

Therefore, no one’s life path from the previous life was to be altered. Let them all relive the past; once inside the palace, they could showcase their abilities—and she would trample Xue Fanzhi beneath her feet.

In her past life, Xue Fanzhi had not attended the Xie family banquet. Now, with so many Xue family members receiving invitations, Wen Xian was uneasy, worried that Xue Fanzhi might change her course.

Fortunately, she was reassured.

Wen Xian instructed, “Continue watching the Xue family until you see them all board their carriage. Confirm that Xue Eighth Lady is not among them, then report back.”

Gu Yu nodded. “Yes.”

……

In Xue Fanzhi’s room—

After finishing her calligraphy, Xue Fanzhi felt sleepy and wanted to nap. Honglian hurried in from outside, calling, “Mistress, the Seventh Lady and the others have already left. Are you truly not going to the Xie family banquet?”

Xue Fanzhi yawned. “Why? Are you eager to go?”

Of course, Honglian wanted to see the Xie family’s grandeur.

But she was more concerned for her mistress. If even the Seventh Lady was going, it must be a fine occasion—why wasn’t her mistress joining them?

“Mistress, are you really not going?”

Xue Fanzhi had considered going to disrupt Xue Jiaoyue’s meeting with Xiao Jian, but then she thought—if Xue Jiaoyue never met him, never married him, how would she ever be beheaded?

Xiao Yi would deal with Xue Jiaoyue himself. Why should she interfere?

“I’m not going.”

Xue Fanzhi lay down. Just then, Hongxiao entered, exasperated. “Mistress, you’re asleep again? The Old Madam has summoned you!”

Xue Fanzhi quickly sat up and dressed. “Do you know why Grandmother wants to see me?”

Hongxiao shook her head as she helped her dress. “But Mistress, when you go, don’t forget to ask the Old Madam to send for a physician for you. Why are you always so sleepy? Are you ill?”

If not for Hongxiao’s reminder, Xue Fanzhi wouldn’t have noticed how drowsy she’d been lately.

What was wrong with her? Ever since she’d dreamed of Xue Jiaoyue, she’d felt sleepy all the time.

……

By the time Xue Fanzhi reached the Hall of Longevity, she was wide awake.

The Old Madam was waiting for her in the banquet room. Xue Fanzhi approached and curtsied. “Grandmother!”

The Old Madam had her sit close and frowned, noticing she wore only her usual old clothes. “This won’t do. Even at home, you can’t dress so casually. What if a guest arrives unexpectedly?”

Xue Fanzhi blushed. Though she’d once lived a life of luxury, years of depression had made her indifferent to clothing and food. As a legitimate daughter out of favor, with little money, she had nothing but the two public outfits provided each year.

“Grandmother, I…”

The Old Madam raised her hand. “I understand your difficulties.”

She then signaled to Nanny Jiang, who immediately brought over a stack of new clothes.

Xue Fanzhi looked at her in confusion. “Grandmother, it’s not the year-end. Are these for me?”

The Old Madam nodded, and as she did, she took out the Xie family invitation and asked, “Are you truly not going?”

Seeing her grandmother’s serious expression, Xue Fanzhi sensed her answer might not be what the Old Madam hoped.

But she had always relied on the Old Madam for support by being honest and sincere. She couldn’t lie.

“Granddaughter doesn’t wish to go—simply because I have no purpose for it.”

She meant she had no purpose, which was better than saying she wasn’t interested.

The Old Madam secretly breathed a sigh of relief. An honest child was good, but if she was just a block of wood, what use would she be?

“How can someone so young have no purpose?” The Old Madam smiled. “The Xie family is a place others can only enter after three bows and nine kowtows. If you have the chance, why not go? It’s always good to broaden your horizons.”

“But I’m already engaged. Wouldn’t it look bad if I attended?”

The Old Madam sneered. “I want you to go precisely because you’re only engaged, not yet married. Everyone should have more choices. You should think carefully about this.”

What did that mean? Was Grandmother actually encouraging her not to mind the engagement? To break it off?

It seemed Grandmother did not favor the Qin family at all.