Chapter Sixty-Three: Moving In

Never in her wildest dreams had Xue Jiaoyue imagined that Wang Xun would turn out to be the legitimate second son of the Wang family. Why would he come to their house? Had he lost his way after hitting his head?

Her astonishment was hardly unwarranted. What sort of family was the Wang clan? Save for the Xie family, no one could rival their status. Even members of the imperial household and nobility were forced to show deference to them. Though on the surface this country seemed to belong to the Xiao family, truthfully, the Wang and Xie families held seven-tenths of the power—a realm so far beyond the humble Xue household that it was almost laughable.

To put things in perspective, even when Xue Yingniang married into a collateral branch of the Wang family, everyone still considered it a great accomplishment. Her marriage had become the standard by which the girls of the Xue family measured their own prospects. For the third and fourth branches, their greatest hope was to find a match half as impressive as Yingniang's. If a daughter could marry as well as Yingniang, the family would count it as a stroke of tremendous good fortune.

Such was the exalted status of the Wang family!

But it was not only their lofty rank that kept the Xue girls from marrying into the Wang family. Truthfully, there was little true connection between the two families. The Xue household had tried to cultivate some relationship, going so far as to offer gifts, but the Wang family never so much as acknowledged them. For people of their standing, any contact with the Wang family was nothing short of sycophancy—befriending the gatekeepers in hopes of a distant favor. How could one hope to marry into such a family when one couldn’t even meet the true masters?

But now, everything had changed—Wang Xun was actually the legitimate son of the main line, and he was in the Xue residence. Perhaps, if a girl from their family proved exceptional enough, she might have a chance.

Afraid to indulge in wishful thinking, Xue Jiaoyue asked for confirmation: “Father, is it really true? Your leg hasn’t healed yet—did you actually go out? Could you really see clearly? Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake?”

Her rapid-fire questions betrayed no small amount of skepticism.

Xue Yang had never thought this daughter would speak to him with such doubt! Still, how could he quibble with a beloved child?

His source was reliable—he was, after all, the head of the household. Even if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, any news that reached Old Madam Xue would inevitably reach him as well. Wang Xun was indeed Wang Yunzhi, the second legitimate son of the Langya Wang family.

With fondness in his voice, Xue Yang said, “When have I ever lied to you? It’s really Wang Yunzhi. If you have an opportunity, you should try to get to know him. The very fact that he’s come to our home shows that he values our family—there’s a chance, you see. Marrying you to him is not out of the question. If he takes a liking to you and asks his family to send a formal proposal, that would be even better!”

Xue Jiaoyue blushed, her voice lowering as she asked shyly, “Would he ever really choose me?”

Xue Yang was displeased. “And why not? My daughter is beautiful, gentle, and of good character. You’d be marrying the second son, not the heir—what’s there to fear? You’re my most outstanding child. As long as Wang Yunzhi isn’t blind, he’ll certainly like you!”

Buoyed by her father’s words, Xue Jiaoyue felt her confidence surge. Her background might not match Wang Yunzhi’s, but in terms of beauty, she was the most stunning among the Xue girls—prettier even than Sixth Lady. Why shouldn’t she dream of marrying Wang Yunzhi?

Thinking of marriage, however, brought new worries. The last time she had visited the Xie family, she had met the Eighth Prince, Xiao Jian, who had inquired about her eldest sister. It turned out that her brother-in-law was the nephew of Xiao Jian’s mother. But that inquiry had been little more than an excuse to strike up a conversation; without mentioning her sister, what topic could a young prince broach to a lady of another house?

From his manner and the way he sought out conversation, it seemed clear the Eighth Prince harbored feelings for her.

Xue Jiaoyue was now troubled: if both Wang Yunzhi and the Eighth Prince wished to marry her, which should she choose? Both families were powerful beyond measure. How could she ever decide? It was almost an impossible choice.

Xue Yang, meanwhile, brought up the Ninth Prince again.

With a sigh, he said, “Actually, the Ninth Prince would be a good match as well, though his tongue is a bit sharp and he can be rather caustic. Why does he keep coming around? Has he and your Second Uncle struck up some secret pact?”

He was, of course, speaking to Lady Jin.

But how would Lady Jin know? She replied with something Xue Yang particularly disliked: “Wasn’t he supposed to have arranged an official post for you? Why hasn’t it happened yet?”

Xue Yang frowned. “Have you not seen that my leg is still lame? Even if I had an official post, how could I take it up if I can’t walk? You make it sound as if the Ninth Prince is deceiving me!”

On this matter, both Lady Jin and Xue Jiaoyue thought Xue Yang was hopelessly naïve—the Ninth Prince was clearly not to be trusted. Still, neither dared say so directly.

Lady Jin fell silent.

As for Xue Jiaoyue, she wondered to herself if perhaps the Ninth Prince was coming to see Xue Fanzhi. After all, during the previous incident, he seemed to have helped her. Then again, perhaps not—she couldn’t be sure. All she knew was that her instincts told her the Ninth Prince was not someone to trust!

...

When Xiao Yi arrived at the Xue residence, he immediately requested to stay in a guest room within Xue Jingren’s courtyard.

How could the Xue family possibly refuse? They made the arrangements at once.

Once the attendants had departed, Xiao Yi appeared before him and asked, “Your Highness, why are you still staying here? Weren’t we supposed to keep an eye on Wang Yunzhi? Why not stay in the same courtyard as him?”

Standing by the window, Xiao Yi turned and replied with a cold laugh, “If I were to spy on him myself, what need would I have for you?”

...

Xiao Yi fell silent. His master’s words were irrefutable.

Still, wasn’t the prince being a bit too forward? Xue Jingren wasn’t even home, and yet here he was, moving in as if the Xue residence were his own.

Xiao Yi, ever quick with a retort, pursed his lips and said, “All right then, I’ll go keep watch on Wang Yunzhi. But Your Highness, is it really appropriate for you to move in like this? What should I say to Old General Xue?”

Inwardly, Xiao Yi thought to himself: For that troublesome girl, I’ve already cast aside all shame, even risking my life—what else is there to care about? Truly, once a man ceases to care about dignity, he is invincible!

As for what Xue Qiu might think, that was no concern of his.

He turned to Xiao Yi and said, “Mind your own business. When I ask you later, tell me—what’s an appropriate gift for a girl’s coming-of-age ceremony?” His girl’s birthday was approaching—thirteen years old, her passage into adulthood.

...

The fourth branch.

From the main house, there was a shortcut through the second branch’s back garden—a small path that saved time, though it was rather dangerous. In her previous life, Sixth Lady was murdered along this very path. Still, it was broad daylight, and such a crime had required careful planning, so it should be safe enough for now.

Xue Fanzhi returned home, picked out several samples of embroidery trim, and brought them to the fourth branch.

Though the old matron of the fourth branch was greedy, she maintained the outward manner of a cultured and reasonable woman. She did not fawn over Xue Fanzhi simply because she had recently won the Old Madam’s favor, but treated her with the same polite indifference as before. “You must be here to see Sixth Lady? She’s waiting for you in her room. Go right on in.”

Xue Fanzhi bowed and prepared to leave, when the old matron suddenly called after her, “Eighth Lady, your birthday is coming up, isn’t it? When you see Fourth and Sixth Lady, don’t forget to remind them to prepare gifts for you!”

If she truly meant to give, would she need to make such a public fuss? More likely, she was loath to part with the money.