Chapter 82: 商議
[Discussion]
The maid naturally couldn’t offer a coherent explanation, so she merely nodded submissively, too afraid to speak. The eldest madam didn’t seem to mind, waving her hand to signal the maid to bring the person in.
The maid curtsied, then turned and left. Soon after, she returned leading the Second Lady. The moment she saw the First Lady, she beamed and said cheerfully, “Sister-in-law, you look radiant today.” She had heard that the First Elder had slept here last night.
The First Lady offered her a faint smile, choosing not to respond directly. She politely ushered her to the seat opposite and waited for her to continue.
Observing the First Lady’s series of actions, the Second Lady sat opposite her for a moment before leaning in close and whispering, “Sister-in-law, could you dismiss the servants? I have something private to discuss with you.”
The eldest madam glanced at her movement, her expression pausing slightly before she waved her hand, dismissing the surrounding servants. Only then did she look at the person before her and say, “Speak. What is it you wish to say?”
The second madam studied the eldest madam for a moment, still unable to discern her current mood. Thinking of her son’s future, she steeled her resolve and stated directly, “I’m here on behalf of my good-for-nothing son.”
These words piqued the First Lady’s interest. She raised an eyebrow at her, took another sip of her wine, and replied with a calm, detached tone, “Ji Si is certainly of age now. It’s about time he was disciplined.” Whether intentional or not, her words carried an air of suggestive implication.
Seeing the First Lady speak thus, the Second Lady was overjoyed. She quickly chimed in, “Exactly! My son has set his heart on Miss Sang. That’s why he sent me to ask you to arrange a good marriage for him.”
Seeing the Second Lady speak so bluntly, the First Lady also set down her teacup. She turned to look at her with a faint expression, her eyes seeming to carry a hint of inquiry. Yet, she ultimately offered a smile and said softly, “I’m afraid they’re not suited for each other.”
Hearing this, the Second Lady’s heart sank abruptly. Then she recalled her most effective argument. Looking at the First Lady before her, she softened her tone slightly. “I know my son was a bit reckless in his youth, but that’s all in the past. If he were to marry such a fine young lady, he would surely become devoted to his family immediately.”
The First Lady’s expression remained utterly unchanged. She knew her bargaining chips were insufficient. So she played her final card, smiling at the Second Lady as she said, “If my son marries your most cherished niece, he won’t just treat her well—he’ll also grow closer to you as his elder. Should he ever come into power, he’ll prioritize your wishes above all else.”
At this, the First Lady finally stirred. She looked at the Second Lady and smiled, “You are his birth mother. If he is to be filial, he cannot bypass you.”
Hearing this, the Second Lady sensed an opening. A genuinely warm smile spread across her face as she replied, “It’s true I am his mother, but you’re so clever. If my son ever holds power, he’ll still need your guidance, eldest sister-in-law.”
The First Lady watched her sister-in-law’s expression, utterly baffled that such blunt words could sway her. She found herself genuinely tempted. If she couldn’t control Ji Ling, surely she could manage this profligate who knew nothing but revelry?
The Second Lady spoke while observing the First Lady’s expression. Seeing her pensive gaze, she knew she was swayed.
Neither spoke for a full quarter of an hour. Finally, the First Lady looked at the Second Lady and asked, “Will your son truly treat my niece with sincerity?”
Hearing this, the Second Lady sensed an opening and quickly replied, ” Absolutely. My son is such a fine young man, he would certainly keep his word.”
Satisfied with the Second Lady’s assurance, the First Lady smiled at her. “However, I cannot decide such matters alone. I must discuss it with Jiayi. I will give you my answer once we have reached a decision.”
Hearing this, the Second Lady felt confident the matter was as good as settled. After all, a daughter’s marriage was typically arranged by her parents, not something she could decide for herself. Presenting the dazzling jewelry she had brought as a gift to the First Lady, the Second Lady then turned and departed.
Gazing at the exquisitely carved box in her hands, recalling the Second Lady’s purpose and the words she had spoken, she couldn’t help but snort derisively. Yet, her expression softened further as she thought to herself: She certainly didn’t trust a man’s promises. If that were the case, trusting my own niece would be far more reliable. This thought led her to her niece, who appeared delicate yet possessed an inner resilience. She believed Sang Jiayi would surely understand her predicament.
After pondering the likelihood of her thoughts for a moment, the matriarch’s lips curved slightly. She then took her personal wet nurse and made her way to Sang Jiayi’s quarters.
Seeing the delicate young lady sitting upright at her desk, writing with meticulous care, a warmth filled the matriarch’s heart. She silenced the maidservant who had begun to greet her with a curtsy. Only upon approaching did she notice the girl painting a lotus blossom—a rather competent piece, at that. Unable to contain her surprise, she smiled. “I had no idea you were so skilled at painting!”
The unexpected voice made Sang Jiayi’s hand tremble. A dark ink blot spread across the paper, starkly visible.
Sang Jiayi had no time to worry about that now. She looked up at her eldest aunt, hurriedly curtsying before adding with a hint of feigned pout, “Auntie, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? You gave me quite a fright.”
“With your timid little heart, how could I possibly scare you?”
The matriarch looked at her, then asked with feigned concern, “Are you still satisfied with your current living quarters?”
Sang Jiayi immediately nodded. The matriarch ruffled her hair and sighed, “I know you’ve always been sensible. But in this household, I still hold some sway. If anyone bullies you, you must tell me.”
“Mhm.” Sang Jiayi looked at the First Lady and nodded earnestly, clearly placing great trust in her words.
Seeing her reaction, the First Lady dismissed the servants surrounding them. Only then, under Jiayi’s puzzled gaze, did she pull her down to sit beside her and speak slowly: “Jiayi, you’re no longer a child. Regarding your marriage, what are your thoughts?”
Hearing the question, Sang Jiayi’s heart fluttered. She sensed something was shifting, so she quickly lowered her head, feigning extreme bashfulness. Her voice was barely audible as she softly replied, “I’ll follow your lead.”
“You’re such a good child,” the matriarch said, looking at her with affectionate concern, the kind an elder feels for a younger relative. Her tone even carried a hint of consultation. “I had originally thought highly of your third brother. But he already has someone special. Even if you were to take charge, there would be gossip about you outside. After thinking it over, I still feel it won’t work. What do you think?”
“Mhm,” Sang Jiayi nodded in agreement.
“What about the Fourth Young Master? He’s a bit of a troublemaker, but if you can keep him in check—I’ll help you manage him—life could be quite comfortable for you.” The First Lady’s voice was as gentle as ever, yet to Sang Jiayi’s ears, it carried a bone-chilling coldness. Before she could respond, the First Lady continued: “Of the two remaining legitimate sons in this household, aside from Ji Ling, there’s only Ji Tao. I’m doing this for your own good. I’ll always choose the best match for you.”
After speaking, she observed Sang Jiayi’s expression, which seemed somewhat bewildered. Then, patting her shoulder, she said lightly, “You can think it over. If you’re unwilling, your aunt will respect your wishes.”
Hearing this, Sang Jiayi felt deeply moved, and the two shared some heartfelt words. Yet, lingering traces of earlier tension left both women somewhat distracted. Seeing Sang Jiayi’s state, the First Lady sat for a moment longer before departing, leaving her to ponder things alone.
Sang Jiayi sat there, deep in thought for a long time. Xiao Jing, the maid by her side, watched her mistress with growing anxiety. She wanted to offer words of comfort but hesitated, unsure if she should approach.
Meanwhile, the First Lady stepped out of Sang Jiayi’s quarters and turned to the matron by her side. “Matron,” she said, “Jiayi is still young and likely doesn’t understand these matters. That little maid by her side seems to have a clearer grasp of things. When the time comes, have someone speak with her, guide and advise the young miss.”
“Yes, I understand,” the Old mama replied before following her master through the intricately carved wooden door.
For days now, a rather famous private dining establishment had been the talk among the city’s upper crust. Not only was its interior exquisitely appointed, but the food was exceptionally delicious. Its most notorious feature was the chef-owner’s capricious nature—he only served lunch, and visiting at any other time would find the place deserted.
Many assumed such a temperamental establishment would soon shut down, but unexpectedly, its reputation only grew. Now, securing a table required booking days in advance—otherwise, there was simply no room. Witnessing this business model, patrons could only conclude the owner must be incredibly wealthy, for only the rich could afford such whimsy.
Tang Xiaobao, now defined as rich and capricious, sat on a bench, gazing at the large wine vats before him and inhaling the surrounding aroma. A flush spread across his fair, rosy cheeks. He took a deep breath and couldn’t help but sigh, “It smells so good. Soon, we’ll be able to sell the wine.”
With that, he circled the cats cautiously like a cat that had stolen its own dried fish, surveying his domain.
