Chapter 81 : 拒絕【捉蟲】
Refusal【Bug Fix】
Before long, the servants followed the First Lady inside. Upon entering, she immediately stood beside the Master and asked softly, “Did you summon me, Master?”
The Old master looked up at his wife, then sighed silently, his voice tinged with weariness. He rubbed his temples and said to her, “That matter you suggested last time—have you discussed it with Ji Ling?”
The First Lady froze, then quickly realized what he meant. The corners of her lips, which had been turned up in a smile, dipped slightly downward. A look of sorrowful resignation spread across her face. “That Ji San seems to have no interest in Jiayi. He even said he wouldn’t want to disappoint his husband.”
Hearing this, the Master’s brows immediately furrowed. He turned to her and asked, “Is Ji Ling truly refusing?” His expression seemed almost incredulous. Who wouldn’t choose to marry such a beautiful woman and gain a large fortune at the same time? It’s a deal anyone would jump at.
Noticing the patriarch’s expression, a cold gleam flashed in the matriarch’s eyes before she quickly regained her composure. She then turned to the patriarch with a smile and said, “I tried to persuade him with kind words, but Ji Ling refused to budge. He even said he didn’t care about the position of head of the Ji family. I thought to myself then that he must be acting so impulsively simply because he’s still young.”
After hearing the matriarch’s account, the patriarch stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and said, “You’ve worked hard, my lady. You may retire now. And have someone summon Ji Ling to me.”
The First Lady’s face still bore her refined smile as she looked at the Old Master with radiant warmth, showing no trace of displeasure. She turned and left. Only when she reached the doorway did the smile suddenly relax yet there was something odd about the look. Turning to the two servants guarding the doorway, she instructed, “The master requires one of you to fetch Third Young Master Ji.”
“Yes, ma’am.” One of the more alert servants, upon hearing the task, promptly turned and dashed outside.
The First Lady watched the trembling figure before her with evident satisfaction. After a moment, when his shaking finally ceased, she spoke slowly, “Later, I shall have the kitchen send ginseng soup to the Master. You must ensure he drinks it all.”
“Yes, I understand, Madam.” Cold sweat beaded on the young servant’s temples. Only after the Lady had departed did he slowly straighten his back. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he muttered to himself, “She seems so gentle and kind, yet she puts such pressure on people.” As he thought this, he silently cursed his companion who had dashed off earlier—what a worthless creature.
Yet the servant moved with astonishing speed. Not long after the Lady departed, he returned with Ji Ling in tow. After a brief glance at his companion, he respectfully ushered Ji Ling inside.
Ji Ling gave a slight nod before striding into his eldest uncle’s study. Seeing the man seated upright at the desk, he bowed respectfully before addressing him, “Uncle.”
The elder lord scrutinized Ji Ling from head to toe. However much he resisted acknowledging it, he couldn’t deny that Ji Ling was vastly superior to that good-for-nothing Ji Tao. For the sake of the Ji family, he was undoubtedly the most suitable choice to succeed as head of the household. Yet the thought of his wife’s apprehensions made him hesitate. He concealed it well, however, and after a moment of silent mutual scrutiny, Ji Ling broke the silence first. “Uncle, did you summon me for a reason?”
The elder’s finger tapped the tabletop with a crisp sound before he turned to the handsome young man before him and asked calmly, “Are you dissatisfied with Sang Jiayi?”
Hearing this, Ji Ling realized this visit was likely about that very issue, though he hadn’t expected his uncle to be so direct. Ji Ling looked at him, his gaze drifting momentarily before settling back on his uncle. He replied softly, “Uncle, I have no interest in Miss Sang. I am already betrothed.”
The patriarch frowned, clearly displeased with this answer. Yet after a moment’s hesitation, he found no better words to persuade him—after all, he was merely a merchant, unskilled in such domestic affairs. He simply watched Ji Ling calmly for a moment before saying with evident regret, “Are you truly unwilling to reconsider?”
Catching the double meaning in his tone, Ji Ling shook his head firmly. He met his gaze and replied with measured indifference, “I’m sorry, Uncle. Tang Xiaobao is the only husband I will ever have. Moreover, I believe this allows me to focus entirely on my career rather than getting entangled in the struggles of the inner quarters. Like my father, for instance.”
He finished it with a disapproving shake of his head.
Hearing Ji Ling’s words, the Elder felt something was off. After pondering for a moment, he conceded his logic held merit. With fewer domestic entanglements, one could indeed devote more energy to serious matters. He accepted his reasoning, but another matter crossed his mind. “You and your husband have been married for some time now. The matter of offspring should be given greater attention.” His weathered face flushed slightly at this point, as if he realized it was somewhat inappropriate for an elder like himself to broach such a subject. But seeing Ji Ling’s expression remain utterly unruffled, he gradually softened his tone. “If you still have no children by then, taking another wife would be beyond reproach.”
Ji Ling listened to the elder’s words, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Finally, unable to bear the awkwardness any longer, the patriarch took the initiative to dismiss Ji Ling. Ji Ling, too, found an excuse to take his leave.
No sooner had he reached the doorway than he heard the maid attending the matriarch had specially sent over a ginseng broth. She was now waiting at the gate, waiting for someone to announce her arrival. Ji Ling gave the maid a fleeting glance before walking away without looking back.
Seated in his study, the head master pondered carefully. What he needed from Ji Ling was to safeguard the Ji family estate—to ensure this great ship did not sink during their generation. As for whether Ji Ling married or not, it seemed less crucial now. As he came to this realization, the announcement from outside reached his ears once more. He immediately summoned the attendant inside. Gazing at the ginseng soup, simmered to a translucent clarity, a pang of guilt stirred within him. He knew his wife would likely be disappointed once again.
When evening came and arrived at the eldest madam’s courtyard, he recounted all that had transpired today and informed her that he would no longer insist on Ji Ling’s marriage. Finally, he patted his wife’s hand and said with deep regret: I know how deeply you cherish this niece of yours. But since the groom’s family refuses, forcing her into this marriage would only bring her suffering. If you still worry, we can arrange a match for her in the name of the Ji family when the time comes. And when she marries, we’ll send her a generous dowry. That would be our way of showing the Ji family’s heartfelt concern.”
The patriarch believed he had thought through every detail, unaware of the storm brewing within his wife’s mind.
Drawing upon all her composure, she maintained her smile. Though no longer in her prime, her voice carried the allure of a mature woman. “My lord,” she said, “I know you only wish me well. I’m certain Jiayi will be deeply grateful to you.”
In the candlelight, gazing at his wife’s face, he felt transported back to their most beautiful years. Then, as if remembering something, he took the First Lady by the hand and led her toward the bed.
Only after the First Master had departed the next day did the First Lady casually trim the newly planted flowers, even going so far as to meticulously pluck each petal one by one.
Normally, the servants would never dare approach their mistress when she was in this state. But the lady in the front courtyard was also a young mistress, someone not to be easily offended. So, the most clever little maid stepped forward and whispered, “First Lady, the Second Lady seeks an audience.”
“What does she want?” the First Lady asked, puzzled.
