Chapter 80: The Marriage Proposal

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“Seventh Daughter, you’ve truly helped your mother out of a difficult spot today,” Madam Wen remarked with a smile, taking a piece of pastry and looking at Wen Jing. Wen Jiu, listening, felt her heart tighten. She did not understand what was on Madam Wen’s mind and simply assumed she was trying to be conciliatory. She thought to herself, Isn’t it just being a minor official? Always showing her face in public—let’s see who would dare marry her in the future. Now, even Mother seems to be siding with her.

Wen Jing smiled softly, “Mother, as long as you are content, we daughters can be at peace as well. This, I do understand.”

Madam Wen only smiled, saying nothing, her prayer beads spinning ever faster in her hand.

With the corner of her eye, Wen Jing caught sight of Madam Wen’s hand and took a sip of tea.

“Seventh Daughter, you’re quite the celebrity in the capital now. Everyone knows who you are—the first female official in the dynasty! Lately, people are all talking about our Wen family. I can hardly go out without becoming the center of attention,” Madam Cui said with a tinkling laugh.

“Aunt Cui, you jest. Seventh Daughter herself doesn’t even know why His Majesty issued such an edict. I only fear disappointing His Majesty’s expectations and bringing shame to the Wen family’s ancestors,” Wen Jing replied, worry not entirely absent from her face.

A flash of disdain crossed Madam Wen’s eyes—now that, she thought, is finally a truthful remark. She doubted her daughter would last more than a few days before slinking home in defeat. A mere girl, caught among a throng of old officials—what decorum was there in that?

At that moment, Nanny He hurried in. “Madam, the Master asks you to come to the front hall. Academician Wang has arrived.”

“Academician Wang?” Madam Wen’s mind turned quickly, guessing at his reason for coming. She rose at once and hurried to the front hall.

Wen Jing hesitated, then followed as well. The other young ladies also rose to tag along. It had been a long time since any distinguished guest had visited the Wen residence. Ever since the family’s decline, their once-bustling household had become deserted. Everyone was curious about the purpose of Academician Wang’s visit.

As Wen Jing passed through the courtyard, she was startled to see more than a dozen large chests piled up. Were these ancient engagement gifts?

“Wow, so many things!” Eighth Daughter couldn’t help but exclaim quietly. This was far more than what Third Sister had received when she married—she remembered only two or four chests for her.

Third Daughter’s face froze, her heart aching at the memory. Looking at Madam Wen’s retreating figure, a sliver of resentment flashed in her eyes. She had been told it was a good match, yet on the wedding night discovered her husband was bedridden, and not long after, he passed away. Not even a year had passed before she became a widow. Yet, resentment or not, she had no recourse against Madam Wen. Madam Wen’s explanation was that the matchmaker had painted a rosy picture—she had no idea the young man was so sickly.

Wen Jing immediately noticed Wang Erlang standing behind Academician Wang, and beside him—surprisingly—was Ji Changge.

Ji Changge happened to look over as well; their eyes met, then quickly glanced away.

“Thank you, Academician Wang, for speaking well of me before His Majesty. Otherwise, I fear I might not have escaped calamity,” Wen Qiran said politely to Academician Wang.

“Lord Wen, you’re too kind—it was mainly Feiran’s doing,” Wang Xuelin replied with a smile, his gaze sliding toward Wen Jing.

Wen Jing looked at Wang Erlang, standing behind Wang Xuelin, his face so flushed he seemed about to bleed—a shyness exceeding that of any maiden. She thought to herself, How did Wang Erlang inherit neither his father’s nor grandfather’s masculinity? Not only was he as stiff and boring as a pedant, he was also terribly shy. Still, his temperament was mild enough.

“I have received great kindness from the Young Lord many times and have no way to repay it. Please accept my bow,” Wen Qiran said, bowing.

Ji Changge hurriedly stopped him. “Lord Wen, there’s no need for such ceremony. I cannot accept it. Besides, you have done nothing wrong—the real villains are those who treat human life lightly.”

Wen Qiran understood Ji Changge’s implication, but he was powerless—especially since the Three Courts had already reached their verdict, and the Emperor was satisfied. To overturn the case would be as hard as reaching the sky.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Wang Xuelin interjected, “I’ve come today on behalf of my useless grandson to propose marriage to your Seventh Daughter.”

Wen Qiran had already guessed Wang Xuelin’s purpose. He glanced at Madam Wen, surprised she had not mentioned it to him. Customarily, a matchmaker should have come first to deliver the betrothal gifts. Academician Wang surely knew the proper etiquette.

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Madam Wen’s gaze flickered away as if she hadn’t noticed.

“Erlang,” Academician Wang nudged the dazed Wang Erlang.

Startled from his reverie, Wang Erlang stepped forward and bowed, “Nephew pays his respects to Lord Wen and Lady Wen.”

“Please, rise,” Wen Qiran replied with a smile, sizing up Wang Erlang. As the legitimate son of the Wang family, he appeared gentle and refined, with a mild disposition. Seventh Daughter would not suffer if she married him. Given the Wen family’s current standing, being able to marry into the Wang family was a great honor. That Academician Wang had come himself to propose showed how much he valued the match.

“Where is Seventh Daughter?” Madam Wen called.

Wen Jing hastened forward and curtsied. “Seventh Daughter greets Academician Wang.”

“Seventh Daughter, I haven’t yet congratulated you on becoming the first female official of our dynasty. In the future, you’ll work alongside Feiran, which sets my mind at ease,” Wang Xuelin said, glancing at Ji Changge.

“Academician Wang, please don’t tease me,” Wen Jing replied.

Ji Changge smiled, “So, my teacher doesn’t trust me after all?”

Wang Xuelin merely smiled, saying nothing.

Wen Jing looked at Ji Changge.

“For Erlang to fancy our Seventh Daughter is truly her good fortune,” the Wen family patriarch stepped forward, smiling.

“Erlang’s talents are shallow. Patriarch flatters me,” Wang Erlang replied, blushing furiously.

Everyone smiled quietly, thinking that Wang Erlang was indeed humble and well-mannered—not arrogant despite his family’s learned tradition.

Wen Jiu covertly glanced at Ji Changge, a hint of a smile at her lips. In her eyes, only Lord Ning was worthy of marriage in this world. As for Wang Erlang, he lacked even a scrap of manliness. Though his family was prominent, his looks could not compare to Ji Changge’s. Besides, the Marquis of Ning’s household was not lacking either. That Lord Ning had witnessed this proposal himself meant there was no possibility between him and Seventh Daughter—something that delighted her greatly. She could hardly wait for Wen Jing to marry into the Wang family, so that the thorn in her side would finally be removed.

“This matter requires further consideration. Please do not take offense, Academician Wang,” Wen Qiran said apologetically. This concerned Seventh Daughter’s lifelong happiness; he needed to consult her. He had once trusted a matchmaker’s words and pushed Third Daughter into a pit—though he never spoke of it, he had reflected on that mistake many times.

“No matter. Then I will take my leave,” Academician Wang replied.

Wen Qiran exchanged a few more polite words.

“Feiran, aren’t you leaving?” Wang Xuelin turned to Ji Changge, who remained standing.

“Teacher, please go ahead. Since Seventh Lady will be reporting to the Court of Judicial Review soon, I have a few words of advice for her,” Ji Changge replied.

“Very well.” Wang Xuelin smiled slightly, then left with Wang Erlang. Wen Qiran personally escorted them to the door.

“Ninth Daughter greets Lord Ning,” Wen Jiu stepped forward and curtsied, her smile as radiant as spring flowers.

“It’s been a while, Ninth Daughter. Are you well?” Ji Changge said coolly.

“Much better, thank you. The prescription you gave me last time was most effective. After a few doses, my health improved greatly,” Wen Jiu replied, her clear eyes as pure as a mountain spring.

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Indeed, life is a game of performance, Wen Jing mused. Had she not known Wen Jiu’s true colors, even she might have been taken in by her sweet and docile act.

Just as Wen Jing was about to leave, Ji Changge turned and said, “Seventh Daughter, may I have a word?”

“Ow!” Wen Jiu suddenly clutched her abdomen and let out a soft cry.

Ji Changge, however, acted as if he hadn’t heard, following Wen Jing outside. Wen Jiu was nearly beside herself with rage.

Fifth Daughter and Eighth Daughter looked at Wen Jiu’s seething expression, struggling to suppress their laughter.

Madam Wen glanced at Wen Jiu and sighed. Such petty tricks were far too obvious. Still, Jiu was her own flesh and blood, and she couldn’t ignore her. If Jiu could marry into the Ning household, it would be of great benefit—she would be able to join the highest circles of the capital’s elite.

“What is it, Lord Ning?” Wen Jing asked, her gaze sharp and direct.

Ji Changge’s eyes shifted, a trace of melancholy in his expression. “Wang Erlang is a good man—not one to frequent brothels like other young gentlemen, nor a spoiled wastrel. His temper is good, and he’s attentive.”

Wen Jing’s lips curled into a bright, dazzling smile. “Thank you, Lord Ning. I, too, find Young Master Wang quite agreeable.”

Ji Changge froze. He wasn’t sure what he’d meant to say, but he’d clearly heard her response. He was about to speak again when Wen Qiran approached.

“Sir Ji, I must ask you to look after Seventh Daughter in the future. She is, after all, a young woman—there will be many inconveniences at the Court of Judicial Review. I hope you’ll guide her.”

“Of course. In fact, I’ll need her assistance as well,” Ji Changge replied.

“Seventh Daughter will report for duty tomorrow,” Wen Jing said.

“Very well, then I’ll take my leave.” With that, Ji Changge turned and walked out.

Wen Qiran watched his departing figure for a long time, saying nothing.

“Seventh Daughter, come with me to the study.”

In the study.

“Seventh Daughter, do you object to this marriage?” Wen Qiran asked, looking at Wen Jing.

Wen Jing looked up at her father, then said quietly, “I do not wish to marry so soon. Father, I beg you to let me remain at home a few more years.”

Wen Qiran chuckled ruefully. “You’re not young anymore. If you wait much longer, you’ll be left on the shelf. The Wang family is a good match. I took a good look at Wang Erlang just now—my judgment is reliable. Think it over again.”

Wen Jing could only nod. She knew it would not be easy to refuse this marriage—everyone seemed pleased with the Wang family. Yet, when she imagined a lifetime with that wooden block Wang Erlang, she felt utterly uninspired. She’d rather not marry at all. Still, she could not say this aloud. She realized she would have to find a way to sabotage the betrothal—ideally, the Wang family would withdraw first. That way, she wouldn’t attract criticism from her own kin.