He Shi was slightly surprised, yet found it reasonable, and asked, “Why have you suddenly made up your mind?”
Xianqiu’s eyes held a faint glimmer of snowlight, her heart tangled with countless thoughts: “It is the result of careful consideration, for the sake of my two younger sisters.”
First, there was Ku Ju—the poor child, her face ruined, who would never be able to marry in the future. Aside from going to Xie Manor, her only fate would be to grow old and die within the family estate. As her elder sister, how could Xianqiu stand idly by?
Ku Ju’s disfigurement made her the perfect candidate to serve solely as a childbearing concubine, without the worry of diverting the husband’s affection.
In the end, Xianqiu was selfish—she did not wish to place a beautiful concubine by her husband’s side, desiring instead to share a lifetime with him alone, just the two of them.
When the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner examined them, he also remarked that although Ku Ju’s face was ruined, she was strong and robust, and her fertility would not be affected. In contrast, Tian Qin, despite her beauty, had cold blood and a slender waist, appearing unlikely to conceive easily.
By comparison, Ku Ju was ugly-faced, dull-witted, and dependent, unlikely to earn Xie Tanwei’s regard.
Tian Qin was beautiful, cunning, and rebellious—even promiscuous. She not only fancied her brother-in-law but also exchanged flirtatious glances with the Private Tutor.
From every perspective, Ku Ju was the best choice.
There was one more crucial point: the Xu family had explicitly requested Tian Qin by name; otherwise, the marriage alliance between the two families would be canceled.
For the sake of her father’s smooth efforts to win over the Xu family, she ought to make a concession and choose Ku Ju. After all, both younger sisters were essentially the same.
After hearing this, He Shi pondered and said, “You are right not to want to invite a wolf into your home. That little minx Tian Qin is just like her brothel-born mother—a troublemaker who only knows how to use underhanded methods.”
Xianqiu chided, “Mother, please do not speak of Tian Qin that way.”
He Shi waved her hand dismissively. “Your mother does not care whom you choose specifically. Since you have made up your mind, go and inform your father.”
Xianqiu found Yu Yuan, whose attitude was similar to He Shi’s—somewhat surprised but able to accept it. He hesitated and said, “Such a sudden major change—should we wait for your husband to return and discuss it with him?”
Xianqiu’s ears echoed repeatedly with Xie Tanwei’s words: “Madam may decide; if you have no preference, then choose Tian Qin.” He did not particularly favor Tian Qin; selecting her was merely a default choice made out of reluctance to decide.
“It’s fine. My husband will not mind.”
Yu Yuan nodded. This worked out well. Tian Qin had repeatedly and secretly pleaded with him, wishing to marry into the Xu family. Now, her wish would be granted.
As for Ku Ju, with her face ruined, becoming a concubine in the deep, secluded Xie Manor, where she would rarely be seen, could also be considered a settled fate.
Every illegitimate daughter was fitted into the most suitable position, making the best use of everything, all contributing to the Yu family’s interests.
Yu Yuan agreed: “Since Lord Xie has no objections, your father naturally has none either.”
“Let Tian Qin be betrothed to the Xu family as a wife, and Ku Ju go to Xie Manor as a noble concubine to serve you and your husband.”
…
Thus, the matter of exchanging the concubines was settled.
As for Xie Tanwei, they would inform him upon his return. He was an easygoing and tolerant man, so it was unlikely he would raise any objections.
He Shi felt this arrangement was excellent and secretly relished the satisfaction. That minx Tian Qin had been unbearably arrogant these past few days, certain she would become a noble concubine in the Marquis Manor. This would serve as a harsh blow to her pride.
As the Zhumu, He Shi personally went to deliver the news.
“Your father cares for you and has found you a good match. Esteemed Teacher Xu has long been deeply enamored with you and has repeatedly sought your hand with sincere intentions. Your father has decided to betroth you to the Xu family. Henceforth, we expect you to serve your husband well and be filial to your in-laws.”
Tian Qin was thunderstruck by this news, her expression shifting dramatically as all her previous arrogance and triumph evaporated. “Mother, there must be some mistake. Wasn’t Ku Ju supposed to marry into the Xu family? I should be going to Xie Manor to serve my sister and Brother-in-law.”
He Shi snorted disdainfully, thinking this foolish girl was still lost in her wild fantasies. “Be considerate. Ku Ju has scarred her face and has nowhere to go except your second sister’s care. You should yield to Ku Ju and exchange marriages with her.”
“Mother, no! Why should I be the one to sacrifice? Tian’er also wishes to serve sister and Brother-in-law. Does Ku Ju gain the upper hand just because she ruined her own face? If that’s the case, Tian’er would rather disfigure myself too.”
Tears streamed down Tian Qin’s face as she wept uncontrollably, refusing to accept the arrangement. She even threatened to grab scissors and slash her own face.
He Shi remained unmoved, convinced the girl valued her beauty too much to actually harm it. She brushed her sleeves and stood up. “This is your father’s decision. Accept it gracefully and don’t upset him. We’ll provide you with a generous dowry.”
With that, He Shi heartlessly departed.
Tian Qin’s crystalline tear stains still traced paths down her cheeks. Wan Cui, trembling with residual fear, gently took the scissors from her raised hand and helped her back to bed. Peering cautiously outside, she whispered, “Miss, Zhumu has left.”
Tian Qin slowly lifted her head, meeting Wan Cui’s gaze. Her eyes, still wet from crying, appeared unnervingly dark. Suddenly, she let out a short, hoarse laugh. “…We’ve finally succeeded.”
Wan Cui also wiped her tears, smiling with relief.
“Congratulations, Miss.”
After all the pretense, all the careful maneuvering—after enduring so much suffering and swallowing so much humiliation—she had finally escaped becoming a concubine in an influential family and secured the marriage to the Xu family.
For days, she had deliberately acted infatuated with Brother-in-law, exchanging seemingly eternal vows with Xie Tanwei, vying for attention at every turn to provoke displeasure from Zhumu and Xianqiu, thereby stripping her of the “Concubine” qualification. The more she pretended deep love for Brother-in-law, the more Xianqiu grew wary and determined to keep her out.
Ku Ju’s self-inflicted facial injury had inadvertently aided her cause, swinging open the gates to freedom and happiness.
Chen Momo entered with warm water. “Alright now, Miss, don’t celebrate too wildly or you’ll ruin your complexion. Let this old servant wipe your face for you.”
Wan Cui gently squeezed Tian Qin’s fingers and murmured softly, “Congratulations, Miss, on achieving your wish and marrying your ideal husband.”
Though Tian Qin’s chest still heaved with suppressed sobs, the corners of her lips curved upward. She removed the Xiaxuzhuo from her wrist and handed it to Wan Cui. “Take it and put it away. This thing is useless to me now.”
“Yes!” Wan Cui replied. “I’ll make sure Miss never has to see it again.”
The mistress and her maids huddled together, suppressing their laughter to hushed tones. They drank tea, ate pastries, playfully chased and teased each other, reveling in the contentment and celebrating this perfectly accomplished moment.
He Shi left Tian Qin’s quarters with a face full of annoyance and happened upon Xianqiu, who had just emerged from Ku Ju’s courtyard after presenting her with numerous lavish gifts to fulfill her duty of consolation.
“That Tian girl refuses to accept it, shouting that she won’t let this rest. Let’s see how big a storm she can stir up.”
Xianqiu sighed helplessly. “Sister Tian has suddenly faced this upheaval; it’s normal for her to struggle to accept it at first. Mother, please be more tolerant of her.”
He Shi snorted. “That girl is full of cunning schemes. The sooner she’s married off, the better. She has no choice in the matter—we’ll tie her onto the Xu family’s wedding sedan if we must. Wasn’t she previously corresponding with the Xu family about financial matters? She can’t have it both ways.”
Since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by parental command and matchmaker’s words. Marrying Tian Qin off to the Xu family would follow procedures entirely arranged by Yu Yuan and He Shi.
The next day, He Shi arrived at the Xu residence with great fanfare and announced her purpose under the identity of the Yu family’s Zhumu.
The Policy Examination had concluded, and the Yu family wished to proceed with the Six Rites and exchange the Eight Characters after the results were announced. If Xu Junzheng achieved a ranking, the two families would formally unite in marriage.
“What does Madam Xu think?”
Xu Mu was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, never imagining the Yu family would so readily agree and replace Ku Ju with Tian Qin.
Confident in her son’s academic abilities, she promptly agreed, beaming with joy: “No problem, of course no problem. We’ll follow the arrangements of the master and madam.”
Hiding in the side chamber, Xu Junzheng felt his heart racing, his face burning like hot coal, his breath growing rapid. The humble dwelling suddenly seemed to turn crimson, transforming into his wedding hall with Tian Qin.
Everything had come too quickly, too perfectly, like a beautiful dream.
Was Miss Tian Qin truly going to marry him as his wife?
Xu Junzheng pinched himself to confirm it was real.
Covering his mouth with trembling fingers, his slender frame could barely contain the weight of such happiness.
After seeing off He Shi, Xu Mu approached Xu Junzheng, her lips curling into an uncontrollable smile: “Happy now? The Yu family is willing to marry their daughter, and it’s Miss Tian, not Miss Ku.”
Tears welled in Xu Junzheng’s eyes: “Mother.”
Xu Mu cautioned: “Don’t get carried away with joy. The Yu family has conditions. Are you confident about achieving rank in this Policy Examination?”
Xu Junzheng hesitated momentarily before nodding firmly.
“The results will be announced in half a month. I felt I answered well that day, so presumably… there should be no issue.”
He didn’t dare mention that it was more than just answering well—the exam questions were exactly what Tian Qin had leaked to him. His teacher had already dictated the model answers, which he had memorized thoroughly. He had excitedly transcribed them in less than two hours.
While other candidates, including Yu Ye, were still racking their brains, he had already completed his work perfectly with nothing left to do.
Barring any mishaps, he was certain to achieve a ranking.
…
After the marriage arrangement was changed, Tian Qin slept peacefully for several nights.
Her days were spent basking in the early summer sun, tending to flowers and plants, reading and practicing calligraphy—a life of tranquil leisure.
Compared to her quiet courtyard, Ku Ju’s quarters were much livelier.
Matchmakers came and went, taking measurements for wedding clothes and conducting health examinations. Servants moved gifts about while maids prepared cosmetics, and the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner visited daily, making Ku Ju’s threshold nearly worn out from all the traffic.
Overshadowed by this activity, Tian Qin felt particularly isolated.
Since Second Sister Xianqiu had chosen Ku Ju to become the noble concubine of the Marquis Manor, the winds had shifted within the Yu family.
The matrons and maids who once curried favor with Tian Qin had now turned to Ku Ju, showing some neglect toward the fiancée of the impoverished scholar.
Ku Ju visited Tian Qin twice.
She had always said Tian Qin had a sweet fate while hers was bitter, that Tian Qin took everything from her. Now the tables had turned.
“Third Sister, I’m sorry for taking what was yours this time.”
Ku Ju’s face remained bandaged, her expression sorrowful as she apologized to Tian Qin, yet with a subtle undertone of triumphant satisfaction.
“But with my face like this… I truly have no other way out besides you and Brother-in-law being willing to take me in.”
“Third Sister, please understand me. As fellow illegitimate daughters both climbing upward, don’t blame me for taking what belonged to you and Brother-in-law.”
Tian Qin waved her hand nonchalantly.
“It’s fine, it’s all Father and Zhumu’s decision. With your face still injured, I won’t hold it against you.”
Lazily reclining on her rattan chair in the sun, she covered her face with a book, content in her leisurely enjoyment. Ku Ju mistook this for dejected resignation and, after offering a few comforting words, tactfully took her leave.
Both felt they had gained the upper hand, and each stubbornly held onto their marriage arrangement without yielding.
Tian Qin had been having fewer nightmares of her past life recently, her spirits gradually becoming more vibrant. Once she married into the Xu family as the legitimate wife, her good days in this lifetime would truly begin.
Just thinking about it made her smile even in her dreams.
Author’s Note: