Song Qinghe sat to the side, listening to their conversation. Her hands were twisting the handkerchief in her lap, and her face looked faintly troubled.
Hua Shan leaned over quietly to reassure her, “Don’t worry, Miss Lichu is just daydreaming. How could Shizi ever take notice of her?”
But Song Qinghe’s expression didn’t improve. Lichu had been running to Wenlan Garden every day lately, shamelessly bold, and now the way Madam Shen spoke made it sound as if the position of Shizi’s wife was already practically guaranteed.
The Dingzhou traitor case had been thoroughly investigated, and now Shiji’s marriage would certainly come up again. Today’s banquet, full of noble women, most were here because of Shiji. This marriage, it seemed, couldn’t be delayed any longer.
“Qinghe,” the old lady called.
Song Qinghe quickly composed herself and walked over. “Madam.”
The old lady smiled and lifted her chin. “Look here.”
A slender, refined-looking man approached, bowing politely to Song Qinghe. “Miss Song, I am Liang Zhen.”
Song Qinghe’s expression shifted. Recently, the old lady had personally chosen a marriage match for her, and it was this Liang Zhen.
Liang Zhen smiled, a little awkwardly. “I came to the Ningguo Mansion for the banquet today, and it’s an honor to meet you, Miss.”
Though from a modest family, Liang Zhen was talented, having passed the second-level imperial exam, and now held a small official position in the Ministry.
Song Qinghe’s lips twitched stiffly. “Mr. Liang.”
The atmosphere turned slightly awkward. Madam Shen smiled, “I thought since there’s a rare banquet today, it would be good to invite Liang here, so you could meet in advance.”
Liang Zhen quickly bowed again. “Thank you, Madam, for your favor.”
The old lady chuckled. “You look nervous. Alright, no need to linger in front of me—go attend to your matters.”
Liang Zhen glanced at Song Qinghe once more, then nodded. “Then I shall take my leave.”
He stepped back, and the old lady asked Song Qinghe, smiling, “Well? Is he alright?”
Song Qinghe’s throat felt dry. “I…”
The old lady patted her hand to soothe her. “I’ve checked his background. His family is respectable, his character upright, and he’s diligent at work. He’s well-regarded by his superiors. There’s only a younger sister and his mother at home. Though modest in means, his future is bright. We’ll provide a generous dowry, so you’ll never feel wronged.”
The old lady knew Song Qinghe valued character and talent over wealth, so she had arranged this match with care.
“Once married, with the Ningguo Mansion as your support, Liang Zhen will have a smooth career and a prosperous life.”
Song Qinghe’s lips twitched. “The person Madam chooses cannot be wrong.”
She looked across the hall at Liang Zhen, bowing and flattering his superiors with a cup in hand, his face all smiles and fawning.
Her face stiffened. Was this all she deserved?
Why did Shen Lichu get Madam Shen herself paving the way for her to secure Shiji’s perfect marriage, while she was only offered a modest young official?
Her hands clenched in her lap, nails digging into her palms. How could she accept this?
Meanwhile, Shen Lichu sat beside Madam Shen, politely responding and observing the room.
Suddenly, a girl in a blue dress passed by the window. Lichu’s eyes lit up.
“Aunt, I want to step out for a bit,” she whispered.
Madam Shen, knowing she couldn’t sit still, patted her hand. “Go on, play for a while. The banquet will start soon—make sure to come back in time.”
Lichu nodded happily. “Yes.”
She got up and hurried outside.
“Shushu!” she called.
The girl in blue turned sharply, eyes wide with joy. “Chuchu!”
They ran toward each other, skirts bouncing, and hugged tightly.
Zhang Jingshu was overjoyed. “It’s wonderful you’re in the capital! I thought I’d never see you again.”
“I’m staying at my aunt’s for a while. I wrote to you!” Lichu replied.
They had kept in touch over the years by letters. Lichu had saved every single one, filling a small box to the brim.
“I didn’t get them! Half a month ago, my father suddenly got an official posting back to the capital. We had to leave immediately, so I probably missed them!”
Lichu grabbed her hand, beaming. “Why were you in such a hurry?”
“I wouldn’t know! This past half month traveling nearly wore me out! They said something urgent came up in the capital, a key post needed filling right away, and we couldn’t delay.”
Zhang Jingshu shook her head. “Ah, let’s not talk about that. Chuchu, how did you even get to the capital?”
Lichu blinked, leaned in close, and lowered her voice. “My aunt wants me to marry into the Ningguo Mansion.”
Jingshu’s eyes widened. “The Ning Shizi? The one everyone says is dazzlingly exceptional?!”
Even Jingshu, just arriving in the capital, had heard of Ning Shizi’s reputation. Today’s banquet, most guests had come to congratulate him on his rise.
Jingshu leaned closer and whispered, “Do you like him?”
Lichu’s cheeks warmed. “Yes.”
With a man like Shizi, lofty and bright like the moon over a mountain, who wouldn’t like him?
“And him? Have you… captured his heart?!”
Lichu quickly covered Jingshu’s mouth and pulled her to sit in the nearby octagonal pavilion.
“Keep your voice down!”
“I’m curious,” Jingshu said, shaking Lichu’s hand and holding it seriously. “Listen, you better hurry—today’s banquet, I’ve heard, plenty of rich girls are here for him!”
Lichu froze. “Ah?”
“Ning Shizi’s fame is rising fast in the capital, a rising star. You have no idea how many families are watching him,” Jingshu said with mock seriousness.
Lichu rested her elbows on the stone table, cupped her face in her hands, and looked a little lost. “I… I’m not sure.”
“Not sure what?” Jingshu pressed.
“Not sure if I’ve succeeded.”
“I’ve been finding ways to be near him, visiting every day to practice calligraphy,” Lichu admitted.
“And then?”
“He patiently teaches me,” Lichu said.
“Well, that sounds good!”
“But Shizi is naturally a gentleman. He’s always kind to everyone. Maybe he’s not… charmed by me at all. Maybe he’s just genuinely helping me practice,” Lichu added.
Shizi’s clarity and calm sometimes made Lichu feel like she herself was the one being improper.
Jingshu frowned thoughtfully. “That’s true. Ning Shizi is the top gentleman in the capital. Helping you a little is nothing to him.”
She leaned closer again. “But that doesn’t mean he’s not a little taken with you! At least for now, he doesn’t dislike you.”
Lichu blinked. That made sense.
Jingshu nodded firmly. “See? You have the advantage—close at hand. And you’re beautiful! How could he not notice?”
Lichu nodded. “Exactly.”
“But we can’t slack off. Look at all these noble girls today, dressed to impress. You think they’re not after him too? If you don’t act, someone else will beat you to it!”
Lichu touched her chin, narrowing her eyes. “If that’s the case, I can’t hesitate any longer. Time to act decisively.”
“Already?!”
Lichu clenched her fist. “One last chance. If I fail, I fail completely.”
Suddenly, voices came from outside the pavilion. Jingshu looked up and saw a few young noblemen passing by.
“Brother?” Jingshu stood up immediately.
The group passed, and Zhang Rongyu turned, smiling when he saw them, and stepped into the pavilion. “You’re here?”
Jingshu excitedly said, “Chuchu is in the capital too! I wanted to tell you!”
Rongyu smiled at Lichu. “I already know.”
“Shiji-gege.”
Song Qinghe hurried over.
Lu Shiji, delayed by official duties, arrived late and was stopped outside the banquet hall.
“Is there something wrong?” he asked.
Song Qinghe spoke anxiously. “I heard Madam Shen openly talking about your marriage, making it sound like she’s certain Miss Lichu will be your wife.”
Lu Shiji’s expression was calm. “Is that so?”
“Madam Shen clearly has an agenda. She’s determined to push Lichu onto you. Who knows what she’s scheming? I’m really worried…”
Suddenly, Lu Shiji noticed some movement and looked toward the octagonal pavilion in the garden, spotting two familiar figures.
Shen Lichu beamed, her deep dimple showing. “If I’d known you were in the capital, I would have met you at the city gates myself!”
Zhang Rongyu chuckled. “Lichu has grown up—so much more sensible now.”
Lu Shiji’s face darkened instantly.