Both the Xie Family and the imperial family were happy to see this marriage come to fruition.
But given the Emperor’s hypocrisy, he would certainly still have to ask if the Xiao family was willing.
Now, the key to this marriage lay in the hands of the Xiao family.
Xie Qingran wasn’t completely certain, but for now, this was her best option.
Since she had set foot on this path, she would not regret it, much less retreat!
Zhen Guo Duke Manor.
The steward, Xiao Yuan, walked over, looking troubled at the man in the wheelchair.
This heir of the Zhen Guo Duke Manor, known throughout the capital, had once been a man of such peerless grace. But now, he had completely lost his former splendor. As if all vitality had been drained from him, he sat in his wheelchair, showing neither sorrow nor joy, with only gloom remaining in his eyes.
“Uncle Yuan, speak your mind.”
Xiao Jue spoke, his voice seeming to emanate from the depths of hell—hoarse and unpleasant, carrying an indescribable scent of decay, much like the Zhen Guo Duke Manor itself.
The entire Zhen Guo Duke Manor, much like the current Xiao Jue, was broken and somber, yet impossible for anyone to forget.
“The Emperor says that the Xie Family’s eldest young miss, Xie Qingran, has taken the initiative to marry you, Your Lordship, and wishes for you to take a good look at her.”
Xiao Yuan couldn’t help but sigh.
If the Zhen Guo Duke Manor hadn’t fallen into decline and been left without an heir, how could it have come to the point where a down-and-out noble family like the Xies would take the initiative to propose a marriage alliance?
“Is this the Emperor’s will?”
Xiao Jue lifted his gaze to look at Xiao Yuan.
Before Xiao Yuan could speak, Bao Gonggong strode in with a measured gait. He gave Xiao Jue a proper bow, showing not a hint of disrespect.
“Congratulations, Your Lordship. The Xie Family’s eldest daughter, Xie Qingran, has personally petitioned the Emperor, stating her willingness to marry into the Zhen Guo Duke Manor.”
“The Emperor’s meaning is that the two families are a good match, and that eldest young miss of the Xie Family is quite a remarkable person. Your Lordship ought to take a look.”
“Your Lordship is no longer young; it is time to start a family and continue the bloodline.”
Bao Gonggong’s words were flawless, and he didn’t forget to put in a good word for Xie Qingran in advance.
On one hand, it was because Xie Qingran was indeed a remarkable person; on the other, it was because the Emperor, in his heart, wanted to make this happen.
With his shrewd and perceptive mind, Bao Gonggong naturally understood his superior’s intentions and thus helped push things along.
“Since it is the Emperor’s kind intention, I will naturally comply.”
“It is just a pity that the eldest young miss of the Xie Family has to be wronged.”
Xiao Jue glanced forlornly at his crippled legs, revealing a trace of helplessness—a perfectly executed display of vulnerability.
Bao Gonggong immediately said, “Your Lordship is truly overthinking it. Since Miss Xie took the initiative to volunteer, I imagine she will not mind these things. How could a man of your talent possibly wrong Miss Xie?”
“In three days, there will be a Begonia Flower Banquet in the palace. I implore Your Lordship to attend and take a good look at the Xie Family’s eldest young miss.” Bao Gonggong smiled slightly, bowed, and turned to leave.
The Zhen Guo Duke Manor appeared to be a place of wealth and prestige, but in reality, it was a place of trouble. Once his task was done, it was best to leave quickly.
“Your Lordship, what does His Majesty mean by this? Is he going to force a bull to drink when it’s not thirsty?”
A flash of humiliation crossed Xiao Yuan’s face. Once upon a time, the Zhen Guo Duke Manor had been endlessly glorious, and the young lord himself had been the man in the dreams of countless noble ladies in the capital. How had things come to such a state?
“Uncle Yuan, why be angry?”
“The Emperor has shown us great kindness. We should all be grateful.”
Xiao Jue’s gloomy eyes revealed a hint of sarcasm.
“My younger brother and sister are also at an age where they should be seen. I am already like this, but they should still have a brilliant future.”
“Before the incense of my Zhen Guo Duke Manor burns out, I must make plans for them in advance.”
“Prepare well for this trip to the palace. I also want to see just what kind of person this Xie Qingran is.”
Xiao Jue leaned back in his wheelchair, his eyes filled with a probing curiosity.
Ever since he had become like this, the women who had once admired him all avoided him like the plague.
After so many years, this was the first one to actively request to marry him. There must be something more to it, he thought.
Xie Family.
Xie Yankang soon received news of the Begonia Flower Banquet in the palace. The invitation explicitly stated that Xie Qingran was to attend.
Having navigated the imperial court for many years, he naturally understood what this invitation implied.
This marriage was, in all likelihood, going to happen.
Putting the invitation away, Xie Yankang went directly to the main courtyard to find Wang Shi. “The palace invitation has been delivered to me. This marriage is of utmost importance to our Xie Family. You must dress Qingran up properly. We absolutely cannot lose face for the Xie Family.”
Hearing this, Wang Shi’s feelings were momentarily complex. She didn’t know whether she should be happy or something else; it seemed that heartache preceded any joy.
“My lord… His Lordship the heir… is he a good match?”
Whether Xiao Jue was a good match, or whether Xie Qingran would live well after marrying him—none of these were within Xie Yankang’s consideration.
He only knew that this marriage could solidify the Xie Family’s status and could brighten the future for him and his son once more.
Compared to these things, Xie Qingran’s life was worth it, even if she were to die in the Zhen Guo Duke Manor.
“You just focus on preparing for this marriage.”
Xie Yankang left her with these words and turned to leave.
Perhaps it was due to his advancing age over the years, but Xie Yankang’s dissatisfaction with Wang Shi had grown more and more.
Wang Shi watched Xie Yankang’s retreating back, then turned and went to Xie Qingran’s Ying Xing Pavilion.
Having just punished Xie Qingran over the drowning incident, Wang Shi felt somewhat guilty seeing her again now.
Walking in, her gaze fell upon her daughter’s deathly pale face on the bed, and a pang of heartache flashed in her eyes.
“How did you get so sick?”
“The rod didn’t hit you, did it?”
Wang Shi walked over and gently touched Xie Qingran’s forehead, her face etched with worry.
Just because the rod didn’t strike her body doesn’t mean it wouldn’t hurt?
Xie Qingran’s attitude was cold, and when she spoke, she was merely dutiful. “Is there something you need, Mother?”
“You child, are you really going to hold a grudge against your mother?”
“Besides, you were the one who almost caused your brother to drown first. Mother only struck you out of anger. Now, your father has stepped in, so let’s just let this matter pass, shall we?”
With a few light words, Wang Shi simply brushed aside all of Xie Qingran’s grievances.
Xie Qingran had long grown accustomed to such neglect and favoritism; she would no longer take it to heart.
“Mother is right. We are all one family, bound by glory and ruin.”
This had to be made clear in advance.
After all, Wang Shi had never been a clear-headed person. It would be terrible if she were to ruin her plans.
“You child, why are you so stubborn?”
“Is this how your governess taught you?”
Wang Shi’s brows knitted together tightly. Why was her own daughter not on the same page as her?