“Brother Jiang makes a valid point. Matters concerning children should indeed be decided by Jiang Furen. May this humble official have the honor of meeting her?”
Fang Ankang’s dissatisfaction subsided as he nodded in agreement.
Matters regarding the women of the household should ultimately be decided by the matriarch. This way, when Jiang Wanxin eventually married, she would have Shen Shi’s support. Otherwise, as an orphan girl, he truly looked down on her matching with his son.
Both Fang Ankang and Jiang He harbored their own ulterior motives, creating a stiff atmosphere in the main hall. It wasn’t until Shen Shi arrived with Jiang Chaohua that the silence was broken.
“Your daughter-in-law pays respects to Mother.”
With a cool expression, Shen Shi brought Jiang Chaohua to greet the Old Madam.
Contrary to her usual harsh demeanor, the Old Madam stood up, took Shen Shi’s hand, and led her to a seat, her face kind and amiable:
“Minister Fang has come today to propose marriage for his illegitimate son. But as you know, before Wanxin’s parents passed away, they entrusted her to my care. She’s still young and won’t be of marriageable age for some time. What do you think we should do about this marriage proposal?”
The Old Madam subtly hinted for Shen Shi to reject the proposal, which Shen Shi understood. Jiang Chaohua directly laughed out loud.
How clever! The Old Madam was clearly afraid that Jiang Wanxin might marry Fang Cheng and couldn’t wait to prevent it.
Judging by the Old Madam’s attitude, she must know about Jiang Wanxin’s background. In her eyes, Jiang Wanxin was truly precious—so much so that even Fang Cheng wasn’t good enough for her?
Fang Cheng was talented and promising with a bright future ahead, yet he was being looked down upon. If he knew Jiang Wanxin was playing the whore while pretending to be chaste, who knew what he would think.
“What are you laughing at? When elders are speaking, is this how you show respect as a junior?”
Fang Cheng spoke coldly, his eyes filled with disgust.
This vile girl often bullied Wanxin at home. If not for that, he wouldn’t have been so eager to have his father propose marriage.
Wanxin suffered greatly in this household. He wanted to give her a better life. Once she married him, he would surely treat her well.
“Is that so? Then what kind of etiquette is it for Young Master Fang to scold me in front of elders? Tsk, my reputation has never been good, but Young Master Fang is different. Such behavior is quite unbecoming of a gentleman.”
Jiang Chaohua lounged lazily, her gaze shifting meaningfully between Jiang Wanxin and Fang Cheng.
Jiang Wanxin felt her scalp tingle under that look, sensing that something worse was about to happen.
“You…”
Fang Cheng was furious, but Fang Ankang cleared his throat lightly, signaling him to mind his manners:
“Jiang Furen, this official has come today to propose marriage for my son. My son and your niece are of similar age and compatible social status. I humbly request your consideration.”
Fang Ankang’s attitude remained polite. As the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Appointments, he was well-informed and naturally knew that Shen Shi had visited the Empress Dowager yesterday. Rumor had it the Empress Dowager had bestowed many treasures upon Shen Shi.
No matter what conflicts existed, Shen Shi had been raised by the Empress Dowager. If Jiang Wanxin could leverage this connection with Shen Shi to marry into the Fang family, it would benefit Fang Cheng as well.
“Qin’er, Wanxin is still quite young. This official and Mother believe we should keep her with us a while longer. What do you think?”
Seeing that Shen Shi remained silent, the Old Madam grew anxious and tightened her grip on Shen Shi’s hand. Shen Shi winced in pain and pulled her hand away.
Noting her displeased expression, Jiang He quickly interjected.
What was wrong with Shen Shi today? She was usually so gentle—a simple reminder from him would normally suffice.
“So Minister Fang has come to propose marriage on behalf of his cousin. Minister Fang truly has good judgment. Cousin has always been known for her virtue in Chang’an City, with countless families watching her closely. But Young Master Fang Cheng, despite his youth, already holds an official rank—his future prospects are limitless. This match seems quite suitable.”
Jiang Chaohua clicked her tongue, seemingly speaking in favor of Fang Cheng and Jiang Wanxin, but actually pressuring Jiang Wanxin.
Wasn’t she the one who seduced Fang Cheng? Now that she’s succeeded, why is she unwilling when his family comes to propose?
“I…”
Jiang Wanxin cursed Jiang Chaohua inwardly. Jiang He frowned, coldly staring at Jiang Chaohua:
“Chaochao, adult matters are not for you to comment on.”
“If Chaochao can’t speak, surely I can.”
Jiang Chaohua pursed her lips, immediately putting on a wounded expression. Shen Shi felt rising anger. She hadn’t voiced opposition or refusal, but simply stared coldly at Jiang Wanxin:
“Wanxin, what are your thoughts?”
Judging by Fang Cheng’s demeanor, he was clearly deeply infatuated with Jiang Wanxin.
She refused to believe Fang Cheng would rashly come to propose marriage. Someone as intelligent and cautious as Fang Cheng wouldn’t have brought Fang Ankang unless he was certain Jiang Wanxin would agree.
Admittedly, Shen Shi had guessed correctly this time. Jiang Chaohua couldn’t help but inwardly praise her for this brilliant move.
Yes, this was exactly the effect she wanted—to force Jiang Wanxin to make her own decision. If she refused to marry, she would offend the Fang family.
“I, I…”
Jiang Wanxin felt chilled to the bone, biting her lip and stammering. The Old Madam was furious, shooting a sharp glare at Shen Shi.
This Shen Shi was truly foolish. Couldn’t she understand her meaning? How dare she defy her mother-in-law!
“Wanxin, don’t be afraid. Speak your mind. With me here today, no one can bully you anymore.”
Fang Cheng grew anxious, looking at Jiang Wanxin with encouragement.
Jiang Chaohua tilted her head and spoke clearly at this critical moment:
“That’s right, cousin, just say it. As long as you speak up, Mother will surely agree, won’t you, Mother?”
“Yes, Chaochao is right.”
Shen Shi took a deep breath, catching sight of Jiang He’s darkening expression from the corner of her eye, feeling a dull pain in her heart.
So it was true—Jiang He liked Jiang Wanxin. No wonder he didn’t want her to marry.
Then what about Jiang Wanxin? Did she like Fang Cheng? Or did she also not want to marry, having developed feelings for Jiang He instead?
“Shen Shi!”
Jiang Wanxin found herself cornered. She didn’t want to offend the Fang family, nor did she want to marry Fang Cheng. She could only look at the Old Madam with tear-filled eyes.
The Old Madam’s expression turned severe, her voice carrying warning. Shen Shi merely glanced at her indifferently:
“What does Mother wish to say? Rest assured, after all, Wanxin is a member of the Jiang family, raised in Mother’s courtyard. Though we share no blood relation, she has been in this household for so long—I will do my best to help her. If she is willing, I will see her married with full honors.”
But if she was unwilling, don’t expect her to take the initiative to refuse. Now she felt uncertain—unsure why the Old Madam also opposed Jiang Wanxin marrying Fang Cheng. Could it be she thought Fang Cheng wasn’t good enough for Jiang Wanxin?
How ridiculous. An orphan girl, yet her ambitions soar higher than the heavens?
Shen Shi’s gaze grew colder, while Fang Cheng became more agitated. His love for Jiang Wanxin easily overrode his reason. But Fang Ankang had seen everything clearly from beginning to end—it wasn’t that Shen Shi opposed the marriage, but that Jiang Wanxin herself was unwilling.
Moreover, the attitudes of Jiang He and Jiang Laofuren were also peculiar. This marriage proposal might not be easily accomplished.
“Tsk, Young Master Fang, it seems you’ll be disappointed today. My cousin appears… uninterested in you.”
Jiang Chaohua continued twisting the knife. With an enigmatic smile, she sat watching the spectacle in her red dress, thoroughly enjoying Jiang Wanxin’s embarrassment and Jiang He’s fury as she took in the entire scene.
What an excellent show. In her previous life, Jiang Wanxin had used Shen Shi as an excuse to tell Fang Cheng that Shen Shi had opposed the marriage back then. This made Fang Cheng remain infatuated with Jiang Wanxin even after she became Jing Wangfei, exhausting all his efforts to assist Prince Jing and help Jiang Wanxin.
In this lifetime, Jiang Wanxin wouldn’t be allowed to have her cake and eat it too.
She was determined to tear off at least two layers of that hypocrite’s mask.