Shang Lingjun’s heart jolted. She walked to the front of the hall, knelt, and bowed, then said hoarsely:
“Lingjun knows that I acted too extremely and dragged the Xie family’s reputation into this. But… taking revenge truly felt satisfying. I finally vented the resentment in my heart.
“I also know that I have offended both the Xie and Xiao families, and that my path to survival has been cut off. Ancestress, however you wish to deal with me, I will submit to your decision.”
Shang Lingjun lowered her brows and eyes. Since she had already been seen through, she might as well admit it frankly.
A person like Old Madam Wei would be even less tolerant of someone who filled her mouth with lies.
Seeing that Shang Lingjun’s expression was open and composed, without the slightest trace of guilt at having been exposed—and that she had not even tried to argue—Old Madam Wei lifted her eyelids and looked at her. A faint trace of surprise appeared in her eyes.
“You are rather honest.”
“I would not dare conceal anything from Old Madam Wei.” Shang Lingjun remained calm and unruffled.
【You’re admitting it just like that?】
Xie Yan'an was enjoying the spectacle far too much.
【You don’t understand. This Old Madam is extremely shrewd. I can fool other people, but I can’t hide anything from her.】
The moment Old Madam Wei had entered the room, Shang Lingjun had already understood that she had probably failed to conceal the truth from this family matriarch.
Otherwise, why would she have come in person?
Xie Yan'an raised his brows. That was true.
【Then you still dare to ask to marry her son? Aren’t you afraid she’ll kill you in a fit of rage?】
【Shut up. Don’t disrupt my state of mind.】
Shang Lingjun suddenly found this male ghost unbearably annoying. Once this matter was over, she absolutely had to find a Daoist priest to drive his soul away.
She was somewhat worried about what the male ghost had said, but she wanted to take a gamble.
On the one hand, the Xie family already owed her for arranging a wife for Xiaohuan.
On the other hand, she wanted to gamble on a mother’s compassion.
No matter how heartless Old Madam Wei might be, she was still a mother who doted on her child.
Seventh Master Xie was a dying man. Could Old Madam Wei truly not wish for her son to have a complete life?
Some people even arranged ghost marriages for the dead. With a wife, he would have someone to accompany him, and the family name and bloodline could continue.
If Seventh Master Xie had a wife in name, then Shang Lingjun could also gain the status of a noblewoman. It was a solution that benefited both sides. What if Old Madam Wei agreed?
Since she had no other way out, she could only take the gamble!
Xie Yan'an continued chattering without end.
【I don’t think it’ll work. You’d better stop provoking her and ask for something else.】
Shang Lingjun could not be bothered to respond to this long-winded man.
Seeing her honesty, Old Madam Wei let out a soft sigh before speaking.
“Very well. Having such a scene occur on your wedding night… it is indeed the Xie family’s fault for treating you unjustly. It is only natural that you would harbor resentment.”
She rested one hand against her forehead and continued leisurely:
“Although you and Qing Ge'er have already completed the wedding rites, you have not consummated the marriage, so you are not yet husband and wife. I can find another marriage for you within the clan.
“But do not expect too high a family standing. From now on, you will remain a wife of the Xie family. The Xie family’s reputation outside will also be your reputation. Do you understand?”
Shang Lingjun’s expression remained calm.
“Lingjun is deeply grateful for Old Madam Wei’s compassion. However, there is someone else whom Lingjun wishes to marry more…”
If she married someone from an ordinary family, it would be far too easy for Xiao Jing and Xie Zhaoqing to take revenge on her.
Moreover, she was merely an orphan who had offended the Xiao family. Even if the other party reluctantly married her, her life after marriage would likely be miserable.
Therefore, that was out of the question.
“Oh?”
Old Madam Wei was surprised. “Then stop beating around the bush and tell me.”
Shang Lingjun straightened her back, raised her eyes to meet Old Madam Wei’s gaze, and firmly spoke the name on her mind.
“Xie Yan'an, Seventh Master Xie. Lingjun is willing to become Seventh Master’s wife and accompany him for the rest of his life.”
Old Madam Wei suddenly tightened her grip on the armrest. Her sharp, aged eyes narrowed.
“What did you say?”
The old nanny’s heart lurched. Madam Shang was far too bold!
Who did not know that Seventh Master was the untouchable sore spot in Old Madam Wei’s heart?
After Seventh Master had been gravely wounded and fallen unconscious, Old Madam Wei had suffered a serious illness. She had wasted away in spirit and could not sleep at night. Once a person who had never believed in gods or spirits, she now worshiped Buddha every day and wished she could move into the Buddhist hall.
Yet Madam Shang actually dared to bring up Seventh Master?!
Even if Seventh Master could not recover from his injuries, he was not someone a penniless orphan like her could hope to marry!
Shang Lingjun’s expression remained tranquil, without the slightest trace of panic or fear. Instead, she insisted firmly:
“If I am to exchange this marriage, I will marry no one but Seventh Master!”
“How presumptuous!”
The old nanny reprimanded her.
The atmosphere in the room instantly dropped to freezing point. Cold sweat appeared on Shang Lingjun’s forehead, while the wound on her head continued to throb painfully. She felt dizzy and light-headed.
No one knew how long the room remained silent. Old Madam Wei’s expression shifted repeatedly. Her gaze was deep and complicated.
“You seek the position of Seventh Madam.”
Her tone was certain, but it was impossible to discern any anger or delight in it.
Shang Lingjun clenched her palms. Her words now carried several more traces of genuine feeling.
“Yes, but not only that. Lingjun would not dare deceive Old Madam Wei. I was forced by my older brother to marry Xie Zhaoqing. I begged him, and even tried to take my own life, but none of it was useful.
“Actually… the person I truly love is Seventh Master. At the Spring Appreciation Banquet two years ago, a dashing young man rode his horse across the grounds. From that moment onward, his refined and handsome face was carved into my heart.
“But the difference in our status was too great. Lingjun did not dare indulge in such fantasies, so I buried my girlish feelings deep in my heart and never dared reveal them.”
Shang Lingjun lowered her eyes. Her thick lashes trembled, concealing the embarrassment she found difficult to express.
【Really…?】
Xie Yan'an’s voice sounded somewhat awkward.
How could he not remember ever meeting her?
Shang Lingjun replied in her heart without the slightest emotion.
【Of course it’s fake. I’d never even met him.】
Xie Yan'an was so angry he wanted to roll his eyes.
【You’re really capable of making things up!】
And she had made it so sickeningly sentimental, too…
Hearing Shang Lingjun say this, Old Madam Wei could not help but be moved. That was right—Yan An had always loved riding horses.
In that instant, Old Madam Wei seemed to grow much older. The exhaustion and grief on her face could no longer be concealed.
“Do you know about Yan An’s condition?”
Seeing this, a dark glint flashed through Shang Lingjun’s eyes. It seemed there was hope.
“Few women can have a marriage entirely according to their wishes. Rather than marry someone I do not love and suffer endless discord after marriage, I would rather remain beside the person I love and seek a peaceful, agreeable life.”
Shang Lingjun quietly studied Old Madam Wei’s expression before tactfully continuing:
“In this way, not only will I get what I wish for, but Seventh Master will also have a wife by his side and, at the very least, attain a complete life. Old Madam Wei, surely you cannot bear to let Seventh Master spend his entire life alone?”
If she truly married Xie Yan'an, she would have to obtain a child from him before he breathed his last.
Only then could she truly sleep without worry!
Would that cripple still be of any use?
Old Madam Wei looked at Shang Lingjun and pondered for a long while.
“Several days ago, when I went to worship Buddha, I encountered Venerable Monk Hui'en. The venerable monk said that perhaps we could arrange an auspicious marriage for Yan An to bring him good fortune. I have been troubled over this matter…”
She had never expected that, after encountering such a situation today, Shang Lingjun would take the initiative to ask to marry Yan An.
Could this be fate?
Old Madam Wei waved her hand and relented.
“Very well. We will do as you wish.”
“Your daughter-in-law pays her respects and thanks you, Mother-in-law.”
Shang Lingjun bowed again.
【You changed the way you address her pretty quickly…】
Xie Yan'an’s voice drifted over mournfully.
The corners of Shang Lingjun’s lips curved up almost imperceptibly.
【Naturally.】
Old Madam Wei had absolute authority in this household. Of course Shang Lingjun had to cling tightly to her powerful support.
【No… Wait… You… I… I’m truly convinced by you! That actually worked?】
Xie Yan'an was practically questioning his entire existence. How had he suddenly acquired a wife?
This was so awkward.
Shang Lingjun gave him the same reply as before.
【What does it have to do with you?】
It seemed she really would have to find a Daoist priest!
“Mother-in-law, could you send someone to look after me?” Shang Lingjun lowered her brows again and spoke softly. “I have only just arrived at Xie Residence, and after everything that has happened, I am truly frightened.”
She needed an assistant, while Old Madam Wei needed a pawn to keep watch over her. It was better to bring the matter up herself.
Old Madam Wei gave Shang Lingjun a deep look, then lifted her hand and made a slight gesture. A tall, slender female servant entered from outside.
“Qingzhi, from now on, you will serve Seventh Madam.”
……
On the way back, Nanny Qiu supported Old Madam Wei and asked in confusion:
“Old Madam Wei, do you truly believe that girl’s nonsense? I think she only deliberately claimed to admire our Seventh Master because she wanted to gain the upper hand over the Third Branch.”