Thus, Xu Shuyao and her younger brother settled into Jiyun Hall within the Duke’s mansion.
Two years passed swiftly. During this time, Xu Shuyao rarely went out. Aside from visiting her aunt, she went nowhere.
As for Songhe Hall, not long after she entered the mansion, the Old Madam excused the younger generation from daily greetings—only once every ten days was required. Xu Shuyao and Liu Qingwan, being cousins temporarily residing in the mansion, were exempt even from that.
Xu Shuyao did not consider the greetings burdensome, but since the Old Madam had spoken, she naturally complied.
Because her brother attended school, she inevitably interacted more with Fourth and Fifth Young Masters. Sometimes she brought food for her brother and would prepare portions for them as well. They always accepted graciously, though whether they ate, she did not know.
She had little to give, so she expressed her thoughtfulness in small ways. Yet she was careful not to overdo it—men and women were different, and as a dependent cousin, too much attentiveness might seem like currying favor.
Curiously, none of the Xiao sons had yet settled their marriages. Only Second Miss Xiao Jinyi had been betrothed two years earlier to the eldest son of the Li family.
The Li family of the capital traced its roots to the illustrious Zhao Commandery Lis, a noble clan spanning centuries. Their ancestors had produced seventeen prime ministers and hundreds of scholars. The current heir, the eldest son, was not only the future head of the family but also a *zhuangyuan*—the top scholar of the imperial examinations.
With such talent, looks, and lineage, even princesses sought him. Yet he was destined for the court, and in choosing a bride, he selected the Duke’s mansion’s Second Miss.
Though Second Master Xiao was unimpressive, the eldest branch was powerful. The Duke’s mansion shone among nobles, while the Li family dazzled among scholars. Their union was perfectly matched, each gaining what they needed.
Madam Chen was pleased. The Old Madam had warned against entanglement in the princes’ struggle for succession; securing the Li family was the best choice.
Meanwhile, Xu Shuyao remained in Jiyun Hall. Knowing her courtyard lay on the path to the inner court, she was always cautious, ensuring no missteps. Madam Chen was in no hurry—she believed she had ways to make Xiao Jinrong comply.
But the eldest son’s marriage was still undecided, so the younger ones could not precede him. Moreover, Xu Shuyao was still in mourning.
Now, two years later, Xiao Jinyi was preparing to wed, and Xu Shuyao’s mourning would end after the New Year. At sixteen, perhaps it was time for action.
Like Xu Shuyao, Liu Qingwan lived quietly in Qiangwei Courtyard. At first, her aunt took her to a few gatherings, but gradually that ceased. By now, unless someone mentioned them, few remembered that two striking cousins resided in the Duke’s mansion.
After the Mid‑Autumn Festival, Second Miss Xiao Jinyi married the Li heir. The wedding was grand, even the palace sent gifts.
Though still in mourning, Xu Shuyao wore a newly made gown from the mansion that day. It was not red, but brighter than her usual attire.
Since the gown had been sent from Jinhua Hall, Xu Shuyao had no reason not to wear it. She did not care much for outward forms. Her father had been gone two years; she and her brother remembered him in their hearts, and that was enough. Living under another’s roof, she naturally followed the household’s customs. Besides, it was her cousin’s wedding day.
That day, Xu Shuyao wore a pale‑green embroidered jacket. Her hair was glossy black, her brows and eyes bright, her neck slender and white as snow. She looked like a fresh lotus standing at the branch tip.
At the wedding banquet, ladies and young misses were plentiful. Their eyes quickly fell upon this striking new face. After asking around, they soon learned her identity.
When they heard she was merely an orphaned girl, they all secretly breathed easier. After all, not every young lady present had come with pure intentions.
It was common knowledge that the marriages of the Duke’s sons were still undecided. Everyone was watching closely. Especially the heir, already commander of the Imperial Guards at the rank of Second Grade despite his youth—a man of both strategy and martial skill.
Xiao Mo was tall and handsome. Though his eyes were cold as winter stars, he carried the aura of nobility, backed by his illustrious family. With even the slightest chance, no one would fail to try their luck. Perhaps they might be the one.
Rumor said the heir had been betrothed to a daughter of the Shen family since childhood. Yet now, at twenty, he remained unmarried. Clearly, something had gone awry.
The young ladies’ thoughts stirred. Their glances shifted not only toward the Xiao sons but also, deliberately or not, toward Shen Jingzhu.
Years ago, it was understandable that the heir had not married—his fiancée was still young. But now Shen Jingzhu was sixteen, and the Xiao family still delayed. It was hard to explain.
Shen Jingzhu, eldest daughter of Grand Preceptor Shen, was not only dignified and beautiful but also famed for her calligraphy. Fathers of many young ladies present had urged their daughters to learn from her. Her reputation extended beyond the circle of noblewomen—even the emperor knew her name.
It was said that at a palace banquet, when Princess Huayang provoked her, Shen Jingzhu performed blindfolded calligraphy. Calm and poised, her brush danced like dragons, her cursive script winning great acclaim. She wrote while moving gracefully, blending artistry with spectacle, and still maintained quality.
The emperor himself praised her, rewarding her with jewels, while the empress rebuked Princess Huayang for arrogance and ordered her to reflect in seclusion. From then on, Shen Jingzhu’s fame spread throughout the capital, the model of noble daughters.
Now, seeing her betrothal to the Duke’s heir falter, many young ladies could not help but watch with schadenfreude.
So what if she was a celebrated talent? Was she not still unwanted, her marriage unsettled?
Shen Jingzhu felt the gazes from all sides, yet remained upright, smiling gently. What lay in her heart, only she knew.
Xu Shuyao knew nothing of this until Third Miss Xiao Jinshan whispered it to her. Only then did she realize this was the heir’s betrothed. She glanced once, and when Shen Jingzhu looked back, she even returned a friendly smile. Even if she herself might marry one day, her brother would continue to deal with the Duke’s mansion.
Xu Shuyao would never make enemies needlessly. Whoever became the heir’s wife, it was always wise to show goodwill in advance.