The one who should have been the focus did not appear, leaving both sides uneasy. Especially Shen Jingshu—her embarrassment was matched by a deep sense of helplessness. She had persuaded Madam Ruan to come today, hoping to use her elder’s authority to pressure Xiao Mo. Yet it had failed.
He would not even show his face in the Old Madam’s hall—how could there be any progress beyond this?
Xiao Mo was the Duchess’s eldest son, already grown, and the undisputed heir of the Duke’s mansion. He was also a second‑rank official of the court.
Shen Jingshu knew: unless he himself agreed, their childhood betrothal could never be fulfilled.
Though the Duchess and Old Madam treated her kindly for now, who could override the will of their own son and grandson?
Seeing the cautious glances around her, Shen Jingshu forced reason to prevail. She smiled softly, speaking with tact: “Since the heir has official duties, business must come first. Aunt, please don’t blame him.”
Madam Wang felt some relief. Her son was clearly at fault, but at least the young lady was sensible. Still, given Xiao Mo’s attitude, she dared not grow too close to Shen Jingshu and steered the conversation elsewhere.
The Old Madam already knew the truth: her grandson must marry, and whether this match was good or bad, it needed resolution. She resolved to ask him directly when he returned.
Madam Chen sat below, unconcerned that the heir had used her niece to deliver a message. An orphan, no matter how pretty, had her status fixed. And if he would not even consider Grand Preceptor Shen’s granddaughter, how could he look at her niece? She had been forced to watch a spectacle today, and it left her anxious.
Madam Liu likely thought the same. After all, Fourth Young Master was already seventeen. If the eldest son did not marry, the younger ones could not speak of it. Men were not pressed for time—but for women, the golden years of marriage were few.
Madam Chen worried for Xu Shuyao. If her stepson delayed, would she truly have to help him wed a noble girl of the capital?
When Madam Ruan departed, Xu Shuyao stood with the others beneath the corridor to see her off.
The distinguished lady bid farewell to the Old Madam, then clasped Madam Wang’s hand with lingering reluctance, her manner tinged with flattery.
Shen Jingshu stood nearby, smiling shyly. It was clear the conversation between the two elder women revolved around her.
Xu Shuyao felt a pang of emotion at this maternal devotion. She thought of her own mother. Her memories before age eight were blurred, but she recalled her mother’s gentle warmth before illness. She tended plants, often with a playful scolding expression. Her father’s salary was modest, supporting the large Xu household. Her mother gathered simple grasses from the countryside—humble, but hardy.
Before her brother was born, Xu Shuyao would chase butterflies in the courtyard, while her mother sat sewing under the veranda. Sometimes she would call her over to wipe her sweat, her voice full of mock reproach, and Xu Shuyao would secretly kiss her cheek. Back then, she had believed herself her parents’ cherished daughter, her eyes full of innocent joy.
Xu Shuyao withdrew her gaze, feeling a pang of sorrow.
“It’s all in vain,” came Liu Qingwan’s faint murmur behind her.
Xu Shuyao heard it clearly but pretended not to.
After Madam Ruan and her daughter departed, the Duchess and Old Madam returned inside. The second and third branches did not linger at Songhe Hall.
The three young ladies walked together, while Madam Liu and Madam Chen followed behind.
Xiao Jinshan, brimming with gossip, looked at Xu Shuyao with sparkling eyes: “Cousin! What exactly did Eldest Brother say to you? Tell me, imitate his words for me!”
Xu Shuyao was destined to disappoint her. With her aunt and Madam Liu walking behind, and Liu Qingwan nearby with ill intent, how could she indulge in such chatter?
“Didn’t I already explain in Songhe Hall? You didn’t hear?” She flicked Xiao Jinshan’s forehead lightly.
Xiao Jinshan clicked her tongue: “Old‑fashioned! You know that’s not what I meant. I’m just curious about Eldest Brother’s manner when he spoke.”
Xu Shuyao glanced at the girl who had just been chatting warmly with Shen Jingshu inside. She was speechless.
It seemed Shen Jingshu’s reputation as the model noblewoman had indeed strained the bonds among the young ladies. Even those not vying for Xiao Mo might not wish to see her succeed.
Xu Shuyao said no more. Liu Qingwan also wanted to know, but she would not ask—she had already offended her in Songhe Hall.
Both kept their thoughts hidden, continuing to address each other politely as cousins.
Behind them, Madam Chen and Madam Liu discussed the matter.
“I only wish he would marry quickly. Who knows what the Old Madam thinks? If not this Shen girl, then there’s Miss Wang, Miss Zhang. They can’t keep dragging it out. Don’t you agree, Second Sister‑in‑law?” Madam Liu spoke rapidly, her tone tinged with complaint.
“Marriage is a serious matter. Isn’t it said that good things take time? How could it be rushed?” Madam Chen replied with conventional words of comfort.
Madam Liu scoffed: “You’re not in a hurry…”
She did not explain why Madam Chen was unhurried; the meaning was clear enough.
Madam Chen only smiled. Her sister‑in‑law had guessed wrong, but she did not argue. In truth, she was very anxious—anxious to find her stepson Xiao Jinrong a wife she could control. She had no wish to become a mother‑in‑law who must bow to her daughter‑in‑law’s will.
How to achieve this? She held the contracts of her niece’s maids in her hand—an excellent means of control. Occasionally, she summoned them to Jinhua Hall to ask questions. Xu Shuyao’s life was dull: apart from her brother, she stayed in Jiyun Hall, embroidering and reading.
Though she had placed her in Jiyun Hall near the outer court, the girl never contrived chance encounters. How then could she leave an impression on the men?
Madam Chen was troubled. Xu Shuyao was too quiet. Even at sixteen, with her aunt not arranging a marriage, she showed no urgency.
Well, let it be.
After today’s events, the eldest branch and the Old Madam should soon reach a decision.
Whether the heir married or not, it must be settled quickly. If he did not, then the younger brothers deserved an explanation.