At Songhe Hall, Madam Wang had just seen Madam Ruan and her daughter off. She found the Old Madam reclining against a large pillow, eyes closed in rest.
At that moment, it was awkward—neither proper to enter nor to withdraw.
“I know what you wish to say. Go down for now. If that boy returns, send him to me.” The old lady’s voice was slow, not sounding angry.
Madam Wang breathed easier. She had long hoped her eldest son would marry soon.
In past years, Xiao Mo had been stationed at the frontier, so marriage was out of the question. When he first returned to the capital, the Shen girl was only fourteen, and they could only wait.
Now two years had passed, everything was ready—except the marriage. Yet her son had become the obstacle.
Madam Wang dared not arrange it without his consent. She and the Old Madam both knew his temperament—he was one who could overturn the heavens. If the household acted on its own, who knew what disaster might follow? She adjusted the quilt on the couch, then quietly withdrew.
The Old Madam had not been asleep. After a short while, she opened her eyes.
Seeing her mistress deep in thought, Nanny Liu ventured: “Old Madam…”
The Old Madam glanced at her, then said: “Who was on duty outside just now? Bring those two here.”
Nanny Liu was momentarily puzzled, then answered: “Yes.”
Soon, the two young maids who had been holding the curtain were summoned. They stood nervously, unsure what was happening. One stammered: “Old Madam, do you have instructions for us?”
The Old Madam said: “Don’t be anxious. Tell me—did the heir truly come to Songhe Hall just now?”
Relieved, the maid replied: “Yes, I saw from afar.”
“And how did he speak to the Xu girl?” the Old Madam asked.
The maid frowned, recalling carefully: “The heir was nearly at the hall, but for some reason stopped and blocked Cousin Xu. He said something I couldn’t hear, then left.”
There was silence. The maid and Nanny Liu looked at the Dowager.
“What is it?” Nanny Liu asked.
“Nothing,” the Old Madam said with a smile, shaking her head.
“I remember the heir seemed to smile,” the other maid added quickly.
Seeing their master’s expression, she thought she understood and dared to add: “I truly saw him smile. Once while speaking, and again after walking a few steps, he turned back and smiled.”
Her voice was eager, as if seizing a chance to impress.
Nanny Liu scolded: “You talk too much. If you lie, I’ll have you whipped.”
The Old Madam waved her hand: “Enough. You may go.”
As they turned to leave, she called the second maid back. “What is your name?”
“Chun Ya, Madam.”
“From now on, run errands by my side.”
The girl left, overjoyed.
Nanny Liu then said: “Chun Ya does have some cleverness, though her tongue is quick.”
Seeing her mistress silent, lost in thought, Nanny Liu ventured: “Old Madam… are you worried the heir has feelings for Miss Xu?”
The Old Madam came back to herself and waved her hand: “Not necessarily.”
Her grandson rarely involved himself with young ladies outside his own sisters. Yet today, he had asked Miss Xu to deliver a message. That was unusual, so she had asked about it.
If he had walked all the way to the hall, surely he had intended to enter. Why suddenly remember some urgent matter? Even if he opposed the marriage, whom did he ever fear? Why resort to such a flimsy excuse?
The Old Madam raised her brows, thinking of that Xu girl—so young, yet proper and composed. When speaking of Xiao Mo, she had shown no trace of girlish shyness. What was there to worry about?
That evening, Xiao Mo indeed returned only at lamp‑lighting time. Without even changing his clothes, he went straight to Songhe Hall.
At the door, he asked Nanny Liu about the day’s events before entering.
The Old Madam had already finished supper and was playing backgammon with her maids. She did not even lift her brows when she saw her grandson.
Xiao Mo stood by, good‑naturedly watching until the game ended. Then the Old Madam dismissed the maids.
“You still remember to come back?” she said at last, seeing him sit silently without speaking.
“There were ladies here, Grandmother. What business had I to intrude?” Xiao Mo replied calmly, without guilt.
“Don’t play games with me. Was the Shen girl not a lady? When have our families ever avoided each other?” The Old Madam scoffed.
He said nothing. After a pause, she asked suddenly: “You don’t want this marriage, do you?”
“Yes.” Xiao Mo’s answer was crisp and direct.
The Old Madam’s brows twitched, but inwardly she felt relief. At least it was not vague. Two years ago, he had been indifferent, neither agreeing nor refusing. Even when her daughter‑in‑law mentioned it later, she had not pressed.
“Mo’er, you know this marriage was arranged in your great‑grandfather’s time. Though only a verbal betrothal, our Duke’s mansion cannot lightly break faith.” Her tone was solemn as she looked at her tall grandson.
The Shen and Xiao families had been close for generations. His mother and Madam Ruan were bosom friends. To withdraw would damage those ties.
But this grandson had always been aloof. Though born heir, his life was not easy. He bore the future of the Duke’s mansion. From the age of five, he rose before dawn to train in arms, then studied with the princes in the palace.
Do not be deceived by his youth—his command of the Imperial Guard was earned through years at the frontier, through skill and experience.
The Old Madam, though selfish in her heart, wished her grandson could live more lightly, with a wife he truly liked at his side. She knew well the importance of finding a kindred partner. So she would not force him.
But he must understand the cost.
“I know, Grandmother.” Xiao Mo met her gaze. “You need not worry. The Shen family may not insist on marrying into our Duke’s mansion.”
His eyes held a smile, and the Old Madam’s expression changed.
T/n: note that Nanny Liu and Third Madam Liu have different Liu characters.