When Xiao Jinwen entered Madam Liu’s quarters, the maids had already set out stools and poured a pot of hot tea. After saluting his mother, he sat down and lifted the cup. The maid smiled faintly before retreating to stand quietly aside.
Madam Liu gazed at her son with a gentle smile. Though not yet of age, Jinwen was already taller than the Third Master. He had always been mild and courteous, rarely giving her cause for worry.
Born into a noble family, Madam Liu carried herself with the pride of her lineage, even though the Liu clan had since declined. In the Duke of Cheng’s household, her husband was only the second legitimate son, overshadowed by two elder brothers. Her own family background was not as illustrious as the Marquis of Qingyuan’s.
Still, she had borne two sons—fewer than the main wife, but luckier than Madam Chen. So as her son grew, she devoted herself to finding him a worthy match.
She was silently weighing which families might be suitable when Xiao Jinwen asked with a smile, “Mother’s face looks joyful. Is there happy news to share with your son?”
Madam Liu signaled to a maid, who quickly went inside and returned with a booklet. “Come here,” she said, taking it and beckoning him closer.
Puzzled, Xiao Jinwen leaned in. On the opened page was a portrait of a young lady, annotated with her name, age, and family background. Realizing what it was, he turned his face aside, embarrassed.
Among the Xiao sons, all were well-behaved—except Xiao Jinrong—none had yet taken concubines. Madam Liu, seeing her son’s discomfort, did not press him.
“I called you here for this matter. If you feel it inconvenient, you may take it back with you,” she teased, hinting that the household was preparing to arrange his marriage.
Xiao Jinwen stayed only a short while before leaving, still a little dazed. He had glanced through the booklet at his mother’s side: the young ladies were of varied beauty, all proper daughters of scholarly families.
As his mother explained, Grandmother did not wish them to marry into equally powerful houses. The Duke of Cheng’s family was already too prominent; now was the time to act with restraint. So instead of lofty alliances, they would seek matches from respectable but modest scholarly families.
Closing his eyes, Xiao Jinwen tried to recall one of the faces from the booklet, but none had left an impression. Lifting his gaze, he suddenly thought of another figure—the one he had glimpsed earlier.
He smiled faintly, dismissing the thought.
That evening, when the Second Master returned, Madam Chen spoke of Grandmother’s words: “Mother says the younger sons should marry first, no need to wait for the heir. As for Jinrong’s marriage, does my lord have any instructions?”
She filled his cup with wine, smiling brightly.
The Second Master paused mid-bite. “Oh? Mother truly said this?”
Madam Chen pouted playfully. “When have I ever lied to you? It’s the truth, I wouldn’t deceive you.”
The Second Master chuckled, ate another bite, and sipped his wine. “And what instructions did Mother give?”
Madam Chen looked at her husband and said, “Mother only instructed that we need not cling to lofty houses.”
Second Master Xiao nodded with a smile. “If that is so, you may begin the search. The girl’s looks and temperament must be good—dignified, virtuous, and literate as well.”
Hearing his requirements, Madam Chen could not help but feel a pang of sourness. After all, he had only this one son; finding such a match would not be easy.
Yet when she measured those conditions against Xu Shuyao, she realized they fit perfectly.
Lowering her eyes, she smiled faintly. Then, lifting her gaze, her expression overflowed with gentle warmth. “Understood. I will choose only the best.”
Second Master reached across the table to pat her hand, speaking with some emotion: “You’ve worked hard.”
Over the years, Madam Chen had indeed treated Xiao Jinrong well as a stepmother. She never withheld food, clothing, or expenses, nor interfered with the servants in his courtyard, nor put on airs of authority. Even her two daughters called him “Second Brother” with genuine affection.
The Second Master saw clearly: if Madam Chen had taught them otherwise, the children would not have embraced him so naturally.
After supper and his evening wash, the couple enjoyed their tender intimacy.
Soon, both Madam Chen and Madam Liu were busy with marriage arrangements. Madam Liu quickly settled on Zhou Shuhe, daughter of Zhou Yanfu, a Hanlin scholar.
Though Zhou Yanfu was only of fifth rank, the Hanlin Academy scholars held great weight, serving as imperial advisors. The Zhou family already had a reputation for refinement, with younger generations producing scholars in abundance.
Just last year, Zhou Shuhe’s elder brother had been named *second place* in the imperial examinations by the emperor himself. Though he was now only a minor compiler, in time he would surely rise higher.
This was the finest match Madam Liu could secure under Grandmother’s guidance, so she promptly reported it to Songhe Hall. The old lady voiced no objection.
Meanwhile, Madam Chen was no less diligent. She presented her husband with a list of eligible young ladies, analyzing each one carefully, appearing conscientious and thorough.
The Second Master was pleased with her devotion to his son. “Do as you see fit. I trust your judgment.”
Madam Chen smiled. “Very well. Tomorrow I shall summon Jinrong and ask his opinion.”
Though the Second Master said it was unnecessary, his face showed relief.
The next day, Xiao Jinrong was indeed summoned to Jinhua Hall. When he realized his stepmother truly intended to arrange a good marriage for him, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
Had he misjudged her? Was she not planning to force that orphan girl from Jiyun Hall upon him?
His brows furrowed slightly as he turned his gaze to the list of young ladies. Their birth dates and family backgrounds were clearly marked—none were concubines’ daughters, nor from fallen households.
Looking again at Madam Chen, her eyes held a gentle smile, like a deep pool whose depths could not be fathomed.
Xiao Jinrong immediately lowered his head and said respectfully, “I must trouble Mother. I think all these young ladies are fine. Please make the decision.”
Madam Chen smiled with satisfaction. “Rest assured, I will show the list to your father as well. And of course, we must seek Grandmother’s opinion. You will not be wronged.”
Her words were perfectly measured, leaving no room for reproach.