August 26th and September 10th were both auspicious dates for marriage proposals and weddings.
Once the dates were set, both families began preparing for the wedding with great fanfare.
The Liu Estate had originally prepared dowry according to the standards for a concubine-born daughter. Now that Liu Qingwu was to be married as a legitimate daughter, many additional items needed to be acquired. Servants bustled about the estate daily, creating a lively atmosphere, with various treasures flowing continuously into Qingzhu Courtyard.
Even without anyone telling them, the constant activity beyond their walls made Wang Yiniang and her daughter green with envy.
If their own Huanjie were the one getting married, all these fine things would be theirs.
This thought only intensified their resentment. However, since mother and daughter had always depended on Liu Shangshu, there was nothing they could do without his consent. They could only stew in their jealousy.
On August 26th, the intense summer heat had passed, leaving clear skies and gentle breezes.
Early in the morning, Hou Furen arrived at the Liu Estate with the matchmaker to formally propose marriage.
The Liu Estate had been notified in advance. Upon hearing the servants’ announcement, the eagerly waiting Liu couple hurried out to greet them.
“Houye has come from afar, please come in,” Liu Shangshu greeted with a smile, chatting amiably with Yongning Hou.
Zhang Shi stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with Hou Furen and the matchmaker. After greetings were exchanged, everyone proceeded to Liu Laofuren’s courtyard.
“Laofuren, the master and mistress are almost at the courtyard gate,” a young maid announced as she lifted the door curtain and hurried inside.
“Quick, quick, help me check my appearance,” Liu Laofuren urgently called to Mammy Zhang beside her.
Mammy Zhang stepped forward and carefully examined her from head to toe before nodding affirmatively: “Perfect!”
Only then did Liu Laofuren feel at ease.
After everyone entered and exchanged formal greetings, they took their seats.
The matchmaker spoke first: “Blessings to Laofuren. Since we’re all acquainted here, let’s skip the formalities. You’re familiar with Shizi – handsome in appearance, upright in character, valued by His Majesty in his duties, an exceptional young man in every aspect.”
“Indeed, that’s true,” Liu Laofuren nodded in agreement. She knew her eldest granddaughter’s husband well.
When rumors spread that Hou Manor sought to remarry their Shizi Furen, unmarried maidens throughout Shengjing City became restless. They pestered their families to make inquiries, with some even privately asking Liu Shangshu if he had any information.
“I’ve heard that the Third Young Lady of Liu Estate is virtuous, kind, and skilled in household management. Hou Manor specially comes today to seek her hand in marriage…”
The matchmaker spoke with full enthusiasm, delighting everyone present. Hou Furen timely presented the betrothal gift list. Outside, servants bearing gifts formed two lines that stretched beyond the courtyard gates, demonstrating Hou Manor’s considerable regard for this match.
This news spread as if on wings, reaching every corner of the Liu Estate.
Qingzhu Courtyard.
As one of the two main figures in today’s marriage arrangement, Liu Qingwu sat properly dressed on the soft couch in the study, reading romance novels. Remarkably composed, she reasoned that since both families had already agreed to the marriage in advance, today was merely a formality. Showing no anxiety whatsoever, she occasionally had Lianxin feed her candied fruits.
Lianxin and the other maids didn’t share her nonchalance. Today’s marriage proposal from Hou Manor was the most important event in their young mistress’s life!
Even Fuling, known as the most composed among the four maids, felt somewhat restless. The timid Qingxing need not be mentioned – she had stopped her work entirely, sitting properly at her mistress’s feet while silently embroidering pouches to be distributed as rewards the day after the wedding. Cuiguo had long since run out to gather news.
“Miss, aren’t you the least bit anxious?” Lianxin couldn’t contain herself, handing over a piece of dried fruit to feed into her mouth.
“What is there to be anxious about? Relax your mind. Haven’t you met Jiang Yueheng before? He’s a true gentleman.” Liu Qingwu chewed the dried fruit expressionlessly. “Besides, with parental orders and matchmaker’s words, it’s all very secure.”
“That may be so…”
Before she could finish, a woman’s voice from outside interrupted, “Miss, miss! I heard the betrothal gifts from Hou Manor have been laid out all the way outside Old Madam’s courtyard gate!”
Cuiguo ran in panting heavily. Lianxin, seeing this, quickly approached and offered water: “Speak slowly, what happened?”
Cuiguo took a big gulp and caught her breath: “I was originally guarding the side gate when I overheard passing cleaners saying the gift procession has extended beyond the courtyard gate.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingwu straightened up: “Really?”
All these betrothal gifts would eventually end up in her treasury—the more sent, the more she would receive.
“Really, truly!” Cuiguo nodded vigorously, afraid her young mistress wouldn’t believe her. “I specifically went to look—there are indeed two large boxes tied with red silk at Old Madam’s courtyard gate, with people standing guard beside them.”
“Good Cuiguo, extra treats for you tonight!”
Liu Qingwu blossomed with joy, waving her hand grandly with immense satisfaction! The Hou Manor was sending all sorts of fine items—gold, silver, and treasures were coming her way.
While Qingzhu Courtyard was filled with laughter and cheer, Wang Yiniang’s courtyard presented a completely different scene.
Upon hearing that the gifts had lined up outside the courtyard gate, Wang Yiniang was filled with regret, wishing she had pressed the master harder.
Beyond regret, Liu Qinghuan felt even more resentment and jealousy: Liu Qingwu is a concubine-born daughter, and so am I. What’s more, Father favors me more—why choose Liu Qingwu?
Intense bitterness showed on her face, and her neatly trimmed nails cracked under the pressure of her clenched fists.
Wang Yiniang’s heart ached at the sight. She stepped forward and took the embroidered handkerchief from her daughter’s hand: “Huan’er, be careful with your hands.”
Liu Qinghuan snapped back to reality, allowing her mother to take the handkerchief, her eyes filled with resentment. “Yiniang, I can’t accept this.”
Wang Yiniang drew her daughter into an embrace, gazing firmly out the window. “You will marry someone far better than Liu Qingwu!”
In Furu Hall, after the betrothal matters were settled, the elders conversed cheerfully.
“Huaijin, you must find it dull sitting here. Why not take a stroll in the garden?” Old Madam, noticing Jiang Yueheng sitting quietly listening to everyone, called a maid to lead him to the rear garden.
Those present understood—Old Madam was concerned that Jiang Yueheng might be bored alone and found an excuse to take him to the garden, allowing the young couple to meet before the wedding.
Jiang Yueheng had been in the pavilion for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea when he saw a maid from Old Madam’s courtyard leading Liu Qingwu in from the garden entrance.
“Third Sister greets the Shizi.” Liu Qingwu stepped into the pavilion.
The attendants behind them tactfully moved outside the pavilion, leaving the two alone.
“Third Sister, how have you been lately?” Jiang Yueheng discreetly observed Liu Qingwu—the wedding preparations had been rushed.
The Liu Estate’s wedding arrangements were overseen by Zhang Shi, but Zheng courtyard still summoned her several times daily, whether about the embroidery patterns or the style of the wedding dress. For someone lazy, it was quite exhausting.
“I’m fine, what about Huaijin?” Liu Qingwu asked in return.
“All household affairs are being managed by Mother,” Jiang Yueheng slightly furrowed his brows. After all, Liu Qingyu had passed away in the courtyard, and considering people’s common aversion to such matters, “I’ve already arranged for the courtyard to be completely renovated.”
“Thank you, Huaijin.” This gratitude came from the bottom of Liu Qingwu’s heart, as she hadn’t thought of this matter before. Her elder sister had given birth in that courtyard and passed away there due to excessive bleeding. Though they were family and emotionally unbothered, having it renovated would provide some peace of mind.
They hadn’t spoken long before servants came to summon them to Old Madam’s courtyard for the midday meal.