“These families—let’s settle on them for now.”
The Duchess set the floral note back onto the small table, her fingertip tapping lightly against the paper, her expression more serious than in previous days.
Outside, the sun blazed brightly, and the cicadas’ cries filtered through the window paper, making the stillness indoors feel even more pronounced. Guiqiong stood in attendance, while Danzhi held a small gilt-lacquer tray containing several invitations that had already been screened once, along with past records of correspondence. Wen Yunyi sat below, a separate list she had transcribed herself placed beside her—only three households remained on it.
One was the Left Vice Censor’s residence: a stable family with a simple household. The Madam was capable without being harsh, and their only son was currently studying at the Imperial Academy, highly regarded by his elders.
Another was the Minister of Ceremonies’ household: a refined and upright family. Their second legitimate son was skilled in writing—not exceptionally outstanding, but steady and reliable.
The third was a branch of Marquis Xuanping’s manor. Though the title sounded grand, the branch had long been separated, and the household was orderly, with reasonable elders. The only concern was that the young master was somewhat carefree and would require further observation.
After reviewing the list, the Duchess showed a hint of approval.
“You’ve screened them carefully,” she said. “You know to eliminate those families that appear flourishing on the surface but are chaotic within.”
Wen Yunyi lowered her gaze. “Mingshu has a straightforward temperament. If she marries into a large household where she must constantly scheme against others, she may not endure it. Rather than pursuing status alone, it is better to first consider family conduct and household structure.”
The Duchess nodded.
Xu Jinzhi, who happened to be present, added, “A simple household is one thing, but the man himself must also stand firm. If he cannot, even the most peaceful family cannot protect Mingshu.”
His words were practical.
The Duchess glanced at her son. “Do you have someone in mind?”
Xu Jinzhi remained composed and drew out the invitation from the Censorate.
“I’ve heard a few things about this family. That Young Master Lu conducts himself steadily and has no reputation for frivolity. If Mother intends to let Mingshu meet people, this family is worth a closer look.”
The Duchess listened without showing it, though in her mind she had already moved that name slightly higher.
Wen Yunyi, seated nearby, instinctively reviewed the matter in her thoughts.
The Duchess continued, “Qixi is approaching. Earl Zhongyong’s Manor hosts a gathering every year, and their invitation has arrived. The families attending are suitable—there will be both ladies and young men. We’ll take Mingshu there to make an appearance and observe first.”
As soon as she said this, the atmosphere in the room shifted.
Wen Yunyi responded, “I will arrange Mingshu’s clothing, jewelry, and attendants.”
The Duchess gave a small nod. “With her temperament, she’ll likely bristle at the words ‘meeting prospects.’ Go speak to her first so she doesn’t make a fuss.”
Before Wen Yunyi could reply, a young maid entered to announce that the Young Lady had arrived.
The moment Xu Mingshu entered, her eyes landed on the gilt tray and the invitations spread across the table.
Her steps faltered briefly, her eyes lighting up at once, though she tried to appear nonchalant. “Why did Mother call me?”
Seeing through her act, the Duchess let out a cold laugh. “I called you to listen. Your own marriage is something others are more concerned about than you, yet you’re still idling about outside.”
At the mention of “marriage,” Xu Mingshu’s ears flushed. Her face wrinkled in protest. “Why are we talking about this again?”
Though she complained, her eyes still drifted toward the invitations.
Wen Yunyi noticed clearly but did not expose her. “On Qixi, Earl Zhongyong’s Manor is hosting a gathering. Mother intends to take you along.”
“Qixi?” Xu Mingshu froze, then quickly understood. “So that means… I’m going to be looked at?”
The Duchess cut her off immediately. “You are going to look at others, not be chosen. Sit up straight—don’t act like you’re heading to an execution.”
That remark nearly made everyone laugh.
Xu Mingshu choked slightly but straightened her back, though the conflict on her face remained. “Then… what kind of families will be there?”
The Duchess waved off the question. “You’ll see when you get there.”
Xu Mingshu turned to Wen Yunyi, her curiosity plainly written in her eyes.
Wen Yunyi glanced at her and said, “They’ve all been screened by Mother and me. Their status, family conduct, and household structure are appropriate. There’s no need to frighten yourself.”
“And their looks?” Xu Mingshu blurted out.
Even Xu Jinzhi lifted his eyes at that.
Under their gazes, Xu Mingshu flushed. “I mean… you can’t ignore that either.”
The Duchess’s temple twitched, but before she could speak, Wen Yunyi said calmly, “Appearance is naturally considered as well.”
The tension in the room eased.
With that, the Qixi gathering was settled.
But Xu Mingshu was not the only one included.
On the other side, Zheng Lingyun had suddenly become more restrained in recent days.
She continued studying etiquette daily under Governess Tao, mastering every movement—standing, sitting, rising, and bowing. Before the Duchess, she grew increasingly obedient, speaking softly and keeping her gaze lowered. Toward Wen Yunyi, she remained perfectly proper, even adding an extra touch of thoughtfulness to her greetings. If there were small tasks, she would help without overstepping, never pushing herself forward—leaving no fault to be found.
The Duchess, who had previously felt indifferent toward her, could not help but acknowledge her apparent propriety.
On the day they discussed Mingshu’s marriage, Zheng Lingyun happened to come to the Main Chamber to pay her respects.
She was dressed modestly in a plain bean-green outfit, with only a simple silver hairpin. Her face appeared clean and gentle. She greeted them properly and, upon seeing Xu Mingshu, smiled and addressed her as “Cousin.”
The Duchess, seeing her standing to the side, suddenly recalled the Qixi gathering. “Lingyun has been staying here for some time. It is not good for her to remain cooped up. On Qixi, you may come along as well. There will be other young ladies—it will be a chance to relax.”
The suggestion came suddenly.
Xu Mingshu froze, her lips tightening immediately.
Zheng Lingyun herself seemed surprised. She lowered her head to thank the Duchess, her posture proper, though a faint trace of joy could not be concealed.
Wen Yunyi remained composed.
She was not surprised the Duchess would include Zheng Lingyun. At her age, it was natural to bring her out—others would see it as generosity.
As that thought settled, Xu Mingshu muttered, “Mother, she’s going too?”
The Duchess shot her a look. “What kind of expression is that? She is your cousin. Why shouldn’t she go with you?”
Xu Mingshu had no choice but to swallow her dissatisfaction, though her expression remained unhappy.
After leaving the Main Chamber, she immediately pulled Wen Yunyi aside in Pear Moon Pavilion to complain.
“Why is she going?” Xu Mingshu sat on the couch, holding a freshly washed grape, her tone full of displeasure. “This is my matter, yet she keeps tagging along.”
The pavilion had newly placed ice basins, a coolness lingering in the air. Wen Yunyi sat nearby, reviewing fabrics from the sewing room, and replied calmly, “Your mother brings her for propriety, not to confuse priorities.”
Xu Mingshu knew this, yet still felt uncomfortable. “I just find her annoying.”
Wen Yunyi did not indulge her. Instead, she held up a piece of soft gauze fabric against her, stepping back to examine it.
“Stop focusing on her. The important one on Qixi is you.”
She continued selecting fabrics. “Apricot red is too lively. With all the lanterns on Qixi night, clarity is enough.” Then she turned to Bai Lan. “Bring out the set with eastern pearls, and find that forehead bead from before.”
Bai Lan acknowledged.
Though Xu Mingshu had been sulking, her attention was gradually drawn to the fabrics. Being a young lady, talk of clothing and jewelry easily shifted her mood.
On Qixi, the gathering at Earl Zhongyong’s Manor was held by the Waterside Pavilion of a separate estate.
By the time the Duchess arrived with the two young ladies, many guests were already present. The older women conversed in the Flower Hall, while the younger ones gathered near the pavilion to admire lanterns, taste festive pastries, and listen to stories of Qixi. The gathering was elegant rather than grand, making it ideal for discreet matchmaking.
As Xu Mingshu stepped out of the carriage, Wen Yunyi adjusted her collar.
She wore a pale silk dress embroidered with fine gold threads, fresh and luminous. Eastern pearl ornaments adorned her hair, and a single small bead marked her forehead. She looked like a lotus beneath moonlight—bright yet refined. The Duchess felt reassured at once.
Zheng Lingyun, as expected, was dressed plainly—a pale white outfit with minimal decoration, a single silver hairpin, and barely any makeup.
Xu Mingshu glanced at her, her lips twitching slightly, but said nothing.
The Duchess, seeing this, felt even more that Zheng Lingyun at least understood propriety.
In the Flower Hall, the attending ladies naturally praised Xu Mingshu—her manners, her beauty, the upbringing of the Duke’s Manor. The Duchess responded modestly, though she was clearly pleased.
Zheng Lingyun remained quietly at the edge.
Everything proceeded smoothly at first.
But the change came unexpectedly.
As the group moved to the Waterside Pavilion, a young maid carrying fresh flower tea slipped near Zheng Lingyun. Her hand tilted, and most of the tea spilled onto Zheng Lingyun’s skirt and sleeve.
The surroundings fell silent.
The tea was warm—not enough to burn, but enough to soak the fabric. Zheng Lingyun stepped back in surprise. Looking down, her pale skirt was stained with a large dark patch, making it unsuitable to remain.
The maid dropped to her knees, trembling as she apologized.
The Duchess frowned—not out of anger, but at the unfortunate timing.
Zheng Lingyun quickly composed herself. “Maternal Aunt, please don’t blame her. I was careless as well. But with my clothing like this, it would be improper to stay. I’ll return to the carriage to change and come back shortly.”
Her words were composed, not a trace of grievance showing.
The Duchess could not object. “Go, and don’t catch a chill.”
Bi Xuan helped her leave.
Wen Yunyi stood to the side, her gaze lingering briefly on the spilled tea.
Too coincidental.
So coincidental that it invited suspicion.
Her intuition settled, though her expression remained unchanged.
Before long, Zheng Lingyun returned.
But this time, she was no longer the same.
The pale outfit was gone, replaced by a begonia-red dress that complemented her complexion perfectly. The color was not gaudy, yet on her, it highlighted her fair skin and bright eyes. Her simple adornment had been replaced by a delicate gold hairpin with a small dangling pearl, adding an understated charm.
More importantly, her makeup had changed.
The previously faint blush now accentuated her eyes and lips, bringing out her natural allure.
The moment she appeared, even the ladies in the Flower Hall looked twice.
As for the young men by the pavilion—who had been paying attention to Xu Mingshu—their gazes shifted instinctively.
Not improper.
Just that natural pause when one sees beauty.
And that was enough.
Xu Mingshu, mid-conversation, noticed and turned. Her face paled slightly.
She was not foolish. She knew where those gazes had been—and where they had shifted.
A sharp sense of grievance rose within her, as if something had been snatched from her in public.
Yet she could not speak.
Because Zheng Lingyun had a perfectly reasonable excuse.
She stood there, her throat tight, her smile nearly faltering.
The Duchess also sensed something amiss, her expression dimming slightly.
At that moment, Wen Yunyi understood completely.
The spilled tea was too convenient. The change of clothes too swift. Even the makeup had been adjusted flawlessly. If it were merely a quick change in the carriage, there would not have been time for such careful refinement.
This had not been spontaneous.
It had been prepared in advance—waiting for an excuse.
As the realization settled, Wen Yunyi’s gaze grew calm.
She did not look at Zheng Lingyun immediately. Instead, she reached out and steadied Xu Mingshu’s arm. The young lady’s fingers were cold—she was shaken.
“Stand firm,” Wen Yunyi said quietly. “If you lose your composure now, you will only let her succeed.”
Xu Mingshu’s eyes nearly reddened, but she forced herself to steady.
She was, after all, the legitimate young lady of the Duke’s Manor. Though shaken, she could not collapse entirely. With that one sentence, she straightened her back again.
Meanwhile, Zheng Lingyun returned to the gathering, her expression gentle with a hint of apology—as if her stunning appearance were unintentional.
Yet at the moment she lifted her gaze, Wen Yunyi looked over.
Their eyes met briefly across the room.
Zheng Lingyun’s heart skipped, though her expression remained unchanged as she lowered her gaze.
She knew her scheme might fool Xu Mingshu, but not necessarily Wen Yunyi.
But what of it?
As long as everyone in the hall had noticed her, this outing had not been in vain.