The affairs within the household could not escape the old matron's eyes.
Learning that her grandson got drunk, she placed the blame squarely on Ji Mingzhu.
If it weren't for her spreading rumors behind the scenes, how could Brother Xuan have become so inebriated?
Those who sow discord are often household troublemakers.
Initially, she considered allowing her to stay and become Brother Xuan's concubine, but now that seems impossible.
Feeling dissatisfied, she wanted to quickly marry off Ji Mingzhu.
Her grandson's marriage requires careful consideration and can't be rushed, but marrying off Ji Mingzhu doesn't require such meticulousness.
As long as the potential groom's conditions are satisfactory, the marriage can proceed.
If the process is sped up, two or three months is enough to arrange the marriage.
The old matron originally thought that by arranging a marriage for her grandson, some issues could be resolved.
Now, she felt that marrying off Ji Mingzhu was the most thorough solution.
Otherwise, how could Brother Xuan focus on finding a suitable match if his thoughts lingered?
Even if he went through the motions of matchmaking, would he truly treat his legitimate wife well?
The phenomenon of favoring a concubine over a wife is hardly new; if Ji Mingzhu became Brother Xuan's concubine, he might make foolish decisions.
Failing in personal virtue would attract criticism.
At that point, what prospects would Brother Xuan have left?
The old matron was gripped by a moment of fear; luckily, things hadn't reached a point of no return, and there was still a chance to correct them.
Ji Mingzhu could no longer stay.
She must be married off!
With her mind made up, the next day Mrs. Guan brought her daughter and Ji Mingzhu to pay respects, and the old matron kept them behind.
She got straight to the point, "Mingzhu is of marriageable age now; do you have someone in mind, or shall I make the decision for her?"
Mrs. Guan was startled. Mingzhu had just come of age; why was her mother-in-law in such a rush to marry her off?
The Xie Family, with a century-long foundation, was a prominent family in the capital and certainly not unable to support a girl.
Moreover, all of Mingzhu's sustenance came from the Ji Family.
Why could the old matron not accommodate her?
Could it be that Mingzhu had run into Ah Zhen that day and was deemed to be a scheming girl?
Fearing that Mingzhu would become entangled with Ah Zhen, they were plotting to marry her off; this seemed to be the only reason Mrs. Guan could think of.
Her thoughts in turmoil, she remained outwardly calm.
Though she didn't understand the old matron's reasoning, she couldn't allow her decision-making power to slip away.
Mingzhu was the daughter of her close friend, calling her aunt, so she must protect Mingzhu well.
Mrs. Guan responded swiftly, "I've already chosen someone; once I thoroughly investigate the gentleman, I'll arrange for Mingzhu to meet him."
With one sentence, she blocked whatever the old matron was about to say next.
The old matron, fiddling with her jade bracelet, spoke earnestly, "A girl's prime is only here for a few years; you mustn't squander Mingzhu's."
"I'll make arrangements promptly, and ensure she finds a suitable match, upholding our Xie Family's dignity."
No fools were present.
The old matron understood the implication of Mrs. Guan's words.
If Ji Mingzhu were to marry poorly, the Xie Family might be accused of mistreating an orphaned girl.
Now that her daughter-in-law wouldn't relent, the old matron couldn't say much more.
Once the new year had passed, if the issue remained unresolved, they couldn't blame her for intervening.
She said, "In this freezing weather, I won't keep you; go back."
Mrs. Guan breathed a sigh of relief, "Mother-in-law, take good care; tomorrow I'll send some youngsters to accompany you for a chat."
The old matron's eyes flickered, "What's so interesting about accompanying an old lady like me? Now that the snow has stopped, let them go out and enjoy the sights."
Mrs. Guan was bewildered, not knowing what the old matron was planning.
This was hardly the time to question further.
She simply said, "In this cold, people become lazy, who knows if they'd even want to go out."
The old matron had other plans, reprimanding, "Young people are full of energy; keeping them cooped up in the manor is vexing."
Mrs. Guan's mouth twitched, "I didn't mean that."
The old matron waved her hand, "Let Ah Zhen and Brother Xuan go with them. With the two brothers there, nothing will happen."
With her decisive statement, there was no room for discussion.
While others were unaware of the reason, Ji Mingzhu knew.
It was likely intended to create an opportunity for Xie Yunzhen to meet some noble lady.
If this had happened in her past life, she would undoubtedly have felt discomfort.
But now, she had no feelings for Xie Yunzhen; it didn't matter to her who he met or married.
It didn't affect her mood.
Leaving Crane Dance Hall, Mrs. Guan comforted Ji Mingzhu, holding her hand.
"Don't worry, dear; your aunt will handle everything."
Ji Mingzhu had been warned just the other day, and if she couldn't understand the old matron's intentions now, she'd be a fool.
It was likely because her second brother was drunk yesterday and she went to the eastern courtyard, adding another note to the old matron's book.
Clasping Mrs. Guan's hand in return, Ji Mingzhu replied lightly, "I'm not worried. I trust Aunt to find the best match for me."
Being trusted, Mrs. Guan beamed with delight.
Pinching Ji Mingzhu's nose, she teased, "How could anything less than the best match our precious Mingzhu?"
With the conversation at this point, Mrs. Guan took the opportunity to ask, "What kind of husband do you want? Tell your aunt so I have a reference."
Ji Mingzhu immediately responded, "Someone upright and kind, gentle and considerate, with simple family relations."
Mrs. Guan asked again, "Do you prefer a scholar or a warrior?"
Before Ji Mingzhu could respond, she clapped her forehead, "What am I saying? A man who's skilled in both is best, just like Ah Zhen."
Ji Mingzhu twitched her lips, "The Princely Heir's elegance and grace are rare in the world, but he feels distant. I want a husband who doesn't need great achievements, as long as he treats me sincerely."
Her indifference to fame and wealth only made Mrs. Guan feel more tender-hearted.
If the Ji Family hadn't declined, Mingzhu could even marry into the Imperial Family.
Gripping Ji Mingzhu's hand firmly, Mrs. Guan suddenly thought of a suitable candidate.
"My sister-in-law is from Yangzhou, with the surname Yuan. She has a nephew, skilled in literature, charming and debonair, unwilling to enter officialdom, now a teacher at an academy."
The more Mrs. Guan thought, the more suitable she found this nephew for Mingzhu.
Besides being a distant marriage, there was no flaw.
Excitedly, she said, "Once the new year is over, you'll go to Yangzhou with your second brother. Aunt will arrange everything, and you can meet Nephew Yuan. If you hit it off, Aunt will handle the rest."
Mrs. Guan looked cheerful, "Your second brother can help you judge; he has a keen eye for people."
Ji Mingzhu was astonished, "Aunt, isn't this too fast?"
"Not too fast at all. I originally considered Nephew Yuan but feared you'd think him unambitious. Now, I believe you two might create a perfect match."
Ji Mingzhu's mind was in a whirl.
She intended to marry, but planning and acting are two different things.
Now Aunt truly seemed ready to act.
Feeling a bit nervous, Ji Mingzhu said, "Aunt, what if Nephew Yuan already has someone in his heart? Wouldn't it be inappropriate to visit abruptly?"
Mrs. Guan patted her hand, "Aunt will do her due diligence. If his heart is set, no matter how good he is, we won't want him. Otherwise, there'd only be endless grievances later."
Such an ordinary comment brought tears to Ji Mingzhu's eyes.
Grievances, indeed.
In her past life, she had already experienced this.
"Why are you crying? Is it that you don't want to marry?"
Ji Mingzhu shook her head, "Aunt, I agree this is a good match. I'll rely on you to investigate. If I find a connection with Nephew Yuan, let's settle it."
Mrs. Guan was overjoyed, only regretting the upcoming new year, when long-distance travel was inconvenient.
Otherwise, meeting earlier would have led to earlier resolution.
By rights, the groom should make the trip.
But with Mingzhu's depression, going to Yangzhou might be a diversion, so Mrs. Guan decided not to fuss over such formalities.
To help Ji Mingzhu learn about the Yuan Family, Mrs. Guan took her back to the second house's main courtyard.
Only after having lunch did she allow Ji Mingzhu to return to Xiao Xiang Courtyard.