Longevity Hall
Madam He was seated on one side of the luohan couch, speaking with her daughter-in-law. Sitting below her was a woman in her early thirties.
This was Cao shi, the current Marchioness of Jingbei. She had a slender oval face, long brows, and delicate eyes—reasonably attractive. She wore an entire set of heavy red-gold jewelry inlaid with pearls, a dark purple silk jacket with patterned trim, and a matching skirt below. Her appearance was ostentatiously wealthy, dazzling to the eye.
In truth, Madam He had never been particularly satisfied with this daughter-in-law. Back then, her younger son had not inherited the title; his looks were average, his abilities unremarkable. When it came time to arrange a marriage, compromises had been unavoidable. After much picking and choosing, they settled on the legitimate daughter of a mid-ranking official.
Unexpectedly, after Cao shi married in, her vision proved narrow and her manner noisy and vulgar. Madam He found her especially grating. Still, fortune later smiled on the Cao family—she became a marchioness after all—and Madam He had no choice but to grant her a measure of respect.
Suppressing her irritation again and again, Madam He listened as her daughter-in-law rambled on at length, still failing to state her true purpose. Her patience finally snapped. Her expression darkened as she said coldly,
"You came today to see this old woman—what business do you have?"
Cao shi choked for a moment, then forced an awkward smile.
"Mother, please allow me to explain. I do have an important matter to discuss with you."
Once she reached the point, her face lit up with excitement.
"Mother, my elder brother and sister-in-law met with misfortune and passed away, leaving behind my two poor nieces." She drew out a handkerchief and dabbed theatrically at eyes that held not a trace of moisture. "As their aunt, I must naturally plan carefully for their future."
Madam He's brow twitched. She looked up sharply at her animated daughter-in-law, narrowing her eyes.
"Do not forget the matter concerning the eldest girl."
Was this greedy woman planning a backup scheme? The imperial household would never tolerate one girl being promised to two families—not even the thought of it could be entertained.
"Of course I remember!"
Cao shi denied it at once. No matter how calculating she was, she would never dare meddle with matters involving the imperial family. She hurried to explain,
"I am arranging a match for the second girl."
Madam He's rigid posture eased. She lifted her teacup and took a sip, casting Cao shi a sidelong glance.
"Which family?"
Cao shi could barely contain her delight.
"The Duke of Han's household—the Feng family. Yesterday, Madam Feng paid a visit. As it turns out, she has taken a liking to our second girl and wishes to betroth her to her youngest son."
"The Duke of Han holds high rank and great power. The Feng family's wealth is immense, and Seventh Young Master Feng is a legitimate son of a noble house. This is truly an excellent match." Her joy overflowed as she spoke in one breath without pause. "For our family to form an alliance with the Fengs would be a great blessing indeed."
"Mother—"
Madam He said nothing. Cao shi was about to continue singing the match's praises when her words were abruptly cut off by a sharp voice.
"If the Feng family is truly such a fine destination, and Seventh Young Master Feng such an outstanding young man, then my younger sister—an orphan who has lost both parents—naturally does not deserve him."
The curtain was flung aside as Ji Wanqing strode in, her gaze icy as it fixed on Cao shi.
Cao shi had been speaking loudly. Ji Wanqing had only just reached the main hall of Longevity Hall when she heard everything clearly. Her anger flared. Without waiting to be announced, she lifted the curtain and entered.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law turned toward the sound. Ji Wanqing looked coldly at Cao shi and let out a short, mocking laugh.
"If the Feng family is so good, then let cousin take the match instead. Otherwise—"
She looked Cao shi up and down, lips curling.
"Otherwise, Second Aunt could marry him herself. That way, the wealth wouldn't flow to outsiders."
Cao shi's fair face flushed instantly. How could she ever allow her own biological daughter to marry a useless playboy? She had not expected Ji Wanqing, a young unmarried girl, to seize the conversation so bluntly—let alone end it with such a pointed insult.
With the fig leaf torn away so mercilessly, Cao shi felt her face burning, acutely aware of the servants in the room watching her. Humiliated and enraged, she stiffened her expression and said coldly,
"Since ancient times, marriage has been decided by parents and matchmakers. Your parents are no longer alive, so naturally your uncle and I make these decisions. What right does a young woman like you have to interfere?"
"Is that so?"
Ji Wanqing walked to the seat opposite Cao shi and sat down unhurriedly. Before coming, she had already anticipated a complete rupture—otherwise she would not have spoken with such open sarcasm. She had her strategy prepared.
She raised her eyes, glanced at her grandmother who had remained silent throughout, then looked back at the faintly smug Cao shi. She smiled.
"I had thought that once Second Aunt had made my arrangements, she would already be satisfied."
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Chapter Five
"I thought Second Aunt had exhausted herself over my affairs, and that my younger sister's marriage would no longer require your concern."
As soon as Ji Wanqing finished speaking, the room fell into dead silence.
"The Jingbei Marquisate has raised us for many years. Now that the household is not what it once was, as daughters of the Ji family, we should naturally contribute what little we can."
Ji Wanqing's lips curved slightly in a trace of irony. She continued calmly,
"But my father died to uphold the family. Now he has only two children left in this world. My younger sister is gentle by nature—I hope Grandmother will show her more compassion."
When she finished, she directed her gaze straight to the seat of honor, toward Madam He, who had remained wordless all this time.
Cao shi was the sort of person who was exhausting to reason with. Ji Wanqing wanted this settled cleanly and decisively. These words were not meant for Cao shi at all—they were for Madam He.
Her meaning was veiled, yet unmistakable: she understood the household's designs involving the Empress. If they wanted her cooperation, it was not impossible—but there was one condition. Ji Wanxiang's marriage was not to be interfered with.
Ji Wanqing's gaze was resolute. Though isolated and weak, if she truly fought back, it would be easy enough to muddy the waters.
Since the matter involving the Empress Ji could not be avoided, she would simply make use of it. When weighing major gain against minor gain, anyone with sense knew which mattered more.
If neither sister could live well, then what was left to fear? At worst, she would follow her parents and brothers into death.
Ji Wanqing's features already bore some resemblance to her father's. Now, even her eyes mirrored his expression. For a fleeting instant, Madam He was dazed—as though that proud, decisive eldest son of hers stood before her once more.
She quickly recovered, nodding.
"In that case, this matter is settled. Let it be dropped."
Having presided as marchioness for decades, Madam He's judgment was swift and sharp. Since her eldest granddaughter had already staked everything, she made the decision immediately, not allowing Cao shi a chance to interrupt.
Leaving aside her refusal to agree with Cao shi, between the two matters, there was no comparison at all.
The Empress Ji, after all, mattered far more.