Chapter 442 A Big Misunderstanding

Old Madam Shi was speechless. She then realized that she had been so focused on stopping her son-in-law from remarrying that she had forgotten that her granddaughter's marriage also needed someone to take care of it.

Yuan Hongqu added fuel to the fire: "Speaking of which, that Miss Qiu often helps Yu'er with affairs. I heard she's quite capable, managing the Lin household very well. It's a pity that her position isn't legitimate..."

Old Madam Shi remained silent.

Although she was unhappy that her son-in-law remarried, she was even more reluctant to see her granddaughter suffer.

A few days later, the Jia family's attitude softened noticeably.

Old Madam Shi even sent a pair of jade bracelets as a gift for Qiu Hui.

When the news reached Suzhou, Qiu Hui finally felt relieved.

Lin Ruhai then formally hired a matchmaker to propose marriage to the Qiu family.

On the day of the engagement, the Lin residence was brightly decorated and bustling with activity.

Looking at her father and Qiu Hui standing side by side, Daiyu suddenly felt that this winter was exceptionally warm.

She quietly left the noisy flower hall and went to the courtyard alone. Snowflakes fell silently, covering the bluestone path.

“Mother,” she murmured, gazing at the falling snow, “Do you see? Father has someone with him now. You can rest assured.”

A snowflake landed on her eyelashes, melting into a water droplet, like a mother's tear.

Footsteps sounded behind them, and Lin Ruhai and Qiu Hui walked over side by side.

Lin Ruhai draped a cloak over Daiyu, while Qiu Hui handed her a hand warmer.

"Yu'er, thank you," Qiu Hui said softly. "If it weren't for you..."

Daiyu took her hand, smiled and shook her head: "Sister, there's no need to say such things. From now on, we are family."

The snow fell heavier and heavier, but the three of them stood side by side, feeling as warm as spring.

The news of Lin Ruhai and Qiu Hui's engagement spread like wildfire throughout the capital in less than three days.

When this news was casually mentioned in the imperial court, almost all eyes turned to Yuan Hongqu.

The Vice Minister of Works was the first to approach, looking at Yuan Hongqu with sympathy and sighing deeply: "Lord Yuan, please try to think more positively. There are plenty of good men in this world..."

Even the Minister of Personnel, who had always disagreed with Yuan Hongqu's political views, looked at her with rare sympathy today: "Lord Yuan, if you need a few days off, our ministry can arrange it for you."

Yuan Hongqu felt both amused and exasperated, but she still responded with a calm expression: "Thank you all for your concern, but I am naturally happy for the Lin family's happy occasion."

To everyone else, these words sounded like a perfect example of forcing a smile.

After the court session, the Empress specially invited Yuan Hongqu to take a walk in the Imperial Garden. It was the dead of winter, and the red plum blossoms in the garden were in full bloom, their subtle fragrance filling the air.

"If you are unhappy, sir, you may speak with me." The Empress carefully chose her words. "I have already given the order that all the procurement for the palace this year will be handled by the embroidery workshop of the Women's Academy."

Yuan Hongqu finally couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Does Your Majesty really think that I would be saddened by such a thing?"

The Empress carefully observed her expression and, seeing that there was indeed no sign of reluctance, exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be that the gentleman really...?"

"Aside from discussing Daiyu's affairs, Lord Lin and I have basically no contact at other times." Yuan Hongqu broke off a sprig of red plum blossom and said in a light tone, "But Yu'er said in her letter that Miss Qiu and Lord Lin are in love, which is a wonderful thing."

The Empress then believed it and couldn't help but sigh, "The entire court was indignant on behalf of you, but you didn't care at all."

Yuan Hongqu laughed and said, "They are judging others by their own standards. Little do they know that not all women in this world need to revolve around marriage."

However, in the following days, something even more absurd happened: the Emperor himself summoned Yuan Hongqu.

In the imperial study, after reviewing the memorials, the Emperor asked, seemingly casually, "I've heard that Siam has been rather unruly lately. Would you be interested in making a diplomatic mission there? Perhaps... to clear your mind?"

Yuan Hongqu suppressed a laugh: "Your Majesty, Siam is thousands of miles away from our country. It would take at least half a year to get there. If I were to go, what about the girls' academy and my official duties..."

"It's alright, it's alright," the Emperor waved his hand, "Just let the people below do it. Mr. Yuan has worked hard all these years, it's time for him to go out and travel."

Yuan Hongqu said solemnly, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. However, I am indeed fine and have no need to worry."

Seeing her composed expression, the Emperor finally believed that she truly didn't care, and couldn't help but laugh loudly: "Good! Ms. Yuan is indeed no ordinary woman! It was I who was petty."

However, the turmoil in the imperial court did not subside.

On this day, Yuan Hongqu had just come out of the palace when she was stopped by Madam Qiu outside the palace gate.

After a few days apart, Madam Qiu looked much more haggard. Upon seeing Yuan Hongqu, her eyes reddened: "Lord Yuan, I beg you, please show mercy..."

Yuan Hongqu quickly helped her to the side: "What do you mean by this, Madam?"

Madam Qiu choked back tears, saying, "Hui'er wrote that Lord Lin's sudden marriage proposal was entirely due to your behind-the-scenes efforts. Now, rumors are rife in the capital, all saying that you deliberately arranged this marriage so that Lord Lin would owe you a favor..."

Yuan Hongqu was stunned. She had indeed given Daiyu advice, but she had absolutely not interfered in Lin Ruhai's marriage!

Madam Qiu continued, "Hui'er said in her letter that if this marriage was arranged by you, she would rather not marry. She can't... she can't take you away..."

Yuan Hongqu finally understood, and couldn't help but feel both annoyed and amused. She took Madam Qiu's hand and said sincerely, "Madam, please go back and tell Miss Qiu that if I, Yuan Hongqu, had any feelings for Lord Lin, she would have been out of the picture long ago. Why wait until today to play the good guy?"

Madam Qiu stared blankly at her: "But everyone in the capital says..."

“They say I’m a wronged woman who was abandoned,” Yuan Hongqu raised an eyebrow. “Is Madam credible?”

Mrs. Qiu was speechless.

Yuan Hongqu sighed, "Don't worry, Madam. I will write a letter to Yu'er and Miss Qiu to explain the matter clearly."

That evening, Yuan Hongqu returned home unusually early.

She spread out the letter paper and first wrote a letter to Daiyu, clearly explaining the rumors in the capital and her own attitude.

He then wrote another letter to Qiu Hui, stating frankly that he was happy for her marriage to Lin Ruhai and had no other intentions.

After she finished writing, she asked someone to send the two letters to the post station and send them out together.

Such a clarification letter is naturally not suitable for transmission via space.

After reading the letter, Yuan Hongqu felt that these young girls were overthinking things. Just as she was thinking about how to completely dispel everyone's doubts, a servant came to report: The Tenth Prince requests an audience.

The Tenth Prince just returned from Suzhou, why is he looking for me now?

As soon as the Tenth Prince entered, he exclaimed, "Mr. Yuan! I heard you're going to Siam to relax? Would you mind taking me with you? I've been wanting to visit Southeast Asia for a long time!"

Yuan Hongqu sighed, "Where did Your Highness hear this rumor?"

The Tenth Prince blinked: "My brother said so! He said you're heartbroken and want to go conquer a small Southeast Asian country to clear your head..."

Yuan Hongqu finally reached her breaking point.

The next morning at court, she specially wore a brand-new third-rank official robe and a jade court hat, looking exceptionally spirited.

When her colleagues came to comfort her, she said loudly, "Thank you all for your concern. However, I really have no intention of getting married. Having Yu'er as a student and the cause of the girls' academy in this life is enough for me."