Xue Shanqiu leaned in Hong Yingrong's arms, whispering in his mother's ear with a hint of imperceptible uneasiness.
"Mother, does the Queen Mother intend for me to marry Prince Linjiang?"
Hong Yingrong gazed at her daughter's pretty face, and her maternal intuition allowed her to catch the worry deep in Xue Shanqiu's eyes.
"Qiu'er, are you unhappy with this marriage?" she asked gently.
In her previous life, Hong Yingrong always believed that this was a match made in heaven. From the discussion of the marriage to the Empress Dowager's decree to grant the marriage, Xue Shanqiu never expressed his satisfaction or displeasure with the marriage.
She just stayed quietly in Fanghua Courtyard, waiting for the moment to get married.
All matters were handled by Hong Yingrong and Jiang Shuxiu, until she finally got into the bridal sedan chair and was married off to the Linjiang Palace on the wedding day.
Xue Shanqiu's voice trembled slightly. She looked at Hong Yingrong deeply, as if she wanted to find a little comfort in her mother's eyes.
"With my mother and elder brother here, and the Queen Mother's arrangements, I have no complaints. But I'm a little worried. I don't know what kind of person Prince Linjiang is."
As Xue Shanqiu spoke, a hint of sadness appeared in his eyes as he missed his deceased father.
If her father were still alive, how would he plan and consider her marriage?
Hong Yingrong looked up at the treetops, and the mottled shadows of the trees swayed gently on her face.
She sighed softly, recalling her past life. It was because of the old marquis's death that she had resolved to find a marriage for Xue Shanqiu that was both honorable and satisfying, hoping that her daughter would live a life without worries. However, things did not go as she wished, and her daughter died young.
Hong Yingrong couldn't help but feel doubtful in her heart. Now she understood that marriage was no joke and should not be decided hastily based solely on status.
She gently stroked Xue Shanqiu's face and said softly, "Don't be afraid, Qiu'er. The Queen Mother is still discussing this matter with me, and it hasn't been finalized. Mother will consider it carefully and will never let you marry rashly."
Upon hearing this, the worry on Xue Shanqiu's face eased a little. She snuggled tightly in Hong Yingrong's arms, feeling the warmth of her mother's embrace.
Hong Yingrong smiled and patted her daughter's back, saying lovingly, "Look at you, you've grown into a big girl, but you're still clinging to your mother and acting like a spoiled child."
His words were filled with love for his daughter.
Nanny Zhao quietly returned to the yard and did not immediately disturb the mother and daughter who were immersed in the warm atmosphere. Instead, she chose to wait quietly by the side.
After a while, she stepped forward and reported softly, "Madam, a mother and daughter have arrived from the farm west of the city at the west corner gate. Mother Han felt sorry for them and asked if they had suffered any injustice at the farm. Mother Han also told them that Madam is the one who understands sympathy for the poor and the weak, and if they have truly encountered any injustice, she will naturally seek justice for them."
When Hong Yingrong heard this, she couldn't help but feel a little confused.
Today, the Xingyuan Marquisate has farms to the west and south of the city outside Beijing, and has been peaceful for the past seven or eight years.
The occasional minor conflicts were nothing more than the men in the village gambling, drinking, and fighting. This was the first time she had encountered someone coming to her house for help.
"What exactly happened?" Hong Yingrong asked seriously.
Aunt Zhao reported to Hong Yingrong everything that Aunt Han had described.
Xue Shanqiu, who was sitting nearby, was so surprised that his eyes widened when he heard about the oppression of tenants, forced marriage of women, and embezzlement of harvest grain.
"Mother Han has already made arrangements. If you, old lady, don't want to see them, I will give them a few strings of money and let them leave." Aunt Zhao suggested.
"No need, let's meet them at the West Corner Gate Observation Pavilion as you and Mother Han arranged. I want to ask them in person what is going on." Hong Yingrong decided.
"Yes, old lady." Zhao Ma Ma agreed.
Hong Yingrong stood up, and Xue Shanqiu walked over to support her: "Mother, I want to go with you to see it too."
"Okay, then you can go with me." Hong Yingrong smiled and nodded, agreeing to her daughter's request.
The viewing pavilion in the west corner of the Marquis' Mansion is separated from the Prince Xue Yuanchu's quiet study, Yunmoxuan, by a colorful flower garden. From here, you can see the rockery in the garden in the distance, and the scenery is particularly pleasant.
The tables and chairs in the pavilion had been carefully wiped spotless by the maids, and tea saucers and fruit plates were neatly placed on them, emitting a faint fragrance.
After consulting Madam Zhao, Mother Han asked the doorman to fetch some water. Then, in the small courtyard in the side room where the maids lived, she had the mother and daughter wash their hands and faces. She carefully examined their hands, feet, and necks to ensure they had no rashes before she felt at ease to change them into clean outer clothes.
This mother and daughter did not understand the etiquette and rules of the Marquis' Mansion, so Mother Han told them to wait outside the viewing pavilion and not to approach casually to avoid offending the old lady.
While waiting, Mother Han's eyes fixed on the group of people slowly approaching from the depths of the corridor. She whispered a reminder, "The old lady is here."
Upon hearing this, the mother and daughter looked in the direction Han's mother was looking.
The group of people looked like the Fairy Mother of the Jade Pool descending to the earth, noble and elegant.
They were startled and immediately knelt down respectfully, not daring to raise their heads.
Hong Yingrong and Xue Shanqiu sat side by side on the exquisite rose bamboo chairs.
Kneeling outside the pavilion, the mother and daughter kowtowed, their voices trembling slightly as they repeated what Han Mama had just taught them: "I, Zhou Jinshi... my daughter Xiaohe, kowtow to the old lady. May the old lady be blessed with good health."
Nanny Zhao stepped forward slowly, her voice gentle yet tinged with authority: "Stand up and answer. If you have any grievances, feel free to speak frankly."
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