Chapter 61 It turns out he's already reached the age where he can get married...
Miss Liu was not doing well in her life.
It wasn't always bad; things were great before she turned six. Back then, she didn't have a brother, her father was all hers, and her mother was all hers too. They held her hand everywhere they went, constantly hugging and kissing her. Whatever she wanted, it was always just a point. Her happiest times were at her maternal grandparents' house. Her grandfather only had eyes for her, and her grandmother carried her everywhere. Wherever they went, laughter and joy surrounded them. Everyone cared about and respected her temperament. If she said it was good, then it was good; if it wasn't good, then it wasn't good either. No reason was needed, no extra words were required. It was truly a happy time.
With an older brother, things are different.
Although she still gets everything she wants, and everyone still respects her temper, things are ultimately different.
She was happy to be taught to call him "brother" back then. She liked brothers; she had many brothers, brothers from her uncle's side, and each of them was very good to her. Having more brothers just meant having more people who were good to her. But her cousins didn't live in her house, and brothers and cousins were ultimately different.
Her father was no longer just her father, and her mother was no longer just her mother, even though her mother only gave birth to her. Their care and attention were divided in two; she was no longer unique and could no longer have them all to herself.
What's even more infuriating is that this brother brought along a utterly detestable maid. She truly couldn't understand how a country girl could possess such a beautiful face? And how could she have such talent? She even outshone her, a young lady from a wealthy family…
I really hate it, having to teach her the same girl...
It's one thing if I'm not as good as my cousin from my uncle's family. My cousin is from a prestigious family, so it's understandable that I can't compare to her. It's not shameful to say that. But what's the point of me being worse than a maid?
He was the one who caused all the embarrassment.
But you can't lash out. If you do, you'll lose face. You can only endure it, just bear it.
I've been holding back for a long time.
I never expected things to get even worse.
"We'll celebrate your birthday at our house this year."
"Why?"
Except for the years she spent in Pingcheng, her birthday celebrations were always held at her maternal grandparents' house, with no outsiders invited, only family members. The feast was arranged by outsiders, and there were new dishes every year. Her siblings would prepare gifts to celebrate her birthday, and they would also hire a theatrical performer. The opera would be sung in the waterside pavilion, the songs drifting across the water like silk gliding over her body. She never knew what they were singing because she was always playing. A group of people would surround her, playing drinking games, guessing riddles, and so on. After dinner, there would be fireworks. After the fireworks, they would go home, the whole family riding in a carriage. She would lie in her mother's arms, and her mother would lean on her father's shoulder...
Why don't you go to your maternal grandparents' house anymore?
"I want to host a dinner party at home."
"Why are you hosting a dinner party? What kind of guests are you hosting?"
The family never hosts guests. Her mother is not a diligent person and does not like crowds. She is of high status and her parents dote on her, so they would never let her worry about mundane matters. Whenever there is something to do, they will take care of it for her immediately, so she does not have to bother with socializing. As a result, Miss Liu has no friends since she was a child. The only people around her are her cousins and an older brother that she does not like.
"I have something to do."
"What's up?"
"You're just a kid, you don't understand. Why are you asking so many questions? Don't ask anymore, there are so many things to do, it's annoying me."
It's ridiculous. They use her birthday as an excuse to do things, but they won't let her ask any questions. What do they take her for?
Her intuition told her it was related to her brother. Who else but him could have caused her to suffer like this? Because of him, he'd criticize her for this and that…
Why should she? Didn't her mother only give birth to her? She's the biological daughter, who is he?
She was so wronged that she lay on the bed, tears streaming down her face. Crying on the bed wasn't enough; she ran to her grandmother's arms and cried, recounting her grievances as she cried, even embellishing her stories and presenting her suspicions as facts, otherwise she wouldn't be able to let her grandmother know the injustice she had suffered.
I thought my grandmother would stand up for me, but instead I heard her say, "Don't blame her, I told her to do it."
That moment was like being struck by lightning; I couldn't move my entire body.
"Why is it like this?" Old Madam Zhang smiled, her soft hand gently stroking her granddaughter's back. "She encountered a problem and couldn't make up her mind, so she came to me for advice. I gave her this solution, but it's also her fault for not explaining things clearly to you, causing you to misunderstand..."
Madam Zhang then told Liu Qi the whole story.
It all started about two weeks ago. It was a beautiful day, the sun was warm and gentle. Madam Le was sitting idly under the flowering trees when a maid came to report that the Duchess of Xu had arrived and was now at the hanging flower gate.
Madam Yue was very puzzled. She never went out for social events, and apart from her own family, she didn't know many other ladies and young women. She had only heard of the name of the Duchess of Xu, so what was she doing here?
Even so, since the person had come to the door, there was no reason to be negligent; this was her upbringing. So she immediately told the maid to tidy her clothes and hair, and once she was ready, she went to the hanging flower gate.
The person was seen in front of the screen wall.
Lady Xu, with her smiling face, round head and body, looked very auspicious, reminding Lady Le of the Moheluo she used to hold in her arms when she was a child. Lady Le thought that if Moheluo could grow up, it would definitely look like this. Her heart softened suddenly, and she smiled unconsciously.
After exchanging greetings, the two walked towards the flower hall, exchanging pleasantries along the way.
After taking their seats, a maid brought tea. Lady Xu took a sip, and before she even finished the tea, she began to praise the tea. Not only was the tea good, but the snacks were also excellent, the room was beautifully furnished, and even the maids had been trained to have the manners of a young lady from a prominent family… These were all very pleasing words.
Madam Yue listened with great satisfaction and thought, "This person is not unpleasant. As long as her request is not too unreasonable, it's fine to agree. It's good to establish a good relationship so that we can stay in touch in the future."
Sure enough, she had something on her mind.
But it wasn't about asking for help.
"Madam doesn't go out often, so we haven't had the opportunity to get to know her, and therefore we don't know her temperament. That's why we dared not disturb her so rashly. If we had known earlier that Madam was so beautiful, intelligent, dignified, and virtuous, I would have definitely tried to get closer to her… Speaking of which, only someone like Madam could raise such an outstanding child as your son… Does Madam know the Salt Commissioner, Lord Qiu Yangli? Lord Qiu went to the Imperial Academy before the New Year and had the opportunity to meet your son. He truly stood out from the crowd. He took note of him and had someone inquire about him. He learned that he was the beloved son of Minister Liu and his wife, and he was very pleased, thinking of marrying his eldest daughter to your son… The Qiu family is also a family of distinguished lineage; their ancestors followed the founding emperor…" He conquered the land, was ennobled, and enjoyed a distinguished reputation. Unfortunately, he later committed a crime, lost his title, and became a commoner. But being the descendant of heroes, within two generations he rose again through the imperial examinations. Now, Lord Qiu is the Transport Commissioner, a position of great power and influence… Lord Qiu's eldest daughter is from his principal wife's family. Madam Wang comes from a prominent family in Hexi, with a rich scholarly tradition; how could her daughter be anything less than excellent? To be honest, Madam, I've seen Miss Qiu many times; she truly possesses jade-like grace, ice-like beauty, and a heart of jade… Madam, to be frank, if it weren't for my two fine children, I wouldn't have bothered making this trip! Everyone knows I'm a cautious and diligent person, so they're all willing to entrust such important matters to me. Madam can certainly inquire around; every match I've been involved in has been a good one.”
Qiu Yi, the salt transport commissioner, took a liking to Liu Min and wanted him to be his son-in-law. Therefore, he asked Lady Xu, a well-known woman from Xingdu, to act as matchmaker for him.
The Salt Transport Commissioner, a third-rank official, was in charge of all salt affairs in the country, a position that only a close advisor to the emperor could hold... It was prestigious, and even more so. If the girl was truly as good as described, it would indeed be a good match...
Thinking this to himself, he said, "I believe every word you say, Madam. However, I cannot make such a decision on my own. Please wait for me. I will give you an answer within a few days. What do you think?"
This meant she was very happy to accept. Lady Xu then said many more nice things, and then happily took her leave, retiring gracefully after accomplishing her mission.
After Lady Xu left, Lady Le began to feel uneasy, gradually regretting her actions. She felt she shouldn't have revealed her intentions at that time, fearing she would lose the initiative, which would be disastrous. Unable to sit still any longer, she sent someone to the Ministry of Works to summon Liu Shen back. However, before the messenger even left, a letter arrived saying that he might not be able to return tonight, and not just tonight, but perhaps three or four days later. His Majesty planned to renovate the Lingquan Mountain Palace this spring, and the decree had already been issued, keeping the officials of the Ministry of Works extremely busy.
Things were going so badly that Madam Le became even more flustered. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that her words had been too hasty... She didn't know any of the Qiu family members, so how could she believe everything other people said? This was a really big deal! If the mountain won't see me, I'll go see the mountain myself. So she immediately ordered the kitchen to prepare a carrying box and hurriedly changed her clothes.
When I arrived at the yamen and saw him there writing at his desk, I felt incredibly relieved. My heart eased, and tears streamed down my face.
Her sudden appearance was unexpected, and her silent crying made one wonder if something was wrong. Liu Shen immediately stood up, frowning, and asked, "What's wrong?" Then she suddenly laughed, leaving everyone bewildered. After she explained her purpose, he froze, at a loss for words. Now, she too had to ask him, "What's wrong?"
He remained stunned, his eyes fixed blankly, before finally replying, "So he's already reached the age to get married..." He then slowly smiled, "Lord Qiu is indeed just, incorruptible, composed, and capable..."
Madam Yue, understanding the implied meaning in the song, couldn't help but laugh along, "Congratulations, sir! If things go well, you'll be a father-in-law this year and a grandfather next year... How wonderful! No wonder you're so happy, you've turned into a silly goose!"
Upon hearing this last sentence, Liu Shen first frowned, then threw his head back and burst into laughter. It was truly exhilarating; Madam Yue had never seen so many curves on his face before.
After laughing, he straightened his face and said, "What father-in-law or grandfather? It's too early to talk about that now. It's not enough for us to agree. The most important thing is that he likes it... I shouldn't interfere in matters like young people's marriage. I'll have to ask my wife to take care of it."
Mrs. Yue, of course, felt obligated to help. "Don't worry! I'll take good care of it!"
Back home, Madam Yue began to think of a solution, but she was not good at worldly affairs and, no matter how hard she tried, she could not find a good one.
Inviting someone to your home or visiting their residence is inappropriate; she feels it must be done discreetly, absolutely avoiding the attention of strangers. If word gets out and the plan succeeds, all is well, but if it fails, it will spread and they will be gossiped about, neither the man nor the woman escaping unscathed. She doesn't want Liu Min to suffer any injustice. Using the pretext of offering incense to meet at the temple? That seems inappropriate too, too undignified…
I thought of seven or eight methods in total, but rejected them all. I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.
Fortunately, she still has her mother to give her advice.
“What’s so difficult about that? Isn’t Fei Luo’s birthday coming up soon? Don’t come over this year. Just have a big celebration at your place. She should have her own friends by now. What’s the point of always hanging out with relatives? Will she end up like her mother, who’s already a mother herself but can’t even do a simple thing right? She’ll be clueless and a laughingstock.”
The mother laughed after she finished speaking, and the daughter stomped her feet in shame and anger, vowing never to come again. However, she also laughed after she finished speaking.
Liu Qi couldn't smile.
If you can laugh when you're someone's stepping stone, you're a despicable person.
Old Madam Zhang noticed her worries, pinched her cheek, and asked with a smile, "Does Fei Luo not like her older brother at home?"
dislike.
"But I love him, and I'm incredibly grateful to him. Childbirth is like passing through the gates of hell for a woman. Your brother's mother didn't make it. Your mother did, but she fell ill and suffered so much... I remember it clearly. I was looking at the fabric when someone suddenly rolled in and said your mother was about to give birth. I knew then that something was wrong, the timing was off... Sure enough, I could hear her crying from so far away. My legs went weak, and I knelt on the ground. Several people couldn't pull me up... I was so scared, scared that I wouldn't have a daughter anymore. She's my only daughter... My beautiful daughter, as lovely as a flower, with such a good temperament, everyone praised her. Lying there, she looked like a dead person... Thank goodness for your brother... With someone like him, she doesn't have to go through another ordeal... Feiluo, listen to me, be closer to your brother, and stop saying things like your mother only gave birth to you. Your mother has had a hard life too, don't make things difficult for her. Your brother is also a pitiful child... Please, I'm begging you..."
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