Chapter 253: Chapter 253

Old Madam Xue smacked her lips and said, "Speaking of Chen Haoran, he’s handsome, diligent in his studies, and seems steady in both words and deeds—he’s a good lad."

"It’s just that his family background is a bit lacking. Those coming to propose to our Sixth Sister are all from prestigious and influential families. The Chen Family looks decent but lacks some depth."

Indeed, it’s no wonder Old Madam Xue was so critical.

The Xue Family, although not as esteemed as the Wang, Cui, Lu, Zheng, and Li families, was still counted among the top families in Da Liang.

Meanwhile, the Chen Family could be considered at most second or third-rate, having only risen with this generation’s Chief Historian Chen. Marrying into the Chen Family would indeed be considered as marrying down.

Governor Xue stroked his beard and laughed, saying, "There are benefits to marrying down."

"With me as her father and the Jingzhou Governor, if Sixth Sister marries into the Chen Family, they would all have to honor and cherish her. She wouldn’t have to suffer any indignities in the future."

"If I’m truly reluctant to part with Sixth Sister, I could arrange for a position for the Chen lad in Jingzhou. That way, Sixth Sister could live closer and visit often."

Old Madam Xue was suddenly swayed by the thought. Content originally comes from novel⚑fire.net

Governor Xue lowered his voice and said, "Moreover, if the Nanyang County Princess is willing to act as a matchmaker, our union with the Chen Family would be tantamount to an alliance with the Nanyang Prince Mansion."

"Currently, the North is suffering continuous droughts, and there are rumors of a locust plague next year along with frequent civil unrest. The border is also unstable. In such times, having soldiers and grain is most crucial. Grain can be gradually bought with silver, but in case of any chaos, keeping Jingzhou safe would depend on the Nanyang Army and the Personal Guard Camp."

Old Madam Xue drew a sharp breath. "Has the situation deteriorated to this extent?"

Governor Xue’s eyes flickered as he quietly said, "The Emperor is incapacitated after a stroke, and the Crown Prince, young and impetuous, lacks the finesse to suppress Prime Minister Wang. Empress Dowager Zheng and Duke An’s faction are all oppressed and unable to lift their heads. The court is in chaos, and since Jingzhou is in the North, to maintain peace, we must foster good relations with the Nanyang Prince Mansion."

"It’s my fault indeed. After the Prince’s passing, my ties with the Prince Mansion waned. I underestimated the Commandery Princess; she is discreet and doesn’t draw attention. These past months I’ve started to pay attention, and only then did I realize the remarkable strength of the Nanyang Prince Mansion."

"It’s not too late to establish connections now. The Commandery Princess only has younger siblings, but the Chen siblings are close to her. If our Sixth Sister marries into the Chen Family, it naturally brings the Xue Family closer to the Commandery Princess."

Old Madam Xue’s eyes lit up with a hint of excitement she couldn’t suppress: "Since the Xue Family is to ally with the Prince Mansion, why take such a roundabout way? Why not directly form a bond with the Commandery Princess?"

Governor Xue, well aware of his own mother’s thoughts, immediately understood: "Mother, you can’t be thinking of having Qi Lang marry into their family, can you?"

Old Madam Xue was displeased upon hearing this: "A marriage is just a marriage; why call it marrying in?"

Governor Xue twitched his lips and said, "Mother, stop entertaining such thoughts. Even if Qi Lang is willing to marry in, it depends if the Commandery Princess would consider him."

To think of marrying in as a disgrace is unnecessary. The Nanyang County Princess is talented, beautiful, wealthy, and powerful. She can have any husband she desires.

Old Madam Xue, who spoils her grandson the most, got more annoyed hearing Governor Xue’s words: "What do you mean by that? Is our Qi Lang not even worthy enough to be a son-in-law? The Commandery Princess’s mother, Jiang Yan, once recruited a collateral descendant of the Lu Family as a son-in-law. Our Qi Lang is a legitimate descendant of the Xue Family."

Governor Xue looked at Old Madam Xue: "Lu Junma was at least a scholar and handsome. What does Xue Lin have?"

Old Madam Xue was so choked with words that she was fuming: "All right then! If you, as the eldest uncle, won’t stand up for Qi Lang, naturally he won’t have any face."

Governor Xue sighed, having no choice but to soothe his mother, "Qi Lang is still young, and the Commandery Princess even younger. Marriage talks are at least three years away and not urgent. Let’s discuss it later. For now, the priority is to secure a marriage proposal for Sixth Sister. Don’t worry, Mother, Qi Lang is like a son to me, and I will ensure he gets a good wife in the future."

Old Madam Xue’s expression softened slightly, and after some thought, she said, "Since you think the Chen lad is decent, then keep an eye on him until the Chen Family proposes."

Outside the door, Miss Xue Liu, with slightly flushed cheeks, quietly withdrew.

Four days later, Chen Jinyu returned to the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

Her first task upon returning to the mansion was to see the Commandery Princess and joyfully recount her visit to the Inspector Mansion.

Jiang Shaohua listened with a smile and nodded, "Since Governor Xue allowed Miss Xue Liu to meet your brother, it shows he holds him in high regard."

Chen Jinyu then presented the reply from Governor Xue.

Jiang Shaohua laughed upon reading it, "This Governor Xue is like a crafty old fox in the officialdom. Seeing the turmoil and instability at court, he wants mutual support and alliance with the Nanyang Prince Mansion."

"Nine out of ten chances this engagement for your brother is settled. Now, take this letter to Chief Historian Chen. He’ll know what to do next."

Chen Jinyu, full of delight, responded, "I’ll go right away. By the way, my elder brother asked me to thank the Commandery Princess on his behalf."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "No need to thank me. This marriage, if it happens, would benefit the Nanyang Prince Mansion as well."

"Even so, much thanks should be given to the Commandery Princess," Chen Jinyu laughed. "Without her, my elder brother would never dream of becoming Governor Xue’s son-in-law."

Even Chief Historian Chen, upon seeing the letter from Governor Xue, felt delighted and stroked his beard with a smile.

Missing out on becoming in-laws with Old Feng was indeed a pity. However, having his eldest grandson favored by Governor Xue and able to marry a lady of high status—how could a grandfather not be pleased?

"I’ll write to Governor Xue to discuss the marriage proposal. Once Governor Xue agrees, we’ll formally propose." Chen Zhuo smiled and said, "This happy news should be sent to your father and mother."

Chen Jinyu responded joyfully.

The guard delivering the letter raced day and night, delivering it to Bowang County.

Mrs. Yao, upon reading the letter, was overjoyed, almost floating on air, "Master, this is a grand blessing. This is wonderful!"

"Our Haoran is truly lucky and blessed."

The County Magistrate Chen, understanding the situation, laughed and chimed in: "Governor Xue’s willingness to arrange this marriage is largely due to the face of the Commandery Princess."

Mrs. Yao, heart overflowing with happiness, repeatedly agreed: "Yes, yes, indeed. We, the Chen family, are loyal subjects to the Commandery Princess. The Commandery Princess is benevolent and magnanimous, and our son, in benefiting from her kindness, now forms such a noble union. I’ll have to regularly pray and burn incense for our Commandery Princess, asking Buddha to bless her.

Using "our Commandery Princess" here and there signifies exceptional closeness, entirely forgetting how many times she had previously complained about her daughter being public due to her position.

The County Magistrate Chen, stifling laughter, teased: "So no more complaints about the Commandery Princess being domineering?"

Mrs. Yao playfully glared at her husband: "When did I ever complain? Don’t talk nonsense!"