Chapter 619: Chapter 619
Mrs. Fang and the Marchioness watched the young men and women on the field riding and shooting, playing and jesting. Mrs. Fang deliberately observed those of marriageable age. Over the past three years, Fang Lingjun’s marriage had been delayed for various reasons. Now, calculating and comparing, most of the young men of suitable age in the capital were already wedded. The ones remaining were few and far between. Finding a suitable match for Fang Lingjun proved difficult.
The Marchioness suddenly thought of someone and couldn’t help but glance toward Fengyu’s side. "Amian, tell me... what about Xie Er?"
"Ting Feng?" Mrs. Fang shook her head lightly. "Not suitable. Ting Feng’s temperament... Junjun would have a hard time getting along with him."
The Second Young Master Xie was famously aloof, preferring to keep to himself. From childhood to adulthood, Fang Chuning seemed to be the only one who could get along with him. Fang Lingjun, however, was not Fang Chuning, and Mrs. Fang felt the two weren’t well-matched when standing side by side.
Though she adored her daughter, Xie Er... she truly believed her precious girl wasn’t an ideal match for him.
The Marchioness, however, didn’t overthink it. "Among the noble families, the marriageable young men now mostly have spouses. The rest either followed the emperor to Ningzhou—those you don’t favor—or had past feuds with the Grand Marshal whom you wouldn’t consider. That only leaves Xie Er. And you certainly wouldn’t want to wrong Junjun. Xie Er and Tunan are sworn brothers who’ve shared life-and-death bonds, with talents and looks beyond reproach. The children raised by Marquis Zhenbei and the Marchioness have impeccable morals. Moreover, Xie Er is the emperor’s only elder brother, making him an exceptional match for Junjun. Even if we disregard other factors, the military presence in Jiangnan demands this alliance between the Fang Family and the royal family as a necessity!"
Back then, the Yuwen Royal Family wanted Fang Lingjun to marry Prince Kang precisely because of the Fang Family’s military power. Although the Fang Family’s authority wasn’t as unchecked as the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry, they were still an elite household with military influence. Fang Chuning might someday have to garrison Zhongzhou, but even if Xie Xun worried about the Fang Family consolidating power, the Grand Marshal stationed in Jiangnan wouldn’t allow Fang Chuning to garrison Zhongzhou. Jiangnan’s military forces were still firmly within the Fang Family’s sphere.
Marriage alliances were inevitable!
Sending Fang Lingjun into the imperial palace would be the optimal choice. However, she and Fengyu were like sisters, and Fengyu was someone who wouldn’t tolerate even a speck of dust in her eyes. Sending Fang Lingjun to the palace would mean the end of their sisterhood. The only option left was an alliance with Xie Er.
Such was the state of affairs. Xie Xun and Xie Jue also needed to balance clan influence, military power, and royal authority. The existence of the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry didn’t mean that they could act recklessly.
Mrs. Fang naturally had considered this, but she didn’t know the specifics of Xie Er’s circumstances. Even though he already had a son, her thoughts about Fang Lingjun’s marriage had barely touched upon him and hadn’t been deeply explored.
"It’s easy; we’ll just ask Ayu." The Marchioness said, sending someone to inform Su Yuejiao.
Mrs. Fang, feeling helpless for her daughter, conceded to inquire. Su Yuejiao arrived with Fengyu at the viewing platform shared by the two ladies. Fengyu paid her respects and sat to their left, still unaware of what the ladies wished to ask her about.
The Marchioness spoke candidly, "Ayu, what’s the situation with Second Young Master Xie’s eldest son... specifically his mother?"
Su Yuejiao’s heart tightened, thinking of Feng Shu, and she lowered her gaze slightly, hiding the sorrow within her.
Fengyu was also slightly taken aback. Although she didn’t know the specifics, she broadly guessed that perhaps someone had their eye on Second Brother and was here to inquire about his marriage. Fengyu softly replied, "Ruyi’s mother has passed away."
Mrs. Fang and the Marchioness exchanged a glance, feeling reassured. Since the mother had passed, it at least posed no threat. The Feng Family cherished Ruyi dearly, and the Marchioness understood their affection for the child would harbor no hostility. They were merely concerned that Xie Jue might have already secretly married someone outside of public view.
"So, there’s currently no one in Second Young Master’s household?" Mrs. Fang pressed.
Fengyu, noting the expectant gaze of Mrs. Fang, felt uneasy and shook her head. That wasn’t quite the case, right?
"That’s good, that’s good!" The Marchioness exclaimed in delight, her eyes urging Mrs. Fang to ask quickly. Mrs. Fang hesitated, thinking this was neither appropriate nor suitable and struggled to broach the topic.
Fengyu grew increasingly nervous, speculating in her heart... Could they have noticed something amiss between Second Brother and Fang Chuning? No, that couldn’t be. Jiangnan had just won a significant battle; they were both still stationed in the military.
Could it be they’d behaved inappropriately in the military camp and got caught by the Grand Marshal, who had written to inquire about it? Thıs content belongs to NoveI-Fire.ɴet
But in the camp, their closeness—sharing meals and quarters—should have been seen as customary by others!
If the Grand Marshal had knowing suspicions, how could Fang Chuning still be alive to return to the capital?
The two ladies hemmed and hawed as if the matter were significant. No, Fengyu couldn’t panic or seem guilty. She didn’t know anything about this and couldn’t possibly admit to it!
"Ayu, it’s . Junjun’s marriage has been delayed for years now. Looking across the capital, there’s no suitable match to be found. After much discussion with Mrs. Fang, I feel the Second Young Master might be a good choice. Everything aligns perfectly—matching status, talent and beauty. Junjun, as you know, is upright, lively, and adorable. What do you think of this marriage proposal?" The Marchioness was far more enthusiastic about matchmaking than Mrs. Fang herself.
Her mind involuntarily conjured that unforgettable scene by Shaling River; it seemed like a stolen night of passion between secret lovers, an incident that couldn’t help but feel awkward. Yet Second Brother’s expressions had been so composed that she felt like the corrupt one for misjudging him.
Now, with the two women proposing a match between Second Brother and Junjun, Fengyu’s mind rapidly flashed through countless dramatic moments, leaving her face strangely contorted. Unable to regulate her expressions this time, she hurriedly lowered her head.
"Well... I... I don’t think I can make decisions for Second Brother." Fengyu blurted, stumbling almost nonsensically.
The Marchioness laughed, "We’re not asking you to decide. We’re merely gathering some details."
Given Xie Er’s infamous temperament, it wasn’t like anyone could control him—even the emperor had to heed his cautionary advice.
Fengyu felt a sudden wave of enlightenment and cursed herself internally. What was she even saying?
"Do you think Ting Feng would like Junjun?" Mrs. Fang, noticing Fengyu’s hesitation, couldn’t resist asking. If Xie Jue were willing, Mrs. Fang would enthusiastically endorse the match—it would be a marriage she wholeheartedly approved of.
Fengyu glanced at Mrs. Fang’s sincere, unselfish gaze, silently musing in her heart: Mrs. Fang... he might like your son more!
But could she say that aloud?
Even with a hundredfold courage, she wouldn’t dare utter it!
"Last time, I heard Jiaojiao say you rejected a marriage proposal for Second Young Master Xie on the grounds that he only liked heroic and valiant female generals. Well, Junjun fits the type perfectly!"
A deadly boomerang landed squarely back on her.
Su Yuejiao reasoned that if Junjun were to become Ruyi’s mother someday, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. She liked Junjun’s personality as well. Second Young Master Xie would eventually marry, and Junjun was kind-hearted, unlikely to mistreat Ruyi.
"I also think this marriage would be suitable." Su Yuejiao, seeing that only the three of them were present, spoke frankly. "With the establishment of the new dynasty, it’s imperative to balance relationships between the previous regime, noble clans, and military factions. Even considering only the alliance reasons, this is undoubtedly the most suitable match."