Chapter 19: One Woman, Two Husbands

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Within the Lesheng Courtyard.

Chi Yunjing found himself in a predicament, holding the jade pendant that symbolized the betrothal agreement between the two families, uncertain how to decide or even how to refuse.

Any fool would choose the Qiao family of the General’s Mansion over the Lü family from Pingyang Alley.

He had nearly forgotten about the Lü family entirely, not knowing from where they had suddenly appeared, boldly proposing to marry his eldest sister. The unexpectedness of it all left him at a loss.

When Madam Guo entered and saw her husband deep in thought, she felt it was time to add fuel to the fire and immediately stepped forward with a sigh.

“Master, I have tried persuading them, but the Lü family insists that their betrothal was agreed upon first. They claim that Sister Hai’s dying words confirmed the Qiao family match came later, so they refuse to yield. They even said if we take this to court, they will see it through to the end, and they have insulted us, calling us a family that allows one daughter two husbands. What are we to do?”

“Hmph, the Lü family moved away long ago. How was I to know they still held on to this matter? To be honest, I barely remember if it ever existed. I will speak to Mother first before making any further decisions.”

“Very well, Master. You are right; we must not let them take advantage of us!”

Madam Guo did not lie about this matter. The elders of the Lü and Chi families had indeed arranged a betrothal for their children, but at the time, neither Lü Yi nor Chi Guiwan, nor even Chi Yunjing himself, were more than children.

Both families had sons, so naturally, the match had never come to fruition.

But now, times had changed. Since there was a son and daughter among the grandchildren, the Lü family felt compelled to honor the promise made long ago. Though aware their current status was insufficient, for the sake of a palace maid’s future, they shamelessly pressed forward to secure the union.

This gave Madam Guo the perfect opportunity to stir trouble intentionally.

Hua Fangzhai.

This was the small courtyard where the Chi family matriarch resided, located to the northwest. Chi Yunjing treated his wives and children plainly, but showed great filial respect to his mother, so the courtyard was elegantly and tastefully arranged.

Near the northeast corner stood a small Buddhist shrine specially built for the matriarch.

When she had time, the old lady would quietly recite sutras and prayers there, devout in her faith.

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When Chi Yunjing and Madam Guo arrived, they found the main hall empty and guessed that the matriarch was in the shrine. As they approached, laughter drifted from within.

“It’s rare to see Mother so cheerful. Is there some joyous news? Tell your son about it.”

Chi Yunjing’s words brought a smile to the matriarch’s face. She turned to look at the couple and beckoned them inside.

“Come see this—this statue of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin was sent by the Qiao family on behalf of your eldest sister. My goodness, in nearly sixty years of life, I have never seen such fine material—smooth and lustrous, with a gentle and kind expression. Most importantly, I hear this Bodhisattva has already been consecrated at the Puguang Temple in the South Sea. Such an honor is rare. The Qiao family means well.”

The old lady’s greatest solace was these sacred objects, so no matter who sent the gift, it touched her heart deeply. Thus, she was exceedingly pleased with the family to which her eldest daughter was soon to be wed.

Seeing this, Madam Guo’s heart sank.

She knew well how prosperous the Qiao family was, which was why she so eagerly wished her daughter to marry in. But if the matriarch had already accepted this as her eldest daughter’s match, matters would be difficult to resolve.

So she stepped forward, lavishing praise.

“I must say, Mother, you are a lifelong devotee and have absorbed much of the Bodhisattva’s grace. Look, this statue’s features even resemble yours.”

With this compliment, the matriarch turned to look. Whether by psychological effect or truth, she did seem to share some resemblance, and her eyes sparkled with excitement, though she modestly replied,

“Nonsense. I am but a mortal old woman, how could I be compared to a Bodhisattva?”

After these sweet words, she instructed her old servant, Aunt Shi, to carefully enshrine the Guanyin statue, then asked,

“No one comes to the Triple Treasure Hall without reason. You two must have something to discuss.”

“You are perceptive, Mother. Indeed, I face a difficult matter and hope for your guidance.”

Chi Yunjing then recounted the Lü family’s visit and their request. The matriarch listened quietly before responding.

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“This marriage was originally agreed upon verbally by your grandfather and the Lü family’s grandfather. At that time, both you and the Lü boy were still young. The idea was that if either family had a daughter, they might be well matched. But decades have passed, and now they come bearing a jade pendant. It’s surprising the Lü family even remembers.”

“That’s true. I am not heartless. If my eldest sister’s engagement is unsettled, it must be honored. But recently, the Qiao family matriarch fell gravely ill, and Madam Qiao herself came to solemnly promise that the wedding date was set. To go back on that now would offend the Qiao family.”

Chi Yunjing’s expression darkened. Offending the Qiao family for the Lü family would only give them leverage against him.

He was naturally unwilling.

The matriarch gently patted his hand and said,

“Since it’s a betrothal, there is naturally an order of precedence. The Lü family did agree to marry into our family first, that’s true. But so many years have passed without word, and now they return after three or four generations. It’s clear they are not sincere in fulfilling this promise. We cannot offend the Qiao family; the eldest daughter’s match is set in stone. Why not let the second daughter marry instead? She is nearly of age. If we settle her match now, she can be married soon after coming of age, likely by next summer or fall—not rushed at all.”

The matriarch’s words gave Chi Yunjing an opening.

After all, outsiders could say nothing against this. The Lü family was late to the promise; they could not expect the family’s daughters to remain unmarried forever. Though late, since a betrothal existed, the second daughter could marry and the family’s reputation would still be preserved.

His spirits lifted considerably, and the more he considered it, the better the idea seemed. Meanwhile, Madam Guo, having failed in her scheme, became anxious and immediately protested.

“No, no, no! How can the second daughter marry into the Lü family?”

Her reaction was too intense, causing both mother and son to regard her with displeasure. Her own family was merely a minor official household from Qingzhou, far inferior to Lady Hai’s standing.

They had tolerated this only because she was a second wife.

Now, with her sudden opposition, the matriarch was somewhat disdainful and said,

“What? Just because the eldest daughter marries, does that mean the second cannot? The Lü family is not a fallen house. Didn’t they have a sister sent into the palace? If the second daughter is clever, she could help the family establish a foothold for her sister in the palace, perhaps even becoming a National Uncle’s wife. Would that not be a good future?”