Chapter 22: So be it, the Second Miss it is—I shall marry!

Triple blow—Madam Guo couldn’t even cry.

Watching her husband’s heartless departure, both she and Chi Guiying knew this time there was no turning back. The mother and daughter clung to each other, trembling as they wept bitterly, and for a fleeting moment, they felt that death might be a kinder fate.

But having enjoyed glory for so many years, they were not ones to surrender so easily.

Wiping away her tears, Madam Guo looked firmly at her daughter and promised, “Second sister, don’t worry. Nothing is settled yet. We still have a chance. Once the marriage is agreed upon, I refuse to believe that Big Sister will succeed in marrying off like this!”

“But mother, what can you possibly do now?”

“For now, it’s best not to make a fuss. We must keep quiet for a while. After all, her marriage won’t happen for another half year. If we want to find fault and seize an opportunity, there will be no shortage of chances.”

While comforting her daughter, Madam Guo was also silently trying to reassure herself. In truth, she didn’t have many plans left, but panicking now would only make things worse. It was better to stay steady.

“Mother, I’m counting on you!” Chi Guiying sobbed uncontrollably. Madam Guo felt besieged on all sides. Seeing Cai Ping struggling to breathe, she quickly made arrangements.

“Send her to the manor to recuperate. Don’t let her wander around the master’s presence these days—her life might be at risk!”

Having managed the household for years, Madam Guo had trusted aides. The servants who had just dragged Cai Ping inside nodded after hearing the order and left with the barely conscious girl.

The farce quieted down; the Lesheng Courtyard finally fell silent.

But the two new concubines were not meek or obedient. One surnamed Zhao, the other Bai—both strikingly beautiful, and both formerly courtesans kept long-term in the household. Naturally, they had every skill at seducing men.

Within days of their arrival, they won the favor of Chi Yunjing. Every morning, he would head straight to the Linglong Courtyard where they resided. He even increased their allowances, causing many servants in the household to show them deference.

Even Madam Guo’s trusted confidantes dared not confront them directly, wary of their influence.

With Linglong Courtyard’s hold on the master, Madam Guo had little mind left to scheme against Chi Guiwan. These days were, in fact, the easiest Chi Guiwan had experienced in the residence.

In her idle moments, Chi Guiwan thought her father truly knew how to enjoy life’s pleasures. Despite his age, he still indulged in such affairs!

As his daughter, she refrained from saying much. Instead, she had her maid, Qian Chun, select two brightly colored bolts of fabric from the storeroom as a gift to welcome the new concubines.

“Elder Sister Xiuzhi says Lesheng Courtyard has been lively lately. When the two concubines offered tea, they provoked Madam Guo a bit, but she held back. It was Second Miss who caused a ruckus. Upon hearing this, the master immediately placed her under house arrest. For days, she was kept at the two concubines’ quarters—it’s obvious this was to spite Madam Guo.”

As the maid Fu Dong spoke, her lively expressions and animated gestures almost recreated the scene, making Chi Guiwan, He Lingyi, and the attending Qian Chun burst into laughter.

Fu Dong then vented, “It’s about time Second Miss tasted this feeling. Ever since she was little, she and Madam Guo have egged the master on, causing our Miss to be grounded again and again. It was always her fault, humph!”

Fu Dong was straightforward and often spoke freely in front of He Lingyi, treating her like one of their own. Qian Chun, more composed, quickly brought out tea and snacks to smooth things over.

“That girl is just used to speaking without thinking. Please don’t mind, Miss He. I’ll have a word with her later.”

“He Lingyi smiled, “Fu Dong’s frankness is rare and genuine. It’s no harm.”

Then she reminded, “Though Master Chi has already made his decision, until the last moment, no one can say what will happen. Eldest Miss must remain cautious, especially with anyone from Madam Guo’s quarters. Be careful with anything they send.”

Chi Guiwan agreed. Since she was aware of their intentions, she was not foolish.

“Don’t worry. Even if I’m not careful, Qian Chun will keep watch.”

“Miss He, rest assured. I will take good care of the lady.”

The two shared a smile. Years of companionship had forged a bond deeper than sisterhood; mutual trust was only natural.

They returned to their tea and casual conversation.

Though the Sijin Courtyard was rarely peaceful, this calm was only temporary.

Two days later, the Lu family arrived.

Upon learning the marriage proposal had shifted from the eldest to the second daughter, Madam Lu and Lu Yi were taken aback. Though both were from the Chi family, the support from their maternal uncle’s side differed greatly.

One was from the Marquis of Haibo’s household, the other from the Governor of Qingzhou’s residence. It was obvious which was the better match, especially with the generous dowry accompanying it. Madam Lu was thoroughly displeased.

“Master Chi really knows how to arrange things—trading pearls for shells. Does he think the Lu family is easy to bully?”

Chi Yunjing had served as an official for many years and had seen every kind of occasion.

He paid no mind to Madam Lu’s words, calmly sipping his tea before responding.

“They are both my legitimate daughters. How can you speak of pearls and shells? Madam Lu came to discuss an old betrothal, which I honestly did not remember. After checking with my mother, I learned that this marriage was arranged by our generation. Since Brother Lu has passed, this engagement should have been null and void. But since Madam Lu has come to us, we are willing to honor old promises. However, Big Sister is already betrothed, so it is difficult to change that. Second Sister is not yet of age and may be married to the Lu family. If Madam Lu finds this unacceptable, there is nothing I can do. We can take the matter to court and abide by their ruling.”

Chi Yunjing’s calm and composed demeanor left Madam Lu and Lu Yi embarrassed.

Indeed, when the engagement was made, there was no clause for indefinite extension. The Lu family’s current claim was merely a twisted argument. Madam Guo had confidently assured them they could marry off the eldest daughter, which was why they came.

Now that they were to marry the second daughter instead, one had to wonder what Madam Guo’s intentions were.

“Where is Madam Guo? Why hasn’t she come?”

“The lady is ill and resting in the courtyard. As for the children’s marriages, I am still in charge. Madam Lu can rest assured.”

His words were firm and decisive, silencing Madam Lu, who could not find a retort.

“This matter is sudden. I will give you a few days to consider. If you agree, it will be the second daughter of this household. If not, we shall settle it in court.”

Lu Yi exchanged a glance with his mother, contemplating the feasibility of marrying the second daughter.

Though their maternal clan was weaker, she was still the daughter of the Chi household’s master, not a disgrace. Moreover, marriage bonds made them family, and thus their voices mattered.

Whether it was the Marquis of Haibo’s or the General of the Nation’s household, they could offer assistance. This would also ease their sister’s situation in the palace.

Madam Lu and Lu Yi showed signs of willingness and nodded in agreement.

“We shall forgo the courts. Since we will be family, it’s best not to make a scene. The second daughter shall be the bride. Master Chi’s decision is final. This is my son’s birth chart. Today we will take the second daughter’s chart with us. Once the date is set, we will return.”

“That is simple. Steward, fetch the second daughter’s birth chart and betrothal token.”

“Yes, master.”

Soon, the two sides exchanged birth charts and betrothal tokens, marking a verbal agreement. The customary gifts would follow, though the Lu family had little to offer. Chi Yunjing’s aims lay elsewhere, so he graciously accepted.

With the tokens in hand, the Lu family mother and son left the residence.

As they departed, Lu Yi recalled the day he had met the eldest daughter, Chi Guiwan, at the gate. He had thought she was the one, but she was now the eldest sister-in-law—truly fate’s curious weave.

The news of the exchanged tokens reached Chi Guiying’s ears, and she caused a commotion again. Unfortunately, this time no one paid attention. Chi Yunjing continued to indulge in the company of his two beautiful concubines in the Linglong Courtyard, ignoring Madam Guo entirely.