Chapter 28
In Duke Ding's mansion, every servant, except those under Pan Shi and Cao Shao, had been personally trained by Zhang Tai under Cao Xun's orders, ensuring their unwavering loyalty to him. With Cao Xun's commanding presence alone, there was no question of their allegiance, even without Zhang Tai's influence.
So, whether or not Yunzhu was informed about Pan's movements, she could effortlessly uncover such details if she wished.
"Madam, Madam Marquis Changxing is here!" Lian Qiao called out eagerly, pulling back the curtain to reveal her mistress, who was calmly reviewing the account books on the couch.
Yunzhu's curiosity was instantly piqued. Just yesterday, Pan had arranged to meet Madam Marquis Changxing for a temple visit. This unexpected visit hinted that Pan might have already received a reply from the elder.
Regardless, as an elder, Madam Marquis Changxing deserved a proper welcome. Yunzhu gracefully made her way to the main courtyard.
She was the first to see the Madam arrive. "Aunt, it's been too long since we last met. You look as radiant as ever," Yunzhu greeted warmly, her smile effortlessly charming.
Madam Marquis Changxing, stepping out of her carriage, paused at the sight of Yunzhu dressed elegantly as a young wife. For a moment, she thought the mansion's entrance seemed brighter, as if graced by a celestial presence.
Having watched Yunzhu and Sun Yurong grow up, Madam Marquis Changxing was well aware of Yunzhu's beauty and understood why both Cao Shao and Xie Lang had vied for her affections.
When Cao Shao lamented his marriage, the Madam had quietly cheered for her son, thinking he'd finally have the chance to bring Yunzhu home. Yet, Cao Xun's interference had changed everything.
"Ah, don't tease me, Auntie," Yunzhu replied with a playful laugh. "Standing next to someone as graceful as you makes me feel quite ordinary."
Madam Marquis Changxing took Yunzhu's hand with a wistful sigh. "Such a rare beauty... Why didnât you become my daughter-in-law?"
Yunzhu answered candidly, her tone light. "But Auntie, Iâm already married. If you keep teasing me, no wonder my mother says youâre the family jester."
Madam Marquis Changxing huffed dramatically. "Your mother? She was the true troublemaker of our time. Youâre still too young to understand."
Yunzhu chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "So, Auntie, did you come to see the madam, or was it me you wanted to visit?"
Caught off guard, the Madam hesitated before admitting, "I do have some matters to discuss with madam Pan."
Yunzhu raised a questioning brow, but Madam Marquis Changxing simply smiled ruefully, offering no further explanation.
At that moment, Pan Shi arrived, radiating confidence in a stunning, elegant gown that affirmed her position as the true mistress of the house.
Determined to deliver her message privately, Madam Marquis Changxing discreetly signaled to Pan Shi.
Uncertain of Pan Shi's intentions, she carefully observed Yunzhuâs reaction as they spoke. She feared Yunzhu might feel hurt upon hearing about Shaoâerâs engagement to Xie Wenyingâa vulnerability Pan Shi was ready to exploit.
"Yunzhu isnât an outsider; letâs discuss this in the hall," Pan Shi declared, her tone warm but commanding, as she led Madam Marquis Changxing to the main hall. Intrigued, Yunzhu followed, eager to witness what would unfold.
Madam Marquis Changxing sat uncomfortably in her designated seat, clearly intent on maintaining decorum. Despite her meaningful glances, Pan Shi remained obliviousâor simply chose to ignore them.
As the attendants served tea, Yunzhu took her place gracefully, embodying the poise of a proper daughter-in-law, quietly observing the eldersâ conversation.
Sensing hesitation in Madam Marquis Changxing, Pan Shi leaned forward and asked with a casual confidence, "Sister, what are your thoughtsâand the Marquis'sâabout Shaoâerâs situation?"
Pan Shi was certain there would be no surprises. Her sonâs talents, his striking looks, and their familial connections to the Empress and the Crown Prince gave her unwavering confidence.
However, Madam Marquis Changxingâs military upbringing and her husbandâs commanding presence had shaped her into a direct, no-nonsense woman. Watching Pan Shiâs theatrics, she held back a sigh and cast a sidelong glance at Yunzhu.
Smiling apologetically, she began, "Cao Shao... The Marquis and I have seen him grow up, and thereâs no fault in his character or abilities. I would be overjoyed to call him my son-in-law."
The pleasant preamble made Pan Shiâs smile falter, her instincts warning her of the inevitable "but."
As expected, Madam Marquis Changxing sighed and continued, "But... unfortunately, Wenying sees things differently. When she found out about our plans, she burst into laughter, calling us hopeless matchmakers. She sees Shaoâer as a brother, and to her, marrying him is unthinkable."
Her excuse felt weak even to herself, but she hesitated to voice the harsher opinions her husband and daughter had about Cao Shao. No matter what she said, Pan Shi was bound to take offense.
Yet hadnât Pan Shi used the same reasoning to block the Li family before?
Meanwhile, Yunzhu, sipping her tea, nearly choked at the absurdity of the situation. A peal of laughter escaped her, clear and bell-like, her shoulders shaking with unrestrained amusement.
Lian Qiao had never seen her laugh so boldly, her unrestrained mirth reminiscent of the women at Wangyou Tea House, whose wild, carefree cackles filled the air when something amused them.
Yet even in her unabashed laughter, the young madam radiated beauty, her smile utterly captivating.
Meanwhile, Panâs face flushed a deep, mortified red, her humiliation over the Xie familyâs rejection and her embarrassment in front of Yunzhu etched clearly across her features.
With Pan seething on one side and Yunzhu laughing freely on the other, Madam Marquis Changxing felt cornered. She longed to escape the tense confines of the Cao household, wishing she could simply sprout wings and fly away.
Determined to smooth things over, Madam Marquis Changxing feigned ignorance of the growing animosity between Pan and Yunzhu. She turned to Yunzhu with a lighthearted scolding:
âYouâwhatâs so funny? Did I do something wrong?â
Lian Qiao quickly stepped in, taking the tea bowl from Yunzhu. Supporting herself with one arm on the table and clutching her stomach with the other, Yunzhu finally composed herself. But the sight of Panâs livid expression sent her spiraling into laughter again, tears brimming in her eyes.
âSister Wenying and I used to laugh like this all the timeâteasing, joking. Weâre obviously just siblings!â
Madam Marquis Changxing cast a careful glance at Pan shi, aligning herself with Yunzhuâs words and accepting the blame.
âAh, this is my fault. As her mother, I shouldâve been more thoughtful about Wenyingâs feelings. I should have explained everything yesterday.â
Nanny Fang discreetly tugged at Panâs sleeve, prompting her to speak. Pan shi forced a smile and replied, âSister, donât blame yourself. Itâs all my fault. If anything, blame me for young master Cao Shao overestimating himself, thinking he could win Wenyingâs favor.â
Panâs biting words struck hard, shattering Madam Marquis Changxingâs efforts to maintain harmony.
But the Madam wasnât one to bow easily. If you wonât come downstairs, then donât expect me to cater to you anymore!
She stood up, her expression calm, and said with confidence, "I thought that, even if the marriage didnât work, the friendship would last. But my sister insists on mocking us. Why should I stay here and put up with this? I'm leaving."
Pan Shi sneered, "After insulting both mother and son, what's the point of kind words now?"
Seeing Madam Marquis Changxingâs anger, Yunzhu stopped laughing and followed her out. "Auntie, please stay calm. Madam Pan really wanted to be your in-law. She's just upset her hopes didnât work out. Give it time, and sheâll come around. Please, donât let this mess affect the harmony between our families."
Madam Marquis Changxing quickly left the courtyard, turning to Yunzhu and saying, "Now that we're alone, I wonât hold back. A blessing in disguise is truly a blessing. You're lucky to have avoided such a 'charming' mother-in-law with such a fickle temperament!"
Yunzhu smiled, unphased, "Itâs all in the past. Iâd rather focus on the future and hope Sister Wenying finds a man who truly deserves her."
Madam Marquis Changxing nodded firmly, "Donât worry, Iâll make sure it happens!"
*
Cao Shao enjoyed a relatively free role at the Hanlin Academy, and when the time came, he was released from his duties.
Dressed in royal blue robes befitting a seventh-grade civil servant, Cao Shaoâs tall, fair figure turned heads as he strolled along the palace road. Palace maids and eunuchs couldnât help but admire the young imperial uncleâs effortless grace.
Xie Lang had been waiting outside the imperial city for some time. When he saw Cao Shao approaching at a leisurely pace, irritation sparked in him at the boyâs carefree attitude, yet he couldn't help but admire his sister for handling such a fine gentleman with such poise.
Cao Shao noticed Xie Lang and blushed slightly, suspecting the man knew about his mother's intentions for a marriage proposal.
The blush wasnât from embarrassment over meeting his love interestâs brother, but from concern that his former rival might mock him for his change of heart.
Realizing the street wasnât the place for their conversation, Xie Lang punched Cao Shao square in the face as they walked a short distance!
Cao Shao barely managed to dodge, but Xie Langâs punch still grazed his ear, leaving it ringing.
Quickly recovering, Cao Shao glared, "What was that for?"
Xie Lang sneered, "You donât care for Yunzhu, so why is your mother pushing for a marriage between our families?"
Cao Shao lowered his gaze, "My relationship with Yunzhu is long over."
Xie Lang cut in, "Did you end it, or did she? If youâve truly moved on, I wouldnât mind you courting my sister. But what about Wenying? What do you really feel for her?"
Though he had no right to meddle in Cao Shaoâs feelings for Yunzhu, if Cao Shao hurt his sister, Xie Lang would speak up.
Under Xie Lang's intense gaze, Cao Shao shifted uncomfortably and reluctantly promised, "If Wenying agrees to marry me, Iâll dedicate myself to her completely."
Xie Lang gave a wry smile, "Forget it. Wenying has no interest in you. I'm warning you nowâdonât deceive her again."
With that, Xie Lang mounted his horse and rode off.
Cao Shao stood still, head lowered, as the setting sun stretched his shadow across the ground.
After an uncertain stretch of time, he mounted his horse and made his way back to the Dukeâs Mansion with determination.
His first thought was to head straight for the east courtyard, but a few paces in, he guessed his mother had already received word from the Xie family. He made a sharp turn toward the west courtyard instead.
Entering the main room, the untouched food on the table and the stillness from Nanny Fang to the little maid spoke volumes of the somber mood hanging in the air.
He moved into the inner chamber, where he found his mother, Pan Shi, sitting alone by the window, her expression bleak and her complexion pale. As soon as she saw him, her usual cold gaze softened, and she forced a smile. "You're back. Perfect timingâwe can share dinner, my son," she said.
Cao Shao sensed his motherâs mood, knowing that refusing would leave her hungry for the night. "Alright," he replied, yielding to her unspoken need.
They dined in silence. Afterward, Cao Shao broke the quiet. "Mother, I already know the Xie family's decision. It doesnât bother me, so please donât dwell on it. Honestly, I'm not ready for marriage. It would be a waste of time. Let me have some space before you seek help."
In truth, he was assuring his older brother that his marriage wasnât something to worry about yet.
Pan Shiâs greatest fear was that her son might never move on. She was convinced that no woman from a reputable family would consider him.
But hearing him express that he could still move forward, she immediately responded, "Alright, Iâll wait for your decision. Shaoâer, donât worry. With your sister's reputation, Iâll find someone even better for you next year."
Cao Shao smiled faintly, knowing full well the best match had already been taken.
Who could possibly be better?
*
In the main courtyard, Cao Xun changed into his usual clothes and headed to the rear residence. There, he found a young lady lounging on the veranda, gently swaying her bare, ivory feet while fanning herself with a round fan.
Upon seeing him, she immediately smiled, set down the fan, and stood, gripping the pillar behind her. She stood on the chair sheâd been lounging on, just slightly taller than him.
As he approached, Yunzhu wrapped her arms around his shoulders, unable to hide her joy. Cao Xun caught a hint of the delicate floral scent on her and asked, "Whatâs got you so happy?"
Yunzhu smiled mischievously, leaning in to whisper in his ear about Madam Marquis Changxingâs refusal of Pan Shi. Even hours later, she still laughed, shaking her shoulders in amusement.
Cao Xun teased, "So, Madam Marquis Changxing has done you a favor."
Yunzhu replied, "She wasnât helping me. Xie Wenying just didnât care for Cao Shao. If she had, she wouldnât have refused him."
Cao Xun grinned. "You enjoy their failures. If they succeed, will you still laugh?"
Yunzhu gave him a knowing glance and said, "Oh, Iâll laugh even harder. One of them wants to marry me but canât, and the other wants to marry you but canât."
Cao Xun playfully pinched her nose. "Stop talking nonsense."
Yunzhu swatted his hand away. "You know what I mean. Deep down, you probably enjoy it. Youâre young, and women are falling over themselves for you."
Cao Xun shot back, "I donât care about being popular like you do."
Yunzhu smirked. "You donât seem so unhappy, but whenever I look at you, there you are, rushing over."
If Cao Xun really wanted to argue, he could come up with a thousand excuses to make her angry.
But what would that accomplish?
Better to say something sweet and listen to her cry later.
He grinned and said, "After all, Iâm not that young, but Iâve won the heart of the most beautiful girl in the capital. Iâd be a fool not to cherish it."
Yunzhu glared at him, but the corners of her lips betrayed herâcurling up into a smile.