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On the day my husband-to-be was escorted to the execution ground, I entered his household… Yun Lian was destined for wealth but never its fortune.
In her previous life, she had arduously climbed up to become an HR director with an annual salary just crossing seven figures. In the blink of an eye, she found herself transmigrated.
In this new world, she embodied a character affluent and beautiful, betrothed to a highly learned man from an illustrious background.
However, the timing couldn't have been worse.
Her prospective in-laws were all villains who had recently been thrown into prison. Her fiancé took upon himself all the blame, ensuring the release of his entire family.
The original owner sought to dissociate herself from this sinking ship by hitching onto the coattails of the newly enthroned emperor. Not only did she kick him while he was down, but she also personally went to the jail to humiliate her fiancé severely. On the very day her fiancé was being led to the execution grounds for beheading, she packed her dowry and, clutching a rooster, defied her entire family's opposition to enter her fiancé's now-tumultuous home. The benevolent new emperor decreed that one person's crime should be borne by that person alone, sparing the rest of the family from punishment but stripping them of their titles and official posts, reducing them to commoners.
Her future father-in-law could not withstand the shock and fell gravely ill. The matriarch of the family struggled to keep everything together, barely hanging on. The mother-in-law knew nothing except weeping. Below them were two young twin brothers and a half-sister.
Yun Lian led this extended family away from the political strife of the capital to settle down in their ancestral countryside. She saw to it that even the mischievous younger siblings started learning practical skills from an early age. The seemingly naive mother-in-law would soon toughen up under the sun's rays. The aging matriarch, despite her frailty, proved surprisingly spry when tending to livestock or gathering pigweed. And as for the heartbroken father-in-law, Yun Lian ensured everyone was taken care of meticulously. With her legs propped up, basking in the sun and perusing account books, she found life quite agreeable indeed.
In this ancient era, she neither married nor engaged in harem intrigue; instead, she had a bunch of little rascals to manage, which wasn't so bad.
Just as she settled into this idyllic rhythm, her fiancé – whom she believed had long been executed – suddenly appeared with a group of bodyguards.
The guards knelt and declared loudly, "We respectfully invite the Queen Empress to enter the palace!"
Her handsome fiancé gazed at her with profound affection capable of drowning a person, calling out, "Lian'er~"
Yun Lian: ?
(She is perplexed and surprised by the sudden turn of events.)
Chapter 1: Transmigrated
◎Could this be real?◎
Amidst a tempestuous wind and rain, the sound of wooden fish chimes echoed like music.
When Yu Lian awoke, she found herself in a corner of a temple. Her personal maid had just returned from exploring and tiptoed closer, only to discover that her young mistress was drenched. In a hurry, she held up an umbrella to shield Yu Lian from the falling rain and draped a cloak around her neck.
Yu Lian's mind was in utter chaos. The memories of her new body flooded into her consciousness like countless fragments, intertwining with her original memories and engaging in a mental battle.
She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes softly. The cold was biting; the rain was heavy, and her wet clothes only intensified the chill. Amidst the mental turmoil, she couldn't resist the cold. Fortunately, the maid was reliable, wrapping the cloak around her, providing some warmth.
The maid asked anxiously, "Miss, are you unwell?"
She touched her lady's forehead and said worriedly, "Oh no, you seem to have a fever. It must be because of the rain. Let's go back now, forget about Ninth Young Master."
Yu Lian opened her eyes. "Ninth Young Master?"
The little maid looked around cautiously. Apart from the sound of the wooden fish, the temple was quiet on this rainy day. There was not a soul outside. Lowering her voice, she explained, "Prince Nine has been discussing philosophy with Master Jing Yuan for an entire day and hasn't come out yet. Who knows how much longer it will take. I've heard that Prince Nine is quite knowledgeable about scriptures, often engaging in such debates for two or three days straight before resurfacing. Miss, please don't wait any longer. If you catch a cold in this downpour, how will I explain it to Madam and Lord?"
Yu Lian sensed something, but the rain intensified, pelting down in heavy droplets. She tightened her cloak and said, "Let's return then."
The young maid held an umbrella, supporting her lady as they walked towards the temple's rear courtyard where female devotees stayed overnight.
Fortunately, it was just a short walk through two corridors and a turn.
Inside the room, there was only a set of old wooden furniture, a bed with neatly arranged plain cotton quilts.
The young maid said, "Miss, I'll fetch some hot water from the little monk. You can freshen up, change clothes, and rest in bed. We'll head back to the mansion once the rain stops."
Her clothes clung to her body, chilled to the bone. Yu Lian knew she had to change quickly to avoid catching a cold. She wasn't sure about the dynasty or the medical conditions here, but she understood that even a simple cold could be fatal in ancient times.
Sighing, Yu Lian urged the maid to hurry out.
The temple was spartan, without even a coal fire. Yu Lian sat at the table, touching the teapot, which was also cold.
She sighed again.
The memories of her original host had fully merged into her mind, making for a truly extraordinary journey.
Yu Lian still couldn't believe that she had just outlasted her perpetually entrenched superior, who had clung to her position through connections, and was now promoted to the helm of the Human Resources department with a million-dollar annual contract in hand. She had even mapped out her career trajectory, determined to ascend further, aspiring to become the Chief Executive Officer before she turned forty.
On the day she signed the million-dollar contract, she treated herself to a car from the dealership, spending a third of her accumulated savings. Yet, she was ecstatic and content, knowing that with two more years of diligent work and bonuses, she could afford a property in a prime city! The prospect of a future with a car, a house, and a fulfilling job seemed almost within reach.
Yet, it seemed that she had been plagued by misfortune throughout her life, for whenever she thought she was on the cusp of success or a better existence, unforeseen circumstances would arise.
For instance, during her childhood, an unknown wealthy father suddenly surfaced, claiming she was his biological daughter and wanted to reclaim her. But before the legal proceedings were complete, he went bankrupt.
Thus, Yu Lian's struggle with poverty persisted.
Take her current situation, for instance. After finally securing a lucrative annual salary of a million, just as she was embarking on a new chapter in life, she transmigrated.
She transmigrated into an unfamiliar dynasty as a complete stranger...
Yu Lian believes that were anyone, except perhaps an emperor, given the choice, they wouldn't forsake a modern life with a seven-figure annual salary to step into this backward era where everything is in short supply. The circumstances of the original owner's life were nothing short of complicated.
She was the young miss of the Wei Guogong Manor, but her father was the youngest legitimate son, ineligible to inherit the title. Due to her grandmother still being alive, the family hadn't split off, and they all lived together under one roof.
Her two uncles were exceptionally fertile, with their wives and concubines giving birth to children in succession. From those two branches alone, there were over a dozen young misses. Her father, comparatively restrained, had only two half-sisters.
Hence, the original owner's daily life was filled with rivalry and one-upmanship against her dozen or so sisters, vying for their grandmother's favor with various treasures. It was a bustling existence with no idle moments. Even if she didn't accomplish anything substantial all day, her energy was entirely devoted to the art of intra-family strife.
The original owner's most triumphant moment in this arena was securing an engagement from her grandmother!
The male lead is the Heir of the East Yuan Marquis Manor, an individual of unparalleled talent and accomplishment, excelling in both literary and martial arts. Born with an elegance akin to that of the finest orchids and jade trees, his refined demeanor and exceptional handsomeness have garnered the affection of countless noble maidens within the capital city. Although their rank as a marquis does not quite reach that of a duke, the father and son duo of the East Yuan Marquis Household wield considerable power in practice, each dominating one half of the court's civil and military affairs respectively. To such an extent, even the Prime Minister would give them a wide berth. Consequently, both the East Yuan Marquis and his heir are highly favored by the aged Emperor, serving as his trusted right and left arms...
Wait, the East Yuan Marquis and his son?
Yu Lian felt a strange sense of familiarity with these names.
She propped her chin on her hand, pondering where she might have come across them...
Just then, the young maid returned, carrying a basin of hot water.
From her bundle, she took out a clean piece of fine cotton cloth and a set of fresh clothes. "Miss, quickly wipe yourself and change; be careful not to catch a chill," she told Yu Lian.
With no time to dwell on the matter, Yu Lian first changed her clothes. Although it was the rainy season of spring, the chill was profound and biting.
She asked the young maid to stand guard at the door while she proceeded to wash herself slowly. After drying off and donning her new attire, she summoned the maid to bring more hot water. Lying in bed, covered with a plain cotton quilt, she sipped warm tea and continued her thoughts.
What exactly was it that made her feel such a striking familiarity?
East Yuan, East Yuan... East Yuan Marquis!
Suddenly, her hand froze, and the steaming cup of tea in her hands nearly slipped. Fortunately, she was always composed and managed to hold onto it.
This character belongs to a novel where the entire East Yuan Marquis House is portrayed as antagonists - without exception.
Back then, an intern in her department was deeply engrossed in reading novels every day. On one occasion, the girl even dared to read it during a meeting, catching Yu Lian's attention. Yu Lian asked her about it.
Seeing that Yu Lian wasn't angry, the young intern cautiously shared her fascination, mentioning that there was a character in the book who shared the same name as Yu Lian. She jokingly suggested that Yu Lian should read the whole story to avoid, perhaps, accidentally time-traveling into it.
Yu Lian inquired about this character.
The intern replied that she was the eldest son's fiancée in the villainous family. This fiancée was wicked, vain, and elitist, extremely disliked by others.
Even if the villain wasn't a noble person, climbing aboard their success to arrange a marriage, only to abandon them in times of adversity and even push them further down, all while seeking favor with the newly enthroned Third Prince, who had become the Emperor, by humiliating her imprisoned fiancé in hopes of gaining credit from the new ruler.
Was this something a human would do?
Back when the new emperor was still a prince, he was the archrival of her fiancé. Despite their unequal statuses, the Third Prince originally came from humble origins; his birth mother was a lowly palace maid, making him born into a low position. Once, at the National Academy, he inadvertently offended the already renowned East Yuan Marquis heir amidst the provocations of onlookers, thus forging a deep-seated enmity between the two.
As they grew older, this enmity did not fade; instead, it intensified amidst the struggle for the throne. The third prince is the male lead in this novel, and after securing the final victory, he ascended to the imperial throne. Naturally, he had to display his magnanimity and would not stoop to tormenting and humiliating a prisoner. Thus, understanding his thoughts, the original owner of the body believed that the emperor would be pleased if his former fiancée went to humiliate him. Consequently, she eagerly carried out the task.
Now, at the temple, having just returned from humiliating him the previous day, she heard that the ninth prince, who had an extremely close relationship with the third prince, had come to Tianyuan Temple. Hoping for a chance encounter, she came over, intending to meet the ninth prince and, through him, demonstrate her commitment and "merits" to the new emperor.
She believed that since the third prince had once despised her fiancé so much and now couldn't lower himself to take revenge personally, the emperor would be delighted that she had done it for him. With his pleasure, he would surely consider including her in the harem during the grand selection, given her extraordinary beauty that outshone every noble lady in the capital.
The original owner was particularly confident in this.
Yu Lian couldn't help but smile bitterly as she sighed repeatedly at this thought.
The young maid, puzzled, asked, "Is Miss still unwell? Should I go down the mountain to inform the guards to bring the sedan chair up and return home?"
Yu Lian said it wasn't necessary, as it was still early, and she wanted to rest a little longer.
According to the plot of the book, the original owner's actions were correct. The new emperor indeed felt secretly pleased upon hearing about it. However, the original owner was extremely unfortunate.
The ninth prince she sought out turned out to be a freak among freaks, a supreme anomaly.
It was rumored outside that the Ninth Prince had a connection with Buddha since childhood, mastering scriptures and known for his benevolent nature, resembling a compassionate saintly figure. This was why the original protagonist dared to seek out a prince without prior acquaintance.
But who could have guessed? The Ninth Prince was, in reality, a sinister and ruthless psychopath with a disdain for women. He regarded the original protagonist as a shameless, fame-seeking opportunist, a type of woman he despised the most, and thus, treated her with no mercy.
He commanded his covert guards to {conduct an intimate act with} the original protagonist, then, through the Seventh Prince, sent her to his imperial brother's bed.
The original protagonist suffered further abuse at the Seventh Prince's quarters before finally ending up in the emperor's chambers.
The emperor, not recognizing the original owner, considered her a gift from his brother to please him. However, during their encounter, he discovered that she was not a virgin, which filled him with rage.
He found her presence defiling his dragon bed and promptly expelled her from the palace.
The original protagonist's reputation was utterly ruined. That very night, she took her own life by jumping into a river.
It was only after the fact that the new emperor learned the woman was his nemesis's fiancée, and he had engaged in such foolish acts. Indeed, he was delighted, for his rival's fiancée had not only scorned and humiliated him during his adversity but also quickly switched allegiances, submitting to another man like a dog, begging for mercy.
What did it matter if he died? Her actions had already tarnished his honor beyond repair!
At this thought, Yu Lian couldn't help but feel sympathy for her imprisoned, villainous fiancé.
At that time, she hadn't taken the novel seriously. Several days later, during her break, she didn't feel like going out due to her menstrual cycle. Bored, she picked up her phone and found the novel the intern had mentioned.
She ended up reading it all day long.
Frankly, she wasn't overly impressed. After finishing it, she only had one thought: the author must have a vendetta against the East Yuan Marquis family.
The author was peculiar, using characters from the East Yuan Marquis family as villains in consecutive stories.
In the first book, which was set in Yu Lian's world, the East Yuan Marquis family was portrayed as the antagonists, with the marquis and his son taking center stage.
These two wielded significant power, dominating the political landscape. The old emperor seemed to favor them but secretly harbored deep suspicions, repeatedly testing their loyalty. However, the marquis and his son were not pushovers; they were strong-willed and highly ambitious, with boundless aspirations!
They chose one of the princes to support, planning to help him ascend the throne, reasoning that the aging emperor should retire soon.
With the father and son's capabilities, backed by military power and influential administrative roles, achieving such a goal was by no means insurmountable; in fact, it was highly probable. Yet, at the crucial moment, the seventh prince they had supported was swayed by the third prince, not only renouncing his claim to the throne but also betraying the father and son entirely.
Infuriated, the old emperor threw the East Yuan Marquis family into prison. However, he was already old and barely clinging to life. Before he could sentence them, he passed away.
Afterward, the low-born third prince emerged triumphant. Upon the old emperor's death, he ascended the throne, regardless of how he managed to rally so many supporters. Apparently, he was the male lead, blessed with a protagonist's halo and unique charm.
In short, after the new emperor ascended the throne, he had to deal with past issues.
The matter of how to handle the defeated Duke of Dongyuan and his son became a tricky one. According to the customs of this dynasty, upon a new emperor's coronation, a general amnesty was granted, allowing those not sentenced to death to be released from prison. However, those with capital offenses were exiled three thousand miles away.
The Duke of Dongyuan's family had been imprisoned for treason and rebellion, which was indeed a capital crime. But since the previous emperor had passed away before a verdict could be reached, a retrial would be necessary to impose any conviction. The worst outcome would likely result in their exile, rather than execution.
News came from the Ministry of Justice's prison that the Duke of Dongyuan's heir, Hua Ji, had taken all the blame upon himself. Moreover, the Duke was willing to surrender his military power in exchange for the safety of his entire family.
The new emperor, wishing to demonstrate his mercy, consented.
What he feared most was Hua Ji; the Duke of Dongyuan, being old, was no longer a threat.
The Duke's family was released from prison, except for the heir, who was sentenced to death and awaited execution in ten days. The Duke was stripped of his military authority, title, and demoted to a commoner.
Yu Lian calculated that there were five days left before her betrothed would be escorted to the execution ground to lose his head.
At this moment, her young maid asked, "Miss, are you still going to look for Prince Ji? When I went to fetch tea just now, I heard that he has come out."
Yu Lian shuddered. That freak... she'd be a fool to see him!
There's no time to escape!
She got out of bed and instructed the young maid, "We leave for home now, and we won't stay overnight."
Temples have long been the setting for all sorts of dramas. Even if she was unfortunate enough to find herself in this confusing situation, she didn't want to die, let alone suffer any indignities.
Thank you for your support, dear readers!
Chirp, chirp – wishing everyone good fortune as we begin this story. Leave a comment for a chance at a surprise, and updates will be around midnight daily.
Chapter 2: Blessings
◎I'll send my guards to escort you down the mountain.◎
Perhaps it was due to Yu Lian's "lack of luck" status.
After greeting the temple monks and donating some money, she and her little maid were about to descend the mountain when they collided with a group turning the corner at the entrance.
Among them was a benevolent abbot followed by two young monks. On the other side stood a man in a white robe, tall and refined, exuding an ethereal aura. A bright red mole adorned his forehead, and his gentle gaze resembled that of a celestial being.
This was the Ninth Prince.
Exiting the temple, Yu Lian happened to bump into him as he was entering. It would be impolite to turn around now, but more importantly, she feared attracting the attention of this deranged Ninth Prince with any unusual behavior.
She bowed slightly to the abbot and the prince, behaving like an ordinary noble lady, before attempting to pass by. However, the abbot called out to her, "Are you from the Wei Duke's residence?"
Yu Lian had no choice but to stop. Abbot Jingyuan of Tianyuan Temple was a highly respected figure, and the nobles showed him great deference. She dared not leave abruptly, for fear of drawing unwanted attention from the eccentric prince.
She whispered, "Greetings, Abbot. My father is Yu Sanlang of the Wei Duke's household."
The abbot replied, "Miss, please wait a moment. Your grandmother recently requested a batch of blessings for safety, which have been blessed and consecrated. Please take them back with you, it will be a bit of a burden."
Yu Lian lowered her head, her pretty face twitching slightly.
If she could, she would have loved to perform an instant disappearance act!
She felt a seemingly gentle yet powerful gaze sweep over her. Fortunately, her performance seemed convincing enough, and there were no signs of suspicion from him.
A young monk soon returned with a bag of blessings, handing them all to her. The original owner of her body had brought someone up the mountain under the pretense of helping her grandmother fetch a protective talisman.
She had almost forgotten about that!
Holding the blessings in both hands, Yu Lian thanked the abbot and prepared to leave.
Throughout the encounter, she dared not lift her head, nor look directly at the deranged prince, for fear that he might recognize her face.
Although the Ninth Prince might not recognize her just yet, it was better to avoid trouble altogether.
Once again, Yu Lian's terrible luck proved itself! The eccentric prince spoke...
His voice was unexpectedly pleasant, as refined and composed as his demeanor, with a gentle quality reminiscent of spring breeze, soothing and disarming.
He said, "Miss Yu, did you only bring one maid? There have been recent bandit sightings on the mountain, and with the rain, it may not be safe. I'll send my guards to escort you down."
Yu Lian couldn't help but glance up in surprise, locking eyes with the celestial-looking eccentric...
He smiled gently, exuding a compassionate air.
Her lips twitched as she lowered her head and responded, "Thank you, Your Highness, Prince Ren. This humble daughter takes her leave."
The Ninth Prince had recently been bestowed the title of Prince Ren by the new emperor, who praised him as a rare, kind, and compassionate soul. Thus, he was named Prince Ren.
Now, she could truly leave. Exiting the temple, she turned a corner to avoid being seen and leaned against the wall, closing her eyes to take several deep breaths before calming her nerves.
Opening her palm, she found it damp with sweat. The little maid, noticing her state, took a handkerchief to wipe her face and hands, asking, "Miss, were you nervous just now?"
Confused, she replied, "The Ninth Prince was so polite and even offered to send us down the mountain with his guards. Why were you scared?"
The maid then brought up an awkward topic, "I found it strange earlier. You came up the mountain to find the Ninth Prince, so why didn't you speak to him when you met?"
She didn't know what the young miss had in mind when she sought out the Ninth Prince, only that she had something to discuss with him.
Yu Lian was secretly annoyed as well. She had just transmigrated and was still mentally adjusting. She kept reminding herself that the person before her was a psychopath, so she needed to be careful and not follow in the footsteps of the original owner.
As a result, she became more and more fearful, forgetting that the Ninth Prince was perceived by outsiders as a gentle and benevolent man. Nobody in the entire capital city was afraid of him; they didn't treat him with the same reverence they would an imperial prince or duke. Instead, he was more like a Buddha, a saint. Someone who might earn respect but would never inspire fear.
Yu Lian calmed her breathing, straightened her posture, and assumed the demeanor of a noble lady. She said to the little maid, "There are too many ears around here. It's better not to say much to avoid misunderstandings."
The maid understood and thought that the young miss was eager to descend the mountain because she felt unwell after getting caught in the rain.
While the two were talking, about seven or eight armed guards emerged from inside.
Surprisingly, the leader was a female guard. With a stoic expression, she walked up to Yu Lian and said, "Please follow me."
The descent was treacherous. The original owner had climbed the mountain on foot to show sincerity when seeking an amulet for her grandmother. Now, as Yu Lian began to walk down, she realized how difficult it would be.
The original owner's skin was delicate, and the climb had been challenging enough. Halfway down, Yu Lian was already short of breath, her feet aching and legs sore.
She couldn't help but ask if there was a sedan chair available.
The female guard replied, "We only brought one sedan chair, and that was for our master. He has a cleanliness obsession and cannot share with others."
Seeing Yu Lian looking rather pitiful due to exhaustion, the guard asked coldly, "Do you want me to carry you?"
After a moment of contemplation, Yu Lian stood still and opened her arms in front of the female guard. The guard squatted down and lifted her onto her back.
They descended the mountain at a brisk pace.
Upon arriving at the Wei Duke's residence, Yu Lian instructed the little maid to enter the gatehouse and fetch some silver to reward the escorting guards. However, by the time they turned around, the guards had vanished.
Yu Lian couldn't return to her own room immediately, as someone was already waiting for her at the gatehouse – a maid sent by her grandmother.
Her grandmother placed great importance on these amulets. She had donated a large sum of money for incense and requested over twenty amulets, intending to distribute one to each member of the household.
Especially since the recent turmoil involving Yu Lian's betrothed family, the East Yuan Marquis, the old lady was terrified. She kept repeating how fortunate it was that the marriage hadn't taken place yet, that it was only an engagement, leaving room for negotiation and preventing them from being dragged into the reckless actions of the East Yuan family.
Nonetheless, they were still prospective in-laws. The current emperor held a grudge against the East Yuan Marquis and his son. The old lady lived in constant fear that the new emperor might retaliate later, so she prayed to Buddha day and night. Eventually, she decided to request amulets for the entire household to ease her worries.
As soon as Yu Lian entered, the servant led her to her grandmother.
The old lady had thick eyebrows and darkish yellow skin, not the typical fair complexion of noble ladies. In her youth, she had served the duke at the border and only returned to the capital to enjoy her later years.
The more she enjoyed her blessings, the more she feared losing them, which made her increasingly superstitious.
She beckoned for her granddaughter to come closer.
Yu Lian presented the entire bag of blessings with both hands, and the old lady happily received it, gently tracing the patterns on the bag that contained two dozen small amulets.
She instructed the servant to retrieve the sachets she had prepared earlier. One by one, they placed the amulets inside the sachets, which would then be delivered to each family member for personal use.
Yu Lian sat nearby, assisting with filling the sachets while conversing with her grandmother.
The old lady asked if her journey had been smooth.
"The Temple of Destiny is located on a very high mountain. My old body can't easily make the trip, but requesting these amulets requires sincerity, so we must go in person. Today, Lian-er, you have suffered on behalf of your grandmother," she said, opening a wooden box beside her. She picked out a white jade peach blossom hairpin, held it up, and commented, "Lian-er, you're a beauty unparalleled in the capital. This white jade peach blossom hairpin is elegant yet lively, perfect for a girl like you." With that, she handed it over.
Yu Lian accepted it. After all the amulets were safely stored, she spent some more time chatting with her grandmother before leaving with her maid.
The moment she left, the old servant cautiously asked, "Why didn't you tell Miss Yu Lian that you're arranging a marriage for her with the youngest son of the Ruyang Marquis House? It's already been decided."
Due to the numerous daughters in the Duke's House, reaching over ten, and the low status of the concubine-born, only the legitimate daughters were ranked while the concubine-born were addressed by their names followed by 'Miss.'
Yu Lian's father was the youngest son, and she was also the youngest among the legitimate daughters, being the last of her generation and ranked sixth.
The elderly matriarch narrowed her eyes, feeling a bit exhausted from helping to prepare the talisman earlier. Old age truly wasn't as efficient as it used to be. She sighed. "That girl might have an inflated ego."
"She has her own plans and thoughts. If we told her now, it might achieve the opposite effect. I think it's better to wait a few days, let Lianer calm down, then inform her. Otherwise, she might resist."
The reason for rushing to arrange another marriage for Yu Lian was purely because the matriarch feared that the new emperor would develop an interest in her at home. After all, she had once been betrothed to the East Yuan Marquis's heir. As long as she hadn't married, she couldn't escape this identity, putting the entire Wei Duke's House in danger.
If she were married off early, she could potentially shake off this awkward status.
The matriarch was aware of her granddaughter's recent actions, such as humiliating her former fiancé in prison. However, she had tacitly approved and didn't intervene. Although it wasn't good for her granddaughter's reputation, it was beneficial for the entire Duke's House.
The more her granddaughter appeared to have severed ties with the East Yuan Marquis's heir, the safer the Wei Duke's House would be. The new emperor might spare them due to this attitude.
Thus, even though rumors were circulating that her sixth granddaughter was shallow and fickle, she didn't stop them. Back then, giving Yu Lian that marriage was both a blessing and a curse. Had nothing happened to the East Yuan Marquis House, Yu Lian would have had the best marriage among her sisters, solely because of her looks.
But little Sixth was a bit unlucky. Originally, she was supposed to enter the East Yuan Marquis House this autumn, uniting the two households in matrimony. Now, things had turned out like this.
Despite her many calculations, she could never have foreseen the unpredictability of life, leading to this situation.
The Wei Duke's House seemed prosperous and held a high rank, but since the passing of the patriarch, they no longer wielded any real power or military authority. Their eldest son, who inherited the dukedom, merely served as a Scholar in the Hanlin Academy, a seemingly prestigious but actually insignificant position, confined to proofreading ancient texts without ever approaching the emperor. He lacked imperial favor and true power.
Back then, they allied with the East Yuan Marquis House because the father and son held real power, enjoying both authority and imperial favor. They were at the height of their glory, capable of lifting the Duke's House up.
Little did they expect that their peak would be their downfall. That father-son duo had long been on a knife's edge, eventually becoming embroiled in a conspiracy to force an imperial prince to stage a coup!
She sighed heavily. Her mind was becoming more muddled with age, unable to see through these matters until after they occurred. What use was there in understanding them now?
Upon returning to the North Courtyard, Yu Lian lived with her family in the northern part of the residence. The first branch, along with the matriarch, resided in the east, the second branch in the south, while the west wing was where the servants lived.
As soon as she entered her courtyard, she heard a woman's weeping.
Author's Note:
Chun Xiao threw a mine, Jam threw a mine, and Ah Ya threw five mines.
Chapter 3: Pitiful
◎Taking the Blame for the Emperor's Mishap◎
As she entered the courtyard, a maid dressed in pink hurried over from the entrance, greeting her with delight and speaking hastily, "Miss, Lady is in sorrow again. Please go and console her."
This maid was called Tea Fragrance and had served Yu Lian's birth mother.
Following the young maid, Yu Lian walked in and saw a beautiful lady seated at a small table. Her skin was extremely fair, and her features delicate. Upon seeing Yu Lian, her eyes reddened even more. She waved her hand, beckoning her daughter to sit beside her.
Yu Lian approached and sat down. Immediately, the woman took hold of her hand.
Her palm was warm and moist, likely from tears. Before speaking, she sniffled and said, "Lian'er, my child, why must you have such a miserable fate? We finally found a good match for you, and then this happens!
"We've waited for two years, and in just half a year, you would have entered your husband's family. Who could have foreseen that before stepping into prosperity, it would crumble on its own? My poor Lian'er, having such an ex-fiancé, who would dare to marry you in the future?"
The woman grew increasingly sorrowful as she spoke, tears streaming down her face once more. Yu Lian gently patted her back, fearing she might hyperventilate.
She continued, "My poor, foolish child, now with a tarnished reputation, it's like adding insult to injury. As your mother, my heart aches bitterly. I haven't had a good night's sleep these past few days. I can only lament my daughter's misfortune and bad luck. I wonder what the future holds for you!"
Hearing this, Yu Lian asked, "Mother..." It wasn't difficult for her to address her as such; the word effortlessly rolled off her tongue as if it were natural and expected. After a pause, she continued, "Are you referring to my supposed betrayal and kicking someone when they're down?"
The beautiful woman froze. She lifted her head, her reddened eyes glaring fiercely at her daughter before she slapped her daughter's wrist in frustration. "You still have the nerve to say that? Who told you to humiliate the East Yuan Marquis's heir in prison? The moment you came out of there, the whole capital was abuzz with the news that you called your fiancé a scoundrel and said he deserved his fate. You even said the emperor was wise to execute him sooner. Is that something a proper young lady should say? Something you should say?"
"Mother was utterly shocked and couldn't believe it when she heard these rumors. How could my daughter be so foolish and malicious? Your fiancé was just sentenced to death by His Majesty, and soon his head will roll. Even an ordinary person wouldn't speak ill of someone on their deathbed, let alone someone who was once your fiancé."
"Your actions have sparked discussions all over the city. People are calling you disloyal and heartless. With a reputation like that, what kind of future do you have left?"
"Over the past few days, the first and second branches of our family have been giving me resentful glances. They're worried about the impact on the reputation of all the young ladies in our household and have even gone to Grandmama to badmouth you, begging her to send you away from the manor."
"But where can I send you? You'll have to marry, but with your current tainted reputation and unique background, it's obvious you won't find a good match. High-ranking families won't even consider you as a concubine, and in a humble household, you'd likely still face endless gossip... Mother knows too well how difficult life is for women, and reputation is paramount. What hope do you have now?"
"Your father is just a lowly sixth-rank official, and even being the legitimate youngest son of a duke's household doesn't matter. The title has already been inherited by the first branch. Once Grandmama passes, they'll kick us out, and can you still call yourself a lady of the duke's household?"
The woman was genuinely heartbroken and despairing, feeling deep sorrow for her only legitimate daughter and her bleak prospects. Her eyes conveyed a sense of resignation. She had been so proud and delighted when Grandmama bypassed the other daughters of the first and second branches to secure this excellent marriage for her daughter. Now, her disappointment and sadness were overwhelming.
As a result, even her husband began to suffer setbacks.
Ever since the engagement with the East Yuan Marquis was arranged two years ago, even though her husband was just a low-ranking sixth-rank official, his superiors treated him kindly, and his colleagues went out of their way to support him. Even the prime minister had spoken to him a few times. When attending friends' gatherings, others looked up to him, knowing that his future son-in-law was the East Yuan Marquis's heir, a man of both letters and martial prowess, wielding real power and esteemed as the most promising among the capital's elite. There was no one more outstanding, and he was destined for great fortune.
One by one, they all began to curry favor with Father.
The situation had reversed.
Ever since the East Yuan Marquis and his family were thrown into prison, followed by the sentence of death for the heir, those people had quickly changed their attitudes. In less than half a month, Father had been coming straight home after his duties, not even lingering outside for a quarter of an hour.
He said that they all looked at him as if he carried a plague, giving him no respect at all, and hurriedly avoided him.
In the end, the title of their Duke's residence was no longer useful. It was a hollow honor without real power, a facade of splendor hiding inner decay.
At the thought of this, the woman cried even harder, feeling that among all the noble and official families in the world, theirs was the most pitiful.
Yu Lian patted her back gently and soothed, "Mother, don't cry. Take care of yourself. If you cry too much, Father will be heartbroken when he returns."
The woman had cried for so long that she couldn't stop right away, only sobbing and hiccupping. Yu Lian instructed the maid to bring more tea water. After drinking a bowl of warm water, she felt slightly better.
Once she had calmed down, Yu Lian spoke softly, "There's no rush about marriage. Everything will work out in the end. Mother, there's no need to worry too much."
The woman glared with her beautiful eyes, "Then tell me, why did you act foolishly and go to the prison to mock him the other day?" At such a time, most people would want to vanish entirely, staying hidden within their residence and keeping quiet. Yet, she had gone to add insult to injury. What good did that do?
Yu Lian lowered her gaze, remaining silent for several seconds as she weighed all the possibilities in her mind. Only then did she articulate her thoughts, "If I hadn't done this, His Majesty would hold a grudge against him from their past. Even if his head were severed, he might still seek revenge on our family in the future. I don't wish to implicate my parents, brother, or the entire household. Thus, I had to do this to show the new emperor that I am determined to sever ties with him."
She let out a bitter laugh, "I can only hope that His Majesty will see my ruthlessness and decide to spare us all."
The woman was stunned. She never expected such a reason from her daughter!
Staring at her daughter in disbelief, she realized that although her appearance remained the same, her daughter had matured. She hadn't changed; she had grown up.
In the end, she was still her flesh and blood, caring deeply for her parents. Amidst the turmoil involving her fiancé, instead of prioritizing her own future, her first concern was the safety of her parents and the entire household.
So full of love and loyalty, she was far from the heartless, ungrateful girl portrayed by outsiders. Her filial piety made her an exceptional young lady!
Embracing her daughter tightly, she wept anew, this time with even greater sorrow. "My child, my precious darling, so considerate and obedient, what am I to do...?"
Buried in her mother's chest, Yu Lian's lips quivered slightly.
At that moment, sounds from outside caught their attention, followed by a male voice asking, "Why are you crying so much?"
Lady Yu Lian lifted her gaze towards the entrance, where her husband had just returned from his official duties. Still holding onto her daughter tightly, she said, "My lord, come and see how much our daughter has sacrificed for the safety and well-being of our family. She humiliated the East Yuan Marquis's heir in prison, tarnishing her own reputation. That's why news of the incident spread so quickly throughout the capital after she was released. Lian'er, did you have someone spread the word?"
Making a big fuss might help the story reach the ears of His Majesty.
Yu Lian lowered her head, effectively acknowledging the assumption, taking the blame on behalf of the emperor.
She suspected that it was likely the emperor's intention all along. How could an ordinary young lady like the original host gain access to the Execution Grounds, where only the most heinous criminals were held? And how could news leak so effortlessly from within? There must have been someone with power pulling the strings.
With this in mind, it became clear that he held a deep grudge against the East Yuan Marquis's heir, desiring to strip him of his reputation both in life and death, inflicting endless humiliation and unrest.
Her father, known outside as Wei Duke's third son or Yu Sanlang, appeared to be in his early thirties, in the prime of his life. However, two deep creases between his brows betrayed his constant worry, revealing his dissatisfaction despite being the legitimate youngest son of a duke's household.
He spoke with a somber tone, "What has happened here?" Addressing his wife, he continued, "Stop weeping all day. Your sobs can be heard outside, and it wouldn't do for your mother to hear them."
Lady Yu Lian wiped away her tears and replied, "Our daughter has made such a great sacrifice, yet you remain indifferent, only scolding her at the first opportunity."
Yu Sanlang removed his cloak before sitting down to sip his tea. "The deed is done, and dwelling on it won't change anything. We should focus on finding a solution to mitigate the damage."
"Tell me, my lord, how do we rectify this situation?"
Lately, with the Imperial Examination approaching, scholars from all regions have gathered in the capital. I'm considering finding an outstanding and virtuous scholar of humble origins for Lian'er. In the future, I don't seek wealth and luxury for her, only a life free of worries."
Only when he sat down to speak did Yu Lian realize that her father, though stern and reserved, was not stingy with his words and indeed cared for his child.
However, he adhered to the traditional masculine mindset, not encouraging tears or melodrama. His approach to speaking and acting was practical and straightforward.
Yu Lian's mother paused, still feeling that Lian'er was being wronged. A lady from an esteemed Marquis House was to be matched with a penniless scholar, let alone hoping for someone among the top ranks like the Zongjia (first place), Shangjia (second place), or Tanjia (third place). She dared not even dream of such prospects, as those candidates were either already married with concubines or were young talents sought after by the elite.
She feared that her husband might settle for a Tongji (a degree equivalent to a bachelor's), someone less noticeable.
She even thought that her father might consider those who failed the examination, for those who passed the Jinshi (degree equivalent to a master's) exam would likely enter the bureaucratic world and, fearing to offend the emperor, might not dare to marry into their family.
Yu Sanlang said, "To be able to preserve one's life and live without worries is a blessing. Don't be too greedy."
Then, he looked at Yu Lian, "In the coming days, stay at home and keep your mother company."
Yu Lian nodded.
She understood that, for her well-being or the sake of the Marquis House, this father of hers might not allow her to remain in the residence for long.
Sitting there for half a day, she had already made up her mind. Since she was already here, she would put aside other considerations and first think about how to survive. If her father truly found a suitable marriage, as long as the prospective spouse didn't have concubines or chambers, and their character was commendable, she wouldn't be picky about their social status. She could simply regard it as a partnership for living.
For now, she needed to overcome this immediate challenge. What she wanted to do in the future was a matter for another day.
Seemingly pleased with her obedience, Yu Sanlang gave her a few more instructions before donning his cloak to leave. Before departing, he took out a lucky pouch, explaining that he had encountered someone from her grandmother's side at the entrance earlier and had forgotten to take away the protective amulet meant for her younger brother.
Chapter 4: Younger Brother
◎A future of great prosperity and unspoken nobility◎
Yu Lian suddenly remembered that she had a younger brother and asked her mother, "Where's my brother?"
Yu Niang replied, "He ran over to Second Branch to play with Chen-ge. He should be back for dinner soon."
No sooner had she spoken than a loud, clear voice of a child echoed at the entrance, calling out "Mother" and then "Sister" in succession.
Yu Lian turned around and saw a dark figure rushing in like a gust of wind, diving straight into her mother's arms.
Yu Niang patted her son's head and chided with a smile, "You're already eight years old, yet you still make such a racket. If your father sees this, he'll surely scold you."
The mention of 'father' made the boy instantly tense up. He looked around nervously, relieved only when he didn't see his father.
Then he turned to his sister, "Sis..."
As he raised his head, the scars on his face became visible. There was a purple bruise on his forehead, as if from a collision, and a scratch on his left cheek.
Judging from the marks, they were freshly inflicted.
Noticing his sister's gaze fixed on his face, he quickly reacted by covering his face with both hands, preventing her from seeing him.
She hurriedly asked, "Did you get into a fight?"
Yu Niang's heart skipped a beat. She lifted her son's face to examine it closely, and upon doing so, she felt a mix of anger and anxiety. "Didn't you say you were going to play with Chen-ge? How did you end up like this?"
"You didn't even dare to let Mother see you when you came back. I wondered why you were so clingy today; turns out, you've landed yourself in trouble."
The young boy stepped back and stood straight, bowing his head without offering an explanation.
As his mother, she pulled him closer, insisting that he must not lie and must not keep silent about what had happened. She wanted him to tell her the whole story.
She also inquired, "Did Chen-ge or anyone else bully you?" Ever since her daughter's fiancé's incident, not only had outsiders treated her family differently, but even her own relatives had. Her two sisters-in-law, who had once envied and resented her, had been warmer to her, especially the older sister-in-law who was a countess, all because of her excellent son-in-law.
Now that the situation had changed, Yu Niang worried that her son might also become a target for bullying.
The young boy denied it.
Under his mother's persistent questioning, he glanced hesitantly at his sister, and Yu Lian knew that it must have something to do with her.
He pondered for a moment, fearing that his sister might be saddened, so he asked his mother to lean in close and whispered in her ear, "Fifth Brother and Sixth Brother were speaking ill of Sister. I couldn't bear to hear it, so I argued with them..."
Yu Niang, forgetting everything else, immediately asked, "What did they say about your sister? Who hit you?"
In the legitimate third branch of the Duke's household, there were ten male descendants of this generation. Her son was born late, ranking eighth. Apart from the fourth son, who was the eldest-born child in their own branch, the rest belonged to the first and second branches.
Her son mentioned that Sixth Brother and Seventh Brother were two to three years and half a year older than him, respectively. Sixth Brother, Hui-ge, was the eldest son of the first branch, while Seventh Brother was from the second. As for Chen-ge, he was also from the second branch, ranked ninth.
She exclaimed indignantly, "Chen-ge bullied you too?"
"No, he didn't." He then answered the previous question, fuming, "Sixth Brother said that Sister is an unlucky star who can't get married and stays in the household to harm others."
"Seventh Brother not only didn't refute him, but he also echoed those words. He even told me to stay away from Sister, saying she would harm us."
"I couldn't control my anger and confronted them. But instead of apologizing, they became even more outrageous. In a fit of rage, I pushed Sixth Brother, and both he and Seventh Brother shoved me back. It was Second Aunt who found us and had the maids send me back here."
The young boy huffed, "Second Aunt pretended to be kind. Seventh Brother said that his mother and his sister talked about it, and he overheard them."
Yu Niang was no fool; upon hearing this, she guessed that the lady in question must have been gossiping in her room, allowing the child to overhear and repeat it.
Frustration burned within her, and she yearned to confront the woman and argue with her. However, she quickly deflated, knowing that even if such incidents didn't occur before her eyes, she had always anticipated their behind-closed-doors whispers. What could she do? Could she really stop people from speaking?
If the matter were brought before the matriarch now, Yu Niang would lose face as well. All she wished for at present was for her daughter to stay quietly by her side for a while, until her father found a suitable marriage match, so she could avoid any potential strife.
But while she feared the household's gossip about her daughter, there was no harm in discussing her son's punishment.
Without eating, Yu Niang promptly took her youngest son to see the matriarch.
Yu Lian considered for a moment before deciding to follow along.
The young maid, concerned, said, "Miss, you've just returned from the mountains and haven't rested. Your feet must be blistered. Why not rest first? Lady will take care of Young Master's matter."
Listening to the advice, Yu Niang urged her daughter, "Then, let Mother handle the situation wisely and cautiously."
Smiling, Yu Niang gently stroked her daughter's face, teasing her for finally worrying about her mother now that she had grown up. With that, she hastily led her son out, eager to address the issue.
They returned to the courtyard as the sky was turning dark. Dinner had already been served in the third branch's quarters, but Yu Niang refrained from touching her food, waiting for the others to come back.
They arrived as a family of three: her father, her mother, and her younger brother.
The concubine-born children were all dining with their respective mothers in their rooms; Yu Niang preferred not to see them.
Her father had a stern expression. Without eating first, he began to lecture, "Regardless of the reason, you're not to engage in physical altercations with anyone, let alone your own brothers within the household."
Her brother, indignant, turned his head and retorted, "What brothers? Anyone who speaks ill of my sister isn't one. He's the jinx, not me, and his entire family is cursed."
Feeling a tender affection for her younger brother, Yu Lian offered him a large chicken leg.
The child's face immediately lit up with joy.
Yu Niang also pleaded, "My Lord, there's no need to scold him. It's commendable that he knows to stand up for his elder sister."
"After all... the First and Second Branches don't really treat us as true siblings either."
Though the Wei Duke's residence appeared bustling with family members living together harmoniously, it was only due to the old matriarch's lingering influence. She insisted on having all three of her sons by her side, believing that unity among them was necessary for the family's progress.
The eldest branch, despite their reluctance to support the two extended families of their younger brothers, had no choice but to reluctantly agree.
As for the second branch, always striving to compete with the eldest, they were constantly comparing themselves with their own kin, like chickens staring at each other with crossed eyes.
In the third branch, no one genuinely regarded the other as a blood relative; only their own master was sincere.
Yu Sanlang didn't say another word. He was a meticulous rule-follower and adhered to the principle of silence during meals. Once he started eating, he wouldn't speak until he was finished, and any conversation would wait until after the meal.
Yu Lian observed her parents and brother in silence.
After the meal, she concluded that while the entire Marquis household was large and intricate, her own family remained simple and warm, not much different from an ordinary family. None of them seemed to be bad people, which brought her a sense of relief.
Once they had finished eating, Yu Lian fetched a medicinal ointment to apply to her brother's wounds. Meanwhile, Yu Sanlang was already brewing tea, preparing to teach and reprimand his son once the ointment was applied.
On one hand, their son was young and in the early stages of education, so Yu Sanlang personally took on the task of teaching him. On the other hand, he needed to address the incident that had occurred earlier that day.
After the father and son left, Yu Lian pulled her mother aside to sit down and ask her some questions.
Yu Niang said, "What could the old lady say? Boys being mischievous and bickering is common. She scolded both sides equally and rewarded our Xuan-ge with a bag of gold beans to settle the matter."
Lowering her gaze, she hesitated to share certain things with her daughter. But considering that Jing Hao now seemed more sensible, Yu Niang decided to explain, "This world is pragmatic. Your incident isn't over yet, and the first and second branches of the family fear that you'll bring calamity upon the household. They wish to get rid of you. Mother can't stand up for you either. I just hope they won't think about you, allowing you to have some peace. When your father finds a suitable husband for you, you'll be married off, and surely, your fortunes will turn around, and you'll live a good life."
"Although my child has faced hardships, greater blessings lie ahead."
She lowered her voice and continued, "When you were little, you had a high fever that almost took your life. I sought the abbot at the temple, and he said your destiny is light at the beginning and heavy at the end. You would encounter a great challenge before marrying, one that could threaten your life. But if you survive it, you'll have immense fortune and prestige beyond measure."
It was unclear whether Yu Niang was genuinely sharing this or just trying to comfort her daughter; Yu Lian suspected the latter.
She asked playfully, "Then who is this master? Was it Master Jing Yuan from Tianyuan Temple?"
Yu Niang felt embarrassed and averted her eyes. "A master is a master, why does it matter?" In reality, the person who read her daughter's destiny was a fake monk rumored to scam food and drink. Yu Niang only later discovered that this imposter pretended to be the traveling Master Jing Hao, who eventually got exposed and expelled from the temple.
Master Jing Hao was Master Jing Yuan's senior, the former abbot of Tianyuan Temple. He had been away on a pilgrimage for years but had actually passed away outside. Thus, the fraudulent monk took advantage of his absence.
Due to this incident, no one in the household took their daughter's destiny reading seriously, as it came from a fake monk. Could it be genuine?
At this moment, Yu Niang mostly spoke to reassure her daughter, but a small part of her also wanted to comfort herself, reminding herself that her daughter would be fine, that she would have good fortune and lead a prosperous life.
Now, her adversity was but a hurdle in her destiny; she would endure and move on.
After their conversation, the mother and daughter retired to their respective chambers for slumber.
Yu Lian instructed her maid to change the bed linens and put away the ornate decorations of the previous owner, opting for a simpler, sky-blue canopy to create a serene atmosphere.
Surprisingly, despite expecting a sleepless night, she dozed off almost instantly.
When she awoke, a young maid was already holding a basin of warm water, awaiting her.
Observing the lady's awakening, the maid smiled and asked, "Shall Miss rest a while longer?"
"You usually can't be roused at this time, but today is quite unusual."
This was the first basin of warm water today; previously, it would take two or three changes of cold water before Miss would finally rise from bed.
Upon arising, Yu Lian changed her clothes, freshened up, and then accompanied her mother to Grandmama's quarters for breakfast and to pay morning respects.
Chapter 5 Looking at each other
by
Chapter 5: First Glimpse
◎The matriarch treated her with excessive warmth and affection.◎
This was Yu Lian's first encounter with the entire household of female relatives.
A single word encapsulated her emotions: astonishment.
There were far too many people – at least two dozen women adorned in gold and silver, moving to and fro. She couldn't distinguish one from another, only recalling the appearance of her own mother.
The numerous concubine-born daughters sat outside, while they, as the legitimate daughters, approached the matriarch to pay their respects and engage her in conversation.
As Yu Lian made her way over, she received quite a few disdainful glances. Her mere presence silenced the room's chatter.
One of the girls, dressed in a pale yellow garment, chuckled, "Sixth Sister, you still remember to pay your respects to our grandmother. For a moment there, we thought you had wings and were about to ascend to a higher rank."
The original owner of this body was charmingly beautiful and, as a result, behaved boldly without restraint. Some of the sisters in the household had guessed her intentions – she aimed to use the downfall of her fiancé as an opportunity to marry into the palace. The new emperor had just ascended the throne, and after the spring examinations, imperial selections would soon follow.
Should she manage to enter the palace and become a concubine, her beauty would certainly give her a chance to win favor. Wouldn't one aspire to be a favored consort over a marquise's wife? Let alone that the East Yuan Marquis's mansion no longer exists.
The speaker was the second daughter from the first wife's household, ranking second among the legitimate daughters in the family. She had never gotten along well with Yu Lian, and with her own father being a duke, she didn't hold back with her words.
Yu Lian smiled and remained silent, deeming it unnecessary to quarrel in front of everyone. She approached the matriarch to pay her respects and then tried to step back, seeking a corner to sit in until it was time to leave with her mother.
She hadn't anticipated getting involved in domestic strife upon transmigration. Unlike the original owner, she had no interest in constantly competing for attention and favor with these sisters. It wasn't her style.
Before the transmigration, her professional life had already been complicated. Besides her own capabilities, she had climbed the ranks through various power struggles. Now, given a second chance, she didn't wish to engage in such battles again. If possible, she would have preferred to be reborn into an ordinary family, with less intricate backgrounds and fewer problems than the original host.
Seeing that Yu Lian didn't respond, the second daughter from the first wife's household huffed and fell silent.
One remark was enough; any further acidity might upset their grandmother.
However, the matriarch held Yu Lian's hand affectionately, pulling her close to sit beside her. Addressing her three daughters-in-law, she said, "Now that Lian'er has encountered such troubles, you elders, as sisters-in-law and biological mothers, must help me think of a solution to find her a good husband."
The dozen or so young women exchanged glances before their eyes turned enviously towards the sixth daughter, seated at the head. They resented her because of her appearance – simply because the sixth daughter was beautiful, their grandmother had always favored her. When the East Yuan Marquis's heir offered such a prestigious marriage, every noble lady, from princesses to the daughters of ministers, had harbored hopes. Yet, the matriarch had used her late father's favor to secure this advantageous match for their family, bestowing it upon the sixth daughter without a moment's hesitation, among all the granddaughters in the household!
Now, with the sixth daughter stumbling before even marrying, she deserved to be labeled an ill-omened star. They believed she should be promptly dismissed to protect the family's reputation and avoid negatively impacting the emperor's view of the Wei Duke's household.
To their surprise, the matriarch not only forgave but also expressed concern, asking her daughters-in-law to assist the sixth daughter in finding a suitable match.
How could all the good things in the world fall into Sixth's lap?
The Second Miss had just grumbled in dissatisfaction, calling out to her grandmother. However, after receiving a glare from her own mother, she held back her words.
The Duchess of Guo smiled and said, "There is indeed a talented young man in my family's distant clan. He has already passed the provincial examination and become a jinshi. His father was recently appointed as a prefectural governor this year, though his rank isn't high. But with a few more years of service, he can advance when he returns to the capital. Besides, he is learned, so he won't be inferior to his father in the future. He has a promising future."
The matriarch became intrigued and asked, "What is this young man's name, and which distant branch of the family does he come from? Why haven't I heard of him?"
"That's my elder sister's cousin's son. His previous fiancée fell ill and passed away before their marriage. This incident delayed his marriage for quite some time. Since Mother asked today, I might as well act as a matchmaker. The young man is truly excellent, not comparable to... but still quite good."
Yu Lian looked over. Her eldest aunt was plump and graceful, with a square face that exuded an aura of grandeur, typical of a lady in charge of a household.
On the other hand, her second aunt had a slender figure, a delicate oval face, and an appearance that suggested sharpness.
Second Lady truly couldn't understand what her elder sister was thinking. At this moment, instead of hurriedly persuading the matriarch to get rid of the unlucky Sixth Miss, why would she try to involve her own mother's family in the matter?
Wasn't this just causing trouble for herself? She didn't believe that her elder sister was being so kind-hearted!
The matriarch pondered for a moment and suddenly understood, "Now that you mention it, I recall. Is it Wang Lian, the legitimate son of the Wang family branch from Dongzhou?"
Lady First nodded. "Mother has a good memory. Even though he's from a branch of the Wang family, it's still a respected lineage. It won't disgrace our Sixth Miss."
"And since he comes from an esteemed family, his promotion is just a matter of time. There's no need to rush. Yu Lian will live a life of luxury when she marries him. If he were to advance in his career, she might even become an official's wife and bring honor to our family."
Her description was so enticing that not only did the elderly lady smile, but Yu Lian noticed her mother's interest piqued. Despite her initial dislike for her sister-in-law, she now held her hand and thanked her emotionally.
Yu Lian sighed inwardly.
Unusual behavior often indicates something amiss.
Father had mentioned that no officials were interested in her, let alone someone from the prestigious Wang family?
Even if his rank wasn't high, he would still have a clean background with great potential. It didn't make sense for him to marry a woman with a questionable status.
Aunt Second, seemingly inspired, chimed in, "After hearing Sister's words, I recall we also have a distant relative on my side. Although they're not in the government, they're royal merchants, incredibly wealthy. They have an unmarried legitimate youngest son..."
Upon hearing this, Yu Lian immediately declined. Her second sister's family was royal merchants dealing in flowers and plants. The previous emperor was a lover of flowers, which led to the elevation of floral prices across the land. Thus, this unconventional royal merchant emerged, solely supplying the imperial family with rare and exotic blooms.
A single pot of decent flowers could cost hundreds or even tens of thousands of silver taels. This relative of Aunt Second was undeniably affluent, but their reputation was questionable. Their family morals were suspect, with rumors of abduction of civilians, concubines harming the main wife, and strife between the legitimate and illegitimate offspring. It had almost become a laughingstock. Yet, Aunt Second still found it appropriate to mention them.
The old lady frowned but didn't comment.
As the conversation continued with subtle undercurrents, the group of women ceased their verbal sparring when the breakfast was served.
Taking advantage of her sisters' distraction, Yu Lian quickly pulled her mother aside to leave.
After hastily bidding farewell to the old lady, she couldn't shake off the feeling that the old lady had been unusually gentle and affectionate towards her today.
Yu Niang playfully pinched her daughter's nose, teasing, "Back then, you loved standing alongside these sisters, always saying that being with them made you look even better. Why are you fleeing like a fugitive now?"
Yu Lian replied, "Mother, after going through this, I finally understand that it was because of our Wei Duke's House, because of... their family's protection, that I had the courage to live. But now, all that is gone. There's no point in fighting anymore."
She then looped her arm around her mother's, continuing, "About what Grandmother mentioned earlier, do you really believe that Eldest Aunt will find me a good match?"
Yu Niang, momentarily disregarding her daughter's straightforwardness about her marriage, pondered, "Right now, I don't care if it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat. All I want is to find the best husband for my daughter, nothing else matters. Besides, regardless of how much friction there is between your Eldest Aunt and us, there's no deep-seated hatred. She wouldn't really harm you, especially with Grandmother watching. She's sharp, and your Eldest Aunt won't dare."
"Your Eldest Aunt has a wide network. If she could assist in finding a suitable match, that would be excellent."
Looking on, Yu Lian felt a sudden heavy pang in her heart. A mother would likely not mind humbling herself before her sister-in-law to secure a good marriage for her daughter. Why the urgency to find her a good husband? Perhaps it was because she feared that the longer it took, the more likely she would be cast out, disposed of casually.
This display of paternal love only served to heighten Yu Lian's awareness of her current predicament.
It seemed more grim than she had imagined.
If she didn't marry soon, she would risk being cast out.
From the way Grandmother was acting today, it seemed she was eager to find Yu Lian a suitable husband.
Yu Lian had read her fair share of time-travel novels before, where the female protagonists could remain unmarried and still thrive in their new homes, building successful careers.
But Yu Lian was well aware that she didn't possess such extraordinary circumstances. She weighed her options inwardly: a fortnight, at most a month, she wouldn't be able to stay beyond that. Neither could she nor should she.
Of course, Yu Niang wasn't oblivious either. Upon returning to her chambers, she dispatched someone to inquire about the Wang family, a distant relative of her eldest sister's husband. If the prospective groom were of good character, with their esteemed background, he would certainly be a viable candidate for her daughter's marriage.
She even mused that if Lord couldn't find any promising young men, this Wang might be a suitable choice. Even if he came from a distinguished family's branch, they still held considerable influence. Besides, his current low-ranking official position might make him more amenable to marrying into their family; by the time he climbed the ranks in a few years, they might no longer be within his reach.
Upon Lord's return, she relayed the incident to him.
Yu Sanlang furrowed his brows, urging her not to spread the news or harbor excessive expectations. He leaned more towards finding a low-profile family for their daughter; the Wang family's prestige was simply too prominent.
Wang Lian was someone he had encountered before, albeit briefly. Though he didn't know him well, he could tell that the man was far from being an upright individual.
The next day, the servant boy discovered more information and returned to report discreetly, detailing everything: "There haven't been any negative rumors about his character. He comes from a family of three brothers and is the second-born. Although he's not yet married, he already has two concubines, one named Shi Shu."
Upon hearing this, Yu Lian inwardly recoiled, but her curiosity got the better of her as she asked, "What is a Shi Shu?"
Her mother shot her a disapproving glance before dismissing the servant boy.
Then, she explained, "You're still unmarried and don't understand. Some noble sons enjoy a romantic atmosphere while studying, so they keep pretty maids in their study, claiming they're there to serve. In reality, these maids are no different from concubines."
Yu Lian bluntly stated, "Mother, this man isn't suitable."
Yu Niang was somewhat dissatisfied, but it was common for men to have concubines. Two or three wasn't excessive, and since he hadn't produced any illegitimate children, it would be easy for her daughter to manage such matters once married.
Understanding that their views differed, Yu Lian didn't expect to change her mother's mind. Thus, she simply made her point and didn't push the matter further. The other branches of the family, having perceived the elder matriarch's intentions, seemed eager to arrange a marriage for her. Over the past few days, several more proposals had come their way, all of which Yu Niang had investigated. Each had some flaw.
Some had lost both parents, others were believed to bring bad luck to their wives, some were notorious playboys, and then there were widowers.
On the day the results of the Spring Examination were announced, her father, having finished his duties, told her about a promising scholar from a humble background. He had an elderly mother and younger siblings, with no other close relatives. He had even passed the exam and been granted the rank of Juren, although not with a high ranking. Still, he would be appointed as a county magistrate, and given his accustomed poverty, he wouldn't dare look down on her. He said that once in his post, far from the imperial court, people would eventually forget about her, and the emperor certainly wouldn't take special interest in her, ensuring her safety.