Chapter 133: Concubine Fang’s Scheme (1/2)
“Yes! It’s Second Young Master Sang from Ma’am’s family!” Concubine Fang quickly added, “Sir, don’t you think he is an ideal choice? Second Young Master Sang is a fine man and is also a top escorted examinee. There will be no problem in clinching first place in the court exam next year! Sir, think of how great it would be to have an advanced scholar as your son-in-law!”
“You’re right! Why didn’t I think of that?” Second Old Master Shi slammed the table upon revelation. The more he thought about it, the more he felt strongly towards the proposal. He said happily, “Yes, Yes! The two families are already in-laws, this can bring the two families even closer!”
“Sir, you’re brilliant! That’s precisely the reason!” Concubine Fang became elated when she heard Second Old Master Shi say “Yes” numerous times. If her daughter became the wife of an official and received authority, as her blood-related mother, she would definitely have a comfortable life ahead!
“But, isn’t Second Young Master Sang already nineteen? Our Ah Rui is only twelve by the calendar, isn’t she a little young?” Second Old Master Shi could not help but to feel that the opportunity was squandered; if only his daughter was two or three years older!
“She’s not young at all, not young at all! The minimum age for the selection of royal concubines is also thirteen!” Concubine Fang smiled and said, “This marriage arrangement can be set up first. If the Sang family is anxious to marry, then Ah Rui can marry into their family in two or three years when she’s fourteen. If not, she can marry in once she becomes an adult! Our Ah Rui is so obedient, outstanding in terms of looks and characters, and is also a proper missy. She will be a perfect match for Second Young Master Sang!”
“Right! Then this is settled!” The more Second Old Master Shi listened, the more convinced he was. He slammed the tea table happily and nodded while smiling, “Tomorrow, I’ll have someone invite Second Young Master Sang over and then speak with him about this!”
“Aiya, Sir!” Concubine Fang whined, “You, must be too overjoyed that you lost your senses! How can you speak about this straight to his face? Why don’t I find an excuse to visit this household’s ma’am and hint to her about this. Then, she can deliver this message to Second Young Master Sang for him to inform the rest of his family at home so that they can send someone to officially ask for the marriage! Sir, we can’t make a mistake here! Our family’s missy is a woman; how can the missy be chasing after a man? We should let the man take the first step to give our family’s missy face. Sir, it will also give you and Mistress Mi face as well!
Second Old Master Shi heard her and he laughed out loud. He tapped his head repeatedly and said, “Right, right, you are right! How can a woman be chasing after a man? Our Shi family’s reputation isn’t poor, we can’t have people looking down on us!”
“That’s it!” Concubine Fang laughed and said, “Sir, so this is decided? Tomorrow, I will pay a visit to Ma’am then?”
“Yes! We should settle this quickly while Second Young Master Sang is still staying in our household!” Second Old Master Shi laughed and said.
“Sir, don’t worry, this concubine knows what to do!” Concubine Fang grinned.
Concubine Fang was so excited that she could not sleep well that night and she discussed with Nanny Ying for a long while before stopping. Just from the thought of the good she would obtain from this marriage, Concubine Fang was over the moon.
On the next afternoon, when Concubine Fang supposed Sang Wan had settled all the matters within the household, she got changed into a red outer coat with colorful flowers embroidered on it and a violet pleated dress before her hair was combed. The beautiful gold ornaments were carefully inserted into her hair, and she left with Nanny Ying after dabbing some makeup on her face.
Both master and servant were feeling excited and their hearts were pounding quickly as they softly discussed among themselves along the way.
“Nanny Ying, do you think Ma’am will be willing?”
“Oh! Although Second Young Master Sang’s future is bright after becoming a top escorted examinee, our Shi family is still the richest in Qingzhou. With that, who can say for certain which is more prestigious? Our Fifth Missy is such a good person, this old servant thinks that this marriage is indeed a heavenly match! Second Young Master Sang isn’t foolish, why would he reject this? Furthermore, Ma’am is only responsible for passing on the word, she has no say in accepting or denying this marriage arrangement!”
“Yes, yes, yes! Foolish me for speaking such rubbish! Ma’am is such a kind person, she will surely help us pass the word!”
“Hehe, that’s correct! But you aren’t being foolish, just overjoyed, overjoyed!”
“Right, right, that is it!”
The two started laughing.
Unbeknown to them, a tragedy was about to happen to them from too much joy. Their laughter soon became cries of pain! Two girls knocked into them in the small path; the first who knocked into Concubine Fang wore a yellow dress, and the other who stepped onto Nanny Ying’s foot wore a light blue robe!
“Aiyo, this hurts for this old woman! Which d*mned lass didn’t look where she’s going!” Nanny Ying jumped and exclaimed.
“Sorry, sorry! Nanny, I didn’t notice you!” A young maidservant quickly went to help Nanny Ying.
“D*mned lass, you——” Nanny Ying glared at the maidservant as she grinded her teeth and exhaled sharply. Just when she was about to give a stern scolding, she quickly realized that the maidservant was Cai Yun, Shi Lian’s head maidservant, and she held herself back in time, swallowing down her resentment.
Concubine Fang was knocked in the waist. Seeing the dirty footprint on her dress, she became infuriated. But after taking a clearer look at the apologetic girl that was helping her up, she had to swallow her resentment as well.
Shi Lian was the daughter of the first family. Being a concubine of the second family, she had no authority to scold Shi Lian. After all, She wasn’t as foolish as that *** Concubine Shui .
“I am so sorry, it was all my fault! Concubine Fang, are your alright? Did you sprain your hip? Let me help you over to have a seat!” Shi Lian pulled Concubine Fang’s elbow while remaining apologetic.
“It’s fine, it’s fine! How can I trouble Third Missy? Really, I’m fine!” Concubine Fang forced out a smile between her teeth.
“Missy, let this servant hold on to Concubine Fang instead!” Cai Yun hurriedly walked over and took over from Shi Lian. Like Shi Lian, she uttered apologies without stop.