Chapter 157: The rice is cooked (1/2)
Chapter 157: The rice is cooked
Although Zhangsun Che hadn’t really done anything to Murong Wanru, everyone had witnessed the scene between them in the bedroom. It was enough to turn all their faces red. To put in another way, Murong Wanru’s chasity had been stolen by Zhengsun Che, so his crime was inexcusable. How could Grand Concubine Yi let them off easy? Even if she killed him, she still wouldn’t be satisfied!
But Murong Wanru was still an unmarried maiden. She might have lost her chasity to Zhangsun Che, but what would she do if he died? Who else could she marry? Would any families greater than Marquis Pingbei’s house be willing to take her? Even if she lowered her standards, there was little chance of respectable families wanting to marry her. Those who were intelligent understood that the only solution to salvage Murong Wanru’s fate was to marry her to Zhangsun Che!
In the silence of the hall, Grand Concubine Yi sat without speaking a word.
Marquis Pingbei was a smart man. Despite being angry at his son, he had already seen through the crux of the matter and its consequences. Seeing that Grand Concubine Yi still hadn’t moved to speak, he raised his head and spoke up first.
“Grand Imperial Concubine, my unfilial son committed such a grave offense and cannot be forgiven. It is the parents’ wrong for not properly instructing the child. No matter what decision Grand Imperial Concubine makes, this official and his wife will accept it without complaints. But I implore Grand Imperial Concubine to think of Miss Wanru’s future and give the wrongdoer a way out. Let him take responsibility for Miss Wanru for the rest of his life!”
When Marquis Pingbei finished speaking, Grand Concubine Yi gave him a vicious glare and pounded the table a few more times. Still, she didn’t speak. Marquis Pingbei secretly bumped his son. By now, Zhangsun Che was completely sober and naturally understood the ramifications of his deeds. His father’s nudge spurred him to raise his head. Thankfully, Grand Concubine Yi wasn’t looking his own, or else he’d definitely lack the courage.
He made a slight bow with hands folded before him, his face filled with earnesty. “Grand Imperial Concubine, please allow Miss Wanru to marry this person of lower status. I will definitely take responsibility to the end and treat her well for the rest of her life!”
Slam!
Grand Concubine Yi smacked her table, angry eyes swiveling towards him. Frightened, Zhangsun Che immediately lowered his head, not daring to utter a sound. Seeing him act like a cowardly mouse, Grand Concubine Yi was even more angry and dissatisfied! Of course she knew that the best solution–the only solution–was to have Murong Wanru wed below her social status to this Zhangsun Che. But she really couldn’t bear to do it, much less accept it.
As the foster daughter of the Duke of Qin’s estate, Murong Wanru and the first son of Marquis Pingbei were still considered an equal match. But the North Lord of Marquis Pingbei’s estate was known for being naturally amorous. He’d even taken a share of his father’s concubines. How could one marry a man with such a licentious personality that ruined the ethics of his own clan?
Wouldn’t Wanru’s happiness being ruined for life if she married him?
Moreover, Grand Concubine Yi never had intentions of marrying Murong Wanru to outsiders! Although Han Yunxi had brought up marriage talks with her before, Grand Concubine Yi had only gone through the motions when agreeing. In her heart, she still couldn’t bear to part with this daughter and hoped for the day she became one of the Duke of Qin’s concubines. This way, she could stay at home and be her companion.
Now look at what happened. Not only did she have to marry, but it was to a scoundrel like him!
Marquis Pingbei kept tugging at his son’s robes to remind him to have more guts. Sadly, although Zhangsun Che looked elegant and unrestrained, self-important and wealthy, he was one of those types that was strong in appearance but weak in reality. As a man without any inherent courage, he’d lost the daring to lift his head against after Grand Concubine Yi scared him with a look. Moreover, he wasn’t satisfied with marrying Murong Wanru, either. Once the foster daughter from the Duke of Qin’s estate married into his house, wouldn’t he be watched closely? Where would his good days go then?
Since Marquis Pingbei couldn’t coax his son to talk, he spoke up instead, words filled with sincere wishes. “Grand Imperial Concubine, since things have already reached this point, please take Miss Wanru’s future into account and…think thrice!”
It was then that the quiet Han Yunxi spoke up in a low voice. “Mufei, you weren’t there to see. Without exception, all the men and women invited to the Plum Blossom Meet, including the servants, saw what happened. Good news never gets out, but bad news travel for thousands of li[1]. When tomorrow morning comes, who knows how the rumors would sound? They’ll definitely embellish the story with colorful details. If it hurts Wanru even more, then wouldn’t she…”
Grand Concubine Yi furrowed her brows and looked over. Han Yunxi lowered her voice even more and said, “Mufei, chenqie knows you’re unsatisfied with the current state of matters. Neither is Wanru willing, but it’s better than having her carry a bad name for the rest of her life and hiding in the estate, afraid to see anyone.”
Actually, Grand Concubine Yi understood all of this without Han Yunxi having to say a word. But she just couldn’t swallow her anger! Zhangsun Che had committed the crime, but not only did he escape punishment, he even gained a wife out of it! Seeing that Grand Concubine Yi still wouldn’t relent, Han Yunxi’s eyes glinted with craftiness as she continued.
“Mufei, let’s take advantage of our time tonight. Why don’t we agree to this wedding first? Tomorrow morning, have Marquis Pingbei’s estate come over to officially ask for an engagement with drums and a grand fanfare. It’ll suppress the rumors. Meanwhile, we’ll spread news that Wanru and Zhangsun Che have been adoring each other for a long time. In this way, no matter what the others say, we’ll still redeem some face back, wouldn’t we?”
At her words, Grand Concubine Yi finally saw Han Yunxi in a new light. “Engagement?”
“Exactly so. Secure the engagement first to suppress the rumors. It’ll give Wanru time to calm down. As for the wedding itself…when both sides are sober, we can determine things then.”
Even Han Yunxi herself thought these words were laughable when she spoke them. Arranging an engagement with drums and a grand fanfare was equal to cooking the rice. A marriage was imperative after such an act, so there was no room for second thoughts. But under these circumstances, her suggestion was like a cup of cool tea for Grand Concubine Yi’s pent-up anxiety. It finally extinguished the fiery temper lodged in her heart!
She looked carefully at Han Yunxi against before sighing. “This is all we can do.”
Han Yunxi rejoiced in her heart, before compassionately speaking, “Mufei, chenqie is still Wanru’s sister-in-law. Why don’t you have chenqie discuss the details of the engagement with Marquis Pingbei and his wife?”
Grand Concubine Yi didn’t want to spare Zhangsun Che another glance, much less talk with his family. She had no choice but to agree. After the decision was set, Grand Concubine Yi finally recovered somewhat from this blow. She looked coldly at Marquis Pingbei with a lofty air.
“Zhangsun Zhongde, since Wanru and your young lord adored each other long enough for you two to come ask for a marriage tonight, I won’t cause you any further difficulties. Tomorrow morning, we’ll set the engagement. As to when they’ll marry, we can discuss that at a later date!”