CHAPTER 443: CHAPTER 443: CONTEST OF SUPERIORITY (PART 2)

Xue Liuniang said softly, "Grandmother is old and speaks without restraint. If there are any offenses, I hope the Commandery Princess will forgive us."

Jiang Shaohua spoke more politely to Xue Liuniang, "I will not hold grudges against the elderly. In a month, it will be your grand wedding day, Sixth Sister. You will become a daughter-in-law of the Chen Family, and we will be family, so there’s no need to be formal."

Governor Xue constantly urged Old Madam Xue to return to Jingzhou because the day of the youngest daughter’s marriage was approaching. Old Madam Xue was unwilling to leave and thus had stayed at the Nanyang Prince Mansion with Xue Liuniang, which was indeed inappropriate if word got out.

Xue Liuniang’s cheeks flushed slightly as she responded gracefully, "I have admired the Commandery Princess for a long time and look forward to assisting you in the future."

Jiang Shaohua established positions for female officials and personally wrote memorials to the court to formalize their titles, requesting the Ministry of Personnel to issue official documents. This action, successful or not, was bound to be recorded in the history of Da Liang.

The profound impact of this event was immeasurable. Women from prominent families who were educated were inevitably intrigued upon hearing the news.

Looking at Xue Liuniang, Jiang Shaohua smiled with a double meaning, "I am waiting at the Nanyang Prince Mansion; you can come anytime."

Xue Liuniang suppressed her inner excitement and gracefully took her leave.

Only after boarding the carriage did Old Madam Xue manage to catch her breath, furrowing her brows as she angrily criticized Jiang Shaohua for disrespecting elders.

Xue Liuniang slightly frowned, "The Commandery Princess has always treated Grandmother with great respect. Today, it was Grandmother who overstepped. The Commandery Princess’s marriage is not even Lu Junma’s decision to make. Both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor allow her to decide. How can Grandmother blame the Commandery Princess for being disrespectful due to her own carelessness?"

"Does the Commandery Princess have to jeopardize her entire future just to satisfy Grandmother’s wishes?"

Old Madam Xue was nearly choked by her granddaughter’s words, her face turning unsightly as she glared at her, "Fine, fine, you are about to be married, and now that you have grown wings, you dare speak to Grandmother like this!"

Xue Liuniang sighed softly, "I am your legitimate granddaughter, and whatever you say, I will silently accept. The Nanyang County Princess is not an average younger generation; even the Grand Empress Dowager can’t impose on her. Why should Grandmother persist?"

Old Madam Xue was stifled once more, after a while, she said bitterly, "I was doing this just for your cousin..."

"Grandmother, stop," suddenly said Xue Lin, lifting his previously bowed head with reddened eyes, "I am not worthy of the Commandery Princess."

"The Nanyang Prince Mansion belongs to the Commandery Princess, and the Nanyang County is also hers. Whoever she wishes to choose as a consort is her own freedom. How can a talentless and ordinary young man like me stand by her side? Just because I am honest and content with my lot?"

"Elder Sister is right. Grandmother, do not provoke the Commandery Princess any longer; I am ashamed to even set foot in the Nanyang Prince Mansion again."

"After we return, Grandmother should arrange a suitable marriage for me."

Old Madam Xue’s eyes widened, wanting to scold her grandson for being worthless, but seeing Xue Lin’s tearful eyes, she couldn’t bring herself to utter harsh words. After a long sigh, she said, "Enough, enough! Since you lack the ambition, there is no point. Let’s just drop the matter."

"That Old Madam Xue is truly irritating and vexing."

As the carriage went away, Chen Jinyu murmured resentfully, "The Commandery Princess endured her for so many days, and yet she is still insensible, taking things for granted."

Jiang Shaohua was unperturbed and casually laughed, "Sixth Sister’s marriage to your brother is approaching; after all, she will be your brother’s grandmother-in-law, so you should show some respect. Just tolerate it a bit."

If not for the sake of the Chen Family’s reputation and for Governor Xue’s face, she would have already turned against her, rather than enduring until today.

Chen Jinyu understood well and sighed, "It’s been hard on the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "There’s nothing hard about these small matters. It’s certainly not more difficult than handling the ministers at court."

This much is true.

Chen Jinyu’s eyes curved into a smile.

...

On February 16th, Xue Liuniang and Chen Haoran had a grand wedding.

Governor Xue, doing things properly, arranged for his eldest son to send Xue Liuniang to Nanyang County three days in advance to await the marriage.

On the wedding day, the young and handsome Chen Haoran, clad in bright red wedding attire, rode a tall steed to escort the bride to the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

The bridal chamber was set up in the Chen Chief Historian’s courtyard.

As the granddaughter-in-law entered, Chief Historian Chen was full of joy and happiness. After drinking the tea she served, he smiled, "Nanyang County is five or six days’ journey from Jingzhou Prefecture. After you stay in the new room for a month, you will return to Jingzhou. Henceforth, the young couple will reside in the Xue Mansion."

This arrangement was discussed and agreed upon by Chief Historian Chen and Governor Xue before the wedding. Chen Haoran, having earned the title of scholar, would need to study diligently at the Jingzhou Prefecture School to advance further. Naturally, living in the Xue Mansion would be more convenient.

Xue Liuniang, a newlywed wife, shyly complied.

County Magistrate Chen had no objections, but Mrs. Yao felt uncomfortable.

Having married the daughter-in-law into their family, yet she would not be living with the husband’s family but returning to her own. What sort of situation was this? Was her son marrying a wife or becoming a son-in-law?

As Mrs. Yao felt uneasy, her expression became somewhat aloof while receiving the tea served by the daughter-in-law.

Chen Jinyu secretly rolled her eyes.

Feeling concerned for his new bride, Chen Haoran was about to speak up when Xue Liuniang discreetly signaled with her eyes.

County Magistrate Chen coughed and signaled to Mrs. Yao, who reluctantly forced a smile, drank the tea, and gave the prepared meeting gift to her daughter-in-law: "This golden bracelet was given to me by your great-grandmother when I got married. Although it appears rather crude, it is passed down through generations."

Xue Liuniang accepted the bracelet with both hands and wore it immediately: "Thank you, Mother-in-law. I will always consult with you in the future and take good care of my husband and in-laws."

Her words were humble and gentle.

Mrs. Yao’s mood instantly improved, and she said with a smile, "You young couple just need to live well together. I live in Bowan County, and you will stay in Jingzhou Prefecture, so there is no need to consult me on everything. Besides, you are a lady of a cultured family with a fine upbringing, conducting yourself commendably. As a mother-in-law, there is nothing I can teach you."

Xue Liuniang softly replied, "I am indeed ashamed I cannot attend to you and Father-in-law personally. I will write to you each month to inquire about your well-being. I will appreciate it if you guide me from time to time."

Mrs. Yao was very pleased by her flattering words.

In his heart, Chen Jinyu gave a thumbs-up to her sister-in-law.

Chen Haoran looked joyfully at his wife, feeling truly fortunate.

After drinking the tea, the Chen Family members together went to the inner hall of the Prince Mansion to pay respects to the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua gave the Chen Family due recognition with a generous meeting gift and kindly said to Xue Liuniang, "I heard Sixth Sister is talented in painting and calligraphy. Would you be interested in teaching at the Ye County Women’s School?"