CHAPTER 294: CHAPTER 294: ENGAGEMENT (2)

Here, Madam Xia was weeping softly, leaning in First Master’s embrace with unspeakable grievance.

First Master also frowned deeply, gently stroking her back to comfort her: "If it doesn’t work out, so be it. I always had doubts, and now if the engagement is called off, it means Xiqiu and he are not meant for each other." Marriage is about destiny, if it’s missed due to unforeseen circumstances, it cannot be forced!

Madam Xia covered the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, choking as she said, "I never wished for it to be Fourth Master Xiao. Even though he’s reformed, in my opinion, no matter how much he reforms, he won’t become as steady and family-oriented as you, Master. If Sixth Miss marries him, although she’ll live in luxury, if there’s no man to protect her in daily life, even a mountain of gold would be useless!"

First Master listened, not daring to agree. He believed that men making minor mistakes, having one or two concubines or children, was quite normal. As long as no major principles were violated, these were trivial... It’s all about perspectives and positions, and he did not want to argue with Madam Xia over it, so he nodded and said nothing.

Seeing First Master not speaking, Madam Xia lifted her head from his chest, looking at him: "It’s so troublesome with Sixth Miss’s marriage. She’s already fourteen this year, and once the mourning period is over next year, she’ll come of age. What will we do about her marriage!" First Master also frowned, and Madam Xia added, "Master, perhaps while you’re in the Capital, you could inquire around for a suitable family, even if they’re of modest means, as long as the man is reliable and honest."

First Master frowned more deeply, holding Madam Xia’s hand, he said, "Peirong, don’t worry. I have plans for Xiqiu’s marriage, and tomorrow I’ll send someone to inquire. Does that sound good?!" Madam Xia broke into a smile through her tears.

"I’ll go see Second Master, and stop worrying!" First Master said, releasing Madam Xia. Madam Xia nodded, saying, "You go, Master, and later when Sixth Miss comes, I will take her to send off Sister Liu."

First Master left the room and went all the way to Second Master’s courtyard. Though the structure of the second house was not as spacious as the first, its furnishings and décor were much more exquisite and luxurious. First Master went directly to Second Master’s bedroom, where Second Lady was sitting by the bed feeding him medicine. Seeing First Master enter, she immediately stood up and curtseyed in greeting, "Elder brother is here!"

First Master nodded at her, as a servant had already moved a chair behind him, and he sat down, his gaze falling on Second Master’s face, smiling as he asked, "Feeling better?" Second Master gave him a weak smile, showing none of his usual spiritedness, his eyes sunken, his complexion sallow. He said, "Elder brother is here." As he spoke, he tried to sit up.

First Master pressed him back down, frowning: "Rest well, we brothers needn’t stand on ceremony." Yet Second Master insisted on sitting up, so First Master had no choice but to help him and put a large pillow behind him to lean on.

"Elder brother, I’ve burdened you this time!" Second Master said, noting that First Master had also lost a lot of weight. He recalled how First Master insisted on following Scholar Liu into the palace to advise, and if not for him, First Master wouldn’t have ended up imprisoned by the Second Prince...

First Master furrowed his brows, saying: "We’ve been in the court for so many years, weathering many storms; ups and downs are common, don’t dwell on it." But Second Master thought differently, as he took the handkerchief Second Lady handed him to wipe medicine from his mouth, shaking his head: "I do not regret it. It’s my own fault for not considering thoroughly. When the Third Prince sent people to search for the Second Prince’s body under the cliff, but only his clothes were found, I felt uneasy, yet I did nothing, leading to today’s situation..."

This affair is just one among many. Even if the Second Prince had died, the future would see the Fifth Prince, Sixth Prince, or someone else possibly enact the same situation. First Master thought the root of the problem lay with the Third Prince. Though he was politically astute, he was too aggressive as a person, leaving no room for compromise. Many in the court openly pledged allegiance, yet secretly continued supporting the Second Prince... First Master knew Second Master wouldn’t listen to these words. Years ago, he had said something similar, which caused tension between them, and now the tide has turned, he wouldn’t bring it up!

Second Master sighingly shook his head: "Thinking back now, elder brother saw the long-term view. Though he’s had to endure years of being sent away, he ultimately protected himself. It was I who was too impulsive; I should have heeded your advice then!"

"Let’s not talk about it anymore." What’s done is done, why linger on it: "Rest well, recover, I’ve arranged things in Baoding. The old house was renovated early in the year; you can live there in peace!" Second Master’s eyes reddened, and Second Lady also wiped her tears beside him.

First Master continued, "If there’s anything lacking over there, write to me. Don’t let Quanzhi’s studies be delayed. If he likes martial arts, don’t restrain him, let him be!" Second Master had never been so obedient to First Master’s words; he nodded, saying, "I understand." After saying this, he paused, then thought of something, saying: "I heard Grand Commander Xiao came to the household to propose. Is there such a matter?!"

"Indeed, though your sister-in-law..." said First Master, feeling ashamed as he turned away. Second Master frowned, "Elder brother, some things I shouldn’t say, but sister-in-law has truly been too autocratic these last couple of years. Everything is decided by her. That would be tolerable, but things must be handled properly. Not to mention the Marquis’s marriage, Grand Commander Xiao is a trusted minister of the Emperor now. Such a marriage for the Tong Family would be much sought after, and sister-in-law..." Saying this, he sighed heavily!

First Master also felt the same, but now the marriage has been refused, what use is there in saying more? With this thought, he turned to Second Lady: "Speaking of this matter, I must trouble my sister-in-law."

Second Lady wiped her tears and smiled forcibly: "Elder brother, just give the word, there’s no trouble among family." First Master nodded: "I won’t stay long in the Capital. Your sister-in-law... seeing as Xiqiu is grown now and her marriage is fraught with uncertainty, please assist by finding a suitable match for her. Once her marriage is settled, I can leave with peace of mind."

Turned out it was this matter. Second Lady smiled: "Rest assured, elder brother, I’ll return to my parents’ home this afternoon and ask my brother’s wife to handle it, surely we can find a suitable match for the Sixth Girl."

First Master nodded, finally relaxing his expression, just about to speak when suddenly his attendant rushed over, calling from outside the curtain: "Master, someone from the palace calling himself Chief Qi has come to announce an Imperial Decree... Master, quickly go and see."

Both First Master and Second Master’s expressions changed drastically. First Master hurriedly lifted the curtain and asked: "Did they say what it’s about?" The attendant shook his head: "No, but I saw him smiling, not like..." He trailed off looking inside the room. Second Master had just been bailed out from prison, though he was convicted, the Emperor might recall something. Thus, the worries of First Master and Second Master were not unfounded.