Chapter 838: Marriage Arrangements, Matchmaking

Duke Zhang Fu of Yingguo accompanied the emperor on an inspection tour of the border regions. Although Lady Wang had children of her own, her age made her feel lonely, so Lady Sun often brought Du Wan and Zhang Jing to keep her company. Along with younger nieces and daughters-in-law such as Li Yun and Zheng Fangfei, Lady Mu, the wife of the Duke of Cheng, and several other well-known duchesses and marquises also frequently visited, making the large Yingguo Park quite lively most of the time.

That day, as the memorial ceremony for her father-in-law, King Zhang Yu of Hejian, was to take place in just over a month, Lady Wang still invited Lady Sun and Du Wan over, despite the incidents that had occurred just a few days earlier. Zhang Jing no longer attended school daily, but out of concern for Tianci, Zhang Tian, and Zhang Yue, she came along as well, only to sit in the room for a while before running off to play with her younger siblings. Lady Sun and Du Wan had been sitting there for a short time, having yet to exchange many words, when someone came in to report that Lady Mu, the wife of the Duke of Wu’an, and the wife of the Marquis of Wuding had arrived.

“I didn’t send out any invitations today—how come everyone is here?” Lady Wang was surprised. Then, looking at Lady Sun and Du Wan with a smile, she added, “Perhaps it’s because you’re here that they heard the news and came all at once.”

“Sister-in-law, you’re teasing us!” Lady Sun was no longer as reserved around Lady Wang as she had been at first, always wearing a happy expression. She said, “Since all three ladies have arrived, why not let Wan go greet them?”

“That’s true. Since I don’t have any daughters-in-law of my own, I have to rely on your daughter-in-law. After all, I treat you as if you were my own daughter-in-law.” Lady Wang smiled slightly and nodded at Du Wan. “You’ve met Lady Mu many times before—treat her as you would anyone else. Lady Chen, the wife of the Marquis of Wu’an, may be hot-tempered, but she’s straightforward. Lady Li, the wife of the Marquis of Wuding, comes here less often, so I’m not very familiar with her. Just be polite, and that will suffice. Biluo, accompany her.”

Du Wan agreed with a smile. After leaving the room with Biluo, the messenger daughter-in-law rushed forward to greet them, followed by three or four maids. When the group reached the second gate, three carriages were parked there. The first to get out was Lady Mu, the wife of the Duke of Cheng. She was still under forty, the daughter of a duke who himself was a duke, and she had a legitimate son, so her life was comfortable. She wore a colorful silk robe with butterfly and flower patterns over it, but instead of the usual golden crown reserved for noblewomen, she wore a golden peony hairpin that matched her fair, round face. She was very familiar with Du Wan; as soon as she got out of the carriage, she took Du Wan’s hand and chatted for a while before turning to help the others get out.

Lady Chen of Wu’an Marquis and Lady Li of Wu Ding Marquis stepped down from the carriage one after another by standing on stools. Lady Chen was in her early fifties; as Marquis Zheng Heng of Wu’an was constantly away on military duties, she stayed at home alone, which naturally made her look even older. Yet even so, her hair was neatly combed and held in place by a small pearl crown, with very few ornaments—just a jade hairpin and a double-ended hairpin to hold her hair back—complementing her long robe adorned with lotus patterns in dark indigo. Lady Li of Wu Ding Marquis, on the other hand, was different from the other three; she wore a sleeveless dress covered in golden bird patterns in bright red, along with a purple-red brocade robe with pheasant patterns. Her head was adorned with shiny golden ornaments, pearls, pheasants, and emerald peony leaves—a display of luxury that was quite rare.

Feeling puzzled, Du Wan approached with a smiling face, while Lady Li treated her very familiarly, asking about her family’s situation and the details of Zhang Yue’s recent ordeal, as if they were long-time acquaintances. Even as everyone moved inside, Lady Li let the other two go ahead and insisted on keeping Du Wan behind.

“I heard your family has a young sister about to get married?”

Since returning to the capital, Du Wan had heard this question many times, so she wasn’t surprised at all. She replied with a smile, “My third sister is still young—only eleven years old. Both my parents dote on her, so it’s still too early to talk about marriage.”

“That’s true, but she’ll be ready to marry in a couple of years. Isn’t it time to start looking now?” Lady Li glanced at the two ahead and said with a smile, “My son Cong is thirteen this year. As the eldest legitimate son, he has been taught by scholars since childhood and has also learned martial arts from our family’s veteran generals. He’s not like those spoiled young men. Since he will surely inherit the title, my husband has been trying to find him a sensible wife.”

This was an invitation to propose marriage. Although she had encountered many hints and suggestions before, it was the first time someone like Lady Li brought it up right from the start, deepening Du Wan’s confusion. As they walked further in, she said shyly, “My third sister is my parents’ only daughter. Even my husband dotes on her and protects her. As her sister-in-law, I really can’t make such a decision. To be honest, even my mother gives in to her a bit. How dare I overstep my bounds? Besides, the Duchess of Ying also loves her very much and says her marriage must be decided by her personally.”

Seeing Lady Li frown thoughtfully, Du Wan immediately stopped mentioning the matter and breathed a sigh of relief. She knew well how the sons of the noble families were, though others might not. For Zhang Jing’s sake, and also because Zhang Yue asked her to help evaluate Meng Ang’s marriage prospects as well, she had spent time among the nobles, observing many daughters from prestigious families and sons reputed to be brave and talented. Even if they seemed good at first glance, Zhang Yue would always find out their true nature later on. Thus, although she had never met Guo Cong, the eldest legitimate son of the Marquis of Wuding, she could still form a clear idea of his character and appearance.

Compared to other nobles of the Hongwu era, the family of the Marquis of Wuding was not yet in decline. However, after Guo Ying died in the first year of the Yongle era, the marquis title remained vacant for twenty years. It was not until Emperor Renzong, Zhu Gaochi, ascended the throne that, due to Concubine Guo, his brother was granted the title. As a result, Guo Xuan, rather than his elder brother Guo Zhen who should have inherited it according to tradition, received the title. Because of this, Guo Zhen’s wife, the Princess Yongjia, was filled with resentment, and the other members of the Guo family were also dissatisfied. If Concubine Guo were still alive, it might have been acceptable, but since she had been buried with the emperor, conflicts within the Guo family gradually arose. After all, Guo Ying had twelve sons, and since the eldest branch could not inherit the title, why should Guo Xuan, who was neither the eldest nor from the primary branch, get it?

Moreover, Guo Cong was more of a half-baked scholar and warrior, relying merely on his family’s legacy.

When the group arrived at the main house, Lady Wang naturally went to greet them at the door together with Lady Sun. She was closest to Lady Mu, and as soon as they met, she joked, “I don’t see you for days usually. What brought you here today, inviting so many people to my place?”

“It wasn’t planned at all; we just happened to meet on the way!”

Lady Mu winked at Lady Wang and stepped into the house first, whispering as the others followed, “It’s just so coincidental that the Lady of the Marquis of Wu’an happened to be at home. When talking about gardens, she mentioned that the area near the Marquis of Wu’an’s hutong is a bit small, and she wants to find a place to build a garden, so she dragged me along to take a look. But the Lady of the Marquis of Wuding was really met by chance, right on Half Street near the fire lane. Her family doesn’t often interact with others, so her sudden visit probably has some ulterior motive. On the way here, I saw her whispering with your husband’s sister-in-law for quite a while.”

Hearing this, Lady Wang immediately understood what was meant and glanced at Lady Sun beside her. Once everyone had taken their seats in the warm pavilion, she sent her maid to prepare tea using the Liu’an tea bestowed by Empress Dowager Zhang earlier. When the maid brought six white porcelain cups from the Jun kiln on an inlaid lacquer tray, everyone picked up one. Lady Wang took a sip before setting it down.

“Empress Dowager praised this tea for its delicate fragrance and sweet, mellow taste. I usually drink Liu’an tea too, but it’s not as good as this imperial tea, so I’ve kept it hidden. It’s perfect for guests today. With so many people here, Mother Liu, go call the children so they can meet their elders.”

Seeing Lady Wang call for someone, Du Wan stood up and said, “Aunt, let me go myself.”

Lady Wang nodded, and Du Wan left. As someone who frequented the place, she simply took her maid, Xiao Yi, with her and headed straight to the Yixin Pavilion where the children studied. This area belonged to the outer courtyard. She stopped at the entrance, and soon a servant who worked there came over. Du Wan told him that Lady Wang wanted the young masters and ladies to meet the guests, asking Zhang Jing to come out first. The servant bowed and rushed inside. Soon, Zhang Jing, dressed in a light green Lu silk jacket, came out.

“Sister-in-law, the teacher is currently lecturing on the biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru in the Records of the Grand Historian. Why would any important guest want us to go? Aunt and Mother both know Teacher Liang’s rules—he would never allow interruptions during his lectures.”

“Tian Ci and Jing Guan can certainly say the teacher is at a crucial part of the lesson and can’t leave, but it’s you they really want to see.” Seeing Zhang Jing’s skeptical expression, Du Wan instructed the servant to keep a close eye on her, then took her back, whispering along the way, “You’re familiar with Lady Mu and Lady Chen, but you’ve never met Lady Li of Marquis Wuding. From her tone, it seems she’s targeting you. Be careful when you meet her—see how she behaves.”

Although young, Zhang Jing was clever. Hearing this, she snorted lightly. When they reached Lady Wang’s main courtyard, she followed Du Wan into the corridor. Her smile disappeared, replaced by an air of pride. Seeing her outfit, Du Wan knew exactly what she was up to and couldn’t help but remind her as they entered the main room.

“Don’t go too far—too much is just as bad as too little!”

“Sister-in-law, just watch me!”

In the room were either duchess or marquess wives; as a second-rank lady, Sun should have been the least noticeable. Yet Lady Wang didn’t neglect her, Lady Mu became familiar with her, and Lady Chen appreciated her straightforward and bold manner. The only one who didn’t interact much with her was Lady Li, who deliberately flattered her. In the end, Sun wasn’t neglected at all; instead, she felt that all conversations revolved around her son, which filled her with secret joy. When her daughter-in-law and daughter entered together, the daughter bowed to everyone before rushing into her arms. After a brief pause, her face lit up with a smile.

“Why are you the only one here? Where are Tianci and Jingguan?”

“They were supposed to come, but it’s still Mr. Liang’s class time. Of course, I stopped them first,” Zhang Jing said confidently. “They’re all students of the master, learning the great teachings of the sages. We need to prioritize. It’s better to finish the half-completed lesson before visiting guests than to interrupt it. Auntie, am I right?”

Seeing Zhang Jing looking at her with a sweet smile, Lady Wang knew the mischievous girl was doing it on purpose. She sighed and said, “It’s me and your mother who’ve spoiled you. You have no sense when it comes to speaking and acting!”

“Auntie!”

Zhang Jing acted coyly and clingy, pestering Lady Wang for a while before smiling and bowing to Lady Mu and Lady Chen one by one. Lady Chen, being a neighbor of the Zhang family, was already familiar with her behavior. She playfully tapped her forehead and said, “Fine, you get away with it today… You spend all your time studying. Do you expect your future husband to be extremely learned?”

“He doesn’t have to be extremely learned, but he can’t be worse than me!” Zhang Jing laughed, looking at the elite ladies in the room, showing no sign of shyness or embarrassment. “I must know the Four Books and Five Classics. Even if I can’t write Tang or Song poetry, I should at least be able to use it. I also need good handwriting and be well-read… Besides, my third brother is a Jinshi. He can’t be worse than him.”

Before she could finish, Lady Chen couldn’t hold back anymore. She hugged her and scolded her jokingly, “You little brat, aren’t you shy? You actually list conditions like this. You always compare yourself to your third brother. Why don’t you ask if there’s anyone else in our Great Ming who’s as outstanding as him? Enough, enough. I’m curious to see what kind of mother-in-law would dare to take you as a daughter-in-law!”

Lady Mu nodded beside her and said, “Exactly! It’s a shame such a temper isn’t suited for a man. I can’t imagine her cooking and serving her in-laws.”

Madam Li tried several times to interject, but others always spoke first. Seeing Zhang Jing’s arrogant behavior, she couldn’t help but resent her husband Guo Xuan’s instructions. Eventually, she thought to herself that since she had already made her points clearly, why should she keep pestering them if they refused to respond? With so many eligible young ladies in the capital all eager to become future marquises, why would the Zhang family, despite their current prominence, have to beg others for help?

So, when Madam Wang invited her to stay for lunch, she declined, feeling like an outsider everywhere, and left in a hurry. Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief. Du Wan took the opportunity to whisper in Lady Sun’s ear. Lady Sun, who had come specifically for this purpose, quickly pulled Madam Wang aside and said, “I almost forgot the real reason. I brought Wan and Jing here today because I need your help with something. Jing’s father and brother have chosen a suitor for her and would like you to act as a matchmaker.”

Just after mocking Zhang Jing, this matter came up again. Not only Madam Wang but also Lady Mu and Lady Chen became interested and asked who the suitor was. Zhang Jing, who had been talking nonsense earlier, blushed at this sight and left without a word. It was then that Lady Sun revealed what Zhang Zhuo and Zhang Yue had discussed. After realizing the situation, Madam Wang nodded thoughtfully, while the other two were quite puzzled.

Her family didn’t have any eligible sons, but there were many eligible noble youths in the capital, including legitimate eldest sons from wealthy families like the Marquis of Wuding who were destined to inherit their estates. Why reject such wealthy prospects and instead choose a poor scholar? It was truly hard to understand the Zhang family’s intentions!