Chapter Sixty-Two: Inquiries All Around

Madam Xue asked Nanny Jiang, "Did the Ninth Prince mention the reason for his visit?"

Nanny Jiang replied, "He said the old general is taking people with him, and he wants to learn martial arts from the old general."

Madam Xue mused thoughtfully. Her second brother was an exceedingly cautious man, always seeking extraordinary achievements. Ordinarily, he avoided drawing attention to himself, and with Xue Yang being such a disappointment, the Xue family had ended up in its current predicament.

If Second Xue were more adept at maneuvering, the Jingren brothers would have surpassed their father long ago. With Second Xue's guidance, the Xue family might not be so lacking.

Yet, such a reserved man—why would he consider teaching a prince martial arts?

Although the Ninth Prince was not the heir apparent, he was still a prince. It was rarely wise for a subject to become too close to a prince; most would avoid such associations.

Madam Xue turned to Xue Fanzhi and asked, "What do you think brought the Ninth Prince here?"

Xue Fanzhi answered somewhat nervously, "Perhaps he truly is here to learn martial arts from Second Granduncle."

Seeing Madam Xue's worried expression, Xue Fanzhi continued, "Fortunately, the Ninth Prince doesn't align himself with any faction. Maybe he simply feels a kinship with Second Granduncle."

Though the emperor had thirteen sons, the eldest and second had already passed away. The Crown Prince was the third, now thirty-five years old, but frail in health.

The sixth and seventh princes, Xiao Qiu and Xiao Xun, were sons of Consort Cheng and Consort Zhao—both favored concubines of the emperor. Their sons, apart from the Crown Prince, were the hottest contenders for the throne.

The fourth and fifth princes held high ranks, and even if dull, they had their supporters.

The eighth prince was known for his magnanimity, gathering followers thanks to his reputation.

But when it came to the Ninth Prince—his mother was not a favored consort, and his own carefree nature, coupled with rumors of foreign blood, made others wary. He had no faction, and everyone thought the throne would only ever fall to him if all other princes died.

Thus, nothing of consequence came from associating with him.

Madam Xue's expression softened slightly; she nodded and looked at Xue Fanzhi. "There are many guests in the house, and your Second Granduncle has yet to return. I need to make arrangements. Go play—you needn't keep me company."

She paused, then added, "Remember what your grandmother told you!"

Why had everyone else commented on the possibility of marriage, but Xiao Yi had not? Did he think she would never fall for him, or did he believe Xiao Yi posed no threat?

No matter. Regardless of Grandmother's opinion, she wasn't marrying Xiao Yi.

Xue Fanzhi performed a courtesy, rose, and left.

...

Leaving Madam Xue's courtyard, Xue Fanzhi came upon Fourth Sister, Fifth Sister, and Sixth Sister at the main gate.

The three were there to pay their respects to Madam Xue.

Upon seeing Xue Fanzhi, Sixth Sister took her hand and said, "If you have time later, come to my place. I can't get a pattern right—will you help me sketch it?"

Though Xue Fanzhi was honest and introverted, she excelled at painting. Whenever someone in the family struggled with a pattern, they sought her help.

Sixth Sister was also skilled at embroidery, making her not only gentle toward Xue Fanzhi but someone with whom she shared common interests. In her previous life, the two always embroidered together, and Xue Fanzhi knew Sixth Sister's moods well. Now, she worried for her because of Xie Sixth Young Master.

Xue Fanzhi wanted to talk with her, perhaps warn her—she could not let Sixth Sister die tragically in this life.

"All right, I'll look for the sketches I did before and come by later."

Sixth Sister nodded.

Xue Fanzhi turned to leave, but a voice called out, "Hey, wait, did you know there are guests in the house?"

It was Xue Renmei, the very one who had caused Sixth Sister's death in her past life. Xue Fanzhi had never liked Fifth Sister; she always acted superior, never looked at her sisters properly, spoke rudely, always with 'hey' and 'oi,' completely lacking courtesy.

Xue Fanzhi replied, "Is Fifth Sister calling me?"

Fifth Sister responded, "Isn't it obvious? You're the only one walking away, so who else would I call?"

Xue Fanzhi said, "I thought you were calling 'hey.' Since you used 'hey,' let 'hey' answer your question. Goodbye."

This time, no matter how Fifth Sister called after her, Xue Fanzhi didn't turn back.

Fifth Sister glared at Xue Fanzhi's retreating figure, furious. How could someone so disgraced be so arrogant? Just because she was the legitimate daughter of the main branch? She wasn't even loved by her parents—what made her so special?

She complained to Fourth Sister and Sixth Sister, "Eighth Sister grows more disrespectful every day—all thanks to Grandmother's indulgence!"

Sixth Sister's face darkened slightly; she pursed her lips but said nothing.

Fifth Sister knew Sixth Sister had nothing pleasant to say, so she didn't bother asking. She turned to Fourth Sister and said, "Isn't that right, Fourth Sister?"

Fourth Sister seemed startled, her gaze returning from the void ahead. She looked at Fifth Sister, "What is it?"

Fifth Sister: "..."

This fool, even now lost in thought.

Annoyed, Fifth Sister snapped, "Nothing at all—keep staring at the sky!"

Fourth Sister responded with an 'oh,' thinking to herself, I was already looking at the sky; no need to remind me.

Fourth Sister, Fifth Sister, and Sixth Sister entered Madam Xue's courtyard. They often came to pay their respects, but this time had been sent by their families. The third and fourth branches both sensed something unusual with the main and second branches—too many distinguished guests, and all men. What could be happening?

Was it about marriage prospects?

But the main and second branches had only Xue Jiaoyue left. Could she alone be worthy of so many exceptional suitors? Impossible—her reputation was ruined. Why should she have all the good fortune? Good things ought to be shared.

Especially the matriarch of the third branch; she thought Xue Jiaoyue was only fit for Sun family's young master, and the other esteemed guests should prefer her own granddaughters.

In any case, their elders need not act yet; the younger generation could investigate.

Madam Xue could only share surface information, for she herself knew only as much.

Other than Sun family's young master, who had come with relatives, all the others were here to learn martial arts from the old general.

The three sisters returned with this message to the matriarchs of the third and fourth branches.

Both old ladies thought to themselves, Who are they fooling? Could Xue Qiu really be so sought after? It's not as if all the martial artists in the court have died—highly suspicious!

...

In Xue Yang's bedchamber, his leg was still not fully healed; he could not yet stand and remained lying on the couch.

Lady Jin and Xue Jiaoyue knelt across from him.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the window blinds, casting slender shadows on the floor.

Outside, birds sang and flowers blossomed; inside, a family of three existed in harmony—a picture of happiness.

They too discussed the arrival of guests.

Xue Yang, worldly and knowledgeable, said to Xue Jiaoyue, "That Wang Xun—I saw him from afar once. He's not just any Wang; he's the second legitimate son of the Wang family of Langya, immensely wealthy and noble. Moon, you mustn't let this opportunity slip by!"