Chapter 18: Jiang Shiyuan Should Marry Her Cousin (Extra Chapter)

Page 1/3

Pei Zisu knew that his cousin Anian was breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, every time he saw her, a unique joy welled up in his heart. After returning from the princess’s residence yesterday, although he had not received a definite answer, the fact that she did not reject him was already good news in his eyes.

Today, seeing her dressed as she was—not quite in full finery, yet more splendid than usual—Pei Zisu’s lips curled into an involuntary smile. Before he could speak, his aunt, Lady Pei, hurried over and took a close, appreciative look at Jiang Shiyuan. As she examined her, she exclaimed with genuine delight,

“Has Anian changed today? You usually resist dressing up brightly, but look at you now—you truly are like a fairy descended to earth.”

Lady Pei’s words brought a faint blush to Jiang Shiyuan’s cheeks, and she shyly replied,

“That’s an exaggeration, Auntie. You’re just praising yourself, like the old adage says.”

“Haha, who else in the family could be so charming? It’s all thanks to you, this young lady who doesn’t like to show off. Otherwise, the other ladies wouldn’t know how to inquire.”

Lady Pei spoke so quickly that she didn’t think twice before blurting out. Suddenly, catching sight of her nephew, she recalled the marriage proposal he had made in the flower hall just a few days ago and immediately felt a bit embarrassed.

At that moment, their cousin-in-law, Lady Xiang, quickly stepped forward, blocking Pei Zisu’s gaze. She then took Jiang Shiyuan’s hand and helped to ease the situation, saying,

“Mother-in-law is just happy, and of course, you are beautiful. Even I, as your cousin-in-law, feel moved. They say nieces resemble their aunts; if the child in my womb is a girl and grows up to be even seventy or eighty percent like Anian, I, as her mother, would surely be overjoyed.”

Her words instantly shifted everyone’s attention onto her. Jiang Shiyuan’s eyes showed surprise, and seeing Lady Pei’s satisfied expression, she quickly asked with delight,

“Cousin-in-law, are you expecting?”

“Since you went to the princess’s residence yesterday, I haven’t been feeling well, so I consulted a doctor, who said I’m almost three months along.”

“See? Your cousin and cousin-in-law are so clueless. The first three months are the most delicate, yet they had no idea. Only now, when the child is almost secure, do they find out. When I heard the news yesterday, I nearly wanted to give your cousin a good scolding!”

Since daughters-in-law are precious these days, Lady Pei refrained from blaming her, instead venting her frustrations on her son. Jiang Shiyuan could easily picture Lady Pei jumping about, scolding her eldest cousin, while he remained perfectly calm—no doubt a sight to behold. She teased Lady Xiang with a glance before saying,

Page 2/3

“Auntie, give eldest cousin some face. After all, he’s a father now. If the niece or nephew hears about your temper, they might not be close to you.”

“They dare?!” Lady Pei, with her straightforward nature and fondness for jokes, wasn’t offended by Jiang Shiyuan’s words, but her eyes glimmered with worry, as if recalling something.

Jiang Shiyuan, being perceptive, understood exactly what her aunt meant.

She had been enlightened by Liuhua’s words yesterday, and today she came to give her answer. Looking up at Pei Zisu, whose eyes still shone with determination and persistence, the last trace of doubt in her heart dissolved.

Now that her cousin-in-law was with child, the entire Wen Yuan Marquisate was filled with joy.

And this was just the beginning. There were still the second and third cousins and the younger cousin to marry off. Once they all settled down, the Wen Yuan Marquisate would surely be bustling with celebrations.

Relieved that her grandmother would no longer be lonely and would have great-grandchildren to dote on, Jiang Shiyuan took her aunt’s and cousin-in-law’s hands and headed toward the venerable Lady Wang, the matriarch. Upon seeing her demeanor, Lady Wang knew her granddaughter had something to say and helped her to her feet, asking,

“What is it? Did something happen at the princess’s residence yesterday?”

“I was careless and overindulged in wine there, so I was sent back drunk, causing you worry. Today, I have come partly to apologize and partly to take this opportunity to tell everyone: Cousin Pei’s marriage proposal, I accept. I am willing to marry him.”

Though the Wen Yuan Marquisate’s household had seen many things, these few days had been extraordinary. First, Pei Zisu’s bold proposal had startled them, and now Jiang Shiyuan’s candid acceptance left them utterly shocked.

Only days ago, she had said firmly that she wouldn’t marry. How had a single visit to the princess’s residence, a night of sleep, turned her so completely around, changing even the way she spoke and acted to such boldness?

While the household was still stunned, Pei Zisu was the first to recover from his surprise. He immediately walked to Jiang Shiyuan’s side, their eyes meeting—clearly, he had never expected his delicate cousin to respond so forthrightly. Overjoyed, he stepped forward to declare his intention.

Bowing deeply before Lady Wang, he respectfully and sincerely said,

“Grandmother, please rest assured. Since I have made this proposal, there is no cause for worry. I had planned to wait until everything was settled before continuing the proposal, but I did not expect Anian to accept so promptly. She trusts me, and I will not betray that trust. Today, I swear before the entire Wang family: if I ever wrong Anian, may I be trampled to mud by the Southern Army and never reincarnate!”

Page 3/3

His solemn oath was as serious as issuing a military command.

For families of military officers like theirs, faith in the gods and Buddha often ran deeper than among civil officials. Hearing such words, Lady Pei’s heart ached, but now that she saw her nephew and niece taking a step forward, she chose not to interfere.

Lady Wang, however, frowned and sharply scolded,

“Nonsense! Such oaths should not be uttered lightly. Spit, spit, spit! Now go touch some wood!”

“Zisu wouldn’t make a false vow, so no matter how severe, there is no fear.”

His unwavering determination surpassed even Jiang Shiyuan’s. Lady Wang looked at the two young ones before her. They stood there, having only met a few times before, yet somehow looked perfectly matched.

The notions of a talented gentleman and a graceful lady, or a match made in heaven, seemed almost superfluous now. For days, she had been pondering how to help her granddaughter refuse the proposal without offending the Pei family. Yet, here they were.

She smiled with a sigh, took her granddaughter’s hand with a mock reproachful look, and said,

“Children grow up beyond their parents’ control. When your mother was married off to Xuzhou, I watched over her from afar. Now it’s your turn to marry to Hanzhou. You all seem intent on distancing yourselves from this old woman! I know, but do you think I’m a nuisance? Must you avoid me so far away?”

Though she feigned anger, everyone present knew Lady Wang’s words were full of reluctant affection. Jiang Shiyuan understood this perfectly. She stepped forward, took the old lady’s hand, and, as usual, coquettishly replied,

“Nonsense. Having a grandmother like you is a blessing earned over many lifetimes. Were it not for your, aunt’s, and the Wen Yuan Marquisate’s careful care, I could never live as freely and openly as I do today.”

Lady Wang’s eyes brimmed with tears as she gently stroked Jiang Shiyuan’s forehead. Though filled with sorrow at the thought of parting, she was also glad her granddaughter had found a path she was determined to follow.