Chapter 20: Pei Zisu's Declaration Shakes the Relatives and Friends

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Jiang Huaishan maintained a sufficiently humble demeanor before the venerable Lady Wang. The flower hall was filled with many younger relatives, and although Lady Wang harbored resentment, she was not inclined to publicly disgrace him. After a heavy sigh, she ceased her relentless grip on the matter and turned her gaze to Jiang Shiyuan, her expression softening back to its usual affectionate kindness.

“What does A'nian say? Does she wish to return with her father, or stay here with her grandmother?”

Jiang Shiyuan wished to avoid the household repeatedly fussing over the matter, as if she were unwilling to leave the Chun Mansion. So, she spoke gently to ease the tension.

“Since Father has accepted, granddaughter will naturally return. The two houses are not far apart; granddaughter will come back to visit grandmother in a few days.”

“That’s good. Since your marriage to Zisu is to be arranged, it’s indeed improper for you to live under the same roof. Then, go back with your father. The rest will be handled by your aunt and me. We will inform you and your father in due time.”

Before Lady Wang could finish, Jiang Huaishan interrupted.

“Marriage? What do you mean? Is A'nian really going to marry into Hanzhou? Into the Pei family?”

His tone was sharp in his moment of anxiety, which took Lady Pei, his sister-in-law from the Pei family, by surprise. Her previously composed expression immediately turned cold.

“What does brother-in-law mean? What’s wrong with Hanzhou? What’s wrong with the Pei family? A'nian and Zisu are a perfect match, a marriage made in heaven, well-matched and destined. Why does it sound like a perilous trap coming from your mouth?”

Jiang Huaishan realized his words had been harsh. This sister-in-law from the Wen Yuan Marquis household had been a longstanding friend and had never harbored ill intentions. Though her words were strong, her concern for A'nian was genuine, far more sincere than that of the other daughters-in-law in the mansion.

Madam Zhang, though sweet-tongued, had been duplicitous, leaving Jiang Huaishan deeply disheartened. Naturally, he did not wish to truly offend this sister-in-law of the Wang family, so he cupped his fists in apology.

“Sister-in-law, please forgive me. I was merely surprised upon hearing the news. The Pei family of Hanzhou is indeed a great and noble clan. How could our Jiang family compare? If not for A'nian having grown up in the Marquis’s household, such a good match might not have fallen to her. Please understand a father’s heart: after finally seeing my daughter, and less than half a year later learning she is to marry far away, I cannot help but feel reluctant.”

Jiang Huaishan spoke honestly and sincerely.

The Wen Yuan Marquis, watching the awkward scene before him, naturally played peacemaker, soothing his brother-in-law’s concerns.

“All right, all right, we are family. Words may have been spoken hastily, but it’s no great matter. A'nian’s marriage is important, and brother-in-law’s surprise is understandable. Let us speak calmly.”

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Lady Pei was not one to quibble over trifles and did not press the matter further, letting it pass.

Pei Zisu stepped forward without hesitation.

Though he was not particularly fond of Jiang Huaishan, his future father-in-law, he had to maintain face for his daughter. So, after softening his expression, he spoke.

“Uncle Jiang’s concerns are understood. My elder cousin and sister-in-law have also spoken to me about this. But since I have set my heart on A'nian, I will not retreat. What I said to her then, I repeat to all of you now, so you may rest assured.”

“What did you say?”

Jiang Huaishan looked at him with a puzzled expression, but Pei Zisu was undaunted.

He recounted the words spoken at the Princess’s residence, leaving everyone present exchanging glances. Especially Second Cousin Wang Kuan, who usually enjoyed joking with Pei Zisu, was astonished by his resolute courage in such a serious matter. He immediately gave a thumbs-up, his eyes full of admiration and respect.

Jiang Huaishan had not expected such resolve. Pei Zisu had acquired a residence in the Western Capital, refusing to have his future wife confined by the eldest daughter-in-law’s restrictions, and even handled the issue of offspring with such ease. Jiang Huaishan found himself at a loss for words to continue opposing.

Jiang Shiyuan glanced sideways at her cousin Pei. The light from outside fell just so behind him, making him appear to glow with a shimmering radiance. She recalled her own initial shock upon hearing those words and, looking around, saw that everyone else was equally surprised. She felt satisfied.

Since she had agreed to the marriage, she did not want to be sheltered and protected from behind in the face of storms. She stood beside Pei Zisu and resolutely replied to her father.

“The illness I carried since birth was cured by a hidden healer from Pei cousin’s maternal clan. For ten years, the ingredients for the medicine have been difficult to procure. On the day of the regatta, Pei cousin brought four doses of rootless water without asking for anything in return. These are among the ingredients for my Ningscent Pill. Whether Pei cousin can fulfill all this or not, the medicine that has sustained my life for ten years has come from him, uninterrupted and without fail.”

Jiang Shiyuan knew her father most cared about her illness, so when she spoke of this, it shocked Jiang Huaishan even more than Pei Zisu’s words had.

After all, saying and doing are two different things.

But Pei Zisu had silently dedicated himself for ten years. Any parent hearing this would be moved and reassured—Jiang Huaishan was no exception.

He looked silently at the two before him, suddenly feeling old.

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His daughter had grown up and found her own love. Though not the ideal match he had hoped for, the fact that she had come this far moved him deeply.

His gaze searched his daughter’s face, then he asked gently,

“A'nian, are you truly willing?”

“I am willing.”

Pei Zisu, hearing his cousin’s unwavering answer once more, could not hide the smile in his eyes and at the corners of his mouth. He casually leaned closer, radiating his usual sunny and brilliant demeanor, dazzling enough to make Jiang Shiyuan momentarily lose herself.

There was no denying it: this young Pei general was truly like the radiant sun.

By now, Jiang Huaishan knew he could not stop this. He sighed deeply, helpless, unsure how to proceed, and turned to Lady Wang and Lady Pei.

“A'nian’s mother passed away early, and the Jiang family lacks a capable matriarch to manage affairs. Therefore, I entrust A'nian’s marriage to Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law. All expenses shall come from my Jiang family. Over the years, I have also set aside a dowry for A'nian, and her mother’s inheritance has been equally divided into her and her brother’s private funds.”

As Jiang Huaishan finished, Jiang Shiyuan’s eyes reddened.

She knew her father loved her deeply but had never realized how much he had silently done for her. Though she left home young, she had since received the care and attention of both families. For that alone, she was grateful to heaven.

Then, glancing at Pei Zisu beside her, she found yet another person to add to those she thanked.