Chapter 8: Rejected by a Suitor, One Is Destined to Triumph Over Fate

Each and every aspect required careful consideration.

Consequently, the thought that Lady Wang had initially entertained regarding the marriage alliance with the Pei family was suddenly pulled back. With a look of concern, she turned to Jiang Shiyuan and asked, "Anian, what is your view on this? Do you wish to enter this marriage with the Pei family of Hanzhou?"

Jiang Shiyuan had never imagined that the matter would reach such a point. Initially, upon learning that the Ningxiang Pill had been sent by her cousin from the Pei family, she had been truly touched. However, being touched did not mean she felt obliged to offer herself in return. Having lived two lifetimes, she held no expectations for marriage; after all, given her underlying illness, it was questionable whether she could even outlive her previous life, and this Pei cousin’s own future was far from secure.

Fearing that even if she accepted the proposal, she might not be able to spend a long life with him, Jiang Shiyuan shook her head and replied with a firm gaze.

"Granddaughter does not wish to marry. Whether the distance is great is a secondary matter; my illness is an unavoidable topic. I do not know how much time I have left. If I were to marry into the family, would I not be occupying the position of the eldest daughter-in-law while being unable to fulfill any duties? The Pei family would not permit it, and it would only lead to many troubles. Cousin Pei may have some affection for me now, but once family interests are at stake, he too will be coerced by them."

Upon hearing her words, her aunt, Madam Pei, could only heave a sigh. "Anian’s reasoning is sound. Even if my brother and sister-in-law do not mind, and Zisu does not mind, there are still the clan elders who will intervene. Although the eldest branch holds significant power, it cannot dominate the entire clan, and the opinions of the kin cannot be completely disregarded."

"Aunt is right. If that is the case, it would be a grievance for me to marry into the family. Forget it, Aunt; please look for other families. While this marriage with Cousin Pei is good, I am simply not a match for his status."

When Jiang Shiyuan said this, there was no resentment or self-pity; she merely laid out the facts clearly. Understanding her heart, the others no longer pressed the issue. Among them, her second cousin Wang Kuan and third cousin Wang Hong stood on Pei Zisu’s side and had hoped for the marriage to succeed. However, the problems laid bare were beyond their power to solve, so they could only quietly suppress their thoughts and say nothing more.

*Sigh.*

Both men felt a splitting headache. Knowing their cousin Pei Zisu’s temperament well, they knew that it was rare for him to be so devoted to someone, only to be rejected. They could imagine the consequences would not be pleasant. Exchanging a look, they decided they had better prepare some fine wine and spirited horses, lest he turn the entire city of Xijing upside down when he finds out.

"Since Anian has made up her mind, I shall be the one to speak with him. Zisu is resolute and stubborn, but he is not an unreasonable man. He will come to understand."

Her eldest cousin, Wang Su, spoke directly, and the others offered no objection.

"I shall accompany my husband to speak with him. In some matters, it is perhaps more appropriate for a woman to speak."

As the couple destined to support the Marquis of Wenyuan’s estate in the future, they felt it was their duty to handle such matters when they arose. Seeing this, Lady Wang looked at them with appreciation. "Very well, you two go and talk to him, but take care not to cause a rift. Do you understand?"

"Rest assured, Grandmother, your granddaughter-in-law understands."

After everyone had dispersed from the Yuhua Courtyard, Jiang Shiyuan remained by Lady Wang’s side, resting quietly against her grandmother's knees just as she had done when she was a child. The old lady patted her back rhythmically, her tone softer than usual.

"Alas, I used to wish for you to grow up quickly, but now I find that growing up brings its own troubles. You must face these things eventually. No matter how much your grandmother loves you, I cannot live your life for you. You did very well today; you dissected the matter clearly and sincerely, without hesitation, and struck at the heart of the issue. Seeing you so clear-headed, your grandmother is at ease. My little Anian has finally grown into an adult."

Lady Wang’s words were layered with many emotions, most notably deep heartache and admiration. Jiang Shiyuan understood that because of her congenital weakness, the entire household of the Marquis of Wenyuan had worried about her for years, always caring for her more than for her cousins. In her previous life, she had grown up under their love, but unfortunately, she had never lived with clarity, ultimately dying in sorrow. In this life, she only wished to live freely.

As the old saying goes, one should seize the joy while one can. Therefore, at this moment, she wanted nothing else but to cherish her time with her grandmother, fulfilling her filial duties for as long as she could.

"I only hope that Grandmother lives a long and healthy life. Once my health improves, we shall travel and see the world together. You have stayed in this city of Xijing for too long, and our Great Sui has so many wonderful places, right?"

"The little girl has quite a vision! Very well, once your health improves, we shall go out for a while. How about we first accompany you back to Xuzhou? It has been many years since we last visited your mother's grave."

"That would be good. If Mother knows, she will be happy too."

The grandmother and granddaughter smiled at each other, having made new plans for the days ahead. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious. In contrast, in the western courtyard, Wang Su and his wife, Madam Xiang, were facing the immense pressure of Pei Zisu.

"Did she say she refuses to marry?"

"Yes."

Pei Zisu’s expression was grave, and his eldest cousin Wang Su’s reply was blunt. Madam Xiang, standing to the side, felt a chill of dread. She could not explain why, but she felt that this Pei cousin was unfathomable and might "draw his sword" at any moment, making her highly vigilant.

Raising her voice, she looked at Pei Zisu to mediate, "Anian may be young, but she is very thoughtful. Her concerns are not without reason. When the engagement with the Prince of Chun’s heir was first made, we thought that since the Princess of Chun had only given birth to an heir after ten years of marriage, she might be more tolerant of Anian’s difficulties with offspring. That was why we agreed. We never expected what followed."

"Anian’s marriage is complex to begin with. Firstly, everyone knows she has been ill for years, and secondly, the reputation of a younger sister marrying in place of her elder sister after an engagement is broken is not pleasant. Therefore, Cousin, this marriage is not something that can be decided by your request alone. If you truly cherish Anian, let this matter rest."

Her tone was gentle. The Marquis of Wenyuan’s estate and the Pei family of Hanzhou had enjoyed a long-standing friendship, and there was no need to let a "joke" made over a banquet table affect it. She hoped that now that Pei Zisu was more sober, he would reflect on the consequences for all parties involved.

Madam Xiang’s eyes were full of sincerity. Pei Zisu met her gaze, his expression unchanging. After a moment, he spoke, his voice filled with an unyielding determination.

"I understand your words, Sister-in-law. However, I have only one point: since I dared to ask for Cousin Anian’s hand, these issues will not become stumbling blocks. Unless she has someone else in her heart or feels disgust toward me, I will make sure you all see my sincerity."

"Zisu, a forced melon is not sweet. Why must you be this way?"

"Eldest cousin, that is not correct. I have served in the military for many years, and I have only ever understood one truth: human effort can accomplish anything. Man can even triumph over heaven, can he not?"