Chapter 346: Arranging a Marriage

The maid was also aware of these matters. She handed a cup of tea to Shen Qingluan. “Miss, have some water. If you ask me, there’s no need to worry. In terms of family background, talent, or beauty, who among the young ladies in all of Ping’an City could possibly surpass you? As long as the Princess Consort isn’t blind, the position of Heir’s wife will be yours sooner or later.”

“Besides, the matter is practically settled.”

Shen Qingluan snorted. “That’s not what I’m worried about. It’s just that there are too many vixens out there, each one more shameless than the last, throwing themselves at the Young Master Heir.”

“Some lowly merchant’s daughter, daring to seduce the Young Master Heir.”

The maid said softly, “That Miss Gu… isn’t she coming to Luan Garden the day after tomorrow to deliver the phoenix hairpin to you?”

“Miss, why don’t you—”

The corners of Shen Qingluan’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Exactly. A perfect opportunity.”

She beckoned, and the maid quickly leaned in. Shen Qingluan whispered to her for a moment. The maid’s eyes filled with unconcealable shock, but she nodded. “I will arrange for it tomorrow.”

…

Meanwhile, in the Prince Qi Mansion, the Princess Consort was speaking with Nanny Xu.

The Princess Consort reclined on an Imperial Concubine Couch, her slender fingers pressing against her temples. She spoke in a slow, soft voice, “Regarding Yu’er’s marriage… I had originally settled on Qingluan from the Guardian Lady’s family and was planning to send someone to propose the match in a few days. But I’ve been thinking about it these last couple of days, and now I’m not so sure. That girl, Qingluan… she is getting a bit old, after all. She’ll be eighteen soon.”

Nanny Xu smiled. “She’s not that old, really. She’s a perfect match for the Young Master Heir. Eighteen is a prime age for childbearing. Once she marries in, you might be holding a grandson by next year, Your Highness.”

“It’s just—”

The Princess Consort glanced at her and said with feigned annoyance, “Nanny, if you have something to say, just say it. When did you start being so coy with me?”

Nanny Xu lowered her voice. “It’s just that if you wish to arrange a marriage for the Young Master Heir, Your Highness, I’m afraid it would be best to ask him first. Though Miss Qingluan is a worthy match in terms of both status and appearance, what if the Young Master Heir doesn’t like her?”

“Don’t forget, Your Highness, the Young Master Heir is still at odds with you over that last incident.”

The Princess Consort sat up. “You’re right, Nanny. I’ve only discussed this with the Prince; I haven’t mentioned it to Yu’er. If he’s not pleased, it could become a problem.”

The Princess Consort raised her voice. “Someone! Go to the Young Master Heir’s courtyard and ask him to come here. Tell him I have something to discuss with him.”

A maid outside answered in acknowledgment and hurried away.

The Princess Consort added, “After Yu’er gets married later this year, we’ll wait a few months and then bring that Miss Gu into the Prince Mansion as a concubine. Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?”

Nanny Xu nodded slightly at her side.

In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Xiao Yu arrived.

A maid lifted the curtain, and Xiao Yu entered, his expression indifferent. “Mother, you were looking for me?”

The Princess Consort gave him an ingratiating smile. “Yu’er, your birthday is in six months.”

“I was thinking, it’s time to start discussing your marriage. After your birthday would be the perfect time to wed.”

Xiao Yu’s brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent.

The Princess Consort continued, “I have chosen Qingluan from the Guardian Lady’s family for you. It’s not as if you haven’t met her. She is exceptionally beautiful, and though she’s a bit older, that’s better for childbearing.”

Xiao Yu’s frown deepened. “I have no desire to marry at this time.”

The Princess Consort’s expression changed. “Yu’er, you are almost twenty! If it weren’t for you practicing that blasted martial arts, you should have been married at eighteen. You’re already late!”

“I can indulge you in other matters, but when it comes to the great importance of marriage, your whims don’t get a say.”