Transmigration: A Farm Girl’s Brocade
Chapter 612 - 308 Inquiry_1

Chapter 612: Chapter 308 Inquiry_1

Once the Wu family left, the house returned to its tranquil state.

Qian Yixiu wanted to stay in the Plum Garden of the Capital City for a few days. A while ago, Jack and Cui Ying got married, but because of the busy household, she had not found time to attend the wedding, only sending four bolts of brocade, two sets of jewelry, and two sets of cosmetics, entrusting Sean to deliver them.

Although Huang Tie would send updates about the progress there from time to time, she still wanted to see for herself. Most importantly, she needed to discuss the cloning of Purple Pearl with Jack. Besides, she had promised Monkey Brother that he could go into the mountains to play, but it had not yet happened, and Monkey Brother was already becoming unhappy.

She shared her thoughts with Qian Sangui. Qian Sangui was not comfortable with her going alone and insisted on accompanying her. Now that the weather was gradually warming, they decided to wait another seven or eight days, until the end of February when it would be warmer, to go together.

Pan Yue thought of Empress Dowager Fu and sent someone to submit a note to the Palace. In the afternoon, a eunuch from Cining Palace came to fetch them, saying that the Empress Dowager would keep them in the Palace to rest for the night.

Pan Yue, with Qian Yixiu and her three siblings, entered Cining Palace. Empress Dowager Fu first embraced Mingming and Jingjing with affection, then pulled Pan Yue and Qian Yixiu to her side. Her main concern was Pan Yue’s health; since Pan Yue was unclear, all the answers came from Qian Yixiu. Qian Yixiu did not dare to mention the Serpent Vine Chrysanthemum Pills given by the Old Monk, only that Pan Yue had regularly taken the medicine prescribed by the Imperial Physician and it seemed to have some effect.

Empress Dowager Fu looked carefully at Pan Yue and said with relief, "Her Majesty feels that Yueyue seems a bit more clear-headed than before. Since the medicine is working, let’s have the Imperial Physician see her again and prescribe a few more doses."

Empress Dowager Fu would be seventy-four years old this August, but she was still robust and spirited, with a clear mind. This was rare in ancient times and rarer still within the Palace. Her good health and longevity was a blessing for Pan Yue, and for the Qian family as well.

Soon after, the Eldest Princess Jingchang, accompanied by Huang Lingling, arrived. When Huang Lingling saw Qian Yixiu, her eyes curved with joy.

The Eldest Princess held Qian Yixiu’s hand and praised her for a long time, then suggested they take the children to play in the yard, "The red plums in the garden are in their last bloom now, go have fun. If you want to see them again, you’ll have to wait until next year."

Qian Yixiu felt the Eldest Princess might have something she didn’t want them to hear, so she went with Huang Lingling and the others from Pan Yue’s group to the Imperial Garden.

Before leaving, Huang Lingling whispered to Qian Yixiu, "Miss Qian’s mother looks so young, you two are like sisters."

Qian Yixiu teased her, "Is Sister Huang suggesting I look too old?"

Huang Lingling giggled and tickled Qian Yixiu, "You clearly know that’s not what I meant..."

Qian Yixiu laughed and dodged playfully.

The Eldest Princess said with a laugh, "Youth is wonderful. Look at the young ladies, so fresh and delicate, with such tender voices."

The Empress Dowager chuckled, "Indeed. It seems to Her Majesty as if it were only yesterday that we ourselves were lovely young women, but in the blink of an eye, we’ve become old ladies."

The two elderly ladies shared a moment of nostalgic reflection on how quickly time passes and how swiftly the years fly by.

The Eldest Princess then asked the Empress Dowager, "I hear that the Imperial Sister has arranged a marriage between Jingchang and the Zhao family’s young man?"

Empress Dowager Fu nodded and said, "Yes, the Former Consort came to ask for my blessing for a marriage the day before yesterday, mentioning that both families have agreed. Since both families are willing, I am happy to facilitate this good deed."

The Eldest Princess laughed, "Jingchang is seventeen this year, it is indeed time to settle his marriage matters. Even if the engagement is set this year, and the marriage takes place next year, he will be eighteen. It’s a pity that Princess Shou has always been thinking of the young man from the Liang Family, causing a delay of several years."

The Empress Dowager responded, "It’s all about fate. Without fate, no amount of waiting is useful. With fate, things can be settled immediately."

The Eldest Princess laughed again, "Empress Sister, what do you think of Jinyu and Miss Qian?"

The Empress Dowager was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, "It’s rare for the Imperial Sister to have such discernment, recognizing the virtues of Maiden Xiu. Unlike Lady Cui, who got things upside down and even looked down on our Maiden Xiu... Jinyu is a clever child whom I have watched grow up, and your household is rather simple. If Maiden Xiu can truly marry into your family, I would be relieved." After a pause, she added, "However, given Maiden Xiu’s unique background, it’s not enough for you alone to like her. The other members of your family must be willing as well. It may sound unpleasant, but we are all of an age where we could pass away any day now, and I don’t want Maiden Xiu to suffer without your protection."

The Eldest Princess laughed, "Empress Dowager, rest assured, my Prince Consort, as well as my son, grandsons, and granddaughters-in-law are all willing. They find Miss Qian intelligent and composed, capable of managing Jinyu well."

Empress Dowager Fu laughed heartily, teasing, "Only your family would have such peculiar wishes, hoping that a wife can keep her husband in line."

The Eldest Princess retorted, "Ah, who made our family’s little Tyrant so incorrigible? His temperament has almost ground us down to nothing. I wish he were a girl so I could marry him off and trouble someone else’s family instead, washing my hands of him."

The Empress Dowager couldn’t stop laughing at this, then said, "Everyone else may be willing, but we still have to consider the people directly involved. Jinyu may be wild, but he has his own opinions. And Maiden Xiu, needless to say, is intelligent and virtuous, with clear opinions of her own. If both of the young ones are willing, I will grant the marriage. But if one party is unwilling, and they become a couple of resentment, it would be unfortunate. Just like Zi Yang... Ah, if only I hadn’t forced her and Pan Zi’an together, I wouldn’t have witnessed such a tragic loss." Upon mentioning Elder Princess Zi Yang, the Empress Dowager grew sad again.

The Eldest Princess said with a smile, "That little Tyrant of mine just lacks sensibility. I’ve never seen him show special affection for any of the young ladies. It’s always whoever the adults suggest."

The Empress Dowager shook her head, "Your Jinyu may seem thoughtless, but he actually knows what he’s doing."

Hearing the Empress Dowager compliment her great-grandson, the Eldest Princess was very pleased and said, "Then let’s ask them. If they are both interested, I hope you, Empress Sister, will bless their union." She laughed again, "That scourge of mine isn’t just wild and fond of teasing young ladies; he has many merits too."

Empress Dowager Fu was amused once more and said, "I know very well, and I will make sure to explain Jinyu’s merits to Maiden Xiu clearly."

The Empress Dowager invited the Eldest Princess and Huang Lingling to stay for dinner at Cining Palace and even offered the Eldest Princess a cup of Double-headed Golden Dragon Snake Brew.

That evening, the Empress Dowager called Qian Yixiu to sit beside her after sending the palace servants away. Taking her hand, she smiled and said, "Maiden Xiu, you have a mind of your own. I will ask you personally about this matter. You should be turning fourteen this year, and many young ladies have already been betrothed at your age. What do you think of Young Master Huang from the Huang family? If you find him agreeable, your Imperial Great Grandmother will arrange the marriage for you."

Qian Yixiu was startled. That bratty kid was nothing but a mischievous, rebellious teenager, simply annoying. Besides, he had his sights set on Liang Jinyu. With both sharing similar names, perhaps there really was a destiny between them.

Qian Yixiu intentionally put on an act of being coy, twisting her handkerchief as she said, "Young Master Huang is too wild. He made me embarrass myself in public, and just seeing him gets me angry. How could I possibly, how could I possibly..." Her voice trailed off to a mosquito-like hum towards the end.

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