Chapter Seventeen: Proposing Marriage to Jiang You'an

Lu Residence.

Zhao and Lu Xuanheng returned to the mansion. After sharing a meal, mother and son sat together, sipping tea and chatting.

“I truly believe the princess genuinely likes you. The princess consort is also very pleased with you,” Zhao said, unable to hide the smile on her face. “We’ve already matched the birth charts; the next step is the formal betrothal. Once that’s done, this marriage will be completely settled.”

Lu Xuanheng remained silent, quietly drinking his tea, his expression unreadable.

“Xuanheng, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he replied.

Zhao sighed. “You’ve always been a reserved person, but if you ask me, you should be more enthusiastic toward the princess. This marriage is a rare opportunity. If it weren’t for the princess’s special favor toward Qingyan, we wouldn’t even be able to marry into the royal residence. Think about it—the crown prince’s position is currently vacant, and King Xian is widely expected to ascend. If that happens, our family’s fortunes will rise with his.”

Lu Xuanheng understood his role as the family’s pillar, the one who must bear the weight of their future. That was why he was willing to accept the alliance, though it didn’t bring him much joy.

His mind was filled with the image of Jiang You’an, clutching her knees with tearful eyes as she tended to his wounds, whispering jealous words. She must be very uneasy now.

“Leave all the arrangements for the betrothal to me. Thank you for your efforts, mother,” Lu Xuanheng said, not wishing to discuss further, and excused himself.

Night had fallen, and the lanterns under the eaves flickered in the breeze as Lu Xuanheng strode down the long corridor to Jiang You’an’s door.

Qiu Lan appeared, carrying a basin of water. Seeing him, she nervously said, “Young master, Miss has already gone to bed.”

Lu Xuanheng glanced inside. “How are her injuries?”

“After returning, the doctor examined her. No bones were broken, just some bruising.”

Lu Xuanheng nodded. “Take good care of her.”

Without entering to disturb her, he turned and left.

...

As the New Year approached, every household bustled with excitement. The Lu residence was especially joyous. On the day of the Minor New Year festival, the Xian King’s mansion and the Lu family signed the marriage contract, officially confirming the union between Li Lianzhu and Lu Xuanheng.

The following day was the birthday of the matriarch of the Lu family. Although not a milestone birthday, with the betrothal freshly settled, they decided to hold a grand celebration. Naturally, many guests arrived to offer their congratulations.

Early that morning, the Lu household was bustling with activity. By noon, all the guests had arrived.

...

Jiang You’an had already wandered through the front hall several times, hoping to catch a glimpse of Su Mingxiu. As far as she knew, the Lu family had sent an invitation to the Yong’an Marquis’s household.

But after waiting quite a while, no one from Su Mingxiu’s party appeared.

Qiu Lan approached and inquired, then returned with news: “The Marquis’s household has arrived, but only Madam Marquis and two other Su brothers are here. The fourth young master did not come.”

Disappointment clouded Jiang You’an’s face.

If Su Mingxiu cared for her, if he truly had feelings, he would have come to the banquet to see her. He had attended the ice games in the freezing cold not long ago—why not come today? Or was she just imagining things? Maybe Su Mingxiu only viewed her as a friend, nothing more.

Her spirits sank.

In the Rongshou Hall, several official wives were congratulating Madam Lu on her birthday, encouraging the young ladies to join them and socialize.

Jiang You’an sat in a corner beside Lu Yunyao, occasionally responding with a smile.

After the birthday congratulations, the ladies inevitably offered their blessings for Lu Xuanheng’s marriage.

“Your eldest son is truly enviable—so young and already so accomplished in battle, and now about to marry into the Xian King’s family. His future is boundless,” one lady said.

Madam Lu beamed modestly. “We don’t have many descendants; only Xuanheng shows promise.”

Madam Su teased, “A child so outstanding is worth ten others from different families. Madam Lu, you should quietly rejoice.”

Madam Lu laughed heartily and gestured toward the girls. “We don’t just have grandsons. Our granddaughters are all good children who stay dutifully by my side. Yun Zhu is to be married next year, and Yun Yao and You’an are also very filial.”

Lu Yunzhu straightened her back, her face carrying a trace of pride.

Lu Yunyao smiled shyly, while Jiang You’an’s mind drifted elsewhere.

The ladies exchanged compliments and pleasantries.

Madam Su’s gaze swept the room until it rested on Jiang You’an. After a long look, she asked Madam Lu, “Are Yun Yao and You’an betrothed?”

“Not yet. I want to keep the children close a few more years. You’an just turned twelve last year; Yun Yao is half a year younger.”

Madam Su smiled slyly. “These two girls are truly delightful. By the way, I have a nephew on my mother’s side who just turned eighteen. He seems quite a good match for You’an.”

Jiang You’an, lost in thought, suddenly stiffened at this remark.

Was Madam Su suggesting a marriage for her?

Without cause, no less. If Madam Su had truly taken a liking to her, her first thought would be to introduce her to her own son. After all, her son's marriage was still unresolved. Why bother with a nephew?

Perhaps Madam Su knew of Jiang You’an’s interactions with Su Mingxiu and saw through her ambition to climb higher. Today’s proposal was meant to cut off those hopes.

Jiang You’an’s palms grew cold as she forced a smile.

Madam Lu glanced at her, willing to help arrange a match. She said warmly, “To be favored by Madam Marquis is an honor. You’an, though not my biological granddaughter, is even more obedient than my own. She even gifted me a painting of pine, cypress, and orchid—painted by herself.”

The painting was brought out for everyone to admire.

Madam Su praised it sincerely, “Truly exquisite.”

When she looked at Jiang You’an again, her eyes showed appreciation but then faded to regret.

So talented and beautiful, yet of such poor birth—a real pity.

From then on, Jiang You’an remained sullen. While others smiled and enjoyed the feast, she wore a bitter expression and sat alone.

Lu Xuanheng noticed immediately. He guessed she must know about his betrothal to the princess and felt unhappy. Hearing everyone celebrate it today, her heart must be heavy.

Finding an opportunity, he pulled her aside and reminded her, “Today is the matriarch’s birthday. No matter how upset you are, don’t wear such a long face.”

Jiang You’an was already annoyed; seeing him only made it worse.

Her unhappiness was clearly because of Su Mingxiu, yet he arrogantly assumed it was because of him. Ridiculous!

She refused to speak to him, rolling her eyes and walking away.

Lu Xuanheng was at a loss. He understood—she was already hurting enough; forcing a smile was too much to ask.

He resolved to make it up to her once she accepted the situation.

The birthday feast ended, and the following days were spent preparing for the New Year. The Lu household was jubilant, but Jiang You’an remained worried and withdrawn.

She couldn’t understand Su Mingxiu’s intentions. Unable to see him, she was left to her own wild thoughts. After much contemplation, she resigned herself to the fact that it likely wouldn’t work out.

On New Year’s Eve, she rose early to pay respects at her parents’ graves and offer food for the New Year.

As she prepared to leave, she turned and saw Lu Xuanheng standing not far away, strolling slowly toward her.

Jiang You’an frowned. “Did you follow me here?”