Chapter Thirteen: The Young Lady Cousin’s Betrothal

On the crimson sandalwood chair, Madam Shen nodded affectionately at Shen Zhiqing, then spoke softly, “After today’s banquet, the Yunzhong County Governor spoke to your father about his eldest son. Though you have just come of age, it’s best to settle this marriage soon. Besides, the governor and your father have been old acquaintances; I believe if you marry into that family, you will be well taken care of.”

Shen Zhiqing’s face flickered with surprise, her body involuntarily tensing.

“Mother, are you really ready to marry your daughter off? This very morning you still said you couldn’t bear to see me grow up...” The young girl’s words were tinged with grievance, her eyes shimmering with reluctance, as if accusing her parents of betraying her.

Having been reborn, Shen Zhiqing’s acting skills were unsurpassed; in her previous life, she had often outwitted jealous palace consorts with deft cunning, always emerging victorious from their schemes.

This time, she was merely playing the role of the vulnerable daughter. With her own strength, she could easily make her mother feel guilty.

Unfortunately, while she had correctly predicted her mother’s soft heart, she did not anticipate her father’s stubborn resolve on the matter.

“This decision is final. Such a well-known and suitable match is hard to come by. Zhiqing, you should go back and reconsider.” Her father looked troubled. He did not wish for his daughter to marry so young, but after all these years, she was his only child. If something were to happen to him in the future, or if he grew old, he worried that Zhiqing would have no one to protect her. It was better to settle a trustworthy match now so that even if he were no longer around, she would be safeguarded.

Parental love was deep and far-sighted.

Yet, the young girl remained motionless in the hall. As she grew older, her figure had become more elegant, her face more enchanting.

Shen Zhiqing understood her father’s concerns, but after living this life anew, she no longer wished to live dependent on a man as she had in her past. As she had told Pei Zhi in the ancestral hall that day, a woman could also achieve greatness.

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

Only the faint clink of a teacup gently placed on the table broke the stillness.

Shen Zhiqing suddenly turned her head and noticed the slender figure in a crescent-white robe seated to her left.

No wonder, she had felt a strong, watchful presence from behind the moment she entered, but she had been distracted by her father’s words and hadn’t paid attention.

Her expression faltered, a flash of disdain crossing her eyes.

Still, she called out, “Cousin.”

No other words followed; he remained standing there, showing no sign of leaving.

Pei Zhi was unembarrassed. He had come to bid farewell, but unexpectedly arrived during this scene. He decided to watch how she would handle it. Silence returned to the hall.

Yet the presence of another person inevitably affected the mood.

Especially since this person was the one Shen Zhiqing disliked most. Having just heard about the engagement and seeing someone she despised, her mood grew increasingly restless.

The current Yunzhong County Captain, Lord Xie, was a talented official appointed by the court, holding the rank of fourth grade. Rumor had it he was favored by the emperor, and further promotion was likely.

More importantly, he had been acquainted with Lord Shen since their student days. Now, one had a son and the other a daughter; it seemed a perfect match.

Lord Xie had long heard rumors about Shen Zhiqing. Seeing her at her coming-of-age ceremony, he realized she was not just a pretty face but a woman of great wisdom. Although her appearance was indeed striking, with Lord Shen’s upright character, it was believed he would raise a daughter who understood propriety.

Though Xie’s official rank was not as high as the Pei family’s noble standing, he would never let just anyone marry into his household.

After discussing with his wife, Lord Xie decided to propose the match to Lord Shen.

He even specified in a letter that the two children should first correspond to become acquainted, and the marriage could be arranged once Shen Zhiqing was older.

Though he said this, Lord Shen feared his daughter might not take the matter seriously, which led to the earlier scene.

Standing in the hall, Shen Zhiqing grew more anxious, afraid that if she agreed, her father would marry her off the very next day.

Her eyes dropped to the floor, and her hands unconsciously clenched her dress.

Then, as if struck by an idea, her eyes suddenly brightened.

“Father, I understand your concerns, but I have never met Lord Xie. We do not know each other’s habits. If I rashly agree to this engagement and he later dislikes me and breaks it off, wouldn’t it damage my reputation?”

Her face then clouded with hesitation. “You know the rumors spreading in town. If I am rejected later, I fear I will never marry at all…”

Lord Shen lowered his eyebrows, closing his eyes. He had never thought of this.

“But Lord Xie is currently studying at the Hanlin Academy. They cannot meet daily. Perhaps they can start with correspondence first.”

Shen Zhiqing frowned. “Just letters won’t reveal his true character, and his appearance is unknown. Moreover, if there is some physical defect, it would ruin my life.”

She was unwilling to marry a man who was mentally deficient or lame.

For a moment, Lord Shen found himself caught in a dilemma.

Shen Zhiqing’s intention was clear: she wanted to reject this match.

Pei Zhi, who had been quietly sipping tea, set down his cup and casually said, “Soon, I will return to the Hanlin Academy to study. Cousin, if you don’t trust this, you can come with me to the capital and get to know Lord Xie yourself.”

Though spoken lightly, this remark startled those who heard it.

The smile that had been playing on Shen Zhiqing’s lips faded. “Thank you for your kindness, cousin, but you have already endured enough of my nagging these days. I dare not trouble you further to go to the capital.”

She emphasized the word “nagging.”

At the Shen residence, Pei Zhi constantly kept her in check. If she went to his domain, she might have to guard herself as if against a thief.

Madam Shen’s eyes brightened upon hearing Pei Zhi’s words.

Living in the capital meant being close to the emperor’s ministers, studying renowned and proper teachings. Regardless of the Xie family’s match, if Zhiqing went there, she would undoubtedly learn better manners and knowledge than in Yun’an County. With the Pei family as her backing, she would never be bullied.

Madam Shen’s expression shifted slightly. “If Zhiqing goes to the capital, where will she stay? Perhaps we should prepare a small residence for her?”

Pei Zhi lowered his gaze, his expression calm. “She will stay at the Pei residence. My uncle and aunt have cared for me all this time; there’s no reason for cousin to live elsewhere.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen and the others exchanged glances. Though they agreed in principle, some hesitation lingered in their hearts.

“Zhiqing, what do you think? Are you willing to go with your cousin to the capital? If not, you can correspond with Lord Xie first, and wait to meet him in person before marrying.”

Lord Shen’s words felt like a final ultimatum, leaving her trapped between two choices.

Go to the capital? She did not want to...

Marry Lord Xie? She did not want to either...

Shen Zhiqing lowered her eyes; the light in them gradually dimmed. Bowing her head, she whispered, “I am willing.”

The man seated in the redwood chair sipped his tea. Moonlight shimmered upon him, imbuing him with a serene, compassionate aura, yet his words were utterly infuriating.

“Cousin, are you willing to wait for Lord Xie’s return?”

Shen Zhiqing’s pale fingers clenched tightly into her palm. “I am willing to go with cousin to the capital.”

As she spoke, Pei Zhi paused.

Yet the corner of his mouth beneath the teacup curved into a handsome smile, and the small vermilion mole at the edge of his eye suddenly brightened.