Chapter 9: Barely Managing

Three days later.

At the second quarter of the hour of the Snake, Jiang Nian invited her parents into the main hall.

“Father, Mother, you mentioned earlier that I’m of marrying age, and I’ve also brought up the idea of marrying in as a son-in-law…”

Madam Jiang immediately beamed with delight. “Do you have someone in mind?”

“Yes, his name is Pei Jiuru. He’s currently waiting outside the residence to formally propose.”

Madam Jiang’s smile froze, and she looked startled. “This… this is too sudden. When did you two meet? Which family does he belong to? Does his father or elder brother hold any official position? Is his mother someone easy to get along with?”

Madam Jiang’s questions came thick and fast, leaving Jiang Nian unsure where to begin.

She simply said, “He’ll be coming in shortly. Let him explain everything to Mother himself.”

Upon hearing this, Father Jiang looked at his daughter seriously and asked solemnly, “Nian Nian, are you truly sure?”

“I’m sure, but it’s not the kind of son-in-law marriage we talked about before.”

“Then let him come in.” He was eager to see what kind of man this Pei Jiuru was!

He had agreed to let his daughter decide her marriage, but that did not mean he would let her act recklessly. Whether this marriage would happen depended on meeting Pei Jiuru first.

A moment later, Pei Jiuru entered the Jiang residence.

However, the matchmaker and the betrothal gifts were stopped at the courtyard; only Pei Jiuru was allowed into the main hall.

Pei Jiuru respectfully bowed and greeted, “Pei Jiuru, greetings to Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang.”

Father Jiang kept a stern face, scrutinizing Pei Jiuru carefully. He immediately understood—his daughter had always been one to judge by appearances!

Madam Jiang’s eyes brightened as well. She smiled and said, “Please sit. You’re not from Bianjing, are you?”

Pei Jiuru produced his travel permit and a certified household registration copy to prove his legitimacy. “Yes, my family is from Hangzhou. I came to Bianjing this time to participate in next year’s spring imperial examination.”

Madam Jiang’s eyelids twitched—Hangzhou? So this isn’t a son-in-law marriage, which means if they marry, Jiang Nian would be leaving her behind. That was unacceptable!

Seeing Madam Jiang’s smile falter, Pei Jiuru quickly explained, “My parents passed away. I have no attachments in Hangzhou. I plan to settle in Bianjing and have already arranged a residence.”

“I see…” Madam Jiang breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at Pei Jiuru now, her eyes revealed a trace of pity.

So young, yet orphaned—truly pitiful. But on the bright side, her daughter wouldn’t have to suffer from a harsh mother-in-law.

She asked, “When did you and Nian Nian meet?”

Half a year ago, I came to Bianjing, unfamiliar with the place and having some difficulties. Nian Nian happened to pass by and helped me,” Pei Jiuru explained, half-truths and subtle fabrications blending together.

Madam Jiang believed him without suspicion. Her daughter had always been kind-hearted, having rescued countless stray cats and dogs.

After some thought, Madam Jiang asked again, “How confident are you about passing the exam next spring? And if you don’t, what’s your plan?”

“I will give it my all. If I fail, it’s only a temporary setback,” Pei Jiuru answered honestly.

He had been asking himself the same questions over the past days.

Desperately wanting to succeed and gain power, he carried a heavy burden and great pressure. Yet he understood that each year, few who succeed do so without enduring hardship.

Those who succeed instantly are rare. Only by preparing diligently can one fulfill their aspirations.

Pausing, Pei Jiuru continued, “If I don’t pass, I will try again in three years. But during those three years, I won’t wait idly or focus solely on studying. My parents left me some money; I’ll start a business and will never burden Nian Nian with supporting the family.”

“Yes! No one should be like those who just throw off their sleeves and abandon all responsibilities!” Madam Jiang was very pleased with his answer.

Jiang Nian, however, felt inexplicably uneasy.

Whether it was Xiao Ru’s visit to the manor three days ago or today’s proposal, Pei Jiuru’s behavior exceeded her expectations.

She didn’t know if his acting skills were a good or bad thing. Jiang Nian seriously wondered—if he was putting on a show for her, could she tell?

Before she could come to a conclusion, her father’s voice brought her back.

Father Jiang was silent for a long moment before asking, “Your parents are gone. Do you have other relatives in the clan? If you’re not returning to Hangzhou, do you not keep in touch with them?”

Jiang Nian thought to herself that Father Jiang was truly shrewd—he’d asked the heart of the matter!

Pei Jiuru didn’t attempt to hide anything and answered honestly, “I have many uncles and elders in the clan, but they are after the money left by my parents. Before coming to Bianjing, they had already removed me from the family register. Once the ties were severed, there’s no affection left between us.”

“So it is… every family has its own troubles,” Father Jiang sighed.

In Bianjing, he had seen many who abandoned poor relatives after gaining power or sudden wealth.

But in this case, Pei Jiuru was the one abandoned.

His gaze was frank; his words appropriate. He was ambitious, his background clear and traceable. Though removed from the family register, his lineage was straightforward.

It was acceptable, at least.

Thinking this, Father Jiang turned to his wife, seeing her satisfaction with Pei Jiuru. He relaxed and said, “Invite the matchmaker in.”

The matchmaker, experienced and skilled, found no objections from either side. Pei Jiuru even mentioned having purchased a new residence not far from the Jiang household. In less than the time it took to burn an incense stick, the engagement was settled, and an auspicious date chosen.

At noon, the Jiang family had just collected a large sum of overdue payments. Madam Jiang suggested that the family’s first meal together should be at Fan Tower!

Bianjing was bustling everywhere, and Fan Tower was especially lively.

Pei Jiuru looked up at the opulent Fan Tower, momentarily lost in thought.

Jiang Nian was puzzled. “You’ve been in Bianjing for over half a year and never been to Fan Tower?”

“No,” he replied.

Upon hearing this, Madam Jiang felt a pang of sympathy. “Come on, order whatever you want! Nian Nian knows best which dishes are good here—have her order for you!”

Jiang Nian wanted to tell her mother that Pei Jiuru didn’t come to Fan Tower because he was busy, not because he lacked money!

A waiter led the Jiang family through the noisy first floor to a private room on the third floor.

Jiang Nian paused with a smile. “Father, Mother, Jiuru, you go ahead. I just saw a friend and need to speak with them for a moment.”

“Alright, hurry back. We’re waiting for you to order!” Madam Jiang said with a smile.

Jiang Nian nodded and turned to leave.

What friend? As she passed by the number one private room called ‘Heavenly Character,’ she heard Tang Qingwan’s crying and Xiao Ru’s angry scolding!

Tang Qingwan better not drag her into trouble again behind her back!

Jiang Nian reached the door of the Heavenly Character room and quietly pressed her ear to it when a hand suddenly rested on her shoulder.

A chill ran through her body instantly.

“Don’t be afraid, it’s me,” Pei Jiuru whispered, noticing her panic and soothing her quietly.

Jiang Nian turned to glare at him and whispered, “Why did you follow me? Don’t you know scaring someone can be deadly?”

“Sneaking around isn’t something a gentleman does.”

“?” Was she marrying a husband or a scholar? This was truly baffling!