Xue Heng was the current de facto head of the Xue family and held the highest official position. His personal attendance as the bride's family representative demonstrated the Xue family's regard for this marriage alliance.
Of course, this visit was merely to establish preliminary understanding and address matters requiring early disclosure. For instance, Xue Heng needed to explain Xue Jinqiao's "illness," while Shen Yueshan needed to clarify Shen Yungan's circumstances—whether he kept women in his household or harbored any hidden ailments.
Such transparency reflected both families' sincerity in forming this alliance, preventing potential enmity should the marriage negotiations collapse.
"Father, will this proceed smoothly?" Shen Xihe expressed concern.
Despite the Shen family's current prosperity with high positions and generous emoluments, everyone understood that extreme prosperity precedes decline. They were acutely aware of His Majesty's intolerance toward the Shen family. Xue Heng's personal involvement genuinely surprised Shen Xihe, as most prominent families would avoid such risks. However, the Xue family was a century-old aristocratic clan with deep-rooted influence.
"Duke Xue has assured me he will manage his family affairs. He only hopes your brother will treat Seventh Lady Xue well." Shen Yueshan appreciated Xue Heng's attitude.
Shen Xihe also hoped everything would proceed without complications. It was rare for her brother to express interest in marriage. Had he remained in the Northwest without Shen Yueshan's open-mindedness, he might have become gossip fodder—Cui Jinbai served as a prime example.
Few speculated about Xue Heng bringing Xue Jinqiao to the Princess Manor, as she had long been a frequent visitor there. No one suspected marital discussions, though this couldn't escape the Xue family's notice.
As Xue Jinqiao's biological father, Xue Hui was the first to object: "Fifth Uncle, this is unacceptable!"
"I am not seeking your opinion—I am informing you," Xue Heng stated coldly.
"But... we are Seventh Lady's birth parents..." Madame Wan, Xue Jinqiao's mother, murmured softly.
"Where were you when Seventh Lady was delivered into bandits' hands? Where were you when she was nailed into a coffin? Where were you when crowds attempted to burn her as a monster?" Xue Heng's mocking gaze swept over the gradually bowing couple. "I raised Seventh Lady. Do you believe you'd have attained your current position without her?"
Having no sons of his own and enjoying the most prosperous official career in the Xue family, Xue Heng had many relatives hoping to have their sons adopted by him. His deceased wife had brought Seventh Lady to raise, foregoing formal adoption because their advanced age meant they might not accompany her long, yet they wished her to have future protection.
Because of Seventh Lady, Xue Heng had cultivated Xue Hui as his successor, enabling him to become head of the Six Ministries before reaching forty.
"Fifth Uncle, Seventh Lady is my own flesh and blood. I feel deep remorse toward her and wish her happiness. But is the Northwest King's residence truly suitable? You understand His Majesty's intentions better than I do." Xue Hui persisted.
"I know you've always valued face above all else," Xue Heng snorted. "You fear the Northwest King's household might collapse someday, implicating you through Seventh Lady and making you lose face before your clansmen. Therefore, I intend to have Seventh Lady adopted into Second Lang's lineage."
The Second Lang of Xue Hui's generation referred to Xue Heng's own second son—a brilliantly talented youth who had died prematurely.
"Fifth Uncle, Seventh Lady came from my own womb..." Madame Wan wept aloud."You may have some affection for Qiniang in your heart, but when it comes to her brothers, have you ever considered her feelings?" Xue Heng had no desire to debate further with his nephew's wife, instead fixing his gaze on Xue Hui. "I have not yet retired. The Xue family does not revolve around you alone. Though Xue Cheng is from a collateral branch, he is still a member of our clan. Do not forget—he has already become the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
Xue Hui felt a chill in his heart. The Xue family valued both lineage and capability. Xue Cheng had been relentlessly pursuing him from behind, putting immense pressure on him.
"Go to the clan leader yourself and tell him that since I have no heirs, I wish to have Qiniang adopted by Second Brother to fulfill filial duties." Xue Heng issued the command directly, his gaze sharp. "I intend to marry Qiniang to the Northwest Prince Heir. If word of this leaks, you will see whether I can remove you from your position as Minister of Personnel."
Wan-shi's weeping abruptly ceased. The couple's reaction only deepened the coldness in Xue Heng's expression.
Xue Jinqiao stood in the courtyard watching the scene inside. Her face was expressionless. The flowers and plants seemed to worry for her, but she paid them no mind—this outcome was expected, just as they had once exchanged her for a return to the capital.
"But... but..." Wan-shi stammered hesitantly, "I was already discussing Qiniang's marriage with the family of the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy."
"The Chancellor of the Imperial Academy?" A sharp light flashed in Xue Heng's eyes. "Which son? The third young master?"
The Chancellor, He Zu, had two legitimate sons barely two years apart. The eldest, Third Master He, had achieved the title of Provincial Graduate at just eighteen, his future bright. The younger, Fourth Master He, however, was uneducated and dissolute, spending his days obsessed with opera houses—a theater fanatic rumored to be involved with an opera performer.
Wan-shi murmured meekly: "With Qiniang's... condition... how would the He family agree to Third Master He..."
Before she could finish, a teacup shattered at her feet with a crash. Scalding tea splashed onto her shoes, making her cry out in pain.
"You can still feel pain? I thought someone as heartless as you must have an iron heart and leather skin—how else could you commit such beastly acts?" Xue Heng was so enraged that the veins in his neck bulged. "You thought since I don't involve myself in household affairs, I wouldn't know you offered Qiniang up again to secure a spot in the Imperial Academy for your youngest son! With parents like you, the sooner Qiniang severs ties, the sooner she escapes this den of wolves."
Still not venting enough anger, he continued: "Go! Summon Xue Ji! I want to ask him if his life—sustained by his elder sister's blood—is more comfortable! I want to ask if his sister's blood tastes sweet!"
"Fifth Uncle, please calm your anger." Xue Hui dropped to his knees with a thud. "This matter isn't settled—it was merely an informal remark. I will report to the clan leader immediately to have Qiniang adopted by Second Brother."
"Get out!" Xue Heng roared.
Xue Hui immediately pulled Wan-shi away. As they turned to leave, they came face to face with Xue Jinqiao in the courtyard. Xue Hui didn't know what to say, but Wan-shi spoke with aggrieved resentment: "Qiniang, I carried you for ten months and suffered to bring you into this world. How could I not care for you? When your elder brother and younger brother prosper, others won't dare bully you..."
Xue Jinqiao raised her hand and inhaled the scent on her wrist, restraining herself from lunging forward to end both her biological mother and herself. Her voice was hoarse as she said: "Leave this courtyard. Before my 'illness' flares up."
Xue Jinqiao's pupils were dark voids, unlike those of a living person. Wan-shi paled with fear, recalling past incidents. Just then, another teacup was hurled out from the room. Not daring to stay longer, she hastily dragged her husband away.Xue Jinqiao rushed inside, supporting Xue Heng as the ferocity in her eyes completely faded, replaced by red-rimmed eyes: "Granduncle."
Xue Heng weakly sat down, taking a few sips of tea before calming himself. He looked at Xue Jinqiao with heartache: "Granduncle... I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you much longer..."
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