The physician quickly arrived at Yun Mansion. After examining Yun Wenfang, he found the situation largely matched what the guard had described. The second young master of the Yun family had suffered injuries to his heart meridian and internal organs, which were quite severe. Fortunately, he had been brought back in time, managing to save his life. However, full recovery would require at least half a year of rest, during which he must not engage in any martial activities, or his condition would worsen rather than improve.
After learning that Yun Wenfang’s life was not in danger, the eldest young master of the Yun family sent someone to investigate the day’s events. It was eventually discovered that after rushing back from outside, Yun Wenfang had first gone to Yanbei Prince’s Mansion. Upon learning from the mansion that Second Young Master Xiao had left the city, he departed and also exited the city.
After his subordinates withdrew, Yun Wenting wearily pressed his fingers to his temples. He sat alone in his study for a moment longer before ordering a horse to be prepared and heading to Yanbei Prince’s Mansion.
Yun Wenting came to Yanbei Prince’s Mansion to request an audience with Xiao Jingxi. Xiao Jingxi did not put on airs with the eldest young master of the Yun family and directly had him escorted to the study.
As soon as Yun Wenting entered, he respectfully bowed and said sincerely, “Thank you, Second Young Master Xiao, for showing mercy.” This time, he did not address Xiao Jingxi by his courtesy name as he usually did.
Xiao Jingxi was sitting by the south window, playing a game of chess against himself. Hearing this, he looked up at Yun Wenting and smiled, saying, “Since you’re here, come and play a game with me.”
Yun Wenting walked over and sat opposite Xiao Jingxi, and the two began to play chess.
Throughout the process, neither of them spoke again. The only sound in the study was the crisp clinking of chess pieces on the board. The game lasted for an hour before it concluded, with Yun Wenting losing.
Xiao Jingxi examined the chessboard, idly twirling a black piece in his hand, and remarked casually, “You made one wrong move, and from then on, every step was wrong. Hesitation invites disaster. Zirui, you are too indecisive.”
Xiao Jingxi’s criticism was blunt and unsparing. Yun Wenting’s hand, which had been gathering the chess pieces, stiffened slightly. He then shook his head with a bitter smile and said, “It is indeed my fault.”
Xiao Jingxi said nothing more. Yun Wenting silently collected the pieces for a while before speaking again, “Once Wenfang has recovered from his injuries, I will send him back to Jiajing Pass. In the meantime, I will have someone keep a close eye on him.”
Xiao Jingxi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and offered no comment.
“Do you have any thoughts about your own marriage?”
Yun Wenting had not expected Xiao Jingxi to bring this up so suddenly. He stiffened for a moment before quietly taking a deep breath and replying slowly, “I… have no plans to marry for the time being.”
Xiao Jingxi nodded and said calmly, “You have your reasons for not marrying, but seniority and order must be observed. It would be best not to affect the marriages of your younger siblings.”
Yun Wenting was an intelligent man and immediately grasped Xiao Jingxi’s meaning. After a moment of thought, he said, “Before Wenfang returns to Jiajing Pass, the Yun family will arrange his marriage.”
Given Xiao Jingxi’s usual temperament, the conversation would have ended there. He never involved himself in such trivial matters, nor did he press others aggressively. However, today, he continued by asking, “Are there any suitable candidates?”
Yun Wenting was taken aback. “Not for the time being.” After a pause, he tentatively asked, “Does Tingzhen have anyone in mind?”In terms of seniority, Xiao Jingxi was of the same generation as Yun Wenting and Yun Wenfang, so matchmaking should not have been his responsibility. Thus, Xiao Jingxi smiled and said, "If you're uncertain, you can ask the Princess Consort. She knows many eligible young ladies."
Yun Wenting nodded upon hearing this. "I will have my grandmother and mother visit the Princess Consort after I return."
Satisfied with Yun Wenting's cooperation, Xiao Jingxi even kindly reminded him before he took his leave, "I recall that Second Young Master Yun previously went to Xining? The journey there and back is not short, yet his news is remarkably swift."
Upon hearing this, Yun Wenting frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.
Yun Wenting had a rough idea why Yun Wenfang had rushed back and directly confronted Xiao Jingxi. He often felt helpless when it came to his stubborn and single-minded younger brother. Having experienced his own share of romantic troubles over the years, Yun Wenting secretly hoped his brother could achieve his desires. Unfortunately, the person Yun Wenfang had crossed was none other than Xiao Jingxi...
Yun Wenting sighed. He understood Xiao Jingxi far better than Yun Wenfang did, which was why, upon seeing Yun Wenfang's injuries today, he knew his brother had made a grave mistake. If not handled carefully, not only would Yun Wenfang's life be in danger, but the Yun Family might also be implicated. That was why Yun Wenting had come without hesitation to apologize and make amends.
Fortunately, Xiao Jingxi still considered that the Yun Family was the maternal family of Consort Dowager Yun and the Princess Consort, and did not pursue the matter to the extreme. Thus, when Xiao Jingxi brought up the marriage arrangement, Yun Wenting wisely made the decision on Yun Wenfang's behalf. He clearly understood that, at this point, Yun Wenfang likely had to choose between marriage and his life. Xiao Jingxi was not a narrow-minded or vengeful person, but that was only true as long as his bottom line was not crossed.
After Yun Wenfang was injured, Yun Wenting had focused solely on how to preserve his brother's life in Xiao Jingxi's eyes, leaving no room for other considerations. Now that Xiao Jingxi had mentioned how "timely" Yun Wenfang's return was, Yun Wenting could not help but think more deeply.
Xining was not close to Yan Prefecture, and news of the marriage arrangement between the Yanbei Prince's Mansion and the Ren Family could not have reached Yun Wenfang in distant Xining so quickly unless someone had tipped him off. However, Yun Wenfang had not returned to the Yun Family for years. Even if he had left informants behind before leaving home, given Yun Wenfang's temperament, he would not have remained unaware for so long. This suggested that someone else had informed Yun Wenfang, and since Xiao Jingxi had chosen to remind him at this moment, it was highly likely that the informant was from the Yun Family.
Thinking this, Yun Wenting's expression grew solemn.
With unrest within the household, it was no wonder Xiao Jingxi had criticized him for being indecisive and overly hesitant.
"I will investigate this matter thoroughly after I return. Thank you," Yun Wenfang said earnestly, bowing to Xiao Jingxi in gratitude.
Xiao Jingxi glanced at Yun Wenting and remarked lightly, "I heard the Yun Family held Han Yunqian in high regard before?"
Yun Wenting broke into a cold sweat again upon hearing this. The Yun Family had indeed intended to form a marriage alliance with the Han Family, and the Yanbei Prince's Mansion had not opposed it. But what did Xiao Jingxi mean by bringing it up now? Was he displeased that the Yun and Han Families were growing too close?
"Among the younger generation, Han Yunqian stands out as exceptional, and his age and appearance are also well-matched with Qiuchen..." Yun Wenting thought for a moment before replying cautiously.Unexpectedly, Xiao Jingxi nodded with a smile and said, "Since that's the case, it might be better to settle it sooner. The Yun Family isn't the only one interested in Han Yunqian. If they delay, the Yun Family might regret it deeply."
Although Xiao Jingxi spoke casually, as if merely chatting about everyday matters, Yun Wenting was naturally sharp-minded. Xiao Jingxi's words, "regret it deeply," made Yun Wenting ponder further. Besides, when did Xiao Jingxi ever have the time to concern himself with the marriages of the Yun Family's younger generation? Yet today, he had inquired about both Yun Wenfang and Yun Qiuchen.
When Xiao Jingxi mentioned Yun Wenfang's marriage, Yun Wenting was surprised but felt it was reasonable. But now, with Yun Qiuchen brought up...
Yun Wenting recalled the Yun Family's plans after the death of the heir, Xiao Jingkang. However, the elders of the Yun Family had only considered the idea. Before they could even test the waters, news broke of Xiao Jingxi seeking to marry Ren Yaoqi. Since this involved both the Yanbei Prince's Mansion and the Prince of Hezhong, the Yun Family dared not act rashly...
Xiao Jingxi was not one to speak without purpose...
Yun Wenting thought to himself that the Yun Family likely needed a thorough reorganization.
Indecision invites disaster...
On his way back from Xiao Jingxi, Yun Wenting's brows remained furrowed the entire journey.
Yun Wenfang's injuries were indeed severe. Although his life was not in danger, he drifted in and out of consciousness after being brought back. The doctor's advice that he would need half a year to recover was likely no exaggeration.
While Yun Wenfang lay injured in bed, Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi's marriage began to proceed with formalities.
Given the unusual circumstances, the wedding arrangements, handled by the Yanbei Prince's Mansion's officials in charge of rituals, moved swiftly from the initial proposal to setting the date. Though the process was tight, it was orderly rather than chaotic. The Yanbei Prince's Mansion had its own set of regulations for weddings, and following the prescribed procedures proved quite convenient.
Nevertheless, in terms of etiquette, the Yanbei Prince's Mansion left no room for criticism. Some details even conveyed the mansion's emphasis on this marriage.
For instance, in addition to the betrothal gifts prescribed by the mansion's regulations, the Princess Consort personally selected some valuable items from her private assets and dowry to send to the Ren Family. It was said that the pair of live geese presented during the betrothal ceremony were hunted by Second Young Master Xiao himself. However, people regarded this claim with knowing smiles.
Who didn't know that Second Young Master Xiao was usually breathless even from walking? Hunting geese himself?
To this, people responded with a collective: "Heh heh heh..."
Finally, a few days before the Old Princess Consort of Yanbei's birthday banquet, Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi's wedding date was officially set for September of the following year.
Although this date was somewhat rushed for a wedding between the Prince's Mansion and the Ren Family, fortunately, Madam Li had begun preparing Ren Yaoqi's dowry early while arranging Ren Yaohua's, so they were not caught off guard when the time came. However, the Yanbei Prince's Mansion was no ordinary household, and some items still needed to be supplemented at the last moment.Fortunately, after becoming independent, Fifth Master Ren Shimiao had also managed to thrive. If nothing else, he was the right person to approach for things others found difficult to obtain. Ren Shimiao had the best relationship with Ren Shimin, so he naturally felt duty-bound to help his niece prepare her dowry. Additionally, Ren Shijia and her husband also volunteered to assist. Thus, even though there was less than a year left until the wedding, the Ren Family did not feel pressured.
While the Ren Family was preparing Ren Yaoqi’s dowry, the birthday of the Old Princess Consort of Yanbei also arrived.
Due to the death of the heir, the Old Princess Consort’s birthday could not be celebrated on a grand scale. Therefore, what everyone paid attention to was what changes the imperial court’s envoy would bring on the occasion of the Old Princess Consort’s birthday celebration.
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