Chapter 067: One After Another, Joy Upon Joy

The old matron and the others were all puzzled, turning to her in unison.

There were still maids in the hall, so the old matron pulled Wu Tan back into the inner room and asked, “Tan girl, do you know something about this?”

Wu Tan shrugged, teasing, “It’s probably the old tale of a hero rescuing a beauty and winning her hand, isn’t it? But my brother didn’t save only her from the fire yesterday—there were others too. If you wanted to pick a future sister-in-law from among them, why does it have to be someone from her family?”

The old matron was taken aback. “You mean...?”

Could it be that the Princess of Qingyang had taken a liking to her eldest grandson?

Wu Tan said, “Isn’t that the Lady of Changping, whose courtesy name is Li Xun’er? Last night at Huayang Palace, she actively struck up a conversation with my brother in front of the Empress—it looked like she was interested. At first, I was just guessing, but now that the Princess of Qingyang has come in person under the pretext of thanking us, perhaps I guessed right.”

Indeed, even if Wu Qinglin had saved Li Xun’er’s life, the Princess of Qingyang, being of royal blood, could have simply sent gifts by the house steward. For her to come in person—if Wu Tan was right and she had another motive—this could be troublesome.

The old matron looked worried.

Wu Tan couldn’t help but ask, “Grandmother, what’s wrong? My brother is of a marriageable age, and now someone’s interested in your eldest grandson, shouldn’t you be pleased?”

The old matron glared at her. “What do you know? The Princess of Qingyang is domineering by nature, and she’s not from an ordinary family. If she really has this intention, it could turn into enmity in the future.”

Wu Tan had never interacted with the Princess of Qingyang before; yesterday was the first time. She had mocked Huo Yunhua to her face, and made fun of the Princess of Lin’an without a care—it was true, she did seem sharp-tongued and disagreeable.

Thinking of this, Wu Tan stopped joking, composed herself, and said, “So, Grandmother, you’re already certain you don’t approve of the Lady of Changping?”

The old matron frowned deeply and, not hiding anything from her, said, “It’s best to avoid getting entangled with such families.”

The old matron was clear in her likes and dislikes. If she disliked someone, she made no pretense about it, at least not in front of Wu Tan.

But what was it about the Princess of Qingyang that so offended her grandmother? Wu Tan was puzzled and distracted. The old matron was about to leave but then remembered something and asked, “Did your brother mention anything to you?” She hoped her grandson wasn’t interested in that Li Xun’er.

“Oh!” Wu Tan snapped back to attention, realized what her grandmother meant, and quickly shook her head. “No! My brother didn’t say a word.”

The old matron breathed a quiet sigh of relief. “Good.”

With that, she lifted the curtain and left the room.

Wu Tan was now even more certain there was a hidden story behind her grandmother’s dislike of the Princess of Qingyang and her daughter.

But now was not the time to dwell on it. Seeing the old matron leave, she hurried after her.

Steward Qin was still anxiously waiting outside. When he saw the old matron, he asked again, “Madam, the Princess of Qingyang and the Lady of Changping are at the door. Would you like to receive them yourself?”

“Mm!” The old matron sighed and signaled to Madam Zhou, “Clear the table first.”

Then she turned to Steward Qin, “Go to the gate and welcome our guests. Bring them straight here.”

“Yes!” Steward Qin obeyed and left.

Originally, Lady Meng was the mistress of the Wu household, managing all internal affairs and officially titled Marchioness. It would have been entirely appropriate for her to receive the likes of the Princess of Qingyang. But the princess was here for the heir, Wu Qinglin, so Steward Qin could not bypass the old matron to report to Lady Meng.

Now, having heard Wu Tan’s suggestion that Li Xun’er might be interested in Wu Qinglin, and since it concerned her own eldest grandson’s marriage, the old matron was even less willing to leave the reception to Lady Meng.

Madam Zhou, with the maids, quickly cleared away the freshly set table and began preparing fruits and pastries.

At home, the old matron dressed simply and wore little jewelry. Now, needing to receive guests, she had to consider the dignity of the marquisate, so Wu Tan accompanied her to choose a couple of more valuable pieces of jewelry and a new set of clothes.

The two of them had just taken their seats in the western warm chamber when Madam Zhou lifted the curtain and personally ushered in the Princess of Qingyang and her daughter. “Your Highness, Lady, please come in.”

The Princess of Qingyang was dressed as lavishly as she had been the previous day—utterly resplendent and anything but discreet.

Entering, she greeted them with a smile, “I hope my sudden visit has not troubled you, Madam.”

Rank and protocol dictated that the old matron should rise and pay respects. “Your Highness’ presence brings honor to the Marquisate of Dingyuan. My legs are not as nimble as they once were, so I beg your pardon for not greeting you at the door.”

The Princess of Qingyang hurried forward to stop her. “Madam, you are venerable and honored by the Emperor himself. As your junior, I must not let you stand on ceremony.”

Wu Tan also paid her respects, following behind the old matron. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Still holding the old matron’s hand, the Princess of Qingyang smiled warmly at Wu Tan. “No need for such formality! I met your granddaughter yesterday—no wonder, coming from a military family, she is forthright and upright, just the sort of person I like.”

She hadn’t been so friendly yesterday, but now, in front of the old matron, she was full of praise.

Wu Tan knew the compliment wasn’t aimed at her, so she simply smiled back and said nothing.

Such overt friendliness only made the old matron more anxious. Given the princess’s usual domineering ways, no one would believe she had come without an ulterior motive.

Just as she feared, the old matron recalled Wu Tan’s earlier warning and sighed inwardly. She merely said, “Please, Your Highness, be seated. Our home is humble, I hope you will forgive us.”

The Princess of Qingyang and the old matron sat at opposite sides of the kang table. The princess then beckoned to Li Xun’er, who had entered with her. “Xun’er, come pay your respects to Madam Wu.”

“Greetings, Madam. I wish you health and longevity.” Li Xun’er stepped forward, knelt gracefully, her voice clear and cheerful, her face radiant and charming.

The old matron nodded with a smile. “So this is the Lady of Changping—she certainly takes after her mother. You looked just like this more than ten years ago, Your Highness.”

“It’s rare that Madam remembers what I looked like back then.” The Princess of Qingyang adjusted her hair with a touch of nostalgia, clearly trying to build rapport. But the old matron, not wanting to waste time with pleasantries, moved directly to the point. “I only just heard about what happened in the palace last night from Tan. It was just a small favor from my grandson; there’s no need for Your Highness to be troubled, let alone come here in person.”

Such a significant event, and yet the Wu siblings hadn’t mentioned it to the old matron at all?

The Princess of Qingyang was momentarily taken aback. She glanced at Wu Tan, who sat properly in her chair, then quickly composed herself. “Please don’t say that, Madam. Xun’er is my only daughter, and what may have been a simple act for the heir was a catastrophe for us. There were too many people in the palace yesterday, and I couldn’t say much at the time. So today, I brought Xun’er to personally thank the heir for saving her life.”

She knew full well Wu Qinglin was not at home, but still glanced around as if searching for him.

The invitation had clearly stated they had come to thank Wu Qinglin; by rights, the servants should have invited him too.

The Princess of Qingyang couldn’t tell if the old matron was being deliberately evasive, but her intentions were plain—she had come to see Wu Qinglin no matter what, even if it meant putting on a show.

Seeing this, Wu Tan realized how troublesome this mother and daughter were, and that her grandmother’s worries were not unfounded.

The old matron, displeased by the princess’s hints, maintained her polite smile. “There’s no need to thank the child. He’s not at home today; no need for Your Highness to see him personally.”

How coincidental that Wu Qinglin wasn’t in? Li Xun’er, sitting beside her mother, was visibly disappointed, lowering her head to twist her sleeve.

The Princess of Qingyang nudged her with her elbow.

Li Xun’er took the hint, composed herself, and got up again, smiling sweetly. “Madam, my mother prepared some gifts as a token of her gratitude. Since I was the one rescued yesterday, and this is my first visit, I too prepared a small gift for you. It may not be much, but it comes from the heart—I hope you won’t mind.”

She signaled to her personal maid, who then stepped outside and soon returned with three more maids.

Li Xun’er gestured for the first two to place a large food box on the kang table and open it layer by layer. “This is my first visit, and I wasn’t sure what you liked. I heard you are from Suzhou-Hangzhou, and the pastries from Sujinji are the most authentic. I bought them myself this morning—please accept them.”

The food box had three layers, each with four dishes, all filled with exquisite pastries. As the box was opened, the sweet, glutinous aroma spread through the room.

Madam Zhou was inwardly impressed and gave Li Xun’er a deep look.

For a noble house like the Marquisate of Dingyuan, riches and luxury were never lacking. Gold and silver might not catch the old matron’s eye, nor necessarily win her favor. Li Xun’er’s choice was certainly inventive.

Even Wu Tan had to admit she admired Li Xun’er’s thoughtfulness.

But she also knew, however accurate the flattery, it would not work today.

The old matron had been away from home for decades, living in the capital’s marquisate. In another context, she might have been swayed by such a thoughtful gift, but—

Her precious eldest grandson was worth far more than a box of pastries!

Li Xun’er’s smile was sweet and confident, certain of victory.

But no matter how long she waited, the old matron only signaled for Madam Zhou to accept the box, her expression remaining politely indifferent. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lady.”

So the old woman was not so easily pleased?

Seeing her gift fail to elicit the expected response, Li Xun’er was displeased, but concealed it, maintaining her sweet smile. “You are an elder, Madam. It’s my duty to show my respect.”

She turned and took a brocade box from another maid, this time blushing slightly as she presented it to the old matron.

The old matron was taken aback—was there no end to these gifts?

Li Xun’er added, “This one is for the heir. Since he’s not here, may I trouble you to give it to him on my behalf, as a token of my gratitude for saving my life?”

The brocade box was closed, its contents unknown.

The old matron did not want to accept a gift on Wu Qinglin’s behalf and tried to decline. “This is—”

But Li Xun’er was prepared, quickly placing the box on the table and curtseying. “Thank you, Madam!”

At this point, with her words said, the old matron found it hard to refuse.

As she hesitated, Wu Tan, who had been quietly sipping tea nearby, suddenly stood up, snatched the box, and cheerfully opened it on the spot. “Let’s see what precious gift the Lady has brought for my brother!”

Li Xun’er tried to stop her but failed. Still, she didn’t mind the Wu family seeing the gift first, so she let Wu Tan take it.

Wu Tan opened the box, only to find a single, neatly folded embroidered handkerchief inside.

She immediately pulled it out and shook it open. Judging from the fabric and size, it was clearly for a man, but in one corner was embroidered a pair of lotus flowers with pink and green threads entwined.

The old matron’s face changed slightly at the sight, about to speak, but Wu Tan, delighted, waved the handkerchief and said, “Oh, Lady, is this gift for me? How did you know I liked this?”

Yesterday, Li Xun’er had made sour and jealous remarks because of Xiao Yue’s provocation on the road. Wu Tan’s first impression of her was not good.

Her brother’s marriage was not her concern, so she had not tried to sway the old matron. But since the mother and daughter persisted even after all hints, she was truly disgusted.

If Li Xun’er, an unmarried girl, had boldly given Wu Qinglin the handkerchief herself, Wu Tan would have admired her courage. But now—

To sneakily hide a suggestively embroidered handkerchief in a box and try to have the old matron accept it on Wu Qinglin’s behalf?

To put it bluntly, this was as underhanded as Huo Yunhua and Huo Changyu planting a love letter to frame the Princess of Lin’an!

As she spoke, Wu Tan tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve.

The Princess of Qingyang’s smile vanished. She thought the Wu girl was unruly and looked to the old matron, expecting her to scold Wu Tan, but the old matron simply sipped her tea, ignoring the scene, even seeming to indulge it.

Furious, the Princess of Qingyang opened her mouth to rebuke, but Li Xun’er acted faster, snatching the handkerchief back from Wu Tan.

Everyone in the room was stunned.

The princess’s maids thought the Wu girl was ill-mannered, while the Wu servants marveled at the Lady of Changping’s boldness.

Wu Tan hadn’t expected Li Xun’er to snatch the handkerchief back so brazenly and was caught off guard.

Li Xun’er folded the handkerchief and said directly, “You’re mistaken, Miss Wu. I embroidered this handkerchief myself for the heir, not for you!”

Her voice was clear and unashamed.

Everyone in the room—servants from both houses—looked at her in shock.

Was the Lady of Changping mad? To give an embroidered handkerchief with entwined lotuses to the heir? Now that Wu Tan had revealed it, rather than back down, she declared her intentions openly...

It seemed everyone had misunderstood what it meant to be a “noble lady.”

As everyone reeled, the bar was raised again—

Wu Tan, unwilling to let it go, snatched the handkerchief back from Li Xun’er.

Li Xun’er, empty-handed, was furious. This time, she lunged without restraint, shouting, “Give it back!”

Wu Tan, now prepared, dodged her easily.

The Princess of Qingyang slammed her teacup down and stood up. “What are you doing?”

Li Xun’er stumbled several steps forward, then steadied herself and turned, red-faced, to glare at Wu Tan.

Ignoring the princess, Wu Tan waved the handkerchief and said to Li Xun’er, “You came to thank us, but yesterday, my brother and I both helped rescue everyone, and even the second daughter of the Huo family lent a hand. If you’re truly grateful, shouldn’t you thank all three of us?”

Li Xun’er had come prepared to win over Wu Qinglin and had never considered Wu Tan. When Wu Tan confronted her, she was left speechless.

The Princess of Qingyang was also caught off guard. The main rescuer was Wu Qinglin; to thank him was proper, and gifts were customary. Who would have thought the Wu second daughter would demand gratitude as if collecting a debt?

Yet, for all her quibbling, Wu Tan’s words were unassailable, leaving both mother and daughter at a loss.

Li Xun’er, never having suffered such indignity, was so furious she could hardly speak, but as Wu Qinglin’s sister, Wu Tan was off-limits. Trembling with anger, she finally gritted out, “It was too dark last night, I couldn’t see.”

Thinking she had conceded, Wu Tan pressed further. “If you didn’t see, let me tell you. My brother rushed into the fire thinking it was me trapped inside. Of course, he wouldn’t have left anyone to die. Even if we ignore my help in the rescue, the truth is—you were saved because of me. We did a good deed; your gratitude is your choice, but we don’t demand it. Since you’ve come with gifts and I like them, isn’t that cause for joy? Unless—you’re not sincerely grateful at all!”

She’d seen shameless people, but never anyone so unashamed. Wu Tan didn’t care for Li Xun’er’s gratitude; she’d just been worried for her brother. But now, this woman had come under false pretenses, not even acknowledging Wu Tan—clearly here to extort, not to thank!

To save someone and then be extorted for it? Unacceptable!

Wu Tan’s words shamelessly claimed all credit for the rescue and left Li Xun’er no room to retort.

Li Xun’er was livid, her face blanching and flushing by turns. Known for her sharp tongue, she found herself utterly speechless before Wu Tan.

The Princess of Qingyang, unable to bear it, slammed the table. “How can you speak so rudely? With both myself and your grandmother present, who gave you the right to twist words here?”

Her rank as a princess, even if not the emperor’s own sister, was formidable.

Wu Tan knew she had to show due respect, so she turned, curtsied deeply, and replied sweetly, echoing the princess’s earlier praise, “Please forgive me, Your Highness. You know I come from a military family and am not highly educated. I’m just straightforward and speak my mind.”

In other words, she threw the princess’s own words back at her.

The Princess of Qingyang was left speechless, her face dark with anger.

The old matron had decided from the start not to let Wu Qinglin get tangled with Li Xun’er. Though Wu Tan was being provocative, she did not stop her, only now sternly put down her teacup and said, “Mind your manners!”

Though a reprimand, it was gentle and offered no apology to the princess.

“Yes!” Wu Tan, obedient, tossed the handkerchief back onto the tray held by the princess’s maid. “Since the Lady is not sincerely grateful, there’s no point in this so-called gift. Please take it back.”

By now, Li Xun’er could no longer try to pass the handkerchief to Wu Qinglin.

Seeing her painstaking work dismissed as a rag, Li Xun’er’s eyes reddened in fury.

She rushed to her mother’s side, sobbing, “Mother!”

Both mother and daughter looked grim.

Since they were already at odds, the old matron took a deep breath and said, “My granddaughter speaks bluntly; please don’t take offense, Your Highness. Truly, you are being too kind. I’ll accept this box of pastries as a token of your regard, but the other gifts are too much. I won’t keep them. I’m sure your house is busy, so I won’t keep you for a meal.”

Was this... a dismissal?

The Princess of Qingyang and her daughter glanced at each other, neither expecting such treatment from the Wu family.

Li Xun’er’s eyes filled with tears.

The Princess of Qingyang, burning with anger, could no longer hide her scorn. “Madam Wu!” she said, her voice slow and cold, “Since your family values straightforwardness, I will be direct. Besides coming to thank you, I also wished to propose a happy union. Your heir is talented in both civil and military arts; I am quite satisfied with him. He is not yet betrothed, and Xun’er is of suitable age. I am willing to offer her in marriage, so our two houses may be joined. Choose an auspicious date and send a matchmaker to my residence.”

Her words left all the servants gaping in astonishment.

The brazenness of these two!

The Princess of Qingyang’s domineering manner made it clear—she expected the Wu family to comply, regardless of their own wishes.

The old matron’s face turned ashen; she took several deep breaths before replying, her voice icy but dignified, “Your Highness jests. I thank you both for your favor, but my son is not in the capital, and I cannot decide my grandson’s marriage alone, so I must decline.”

Had this been anyone else, she might have been more tactful, but with the princess and her daughter so aggressive, she had no choice but to be blunt.

But the Princess of Qingyang would not be dismissed so easily. “Though marriage is traditionally arranged by parents, a grandmother’s word carries even more weight. I offer my daughter in good faith, yet you evade and make excuses. Is it that you think my house unworthy? Then pray tell, what match do you seek for Wu Qinglin? Is only a princess good enough for your heir?”

She was determined not to let the Wu family have their way—if her daughter could not marry into the Wu family, she would not allow anyone else, especially the imperial consort, to succeed either.

Her words were sharp, meant to force the old matron into a refusal that would preclude any hope of Wu Qinglin marrying a princess.

She would rather see the Wu family lose everything than let them climb higher.

Her relentless questioning infuriated the old matron, who was about to speak when someone entered, smiling.

“How is Madam Wu to answer such a question, Your Highness?” The newcomer was none other than Madam Qi, chief maid to Consort Zhao.

The old matron had never dealt with Consort Zhao and did not recognize her staff, but Wu Tan did.

So many guests today—her brother was indeed popular.

The old matron noticed the new arrival wore the robes of a palace maid and carried herself with authority. Though she did not recognize her, she could guess her identity. She wondered why the steward had not announced her.

In fact, Madam Qi had been ordered to come. Seeing the princess’s carriage at the door, she realized her mistress’s intentions might have been pre-empted, so she instructed the gatekeeper to bring her straight in.

No one dared offend a palace steward, so, though improper, the servants complied.

Madam Qi entered, noticed the old matron’s confusion, and greeted her respectfully. “I am Qi Fang, chief maid to Consort Zhao. I apologize for my sudden visit, Madam.”

The old matron could not fault her, but remained wary. “So it is Madam Qi. Forgive the lack of propriety.”

Madam Qi turned to the princess and her daughter, curtseying perfunctorily. “Greetings, Your Highness, Lady of Changping. You do seem to be enjoying your morning chat with Madam Wu.”

The princess smiled coldly, suddenly stepped forward, and slapped Madam Qi hard across the face. “You know it is I who am conversing with Madam Wu? Overstepping your bounds—has Consort Zhao taught you nothing?”

A chief palace maid, wherever she went, was highly respected. Normally, only her mistress could discipline her. But the princess, frustrated by the Wu family, vented her anger on Madam Qi.

A red handprint immediately appeared on Madam Qi’s face.

She calmly turned her head back, not touching her cheek, and smiled as if nothing had happened. “Yes, I was in too much of a hurry and failed to announce myself. I accept my punishment. But now that I have paid my respects, may I speak? I heard Your Highness’s words just now and, if I may, would like to remind you: The Marquis of Dingyuan and his heir have won great merit on the battlefield, earning His Majesty’s praise. Madam Wu was merely being modest; she could not accept your words. But I must say, with a house as distinguished as the Marquisate of Dingyuan and an heir as accomplished as Wu Qinglin, as Your Highness said, marrying a princess would certainly be a fitting match.”

This wretched maid—twisting words to lobby for Consort Zhao and Linchuan, and even invoking the emperor’s praise!

The Princess of Qingyang, caught between the Wu family and Consort Zhao, was at a disadvantage, and, having already lost face at the Wu house, dared not let them gain any more ground.

She weighed her options quickly and, though unwilling, decided to retreat for now.

She swept her gaze over the Wu family and said coldly, “Since Miss Wu claims the heir’s rescue was merely a coincidence, then the Marquisate of Dingyuan cannot accept our gratitude! Gather all our gifts—don’t leave a single thing for these ungrateful people. I’ll take them home and feed them to the dogs!”

The maids, though embarrassed, could only obey, collecting the food boxes and other gifts.

The old matron turned away, letting her do as she pleased.

The princess then turned to Madam Qi, her tone mocking. “The Wu girl has said the heir only acted by chance. If he’d known Lin’an was inside, he wouldn’t have gone in. I’ve come all this way for nothing. Go tell Consort Zhao and Lin’an not to humiliate themselves by trying any further, ha ha...”

With those parting words, she laughed loudly and strode out.

Li Xun’er, before leaving, shot Wu Tan a venomous glare.

Wu Tan thought the pair mad dogs, but, never one to back down, glared right back.

Li Xun’er, seeing this, was even more infuriated, gritting her teeth as she left.

“No matter what, the heir and Miss saved her life, yet I’ve never seen such ingratitude!” muttered Xingzi, standing behind Madam Zhou, unable to restrain herself. She wanted to say, “It would have been better to save a dog!” but held her tongue for propriety’s sake.

Madam Zhou glared at her. “Mind your words!”

Xingzi lowered her head, inwardly cursing the princess and her daughter in every way she could devise.

Just because the old matron didn’t want her grandson to marry them, these two had erased their debt of gratitude and heaped slander on the Wu family—whoever married such venomous women would be cursed for generations!

Wu Tan felt much the same, though she held her tongue and simply cursed them in her heart.

At last, when the Princess of Qingyang had left, the old matron signaled for Madam Zhou to clear away the spilled tea and turned to Madam Qi. “Forgive my bluntness, but may I ask the reason for your visit?”

There had never been any dealings between Consort Zhao and the Wu family, but after today’s events, the old matron could guess it was about last night’s incident.

Still, exhausted by the princess’s antics, she didn’t immediately consider that Madam Qi’s visit might have the same purpose.

Madam Qi curtsied again, then signaled to a young palace maid, who went to the door and called, “Imperial physician, please come in.”

A physician entered, carrying his medicine chest. “Greetings, Madam Wu!”

“Please rise, physician.” The old matron gestured, puzzled.

Madam Qi explained, “Last night, Her Highness saw the heir injured in the fire and was most concerned. It was too late to send someone then, so she dispatched me early this morning with the physician to treat the heir’s wounds.”

“Her Highness is too kind...” the old matron replied, out of politeness. “It’s just a scratch—not worth troubling the physician. He’s already up and out, lively as ever. Please convey our thanks to Her Highness.”

“Certainly, Madam. I will deliver your message.” Madam Qi, deferential and composed, then beckoned another group forward—four young eunuchs entered, each bearing a brocade box in a line. “These are gifts from Her Highness—some ointment and nourishing supplements. Please accept them.”

Her gracious manner was a far cry from the princess’s. As the saying goes, one cannot refuse a smiling face. After contending with the princess, the old matron was too weary to argue and simply accepted the gifts, thanking her repeatedly.

Madam Qi had originally intended to sound out the old matron’s intentions, but seeing the princess rebuffed, she changed her approach, smiling. “Since the gifts are delivered, I won’t intrude further. However, Her Highness said that, though the heir cannot easily enter the inner palace, she hopes that in the next few days, if you and Miss Wu have time, you might visit her to receive her thanks in person. Such a great debt cannot be treated lightly, and though your family is generous, Her Highness and the princess cannot let it pass unremarked.”

As she spoke, she nodded kindly to Wu Tan.

Even if the old matron had been slow to catch on, she now sensed the implications, and her heart, which had only just calmed, was once again on edge.

But since Madam Qi had not spoken plainly, she could hardly refuse, and after a brief pause, Madam Qi took her leave.

Madam Zhou hurried after her with a red envelope to send her off.

The old matron, sitting on the kang, frowned at the row of brocade boxes before her, and, forgetting her dignity, slapped her thigh and cursed, “Will this never end?!”

She didn’t want the Lady; she certainly couldn’t accept a princess...

Wu Tan, seeing her grandmother’s distress, burst out laughing, collapsing onto the table in helpless mirth. “That’s what happens when you don’t marry my brother off sooner...”

The old matron glared at her. “So you laugh—all this trouble is thanks to you two little devils.”

“We just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time!” Wu Tan grinned, deliberately ingratiating, though inwardly cursing Xiao Yue. If it hadn’t been for his meddling that delayed her and sent her brother to Huayang Palace, he wouldn’t have thought she was trapped in the fire and rushed in to save her. Now, not only had he risked his life, but a whole string of troubles had landed on them.

Though the old matron was incensed, as a grandmother, she was secretly proud her grandson was so sought after. She wasn’t truly angry with the children, only composed herself and warned Wu Tan, “The Princess is narrow-minded. After today, if you see her again, be careful.”

“I know!” Wu Tan nodded vigorously. “Let’s eat, Grandmother. I’m starving!”

—— Extra ——

Brother: What do I do when people keep trying to force their way into marrying me? Need advice, urgent...

Imperial Uncle: Heh heh...

Lei Ming: What should I do if the prince is jealous of his brother-in-law? I’m even more desperate, help me out →_→

Tan: [Sudden realization] Wait! I think I’m being forced into one of these situations too?

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