Chapter 61: What a Pity - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 61: What a Pity

The news of the Xu family breaking off the engagement spread like wildfire the next day. The streets were abuzz with activity, and everyone seemed to be talking about it.

Some people vividly described seeing many hidden secrets from the Xu family’s hard stance and the Liang family’s evasion.

"I heard it was because the young master of the Liang family got involved with the Wei family's young lady, and it was witnessed by Miss Xu, which led to the broken engagement."

"No, no, I heard that Miss Wei fell into the water, and the Liang young master saved her. But Miss Xu, being short-tempered, caused a scene until the engagement was broken."

"Who knows what’s true and what’s false?"

"Who knows? There's a lot of dirty laundry among these high-ranking families. We common folk should just focus on filling our stomachs."

After the morning hour, the side gate of the Duke of Wei's mansion opened from the inside. The servants and maids came out one after another, going about their chores as if nothing had happened.

People outside started to become suspicious. Why was the Wei family not even trying to hide their disgrace?
Some brave souls tried to make a few comments but were met with a sharp rebuke from the gatekeeper, "Gossipy woman, mind your tongue or you'll regret it."

The crowd, initially there for the spectacle, scattered in fear upon hearing the gatekeeper's words.

Inside Han Zhang Palace, Noble Consort Wei looked mournfully at the ailing Wei Lanxuan, her expression filled with sorrow.

Sitting beside her was Duke Wei, looking calm but with more gray hair at his temples than usual.

"Lan'er has let down Grandfather's training and Aunt's trust. It's all my fault, and I've even dragged down the Ninth Prince’s reputation. I'm sorry."

She was already frail and now severely ill, coughing continuously since the water incident. Yet today, she forced herself to come and apologize to Noble Consort Wei.

Firstly, she feared estrangement from the Wei family, and secondly, she was afraid of losing her aunt's affection.

What would be the point of marrying the man she loved if she lost that familial support?

She had known since childhood that a marriage without family interests involved was the least stable.

After a night of reflection, even the immense anger of Noble Consort Wei had dissipated. Looking at Wei Lanxuan in such a state, she couldn't help but feel pity and love mixed with her anger.

She only had one son and always treated Wei Lanxuan like her own daughter. She was angry and resentful but also deeply loved her.

What could be done now?
With a deep sigh, she signaled to Yue Shi to help Wei Lanxuan up.

"Since you made your choice, Aunt has no alternative. Thankfully, the imperial decree has not been announced to the world, and only those close to us know about your engagement to Yunli. It's no big deal. However, the Liang family's reputation is now very tarnished. Are you truly willing to marry into such a family?"

Wei Lanxuan silently wept. She hadn’t slept all night, thinking mostly about her future.

Now, she was in a difficult position. She had personally requested the engagement in front of so many people. If she didn't marry now, no one in the entire Eastern Capital would dare to marry her in the future. What then? Would she really spend her life in a temple or end it with a piece of white silk?

None of these were options she wanted.

So, steadying her resolve, she firmly said, "Lan'er is willing."

Seeing her determination, Noble Consort Wei didn't insist any further. She instructed Yue Shi to call the physician and send Wei Lanxuan to the rear hall for treatment while she continued talking with her father, the Duke of Wei.

"Yunli's marriage cannot be delayed any longer. The Crown Prince's wife is already showing, and several physicians have confirmed it’s a boy. If she indeed gives birth to the first imperial grandson, the Crown Prince’s faction will only grow stronger!"

As Noble Consort Wei spoke, she paced back and forth in the hall, her face flushed with anxiety. The thought of the Empress overshadowing her again infuriated her.

"Alright, calm down. Fortunately, Yunli now holds the title of Prince. Since we need to choose a Princess Consort for him, we might as well broaden our search. I see that the late Emperor still has several brothers with daughters of suitable age. Wouldn't one of these princesses be more fitting for the role?"

Duke Wei, with his seasoned strategy, had already sent people to reevaluate the list of noble young ladies in the Eastern Capital after giving up on Wei Lanxuan. Unfortunately, none seemed suitable.

He then thought of the daughters of the various princes stationed elsewhere. If they could find an exceptional one to be the Princess Consort, it might actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Hearing her father's words, Noble Consort Wei was suddenly enlightened and became very excited.

She immediately had people reexamine the princesses and ladies from the princely households. Soon, they had a candidate.

Thinking of the upcoming days when foreign envoys and local princes would come to pay tribute, the formerly gloomy face of Noble Consort Wei now bore a bright, warm smile.

Three days later, the Liang family, braving great humiliation, came to the Duke of Wei's mansion to formally request the marriage of Wei Lanxuan.

The scale of the proposal ceremony was even grander than when they proposed to the Xu family, as they were now putting everything on the line. The betrothal gifts this time nearly emptied the entire Liang family.

Seeing the humble demeanor of the Liang father and son, Duke Wei couldn't be bothered to argue anymore.

After all, they were still allies. With this marriage, they would be tied together in the same boat. With this in mind, he didn't make things difficult for the Liang family.

They amicably discussed and set the wedding date for February of the following year.

Thus, the romantic entanglement between the Xu and Wei families over the Liang family's young master finally came to an end, becoming the gossip of the town for the next few days.

In a quiet courtyard next to Fahua Temple, Elder Xu was angrily playing chess.

Holding a white piece, he hesitated for a long time, unable to make a move as any placement would lead to a losing position.

With a sigh, he put the white piece back in the chess box and glared at the man across from him, "Your Highness, you must have been practicing chess at home every day. How else could you be beating me so thoroughly now when you weren't even my match six months ago?"

The man, despite his pale complexion, couldn't hide his handsome features. He was none other than Prince Ding, Xiao Tingyi.

"You flatter me, Elder Xu. You've been distracted by rumors lately, giving me an opportunity. Truly, your skills are still superior."

Hmph, Elder Xu snorted, picking up the plump orange cat he had raised. Like a child, his emotions were written all over his face.

"That Liang brat dared to do such a thing. Thankfully, Mingyue didn't marry him. Who knows how miserable her life would have been otherwise? And the Wei family, they must be blind to choose such a grandson-in-law."

His disdain for the Liang family was evident, even his attendant Yang Zhao couldn't help but cringe.

Xiao Tingyi said nothing. He had never been interested in these romantic affairs.

However, seeing the look in Elder Xu's eyes, he preemptively said, "No way."

This made Elder Xu's beard bristle in anger. "You're almost thirty and still without an heir. Be careful, or your grandfather might come from Jiangnan to force some concubines on you. That would be quite the scene."

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