Chapter Sixteen: A Worthy Man, a Worthy Match?

Mingchu and Mingwan arrived together at the main hall, which was elegantly and solemnly arranged. Hanging in the center of the wall was a plaque inscribed with the words, “Indifferent to Fame and Fortune.” Lord Jiang and his consort sat on either side of the long table, both faces alight with joy.

Lord Du and his son were seated on round-backed chairs to the left, while Jiang Zhennin and Jiang Zhenyuan occupied those on the right.

Mingchu and Mingrou stepped forward to pay their respects, then retreated to stand by either side of the screen.

Du Zihong glanced over at Mingchu and Mingwan, and said with a smile, “Indeed, your daughters are all so lovely and radiant. Especially your eldest, Miss Jiang—her beauty and reputation are renowned.”

Lord Jiang accepted the compliment with a hearty laugh.

Du Zihong cast a sidelong look, tinged with reproach, at his son Du Zhong, who sat upright and silent. He thought, “When it comes to proposing marriage, why does he sit there like a block of wood?”

“Zhong’er, is your father right?”

“Yes, I have met Miss Jiang once before.”

Though his voice was not particularly clear, it was deep and pleasing, conveying a sense of steadiness and comfort.

Mingchu quietly raised her eyes to study him. He wore a simple robe of pale blue, a black silk belt at his waist, and a dark cloak that outlined his tall, slender figure. He was about the same age as her eldest brother, but compared to his brother’s boldness and candor, his features showed more composure and experience.

Du Zhong’s calm gaze rested on Lord Jiang, his eyes fathomless and mature.

Sensing Mingchu’s gaze, he glanced her way. Mingchu smiled at him openly, and Du Zhong, a bit surprised, returned her smile with equal ease.

Just then, Jiang Zhennin, who was holding his teacup, flushed red, and Jiang Zhenyuan, who had been daydreaming, looked over at him curiously.

Du Zhong’s gaze drifted lightly to Jiang Zhennin, carrying a hint of deeper meaning.

Lord Jiang was puzzled. “My daughter rarely leaves her chambers. Where could you have met her?”

Quick to respond, Jiang Zhennin said, “Perhaps it was when Brother Du visited the residence and happened to see Rou’er.”

Lord Jiang looked at Zhennin, still in doubt. In his heart, he mused, “Du Zhong is wholly devoted to the Court of Judicial Review and remains unmarried at twenty-four. There are many rumors that he prefers men to women.”

He frowned again. Still, the Du and Jiang families had been close for generations, and such a union would be natural. Moreover, with the tense situation at court, expanding their influence was almost a necessity.

Du Zhong simply smiled, saying nothing more.

The lady of the house gently covered her mouth to cough and changed the subject with a smile. “I hear that you were recently promoted, nephew, and now serve as Chief Justice at the Court of Judicial Review. I expect your future will be no less illustrious than your father’s.”

Du Zihong nodded in pride, but before he could speak, Du Zhong replied, “You flatter me, madam.”

With these few words, the matter of the marriage was settled. The union of children was a political tool, a means to consolidate alliances at court.

Mingchu reflected on how, in just a few words, her marriage had been decided. Her entire future happiness, yet she herself had no choice in the matter.

Mingchu and Mingwan walked back together, followed by Yunxi and Mingwan’s maid, Cuiyi.

Mingwan smiled and remarked that her elder sister was truly fortunate.

“Fourth Sister, what do you mean by that?”

“Master Du is now Chief Justice at the Court of Judicial Review, with limitless prospects ahead. Marrying him, you will be the Chief Justice’s wife, enjoying wealth and honor. Isn’t that happiness?”

“But what if, when you look at that person, you don’t truly feel joy? Even if he possesses boundless riches and power, can you really be happy?”

Mingwan scoffed lightly, “How amusing, Chu’er. When you cannot even obtain the most basic respect and dignity, what right do you have to speak of like or dislike?” What she wanted was glory, wealth, to be admired by all.

“Fourth Sister, you seem different from before.” Mingchu looked at her with concern. She didn’t know when it began, but Mingwan’s words now always carried a hint of resentment.

Realizing her lapse, Mingwan quickly composed herself and forced a smile. “I was merely speaking carelessly. Come, let’s hurry.”

At the entrance to the small path, Mingchu parted with Mingwan and wandered off, spirits low. Yunxi kept up a stream of cheerful chatter, trying to lift her mood.

Yet Mingchu could not let go of what had happened. She saw how powerless people could be over their own fates. Especially as women—would they spend their lives submitting to arrangements made by others?

Unmarried, they obeyed their fathers; married, they obeyed their husbands. And so they married, but with no joy in it.

Did her elder sister have no one she loved? Did she not wish to spend her life with the one she loved? But no one ever asked her opinion. In ancient times, there was Lady Wenjun, who fled by night for her own happiness.

Mingchu admired her boldness and fearless resolve.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw someone waiting outside Ruo Hua Pavilion. Her eyes lit up, and she ran over swiftly.

Yunxi smiled helplessly. Yuewu really was her mistress’s little joy-bringer.

“Yuewu!”

“Miss.” Yuewu looked at her quietly.

“What did the mistress want with you? Come, let’s talk inside.” Mingchu beamed as she tugged his sleeve.

But Yuewu remained where he stood. His gaze flickered. “Yuewu… may have to leave.”

Startled, Mingchu turned back. “What are you saying, Yuewu?”

Yuewu lowered his eyes. “Things are different now. You’ve grown up, Miss, and it’s improper for me to stay by your side all the time.”

Yunxi, drawing near, overheard and understood. Now that her mistress was older, it was no longer appropriate for Yuewu—a young man—to accompany her everywhere. Rumors would harm her reputation.

“Why is it, just because I’ve grown up, we can’t be together? Didn’t you say you would… always stay with me?” Mingchu felt aggrieved. She looked up at Yuewu, tears glimmering in her eyes.

Yuewu’s heart softened. He sighed, “Miss, you cry so easily.”

Mingchu held back her tears. “Did the mistress make you say this? I’ll go to her—no, I’ll go to my father. I’ll beg him.”

Lord Jiang and Du Zihong were strolling along the path, now that Du Zhong had already left for the Court of Judicial Review.

Lord Jiang observed, “The crown prince’s confinement will soon be lifted.”

“Yes, but who knows if the second prince is plotting again to harm him?” Du Zihong replied in a low voice.

“The emperor’s health declines with each day. The second prince’s mother, Noble Consort Jia, is ever at his side, praising her son. Lately, the emperor has grown even more distant from the crown prince.”

“The empress passed away early. Poor crown prince—he has no one to rely on, and walks on thin ice each day,” Lord Jiang sighed.

They were all men of principle, upholding the tradition of passing the throne to the eldest legitimate son, not simply the most capable. The crown prince was kind and moderate—a perfect choice for a reigning monarch. The emperor was old and often muddled. They had to hold firm, standing by the crown prince and protecting him.

“Has the third prince shown any sign of action?” Lord Jiang asked.

“The third prince?” Du Zihong raised an eyebrow. “Recently, the third prince volunteered to go to the Kingdom of Qiliang to help Hong Mai negotiate land divisions. We all know that.”

“The third prince has always been dutiful, not bold and sharp like the second prince.”

Lord Jiang shook his head. “Often, those who act most quietly are the strongest.”

Du Zihong laughed. “Nonsense. You’re too suspicious. The third prince is a gentle scholar, always with his zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.”

He lowered his voice. “Besides, the third prince’s mother was of humble birth and died young. He’s under the protection of Consort Ying. What storm could he possibly raise?”

Lord Jiang nodded. “What has your son been busy with lately?”

“He said the Court of Judicial Review has just taken on a wrongful conviction case, also in Jiangzhou.”

“Jiangzhou?” Lord Jiang’s tone sharpened.

“Yes, is there a problem?”

Lord Jiang shook his head, then asked, “And what are his political leanings?”

Du Zihong snorted. “He never involves himself in court factions, only devotes himself to his duties. He doesn’t even care about my standing.”

Lord Jiang said nothing further. He knew Du Zihong was carefree and broad-minded, never one to probe deeply. This matter, he would have to discuss with Zhennin in private.