SFS Chapter 244 Questioning
Chapter 244 Questioning
Shen Qingtan and the First Madam helped the Old Madam into the room, one on each side, and seated her in the main seat, which was covered with soft cushions.
“I originally planned to marry Wan’er to Yan’er, but some things happened today, and I feel that Yan’er is not a good match.”
The old lady was extremely disappointed in Pei Wuyan.
A virtuous gentleman would never paint a portrait of a woman confined to her chambers; such an act would be far too frivolous.
Furthermore, Pei Wuyan also used Zhao Wan's reputation to propose marriage.
Fortunately, the Duke's family was of high social standing; if it were a humble family, he would have succeeded.
The old lady handed the booklet in her hand to the first wife: "These are some candidates I previously selected for Wan'er. You two, mother and daughter-in-law, take a look. If you think there are any suitable ones, I will make a decision as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen complications."
The First Madam was fully aware of what had happened in the West Garden.
The third wife was timid and cowered in front of them, not daring to utter a sound.
Back in his own courtyard, he closed the door and stood in front of his children.
Zhao Wan was truly pitiful to have a mother like the Third Madam. Fortunately, the Old Madam was fairly fair to her illegitimate children and grandchildren.
On the other hand, no matter how much the old lady plans for Zhao Wan, Zhao Wan still needs to stand on her own two feet and not be controlled by the third wife.
The First Madam opened the register and carefully looked through the list of names.
The old lady took a liking to three sons.
One is the heir apparent of the Marquis of Wenxuan's household, thirty years old, upright but also old-fashioned. He is widowed and has one son and two daughters.
When Zhao Wan married him, she became his second wife.
One was the second son of the prefect, twenty years old, simple and straightforward, with no achievements to speak of.
One was the son of the Imperial Academy Chancellor, and this son was the Chancellor's only heir.
He had few children; his wife had been married for ten years but had not conceived.
In order to continue the family line, his wife brought him three concubines, but in the end they only had this one son, who was adopted and raised by his wife.
This son is quite capable; he currently serves as a censor in the Six Ministries.
To any discerning person, the most suitable candidate would be the son of the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy.
The First Madam placed the booklet on the small table and put the page about the son of the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy in front of the Old Madam.
“The son of the Imperial Academy Chancellor is suitable in every way, and his status as an illegitimate child will not put pressure on Wan’er. However, I still have concerns in my heart.” The old lady said with an ambiguous expression, “The Ling family was kind to the Chancellor back then.”
Shen Qingtan frowned. The Ling family was the maternal clan of Consort Ling, and the Grand Master of Ceremonies was a member of Prince Yu's faction?
Upon hearing this, the First Madam smiled and said, "Mother, the Ling family has shown great kindness to the Imperial Censor, but the Imperial Censor is upright and incorruptible, and has always been loyal only to the Imperial Family, never taking sides."
The old lady fell silent. The chief priest was an upright man of noble character, yet he was also loyal and devoted to his friends.
This kindness and recognition must ultimately be repaid to the Ling family.
The Duke's Mansion and Consort Ling appeared friendly on the surface, but only they themselves knew the true nature of their relationship.
“Grandmother, if this matter is not urgent, we can let Second Master make the decision.” Shen Qingtan said softly, “He has always been very good at judging people. If this marriage can be arranged, it would be good for Sister Wan’er to marry into the family.”
The old lady pondered for a moment, then handed the booklet to Shen Qingtan: "It's fine to postpone it for a few days."
Shen Qingtan returned to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion with the booklet. As soon as she entered the house, she saw Liuyue waiting inside.
"Second Madam, when I took people there, we didn't see Third Master." Liu Yue helped Shen Qingtan wash her hands and said in a low voice, "Is it alright if we can't get the ribbon back?"
"It's alright." Shen Qingtan had a bit of a headache as all the old stories from the past came to mind: "I'll tell Second Master the truth when the time comes."
She felt at peace with herself and had no guilty conscience. She was just afraid that if she kept bringing these things up in front of Zhao Yi, he would get annoyed with her.
If they don't speak up, Zhao Jue's future mischief will affect their relationship.
A dark glint flashed in Shen Qingtan's eyes; it was time to deal with Zhao Jue.
He should die the same way he killed her in his past life.
It's a case of tit for tat.
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After bathing and changing, Shen Qingtan entered the inner room.
Zhao Yi lay quietly on the bed, in the same position she had left in.
Shen Qingtan lifted the thin blanket and lay down in bed. Because Zhao Yi's body was always cold, the bed was ice-cold, without a trace of warmth.
In early summer, putting ice in the house will make it much cooler.
Zhao Yi was frail, so ice couldn't be placed in the room. Even with all the windows open for ventilation, it was still somewhat stuffy.
Shen Qingtan didn't want to sleep separately from Zhao Yi. As long as she held him, it felt like holding a piece of jade, and she didn't feel hot.
She turned over, wrapped her arms around Zhao Yi's waist, pressed her cheek against his arm, and fell into a deep sleep.
In her hazy state, she seemed to have a dream in which Zhao Yi questioned her about whether she had secretly gone to see Zhao Jue behind his back.
Shen Qingtan suddenly opened her eyes. The room was brightly lit. She looked dazed and couldn't tell if she was dreaming or in reality.
She looked up and met a pair of dark eyes.
"You went to see Zhao Jue last night?" Zhao Yi's face was unusually pale, and he looked sickly.