Chapter 329: Chapter 329: You Two Really Are a Fine Couple!
Dusk at the Governor Mansion.
"Would you mind having dinner with this old dowager?" Dowager Yan looked over at Yan Mi.
The table was laid with a variety of delicacies, all of which were Yan Mi’s favorites.
Yan Mi slightly lowered her eyes and simply said, "I dare not."
These two words were like the sharpest dagger, hurting both herself and others, leaving Dowager Yan speechless for a long time.
"Lady, try this. These ’Four Joys’ meatballs are made with sea cucumber, crab, shrimp, and pork," an old woman behind her quickly stepped forward to break the stifling silence.
Yan Mi did take a small bite after all.
’Four Joys’ meatballs symbolize reunion and peace. They’re really not appropriate now.
Dowager Yan asked again, "Was everything proper at the Duke Wei Mansion this time?"
"Appropriate."
Yan Mi put down her chopsticks and spoke gently, "Mama has decided to expedite the marriage arrangements, allowing her granddaughter to marry into the Wei Family as soon as possible. Partly to bring joy, and partly in fear that delays might breed problems. The Wei Family has agreed, and it will probably not be long before they come to discuss the wedding date."
This statement was like a fuse. Dowager Yan forcefully put down her chopsticks.
"Seeing the grandmother like this, it seems she is unaware."
Yan Mi: "It matters little, the granddaughter also just learned of this."
Dowager Yan’s headache was splitting.
"Mrs. Wu, escort the lady back."
Yan Mi stood up, respectfully bowed, and withdrew.
As she left, Dowager Yan let out a heavy sigh: "She still resents me. Look, she didn’t forget to jab me with her words."
The servant old woman hurriedly approached, "The lady has always been closest to you, and it is inevitable that she temporarily loses sight in a dead end. Once she sees clearly, how could she not know that you are the one in this world who loves her the most!"
"Don’t bother flattering me with kind words."
Dowager Yan looked at the spot where Yan Mi had just been sitting and gave a bitter smile.
"This child knows how to wound my heart."
"Dowager, children and grandchildren have their own fortune. Once the lady follows through with the madam’s wishes and enters the doors of the Wei Family, you needn’t worry as long as the days ahead are good," said the old woman.
"Fulfill her wishes?"
Dowager Yan sneered, "I’m not her birth mother. Do I have to keep giving face to that venomous woman?"
She couldn’t help but remember an incident from many years ago. Yan Mi had had a conflict with Yan An. Yan An had already been spoiled rotten by the Governor’s wife; when his temper rose, he cruelly laid his hands on Yan Mi.
Yan Mi’s most loyal wet nurse, in an attempt to protect her, accidentally pushed Yan An, causing him to hit his forehead on a rockery and gash it open.
The blood poured out profusely. It was truly dangerous, any slight deviation and he might have been blinded.
For this reason, the wet nurse naturally ended up in prison, one was an old woman and the other a grandson; even though Dowager Yan felt sorry for Yan Mi, she had her biases. How could she protect the negligent wet nurse?
"That Ministry of Justice Prison, everywhere demands a bribe. Wanting comfort inside means needing to spend money. Yan Mi knelt outside my courtyard for three days for 500 taels, and also petitioned her parents for help. Back then, nobody paid her any attention, they just scolded her for neglecting her brother and troubling her parents which was unfilial. But to my surprise, she was able to borrow money from outside. This child has a strong sense of loyalty."
"Go, bring the master here. At this time, he should have finished his duties."
Commander Yan came after 15 minutes and paid his respects to Dowager Yan upon entering.
"Mother calls for her son, is there an important matter?"
"Would I call you if there wasn’t a pressing matter?"
Dowager Yan looked at Commander Yan, "Sit."
Soon, the serving old woman stepped forward to check on the tea. Having seen to these tasks, she then signalled to everyone serving within the room to withdraw. They all walked out, treading lightly.
"Your father’s memorial day is approaching; have you thought about how to arrange it?" Dowager Yan asked.
Commander Yan was just about to drink his tea but hastily set it down upon hearing this.
"Mother, the wife has already started organizing this matter. Once the details have been thoroughly planned out, we will definitely submit them for your review."
Dowager Yan responded as steady as Mount Tai.
"Your father passed away early, leaving me, a mere woman, to raise you two brothers alone. The Yan Family went through hard times. The earth trembled to my utter horror, splitting open and mountains crumbling; your younger brother, trying to protect me, was crushed under the ruins and stopped breathing. Hence, after you became successful and now hold a high office, I never mentioned splitting the household."
"Your brother’s wife has a sharp tongue, and these years she’s been at odds with the one in your household like fire and water. I ignored it, turning a blind eye; if I were to take sides, I would surely stand with your widowed sister-in-law. Do you have any objections to this?"
Commander Yan hastened to say, "Has the Lady had another conflict with my sister-in-law? Mother, rest assured, I will reprimand her sternly. Being a woman of the Yan Family is by no means easy. How could your son have objections?"
"Oh?"
Dowager Yan said, "So, you disagree with me then."
Her face darkened as she stood up and slammed down the tea cup.
"What a great pair you two make!"
This was met by the latter’s anxiety.
"Mother, why would you say that?"
"Are you claiming ignorance of today’s affairs at the Wei Family?"
Dowager Yan sneered, "Keeping secrets from me, are you? Excellent! If you indeed find me such a bothersome mother, I could just move out of the house. Why should I have to endure your displeasure?"
"If it wasn’t for that malicious woman, why would you be controlled by people from Duke Wei Mansion?"
Without sparing Commander Yan a glance, she continued, "Did I ever bring up the events of the past in front of you? I kept silent to spare you face! Do you really think nothing ever happened?"
She was profoundly disappointed, fingers fretfully turning the Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist.
"You are my son, and I utterly despise that affair! Yet in the world of officialdom, how could one climb to such a position without resorting to certain measures?"
"For years, you have visited the Xie Family, being snubbed each time. I’m afraid you still have Miss Xie on your mind. I won’t mention it again; it was all a disastrous affinity. What you and your wife choose to do going forward is none of my concern, but don’t forget that Mi is ultimately in the Yan Family genealogy."
Listening to the mention of Yan Mi, Commander Yan felt a pang of guilt, hardening his resolve.
"Mother, she is a girl of the Yan Family; she naturally should—"
"Let me finish," Dowager Yan interjected.
"What ’should’ or ’should not’ be. I can say such things, but how can you? She was raised by my own hand; you and your wife didn’t trouble yourselves over her in the least, and ended up with such a daughter. Look all over Shengjing, and tell me honestly, how many girls can match her in being learned, reasonable, and understanding the bigger picture?"
"What about Duke Wei Mansion? Even if Mi were to marry into the Imperial Family, it would be fitting! It’s just that her own parents have held her back. To hastily arrange her marriage? It’s so shameful that it was you who suggested it. What, should she rush to marry a cripple and flatter him?"
After unloading these words, she paused to catch her breath.
"After all, she calls you father."
With her back turned to Yan Kun, she said, "Go back. If you still have filial piety, make that malicious woman behave herself. I’m getting old and sooner or later will be joining your father."
These words left Yan Kun with a furrowed brow long after he had departed.
When Yan Mi returned to her room, she found an unexpected person inside.
"Yingwu?"
With a sword on his back, Yingwu said, "Lady Yan, our mistress sent me here to ask a question."
She uttered a sentence, her face devoid of emotion.
"What do you think about Fifth Princess’ match with Eldest Young Master Wei?"