Accidents

Speaking of which, the Xu family had no intention of letting her in, so they knew what they meant.

Upon reaching this realization, the matchmaker knew that the chances of this marriage proposal succeeding were slim, but she wasn't vexed by this prospect. Instead, she smiled and said: "In that case, of course, his studies are the most important, I'll go back and return the favor for you, but if you have plans for matchmaking in the future, be sure to look for me! I've arranged many marriages!"

"Indeed, Auntie." Mrs. Zhang replied with a smile: "We will certainly remember you."

"Then I shall take my leave now, as the young lady's family is waiting for my response." The matchmaker said.

"Thank you, Auntie. Take care and have a safe journey." Mrs. Zhang replied courteously.

After watching the matchmaker walk off, the group returned inside to sit down once more.

"I thought about this day from the moment my eldest grandson passed imperial exams, though I never imagined it would come so soon." Mrs. Wang said.

Next to Mrs. Wang, Chunlan spoke up: "The Eldest Young Master is such an outstanding individual, both in appearance and intellect, one can only wonder what kind of maiden could possibly suit him. Your slave believes someone who is beautiful would be most appropriate."

"Appearance isn't important." Mrs. Wang said: "What matters most is that her personality must be good. But all that can wait until later, it's up to our Wenwu to decide on such important matters."

Mrs. Zhang was somewhat concerned—someone had already taken an interest in him now that he'd passed the imperial exams, and there would likely be more people like this in the future. She wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing.

Mrs. Li asked: "Sister-in-law, why did you give the matchmaker two taels of silver just now?"

Mrs. Zhang replied: "Don't underestimate the work of a matchmaker. If we offend her and upset her, she has only one mouth, but its power to spread both good and bad news is unmatched. If she decides to tarnish my child's reputation, no number of mouths will be able to clear his name."

Mrs. Wang agreed: "What Sister-in-law says is true. This one here today is easy enough to deal with, but if it were someone petty and narrow-minded, they'd definitely go around gossiping about us once they leave."

The group nodded along.

Mrs. Wang continued: "In the future, when your sons find wives, you as a mother must keep a close eye on things and make sure to vet them carefully. Appearance and family background are secondary, character is paramount. We cannot afford to bring home a shrew, lest our Xu family suffer."

"Mom, we understand." the three sisters-in-law responded together.

Half a month later, at the capital...

"Master, your subordinates are back, and everything has been delivered to the Xu family." Ye Ying clasped his fists and said.

Jing Chen asked: "How is the Xu family now?"

"Everything is fine with the Xu family. The old man also asked me to bring a lot of home-cooked food and asked me to thank you properly on their behalf." Ye Ying replied.

"Have you seen that girl?" Jing Chen asked.

"Yes, Miss Xu is more plump and cute than before, and she has also grown a lot taller."

"Mm-hmm, I see. You may withdraw and rest for now!" Jing Chen said.

"There is one more thing..."

"Speak!"

"I heard from Shopkeeper Hong that the Xu family sent people to Qingyun City to open a hot pot shop." Ye Ying said.

Jing Chen thought for a moment before saying: "Send two individuals to help them discreetly, do not reveal yourselves."

"Yes, sir, this subordinate will make the arrangements right away." With a bow, Ye Ying took his leave.

With several jars of preserves in hand, Jing Chen made his way toward the palace residence of the Empress dowager.

The Empress dowager smiled kindly at his arrival: "Chen-er, weren't you very busy these past few days? How did you find time to visit me today?"

"My dear grandfather, your jar of jam was almost depleted, so I brought a few more jars." Jing Chen explained.

The Empress dowager replied: "You are thoughtful. Although I may be mistaken, it feels as if my health has improved significantly since drinking this tea sweetened with your preserves, and even my chronic back pain seems to have disappeared. I feel much stronger than before."

Jing Chen replied: "Grandmother, you aren't mistaken at all. Please keep enjoying this tea for yourself! This preserve is very rare, yet incredibly beneficial to your health!"

the Empress dowager agreed: "From what I've seen, that's true, in the future, aside from you and your father, I won't allow anyone else to partake of this treat. However, your second imperial brother...is truly a pitiful child." The Empress dowager hesitated.

Jing Chen recalled his own Second Imperial Brother rarely left his palace gates, nor did he ever have any maternal love, leaving him unable to receive support from his relatives outside the palace walls. Jing Chen himself was fortunate because his grandfather doted on him greatly.

Jing Chen recalled his own Second Imperial Brother rarely left his palace gates, nor did he ever have any maternal love, leaving him unable to receive support from his relatives outside the palace walls. Jing Chen himself was fortunate because his grandfather doted on him greatly.

Even people who held some status only treated him courteously out of courtesy, this was due to the birthmark covering nearly half his face, which obscured his features. He was gentle, and rarely ventured out in public.

"If Grandmother misses second imperial brother, why not invite him over more often to chat?" Jing Chen suggested.

"Aye! Your second imperial brother has a soft temperament, and since you two are blood brothers, there's no harm in spending time together now and then. If he continues like this, it will be difficult to cultivate a strong character!" the Empress dowager warned.

"I understand, Grandmother." Jing Chen replied.

"I heard that the Queen was still complaining with your father two days ago that she didn't get any of the Liuguang Brocade that was offered to her this year, and was also reprimanded by your father. I remember that there were ten in total, I'm giving away two, and there should still be eight left, and it's reasonable to say that the Queen can also share some of them, and also I don't know that your father is keeping them for what purpose." Empress Dowager said.

"Grandmother, the palace no longer possesses any Liuguang Brocade! My father has already bestowed it upon others." Jing Chen said.

The Empress Dowager started, but she never asked about court matters, so she thought one of the ministers had performed a meritorious deed and thus been awarded all the remaining brocade. She didn't ask further and simply continued: "The Queen's arrogance grows increasingly unchecked, and her maternal family's influence likewise expands more each day. Were it not for the strictures set forth by our past ancestors, she would never have been granted the position of a Queen! Your mother, regardless of her disposition or manner of conduct, is far superior to her..."

Jingchen clenched his fists tightly within his sleeves.

The Empress Dowager knew she had spoken too much and hastily added: "I know what you're thinking, but it's been so long since the incident occurred, making inquiries at this point will be difficult!"

"No matter what, I must get to the bottom of this, Grandmother." Jing Chen declared gravely.

The Empress Dowager sighed heavily but did not respond.

............

Xujia Village

The leaves on Big Green Mountain had turned yellow, and the weather grew colder by the day.

"Father, something terrible has happened! Daniu's been injured!" Xu Dabo rushed back to the Xu Family with heavy breathing.

As soon as he heard his eldest son's cry, the old man anxiously asked: Dabo, what happened to Daniu? Tell me immediately!"

"Father, Daniu went up the mountain to chop down trees. When carrying the logs, he lost his balance and fell, but it wouldn't have been a big deal if the log hadn't fallen perfectly on his leg and snapped it!"

Upon hearing this, the old man exclaimed: "Didn't I warn you before that these logs are heavy? To prevent accidents, we always carry them in pairs—how could you let Da Niu attempt to carry one all by himself without stopping him?"

"It is my fault." Xu Dabo admitted: "I saw that particular log was thinner than the others, and when Da Niu picked it up, everything seemed fine until the accident occurred halfway home."

"Have you called for a doctor?" the old man asked urgently: "Quickly, take me to see him!"

"We've already sent for Doctor Li, who should be at Daniu's house by now." Xu Dabo replied.

Father and son arrived at Daniu's residence to find many villagers gathered outside.

"The Old Man is here!" someone shouted, though no one knew who exactly.

After seeing the old man arrive, everyone promptly cleared a path.

"How is the situation?" the old man asked: "Has Doctor Li arrived?"

"He just got here, he's examining Daniu's leg right now." The man responded.

The old man walked toward the house, yet before he reached the door, he could hear Madam Daniu's sobs from within.