tallest building

Chapter 139 Settling Grudges

"Madam, Song Xiang is dead. As soon as the funeral was over, his wife took the children and left the capital." Ma Ping'an came in early that morning to report to Wen Mingqian.

“I understand,” Wen Mingqian nodded. “With his death, one of my worries is finally over.”

"Hehe, now that he's dead, Ma Daguang feels wronged, saying he was instructed by Song Xiang. But he's dead and there's no way to prove it. He should just stay in jail," Ma Ping'an laughed.

“They’re two snakes in cahoots. The reason Ma Daguang kept quiet before was because Song Xiang had something on him that could kill him; otherwise, why would he have done that?” Wen Mingqian said calmly.

"What you say is true, Madam. Song Xiang is utterly despicable and deserves to die."

"You can go down now! The old lady called me over, and I can't be too late," Wen Mingqian said as he stood up.

"I have something else to ask you, Madam," Ma Ping'an said hurriedly. "It's Master Cui's birthday this holiday. What kind of birthday gift should we give him?"

Ma Ping'an refers to Cui Baozhu's father. In previous years, Song Shi had been in charge of this matter. She had a close relationship with Cui Baozhu, but the gifts she gave were usually ordinary.

Now that Wen Mingqian is in charge, and considering what happened before, the birthday gifts he sends will likely be different from those of previous years.

"Just ask Zhang Ma to prepare later." Wen Mingqian said as he walked out. "Your wife is due soon, right? I've already asked Zhang Ma to arrange two reliable midwives, who, along with Zhu Mama, will come to your house in the next couple of days. Everything needed for the baby's birth has also been prepared."

Ma Ping'an was extremely grateful and said, "Madam is busy with all the affairs of the household every day, yet she still thinks about my family's matters."

“That’s only right. Both of your parents have passed away, and this is your first child. You’re a man, after all, and there are some things you can’t think of,” Wen Mingqian said. “Giving birth is a big deal for a woman. I’ve taken care of things at home for you, so you can stay at home comfortably, right?”

Wen Mingqian was always very generous to his subordinates, and he always took the lead in important matters.

Only in this way can she make those who follow her wholeheartedly devoted to her, but the most important thing is to first choose the right person.

If they are honest and grateful, their masters will only be more loyal to them if they treat them well. If they are greedy and insatiable, the better you treat them, the more they will take advantage of you.

Wen Mingqian then went to Madam Gong's room, where Madam Wei and her sister-in-law from her maternal family were also present.

Wen Mingqian greeted her with a smile, and Old Madam Gong said, "We were just talking about proposing marriage to Jing'an, you can also give us your opinion."

Madam Wei's sister-in-law, Madam Yao, said, "I've heard about this. It's all thanks to Sister Mingqian. If it weren't for his good relationship with Changrong and his wife, and his affinity with their fourth daughter, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly."

"I was just a matchmaker; ultimately, it's the two children who are destined for each other. I'm not bragging, but Jing'an is one in a hundred in every way—looks, talent, and temperament," Wen Mingqian said with a smile.

“Sister-in-law, please don’t say that. There are plenty of people better than him,” said Madam Wei.

"Sister-in-law, you're too modest," Wen Ming said humbly. "If Jing'an weren't outstanding, why would the Zhong family have agreed to give their precious daughter to us?"

“That’s right! It’s time to choose an auspicious day to propose marriage,” said Madam Gong. “Jing’an has already been assigned to a position in the Ministry of Revenue, so he’s settled.” “Madam is right, now is the perfect time to propose marriage,” Yao said. “Sister Zuo, didn’t you already send your message?”

"I wonder who the old lady will arrange to propose marriage?" Wen Mingqian asked with a smile. "This is the first marriage of the younger generation in our family, so it must be a grand affair."

“You’re right. I plan for your eldest brother and sister-in-law, along with you and the second son, to propose marriage. It will seem more formal.” Old Madam Gong has been thinking about this matter these past few days. “We don’t want them to feel slighted.”

“Besides our family, we also need to find two more official matchmakers,” said Madam Wei. “On the day of the marriage proposal, I want to bring my full set of jewelry. The betrothal gifts are almost ready, and we’ll just add some more later.”

"Don't worry, if you need anything, just ask me for help with the marriages of these grandsons. I'll put in the same effort for all of them," said Madam Gong happily.

"Grandma really dotes on her grandson. Now that Jing'an's marriage is over, she's already arranging things for Yu'an," Yao said with a smile.

"Yu'an has been assigned to Wu County, which is more than 200 miles from the capital. It's not too far. We can find a way to transfer him to the capital later."

He's still quite young, there's no need to rush. It wouldn't be too late to discuss it in a year or two," said Madam Wei. "In my opinion, it's better to create some distance. Rushing to arrange their marriages one after another would be too exhausting."

“What’s so tiring about this?” Old Madam Gong disagreed. “You’ll be at ease once your children’s lifelong happiness is settled, otherwise it will always be hanging in the balance.”

“You chose Jing’an’s marriage, but you’ll have to help us choose Yu’an as well,” said Madam Wei. “I can’t do it on my own.”

"Don't worry about that. They say old ginger is spicier, and my eyes can recognize people. Taking advantage of Jing'an's happy occasion, we can make more connections with these prominent families and get to know their unmarried daughters better," said Old Madam Gong happily.

"With the marriage to Jing'an as a precedent, it will only be better for Yu'an to choose another marriage," Wen Mingqian said. "Even some families of different social standing will have fewer reservations now that we have formed a marriage alliance with the Marquis of Changrong's family."

“That’s exactly right,” Yao said, clapping her hands. “As the saying goes, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’ or ‘brothers are of the same branch and share the same fate,’ meaning that they rise and fall together.”

"With my aunt's help to advise me, I feel much more at ease," said Madam Gong. "I'm in a good mood today, so I'll have them prepare a table full of delicious food and heat up two pots of wine. Let's all get together and enjoy ourselves."

While instructing people to prepare a meal, they also took out the almanac to choose an auspicious day, and discussed the betrothal gifts to be brought, and who to ask to write the betrothal letter. These were all meticulous and trivial matters, but they could not afford to make any mistakes.

After causing a commotion here for a while, Wen Mingqian finally returned to his own courtyard.

Aunt Zhang greeted her and asked, "How did things go over there, young lady?"

"The important things have all been settled, but there are still some minor details that haven't been discussed and finalized. We'll invite the official matchmakers over tomorrow and ask them if there's anything else they'd like to know," Wen Mingqian said. "These days, there are many families proposing marriage, and the official matchmakers are also waiting in line. The two official matchmakers that my sister-in-law has her eye on are currently unavailable. The old lady's opinion is that we can't wait, and she's inquiring about finding an official matchmaker. Tomorrow I'll go to the Jiangxia Marquis's residence to ask if they can help us find one."

"The young lady has done her best for the Gong family since she returned this time, and has contributed a lot." Zhang Ma served tea to Wen Mingqian.

"Gathering and parting are predestined, and separation is heart-wrenching. Every time I help them with something, it relieves a burden on my heart." Wen Mingqian smiled. "Even if it's not for anything else, it's just to repay the old master's kindness."