If you were cold and aloof in your past life, why are you crying in this one?

The Wang and Xie families were neighbors.

Even so, the grandeur and magnificence of the two residences meant that Wang Jue needed to ride a horse or carriage to return home from the Xie residence.

The Wutou Gate of the Wang Family Residence stands majestically in the afterglow of the setting sun, with two stone Bixie (mythical beasts) crouching proudly in front of it, their eyes piercing, guarding the dignity of this century-old aristocratic family.

Wang Jue walked through the front yard, where lights were still on in the family school on either side of the second gate, where the clan's children were studying.

As he passed by, some people stood up to greet him, and he nodded in acknowledgment, continuing on his way.

"Young Master, the Patriarch has something to discuss with you and has asked me to invite you to his study." The speaker was Ping An, a servant of Wang Dun, the head of the Wang family.

Wang Jue dared not delay upon receiving his father's order, and immediately passed through Chengzhi Hall and headed straight for Shuangque Lane.

This is the study of the Wang family's successive heads of household. No one may enter without being summoned. It is the quietest and most strictly guarded place in the entire mansion.

Pushing open the vermilion gate of the twin towers, I walked along the cobblestone path. Orchids grew along the way, their fragrance wafting through the air.

At the end of the room was the study. He walked to the door, knocked, and a steady voice came from inside, "Come in."

Wang Jue pushed open the door and entered.

The room was furnished very simply, with a small table, a couch, and several bookshelves.

A celadon lamp was lit on the table, its flickering light illuminating the middle-aged man sitting calmly behind the desk.

His brows were sharp and his presence commanded respect without anger.

Wang Jue bowed and greeted, "Father."

Wang Dun glanced at him, pointed to the bamboo mat opposite him, and said, "Sit."

He sat down as instructed.

In the candlelight, both father and son had handsome and refined features, but Wang Dun had a more profound look due to his experience of the world, while Wang Jue had a cool and aloof demeanor like a clear moon and gentle breeze.

"Did you go to the Xie family today?"

"Yes, Xie Erlang wanted to invite him, so we went."

"You've met the eldest daughter of the Xie family a few times, what do you think of her?"

Wang Jue paused for a moment, then said, "Gentle and dignified, with both talent and beauty."

Wang Dun nodded, not surprised by the assessment.

He pondered for a moment, then said, "Your marriage concerns the long-term plans of our family, and I, as your father, am being extremely cautious about it."

"The Wang and Xie families are not only neighbors but also old friends; since crossing the river, the two families have been closely connected, so it would be only natural for them to become related by marriage."

"Unfortunately, the Xie family has no successors in the central government..."

Wang Jue lowered his eyes and remained silent.

What my father meant was that the Xie family, due to their temporary decline in power, was no longer the best choice for a marriage alliance.

Wang Dun tapped the table lightly with his fingers. "The third son of the second branch has already married a woman from the Xie family. If you were to marry the eldest daughter of the Xie family's eldest branch, wouldn't the Xie family dominate our Wang family's harem?"

Wang Jue slowly said, "Father, I have a humble opinion."

Tell me about it.

"Nowadays, there are many powerful families in the court, each occupying a region; my father often said that the way of powerful families is not to dominate, but to maintain a balance."

"The second branch of the Wang family has already married a daughter of the Xie family; if they were to marry again, it would appear to outsiders that the two families had completely united. What would the Yu and Huan families think then? What would those lesser-ranking aristocratic families think?"

"If one family becomes too powerful, other powerful families will take the opportunity to attack it, making it a target of public criticism because of a marriage alliance. This is not a worthwhile deal."

A hint of relief flashed in Wang Dun's eyes.

He barely uttered a word before his son could understand the implied meaning from the music.

"It's good that you thought of this."

"In recent years, the Yu and Tao families have repeatedly suppressed the Wang family. Although the Wang family's disciples are not in dire straits, they are not as glorious as before. Xie Gong is old, and there is a lack of successors among the clan's members. He has no say in the central government."

"The Huan and Tao families have been rising in prominence in recent years, but their members are too arrogant, and none of their daughters are particularly outstanding."

Wang Dun spoke in a calm tone, as if he were commenting on a few objects.

Wang Jue asked calmly, "Father, could it be that you have taken a liking to Lady Xi?"

"As for Xi Jian himself, he is truly inferior to the other families combined. However, this fellow has one flaw: he spoils his daughter too much. I have heard a little about the temperament of that eldest daughter of the Xi family. She would be fine as an ordinary young mistress, but as the matriarch of the family..."

Wang Dun let out a sigh full of regret.

Staff member Chang Yin: "If the head of the family finds the eldest daughter spoiled, the Xi family also has a second daughter, who is said to be gentle, kind, and sensible."

Wang Dun looked thoughtfully at his son and said, "I heard that both of the Xi family's daughters attended the Xie family's banquet today. I suppose you saw them too."

Chang Yin was a confidant of Wang Dun, and the two were relatively relaxed with each other. Upon hearing this, he suddenly chuckled.

Wang Dun: "What are you laughing at?"

"Does the head of the family not know that ever since the eldest daughter of the Xi family met the eldest young master at the Orchid Pavilion Gathering, she has fallen in love with him at first sight and has been obsessed with him ever since?"

Wang Dun frowned as he looked at the person in front of him. "Is this true?"

Wang Jue said calmly, "Yes, but my son thinks things aren't that simple."

Wang Dun frowned even more. "What do you mean?"

"It seems like someone deliberately arranged this, intentionally targeting her son."

"Who could possibly arrange for the Xi family's daughter?" Wang Dun asked, somewhat puzzled. "How could you make such a guess?"

Wang Jue pursed her lips, unable to quite put her finger on it.

Wang Dun flipped through the official documents in his hand and slowly said, "The rebellion in Jingkou has been quelled, and Xi Jian will soon return to the capital in triumph."

"For such meritorious service, it is only right and proper to reward him. The position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and the rank of Grand Master of the Three Departments are indispensable."

"Father..." Wang Jue asked, looking puzzled.

Wang Dun: "After Xi Jian, there was Xi Rui; who from the Xie family?"

Wang Jue's brow twitched slightly, and after a moment, he lowered his eyes and nodded: "Your son understands."

Wang Dun got up and walked to his son's side, patting the young man's shoulder. "I know what you're worried about, but for the sake of the bigger picture, trivial matters are insignificant."

Everything a member of the family does must be loyal to the interests and glory of the family.

This is a principle that every member of the Wang clan understands from a young age.

……

Into the night

Qiluan Pavilion

Taozhi entered carrying a copper basin. "Miss, the jasmine water is ready. I'll help you wash up."

A moment later, Cailing came over with a smile, holding a plate of flower cakes.

"Young lady, this was sent by the Third Young Master. He said a new pastry shop has opened in the city, and he bought it for the women in his family to try. The old lady has some too."

Xi Hui?

Ling Xian's heart skipped a beat.

Compared to Xi Yao, Xi Hui seems to be more unpredictable.

He may have shown two different faces in front of Xi Song at such a young age, and he has obviously contributed a lot to the Yu family's plan to ruin Xi Song.

"I'm going to lose weight recently and stop eating sweets. I appreciate your kindness, Third Brother, but you can take the snacks and share them."

Cailing said regretfully, "But this is the Third Young Master's kind gesture. It would be good for you to eat a piece."

Lingxian: "I appreciate your kindness, Third Brother, but I won't eat the food. It's alright, you can eat it."

Granny Zhou stood silently behind him, pouring water, glancing out of the corner of her eye at the pretty girl in front of the dressing table.

The woman has been acting strangely lately.

When she gets up in the morning, she no longer clings to her and begs for a while before getting up; she no longer gives her food for breakfast and dinner.

Even the tasks she used to be responsible for, such as lighting incense and serving her with her hair and makeup, are now handed over to Taozhi, with the excuse that Taozhi is getting old and doesn't want her to work too hard.

Is it really just that?