Chapter 69 Intention

When Liu Chuyan heard that someone from the Xue residence had come to invite them, her palms instantly turned cold as ice. If she happened to run into Xue Ao, how would she handle herself? Seeing Lin Jinhuan’s hesitation, she spoke up at once, “Since it’s inconvenient for you, Sister Jinhuan, we can only thank Madam Xue for her kindness. Besides, with our elders seated here, how could we think of venturing out to amuse ourselves?” She turned to the maid who had delivered the message, “Madam Xue is a reasonable person, I’m sure she won’t hold it against us. Please convey our thanks and apologies to her.”

The maid, however, did not nod; her expression was awkward and her gaze was fixed solely on Old General Liu.

Old General Liu understood well that Liu Chuyan and Xue Ao had been at odds that day at the general’s residence. Moreover, Xue Ao was always reckless and lacking in manners, likely frightening the young lady so much that Liu Chuyan would rather refuse outright. Yet Madam Xue, fully aware that Lin Jinhuan had not even completed the first seven days of mourning, still insisted on inviting her over. It was clear she wanted the Xue brothers to size up potential brides. Xue Ao fancied Liu Chuyan, but unable to have her promised to Xue Tan, turned her attention to Lin Jinhuan. Though Lin Jinhuan had come of age, she still had over twenty months of mourning left, and Xue Tan could not wait so long. The situation was truly impossible; Old General Liu shook his head ever so slightly.

Lin Jinhuan, seeing Old General Liu’s rejection, breathed a sigh of relief. She had no desire to be the subject of gossip; it was far better to retreat indoors with Liu Chuyan for tea and idle conversation.

After all, Madam Han was the hostess. Seeing that both Lin Jinhuan and Old General Liu were unwilling, she laughed aloud, replying to the maid and then sending Liu Chuyan and Lin Jinhuan off to enjoy themselves.

Yet the two had barely exchanged a few words when Xue Huaijin and Xue Huayu entered through the main doors. After paying their respects to Old General Liu and the others, they stated their purpose plainly: Lin Jinhuan was a distant niece of the Jin family, which made her Madam Xue’s niece as well. In past years, she often visited the Lin family. Since Lin Jinhuan rarely went out, and today she had ventured forth, Madam Xue wished to see her and reminisce. The maid sent earlier was ineffective, unable to clarify matters, leaving Old General Liu in a difficult position. So Madam Xue sent her daughters to personally invite Cousin Lin, hoping to show her sincerity.

It had reached a point where, even if Lin Jinhuan was reluctant, Old General Liu could no longer refuse. He ordered someone to fetch Lin Jinhuan from Nianchu Pavilion to accompany the Xue sisters to their residence and pay respects to Madam Xue.

Xue Huaijin knew Lin Jinhuan could not avoid the invitation, so she stood smiling beside Old General Liu, while Xue Huayu sweetly called her “Auntie” so many times that Old General Liu nearly felt overwhelmed.

Surprisingly, however, only Lin Jinhuan appeared—Liu Chuyan was nowhere to be seen. Xue Huaijin had been instructed to bring both, so she turned to Madam Han, asking her to go herself to Nianchu Pavilion to seek Liu Chuyan.

Liu Chuyan knew Madam Xue would not give up easily, but never imagined she would send the Xue sisters and offer such a reason. Yet under no circumstance could she go to the Duke of Faith’s residence—not with Xue Ao there, that madman who might do anything. So she let Lin Jinhuan go alone, hiding quietly in her room without making a sound.

But she never expected the Xue sisters to be so persistent, coming in person to her courtyard to invite her.

“Sister Chuyan, you haven’t visited our house in ages! Since Cousin Jinhuan is going, you must come with us,” Xue Huayu said as she entered, grabbing Liu Chuyan’s arm and pulling her outside.

“Huayu, I—I’m not feeling well,” Liu Chuyan protested. She could not go to the Xue residence, so she feigned illness, letting out a weak moan and collapsing to the floor.

Xue Huayu, though not terribly clever, could distinguish between real and fake illness. She was surprised by Liu Chuyan’s shameless tactic and realized just how unwilling she was.

Xue Huaijin was stunned, as was Lin Jinhuan. Even Liu Chuyan’s maids, Songling and Qinghe, were too surprised to react.

“Cousin, cousin…” Just then, Han Shuwei timidly peeked in at the door, startled to see Liu Chuyan sitting on the floor. She rushed forward to help her up. “Cousin, what happened?”

Liu Chuyan was utterly exasperated; Han Shuwei was hopeless at reading the room. She pressed her forehead, “Shuwei, I’m not well.”

“Are you? But I see your cheeks are rosy, and your skin is flawless—hardly the look of someone ill. Your eyelids are a little swollen, and your eyes aren’t as bright as before. Perhaps you didn’t sleep well?”

Liu Chuyan could only sigh inwardly—this was all Songling’s fault, applying blush so thickly. After last night’s events, she ought to look haggard, but Songling’s skill with cosmetics made her appear anything but sick.

Xue Huayu, knowing she was feigning illness, stamped her foot in frustration.

Xue Huaijin stepped forward to support Liu Chuyan’s other arm. “Looks like you truly didn’t sleep well. You’re staying on the floor, refusing to visit my house, just to sneak a nap indoors. But today, I won’t let you have your way—I insist you come for tea at my place.” She gave Xue Huayu a meaningful glance.

Xue Huayu paused, then quickly added, “And lately, my sister has been experimenting with tea brewing. Come over and have your fill—you won’t be sleepy at all!”

Han Shuwei finally understood—the invitation was to the Duke of Faith’s residence. She hadn’t seen the Duke in ages and, with her father busy and her governess unable to find her, she could sneak over to play and relieve her boredom. She began counting on her fingers, plotting her escape.

“Besides, today my elder brothers are both absent. We can play as we please—even if you sing aloud, no one will overhear,” Xue Huaijin whispered in Liu Chuyan’s ear, thinking this must be her main concern.

Last time, the Xue sisters had claimed their brothers were out, but they had run straight into them. Clearly, Xue Huaijin was lying; Liu Chuyan wouldn’t believe it, though she still breathed a long, relieved sigh and managed an awkward smile, only to be firmly escorted outside by Xue Huaijin.

Supported out of Nianchu Pavilion, Liu Chuyan worried about appearing arrogant, so she thanked Xue Huaijin and walked with proper composure. Suddenly she noticed Han Shuwei sneaking behind them, guessed she had slipped out while her governess wasn’t watching, and turned to tap her forehead. “Shuwei, you’re mischievous again.”

“Cousin…” Han Shuwei knew Liu Chuyan was soft-hearted and clung to her arm, swinging it back and forth. “Cousin, that governess has nearly worn me out—I’m hardly human anymore! Take me along to play. It’s just next door; nothing will happen. Please take me…”

Xue Huayu thought that with Han Shuwei present, Liu Chuyan wouldn’t be thinking about running home all the time. She chuckled, linking arms with Han Shuwei. “Sister Shuwei, let’s go drink my sister’s tea. I’ll have my mother send word to Master Han, so you needn’t worry about your father scolding you.”

“Really?”

“Of course,” Xue Huaijin assured her.

Lately, Han Shuwei had truly grown afraid of Han Ruogu; she barely dared speak loudly. With Xue Huayu’s promise, she was overjoyed and quickened her steps.

Liu Chuyan followed behind, shaking her head. Shuwei truly was hopeless. The governess had spent half a month teaching her manners—never missing a day, even during the move—but after only a moment, Han Shuwei had forgotten everything. If she knew, she would faint from rage.

Still, Liu Chuyan thought Han Ruogu’s demands on Shuwei seemed excessively strict. Shuwei’s character was flighty, her speech lacking depth, but she still held her own among the capital’s young ladies, both in looks and behavior. She was, after all, the youngest daughter, spoiled by both her father and Lady Han. Yet all of a sudden, they had brought in a palace governess to instruct her. Liu Chuyan couldn’t help but feel Han Ruogu harbored some secret intentions.

Upon arriving at the Duke of Faith’s residence, Madam Xue had already prepared refreshments. Seeing Lin Jinhuan and the others, she smiled warmly and helped her up. “Huan’er, Auntie hasn’t seen you in so long—I’ve missed you dearly.”

“I’ve missed you as well, Auntie,” Lin Jinhuan replied obediently, barely able to withstand Madam Xue’s excessive affection.

“We met briefly at the general’s residence last time, but couldn’t have a heartfelt talk. I’ve been thinking of having you stay with me for a while. Look, I have two cousins here your age—you won’t be lonely. Would you like that?” Madam Xue was extremely satisfied with Lin Jinhuan. Like Liu Chuyan, she was orphaned, but even quieter and more gentle—a dutiful girl, easily managed.

Since Xue Ao had publicly declared his intention to marry Liu Chuyan, Madam Xue could no longer promise her to Xue Tan; otherwise, she would be criticized as a stepmother. Besides, if the brothers lived together and the younger brother harbored feelings for his sister-in-law, it would be scandalous. Thus, she abandoned the idea as soon as she returned home. However, she still felt Liu Chuyan was beneath Xue Ao. Unlike Xue Tan, Xue Ao was robust as an ox, capable and promising—a girl without background would not suit him. With his status, he could marry a princess; an orphan was out of the question.

Nonetheless, today she insisted on having Liu Chuyan over, intending to speak frankly. The girl was smart and had already been warned; she wouldn’t allow Xue Ao to entangle her.

As for Lin Jinhuan, though still in mourning, she could marry after a hundred days. The marriage could be arranged quickly, and the rest discussed later. Time was short—nearly a month had passed, and all six wedding rituals had to be completed within two months.

Lin Jinhuan knew Madam Xue’s intentions were far from simple. The glint in her eyes confirmed it. But as a junior, she could only comply.

Liu Chuyan saw Madam Xue looking at Lin Jinhuan as she once looked at her, guessing her intent: she had set her sights on Lin Jinhuan, though the latter remained unaware.

Madam Xue chatted with the girls for half an hour, then claimed fatigue and sent the sisters to accompany them to the waterside pavilion for tea and opera, instructing her closest maids and head servants to attend as well.

The Duke of Faith’s household was not lacking in servants. For a handful of girls, why trouble Madam Xue’s personal staff? Liu Chuyan watched, sensing intrigue; one maid stared intently at Lin Jinhuan, as if calculating something. The governess remained calm, but with careful observation, it was clear she too kept a close eye on Lin Jinhuan.

What did they intend for Lin Jinhuan?