Chapter 2: Hua Lan’s Marriage Proposal

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Sheng Hong nodded in strong agreement. "Mother is right. Years ago, Brother Wei and I studied for half a year at the Ling Guogong Mansion’s clan school. Throughout the entire mansion, only the two stone lions at the gate were clean."

"Don’t even consider the Qiu family; Elder Brother Qiu Jing is the royal tutor to Prince Yan."

"The struggle over the crown prince’s succession is fierce. One misstep could mean the entire family’s destruction, with no burial ground left. Yet, Qiu Jing openly sided with Prince Yan for wealth and glory."

Everyone knows that the current emperor is growing old and has no son, so the crown prince must be chosen from the royal family.

The most likely candidates are Prince Yong and Prince Yan.

Prince Yong is mediocre and has no political achievements but is older and has many offspring.

Prince Yan is only half a year younger, both he and his son are clever and capable, skilled at winning hearts, and have considerable influence at court.

Sheng Hong, cautious throughout his official career, dared not make a single wrong move and naturally avoided entanglement in royal disputes.

Even if the Qiu family is fortunate and Prince Yan ascends the throne, the Sheng family might not benefit much.

If Prince Yan fails, they will be implicated—at best exiled with their property confiscated, at worst beheaded.

Sheng Hong then sighed helplessly, "The Qiu family once openly expressed their desire to marry Hua’er into our household, but I brushed them off carelessly."

"We cannot afford to offend the Qiu family for now. In my opinion, Hua’er’s marriage matters should be settled soon, so we can give the Qiu family a clear answer."

Wang Ruofu, aware of the gravity of the situation, frowned deeply and said displeased, "Then that only leaves the Yuan family. Their household is so neglected, and Yuan Wenshao isn’t even the eldest son. How could he be worthy of Hua’er?"

During the late emperor’s reign, the Yuan family was implicated in a treason case, losing their titles and estates. After the current emperor’s accession, the case was reinvestigated, proving the Yuan family innocent.

To save face for the late emperor, the emperor restored the Yuan family’s titles but publicly rebuked them for carelessness and misconduct, suspending their salary for ten years.

Court officials knew the Yuan family would never regain favor and cut ties with them.

Sheng Hong knew Wang Ruofu looked down on the Yuan family and sighed softly, "Yuan Wenshao is a good young man—upright and ambitious. He secured a position at the Wucheng Military Department at a young age. It’s just his family background that drags him down."

Wang Ruofu stiffened her neck and said, "So what? Recently, I asked my sister, Lady Kang of the King’s household, to inquire about the Yuan family. Lady Zhang is arrogant and disrespectful, favoring the eldest son, Yuan Wenchun, and the eldest daughter-in-law is her own niece."

"Hua’er is my firstborn daughter. How could she not suffer marrying into such a family?"

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"You..." Sheng Hong shook his head helplessly, casually picking up a white porcelain teacup and drinking it down.

Hua Lan leaned against Grandmother Sheng’s side, her brows furrowed deeply, her face troubled.

Marriage is traditionally a matter arranged by parents and matchmakers—she dared not intervene rashly.

But this involved her entire life, and naturally, she wished to find a worthy match, a man both virtuous and handsome.

Grandmother Sheng saw Hua Lan’s thoughts and gently patted her hand. "Do not worry. You are the eldest daughter of the Sheng family, and I would never let you suffer injustice in the future."

A shy smile rose on Hua Lan’s face, and she nodded.

After a moment of silence, Sheng Hong spoke, "If you don’t fancy the Yuan family, I have another candidate."

"Husband, who is it?" Wang Ruofu asked anxiously.

"The eldest son of the Zhao family, Zhao Han. He passed the provincial examination at fifteen. Three years ago, when I first arrived in Yangzhou, I met him at the Deer Song Banquet hosted by the Prefect."

"I found his demeanor extraordinary—calm, courteous. He will surely achieve great things. Since then, I have taken care of him in many ways."

"He’s also close friends with Chang Bai. If luck had been on his side, and if my mother had not passed away three years ago forcing me to skip the imperial exam to observe mourning, he would have already entered the Hanlin Academy."

Sheng Hong stroked his beard after speaking.

The Hanlin Academy is the court’s reserve of talent; it is said that without passing the imperial examination, one cannot enter Hanlin, and without Hanlin, one cannot enter the cabinet. Graduates here usually become prime ministers.

"But Zhao Han’s family background is poor. His father died early, and he was raised by his mother, Lady Hu, and his maternal grandfather."

"The Hu family patriarch was a businessman who established considerable wealth in Yangzhou. Since his mother is an only daughter, while they have enough silver to rival our family, they still fall short in status."

Wang Ruofu pondered Sheng Hong’s words carefully. Her standards for Hua Lan’s husband were clear: pure lineage, manageable mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, official rank, or inheritances.

"If Zhao Han truly passes and enters Hanlin, he would be a fine choice."

Sheng Hong continued, "Zhao Han’s mourning period has ended, and he plans to go to Bianjing soon for the imperial exam. I specially invited him here today so you can meet him in person."

Wang Ruofu nodded thoughtfully and then turned her gaze to Grandmother Sheng.

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"What does Mother think of him?"

Grandmother Sheng’s expression remained calm and unreadable as she said faintly, "When seeking a husband, one must not only consider family background. The Sheng family was no match for your Wang family in the past. Your father and mother agreed to your marriage because they valued character and ability."

Wang Ruofu’s heart swelled with joy. "Mother is right. If Zhao Han is as good as my husband says, marrying Hua’er to him might even earn her an imperial decree one day."

Just then, Sheng Hong’s personal servant, Dong Rong, bowed and announced, "My lord, Master Zhao has arrived and is waiting in the front hall."

Sheng Hong quickly rose, bowed to Grandmother Sheng, and excused himself; Wang Ruofu followed closely behind.

Front Hall.

Hearing footsteps in the corridor, Zhao Han turned his head to see a dignified, scholarly man in his early forties enter steadily.

Behind him followed a gentle-faced woman dressed in a dark green cross-collared brocade dress with a light outer jacket.

Zhao Han immediately recognized the woman as Wang Ruofu. The color green is favored in the Great Zhou; only the principal wife may wear it in the inner chambers, while concubines wear red or pink.

"Greetings, Uncle Sheng, Lady Ci’an," Zhao Han respectfully cupped his hands in salute.

Sheng Hong smiled and waved his hand. "No need for formalities. Sorry to keep you waiting. Please, have a seat."

Zhao Han smiled lightly and waited to sit until Sheng Hong took the main seat.

Wang Ruofu narrowed her eyes, appraising him carefully. He was composed, courteous, and handsome—a man of noble bearing. She was immediately pleased.

"My husband mentioned Master Zhao just now. Seeing him now, his demeanor is truly extraordinary."

Zhao Han replied warmly, "Lady Ci’an flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise."

Wang Ruofu smiled with faint wrinkles forming at her eyes, aware that as a woman of the inner chambers, she should not interfere in front hall affairs. After a few polite words, she hurried away with Nurse Liu.