Chapter 297
It was a heavy snow day today.
The snow was so thick it hindered people from going out.
If it were a regular day off, the streets would be bustling.
It would be much like a holiday in modern times.
There would be more peddlers on the streets.
Some jewelry and clothing stores would even put up advertisements, offering gifts like a hairpin if you bought jewelry that day.
The commercial atmosphere in the capital was quite strong and advanced.
Everyone could come up with various ways to make money.
There were also various performers showing off their skills on the streets.
And all sorts of pretty girls gathering crowds on the streets.
On this day, at the residence of Minister Dong in the East City, preparations began early in the morning.
They had already finished preparing, but the weather was uncooperative; it snowed. With the ground slippery, the servants were busy sweeping and shoveling snow early in the morning to clear the paths.
Madam Dong was feeling a bit stressed.
Whatever she had eaten yesterday, she had broken out in a pimple on her chin—a huge one.
She was also feeling quite anxious.
After all, it was her daughter’s lifelong matter.
Seeing her daughter not in the least bit anxious.
That temperament of hers, truly—she wasn’t anxious, but she was worrying the whole family to death.
Minister Dong didn’t have a pimple on his chin, but his mouth was full of ulcers—canker sores.
Even taking a sip of warm tea made him wince in pain.
Minister Dong’s son, Dong Chichi, seeing his parents’ state, knew it was easy to get on their bad side.
He silently ran to his sister’s room.
Seeing all sorts of bottles and jars displayed in his sister’s room, so incredibly ornate, he felt a bit of a headache.
It was fortunate that they were born of the same Father and mother, otherwise he would have suspected he was born of a maid.
His room was empty, no different from an ice cave.
He had never seen such biased parents.
If he asked, the answer was always that his sister would be married off soon, and she could only enjoy a few years of comfort while she was still a maiden; she would have to live in someone else’s house for the rest of her life, so naturally, she should live well now.
“You will live in your own home for your whole life, and all the family assets will be yours later; what’s wrong with yielding to your sister…”
Entering the room, he saw his sister embroidering.
Seeing that his sister’s embroidery skills were mediocre and unremarkable, yet she was embroidering a flower with such seriousness.
He admired this about his sister: all her skills were mediocre, but she had the patience to do them.
“Sister, aren’t you nervous? You’ll be seeing the suitor this afternoon.”
Dong E sighed and put down her embroidery.
“I am nervous. Look at these stitches—big and coarse. If an embroideress saw them, she would sigh. But being nervous is useless, isn’t it? The matter is already settled. Don’t worry, he will definitely be better than Liu Tong.”
“Sister, are you still unable to let go of Brother Liu?” the younger brother asked with some unease.
“How could that be? Isn’t it you who likes Liu Tong? Every time I see him come over, you get along with him quite well.”
“No, Sister. Actually, I don’t like Brother Liu. Brother Liu is a bit slow; he doesn’t understand many things I say. But I thought if I got along with him, he would treat you better after you two got married,” the younger brother said disappointedly.
He didn’t like socializing, and the connections he had managed to build with difficulty were now useless.
“^ _ ^” Dong E smiled.
“I also think he’s a bit slow. I was embarrassed to say it, but Mother said it’s better to be a bit slow—no bad intentions. But look, being too slow is no good either; he’s easily deceived. That Fairy Liu he likes doesn’t like him at all.”
The siblings chattered away.
Perhaps because the snow came so suddenly, a little bird hid under the eaves, staring blankly at the snow outside, listening to the siblings talking inside.
Everything was ready.
The corners of the door curtain that were curling up had been smoothed down.
They were just waiting for the guests to arrive.
“They’re here, they’re here.” A servant came in, running with small steps.
Minister Dong and Madam Dong stood up, unable to suppress their excitement, and went out to greet them personally.
But to their surprise, it was actually Vice Minister Liu bringing his son and a group of servants carrying loads, beating drums and gongs, and tying red cloth.
A few days ago, Vice Minister Liu learned that his wife had taken their son to visit, only to be scolded and turned away.
He was somewhat angry.
Although Minister Dong was his direct superior, he was always inflexible and didn’t have a good relationship with Prime Minister Lu. Prime Minister Lu was petty and vengeful; Minister Dong would be retaliated against sooner or later.
Vice Minister Liu had already quietly paved the way with Prime Minister Lu and had even visited Prime Minister Lu’s small court.
It was just that his unlucky son was actually competing for affection with Prime Minister Lu’s youngest son, and among them was a royal relative—the son of the Seventh Prince.
No matter how out of favor the Seventh Prince was, that Heir Chu was still a legitimate royal grandson, and his son was deeply entangled in it.
He insisted on diving in headfirst, and no matter how he tried to control him, he couldn’t.
The only plan now was to force him to marry.
Minister Dong’s family doted on their daughter and had a generous dowry; even if something happened in the future, it wouldn’t fall upon a married daughter.
Moreover, Fathers-in-law and sons-in-law were natural allies. Vice Minister Liu was in a conflicted state, wanting to replace Minister Dong while also worrying that Minister Dong might be replaced by some other minister.
In short, after counting back and forth, the daughter of Minister Dong’s family was still the best candidate.
Minister Dong cared about face. Today being a day off, Vice Minister Liu decided to come personally to apologize.
He had provided enough of a step down, so he shouldn’t drag it out; they had already become the laughingstock of the capital.
Vice Minister Liu brought generous gifts, beating drums and gongs, and delivered them to the door.
He had also made a grand gesture, which was very respectful.
Minister Dong and his wife, who had come out to greet them personally, saw who it was, and their expressions crumbled.
Minister Dong only felt the ulcers in his mouth hurting even more.
Madam Dong felt another pimple was about to break out on her chin today. She was furious; they had clearly made things clear a few days ago and had torn off the mask of civility, yet they still showed up—and specifically on this day. Who just shows up inexplicably without even sending a visiting card?
If the Jiang Family came over in a while, it would be terrible if they misunderstood.
But since the visitor was Vice Minister Liu, Madam Dong couldn’t step forward and could only curse in her heart. She really used to think the Liu family was quite good—all scholars, warm and polite. But once something happened, they changed their faces. So, calling off the engagement wasn’t a bad thing. If they really became in-laws with such people, Dong E would have nowhere to air her grievances in the future. Such a family looked good in every way; if you said you were aggrieved, no one would believe you.
Minister Dong’s face also darkened.
“Vice Minister Liu, I don’t know what business brings you here so suddenly. Is this to bring your child here to apologize? Although you offended my wife a few days ago, there’s no need to be so polite. We are all colleagues; a word would have sufficed.”
Vice Minister Liu wore a warm smile, showing the demeanor of someone who could endure anything.
He wasn’t angry at all. Hearing Minister Dong’s loud voice, he smiled warmly and said, “Minister Dong, I have worked diligently under you for many years. You know how I handle matters. My wife speaks directly and may have offended Madam Dong somewhere. She went back, shocked and fearful, and made herself sick. Today, I have specifically brought my son to offer an apology.”
In front of his Father and the elder Minister Dong, Liu Tong had likely been educated many times at home; he finally knew how to speak like a human being.
“Uncle Dong, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me this once. I will definitely treat Dong E well in the future.”
When he said this, Liu Tong suddenly saw the figure of Miss Dong. She came running out, as if to welcome him. He hadn’t seen her for a long time; Miss Dong was still youthful and vibrant, like a little deer, her round face very cute.
Liu Tong continued, “Today, I, Liu Tong, swear to heaven that from now on, I will only treat Dong E well. I am innocent with Fairy Liu and have had no improper conduct. I only saw that she was pitiful and took care of her on the way to the capital. If Miss Dong dislikes it, I will never see her again.”
Liu Tong said with a firm gaze and a heart-wrenching tone.
Dong E had thought her savior had arrived and came running out, but she hadn’t expected to see Liu Tong again…
He really was like a haunting ghost.
Liu Tong, really—Dong E could cry to death. Even when swearing an oath, he still had to bring up that Fairy Liu at every turn.
She really felt like vomiting inside…
She felt like throwing up, and she actually did gag.
Right in front of Vice Minister Liu and his son.
Liu Tong looked at the vomiting Dong E, his expression suddenly turning ugly.
He suddenly remembered telling Qingqing that Miss Dong was at home embroidering her wedding dress, which made his mother force him to propose. Qingqing had curiously asked, why would an innocent young girl be so anxious to get married? Was there a reason?
Liu Tong asked with a pale face, “Miss Dong, I heard you fell into the water a while ago and were saved by someone. You aren’t pregnant, are you?”
Vice Minister Liu wanted to gouge out his own eyes. What was his stupid son thinking? Even if she were pregnant, it would be impossible to start vomiting in just these few days.
When Minister Dong heard Liu Tong say this, his fists hardened. It was one thing for this kid not to want to marry his daughter, but to slander her? An unmarried woman getting pregnant—wasn’t this forcing his daughter to die?
“Vice Minister Liu, you had better take your son and your things and leave quickly. Forgive me for not being able to entertain you; I have guests today.”
Dong E had been nauseated by disgust. She couldn’t believe Brother Liu’s train of thought and couldn’t help but retort, “Brother Liu, I heard you fell into the water at Fairy Liu’s house. Are you pregnant too?”
Liu Tong immediately turned red in the face, “How can you slander someone’s innocence? Qingqing would never do that.”
Dong E was really… if it weren’t for Father being present, she would want to pick the thickest embroidery needle right now and stab that Liu fellow through. It was so annoying.
Vice Minister Liu was angry that his son hadn’t been beaten enough, and also angry that Old Dong wouldn’t give him face.
He dropped the words, “Minister Dong, if you intend to marry into the family of Vice Minister Jiang, I would advise you to be cautious. Vice Minister Jiang can barely protect himself; after tomorrow, he might just be a prisoner.”
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