Qu Fulan was no longer serving in Mrs. Pei’s room, so she didn’t know exactly what had happened or how the events unfolded.
Since the Pei Family was satisfied with Miss Qian, the Qian Family’s visit should have been to negotiate matters related to the engagement. Yet, how the situation ended up escalating in that manner was beyond everyone’s expectations.
"It was the Qian Family’s excessiveness, that they could even speak of such a thing as switching marriage partners."
This was what Yueyuan said when she came to ask Fulan to tend to Mrs. Pei, as it was the day the Pei Mansion’s doctor took leave to visit his family. Though employed by the Pei Mansion, he was allowed a few days each month to see his wife and children.
"Switching marriage partners?" Qu Fulan was initially dumbfounded upon hearing this.
"It means they no longer wished to marry the eldest son and wanted to arrange marriage with the Young Master instead." Yueyuan had already been enraged once and was now angry once more. "A mere Qian Family, barely a scholarly lineage, yet they dare harbor such ambition, challenging the Pei Family’s sons, truly thinking so highly of themselves!"
Qu Fulan was utterly astounded. This was beyond mere arrogance; it was sheer ignorance of their own limits, depth, and safety!
If she remembered correctly, the Qian Family was only a lowly sixth-ranked household. They boasted of scholarly ancestors, but their background wasn’t particularly exceptional. However, being a scholarly lineage, their reputation sounded better.
If it weren’t for the fact that the Pei Family’s eldest son was in a second marriage, and due to considerations for the child had lowered their standards of choosing a spouse, the Qian Family wouldn’t have stood a chance even in their next life. Now the Pei Family didn’t mind them, yet they looked down on the Pei Family instead, beginning to choose and pick?
What gave them the audacity to come to the Pei Family seeking a son-in-law?
What kind of family was the Pei Family?
To say they held immense sway over the Capital City was no exaggeration!
Throughout the Capital City, it’s hard to find ten families with such roots, let alone families of such standing where only the Xiao Family could be considered equal.
How dare the Qian Family?
Qu Fulan felt her understanding shattered, her whole worldview crumbling.
She, a person who had seen democracy and freedom in the modern world, had to live so cautiously in ancient times, fearing even the tiniest mistake could cost her life.
And yet the Qian Family, residing under the shadow of the imperial city, amidst officials everywhere, was just a minor player. They not only failed to know their place, but at the slightest indulgence, started to overstep their bounds.
Petty people in their moment of triumph.
"How is Mrs. Pei’s condition now?" Qu Fulan cast aside her intense scorn for the Qian Family and focused back on the important matter at hand.
"She’s been complaining of chest pains. While the Qian Family was still present, Mrs. Pei had to suppress her anger, possibly causing her current ailment," Yueyuan said, her face full of worry.
Yueyuan remembered how the intermediary initially spoke evasively, mumbling ambiguously. Mrs. Pei and the second lady were left confused until they inquired several times before the intermediary finally hesitantly spoke.
The intermediary said, "The Qian Family mentioned that their daughter is still young and herself a child, concerned she might not be able to care for the young master well, and considering the affinity between the families, it would be a pity to miss this opportunity."
Apparently, even the intermediary found these words hard to voice, but the Qian Family offered quite a sum, so she spoke for the money, indifferent to the outcome as her role was merely to convey words.
Mrs. Pei was somewhat baffled upon hearing this: "The Qian Family claims their daughter is too young to care for our Tuan, implying a reluctance for her to marry here. Yet what do they mean by saying it would be a pity to miss out?"
The intermediary forced a smile, unaware of how unappealing it was, twisting her handkerchief repeatedly, "Since it’s a marriage proposal, and the second young master is unwed, why not consider him for a match? After all, being familiar is better than not knowing the background."
Mrs. Pei chuckled angrily, "Are you suggesting the Qian Family looks down on my eldest grandson and wants to marry my second grandson?"
The intermediary couldn’t figure out Mrs. Pei’s mood and found it difficult to speak, already regretting her greed for the small amount offered by the Qian Family to bring up this topic at the Pei House.
It was Mrs. Qian who kept insisting Mrs. Pei really liked her daughter, pushing her to bring up this proposal, claiming that Mrs. Pei was equally concerned about the second grandson’s marriage and would surely agree.
Ultimately, Mrs. Pei never lost her temper throughout, calmly having the intermediary escorted out without giving any clear response.
After returning to her room, Mrs. Pei felt a faint pain in her chest.
Unfortunately, both the eldest and second sons weren’t home, and the mansion’s doctor was also absent. The second lady was beside herself, clueless on what to do, also furious at the Qian Family’s actions, holding back her ire out of respect for Mrs. Pei.
Eventually, it was Yueyuan who thought of Fulan.
Qu Fulan went to Fushou Hall to examine Mrs. Pei’s pulse and prescribed some medicine, which soon alleviated the chest pain. However, while physical pain could be treated, the emotional hurt wasn’t so easily dispelled.
The actions of the Qian Family were truly insufferable; any normal person couldn’t possibly not get angry.
Neither Mrs. Pei nor the second lady looked very pleased, knowing that if mishandled, this situation could become a colossal joke when spread.
Yet, in their anger, neither could think of a good solution immediately.
Until the two young masters returned and were summoned to Fushou Hall.
Perhaps it was the return of their family anchors, Mrs. Pei felt a sudden relief and looked at her second grandson, "Si, how should we handle this matter so our Pei Family isn’t unjustly humiliated?"
Pei Yuan hadn’t expected the Qian Family to look down on him. Although he had no feelings for Miss Qian, being scorned was always uncomfortable, so he also looked to his younger brother.
Pei Ji’an curled his lips, not revealing easily, "What kind of outcome is the lady seeking?"
Mrs. Pei, ever kind-hearted, simply said to offer Mr. Qian advice to discipline his daughter better.
Nonchalantly, Pei Ji’an just smiled without speaking, as if in agreement. The most update n0vels are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾※𝙣𝙚𝙩
After leaving Fushou Hall and returning to Lixiang Courtyard, the Heir Pei shared with Qu Fulan the two solutions that interested him most, asking her to help him choose.
The first solution was simple—directly use their power to find an excuse and end the official career of Mr. Qian.
Although the Qian Family was a scholarly household, they weren’t necessarily spotless behind the scenes. In this chaotic officialdom, every family had their unspeakable issues. Mr. Qian’s position was just too low to make a big impact, not indicating his cleanliness.
In peacetime, authorities could turn a blind eye, but when problems arose, he could be easily sacrificed without anyone objecting.
This method was the simplest and fastest way to make the Qian Family learn their lesson.
As for the second method, it was somewhat underhanded.