Xiao Qinghui’s somewhat stern words silenced everyone.
Xie Ruilin’s eyes brimmed with tears, forced to swallow all her grievances.
Xiao Qinghui did not concern herself with the emotions of others and spoke again, "The marriage arrangement with the Song Family was originally agreed with Tong’er. It is only right for Tong’er to marry into Song Family as the legitimate wife of Song Qingyan. Kangheng."
"Your son is here," Xie Kangheng respectfully replied.
"Send someone to the Song Residence tomorrow and ask the Song Family to propose marriage as soon as possible, to finalize this engagement."
"Your son will comply," Xie Kangheng had no choice but to agree.
"Tong’er, help your grandmother back to her room," Xiao Qinghui finished delegating duties and then stood up to leave.
Xie Ruotong naturally supported Xiao Qinghui and they left together.
As the two walked through the Xie Residence,
Xiao Qinghui said earnestly, "Tong’er, your grandmother didn’t discuss with you before finalizing this marriage arrangement. Do not blame your grandmother."
"Tong’er doesn’t blame you. Marriage is the command of the parents and the word of the matchmaker. Tong’er understands, but Tong’er just can’t bear to..." Xie Ruotong’s eyes reddened slightly, "I had just reunited with my grandmother and family, and now I have to leave home again."
"Silly girl, you’re already 17 this year. If we delay any longer, how will you marry in the future? The best destiny for a woman in her lifetime is to marry a good husband. I know the boy from the Song Family well; he has been well-educated since childhood, is courteous to all, handsome, and will surely make his mark in the future. I am truly satisfied with him from the bottom of my heart."
"Mm," Xie Ruotong replied, somewhat shyly.
She, too, had some expectations for Song Qingyan.
Because of their similar ages and an engagement set since childhood, they often interacted when they were young. Song Qingyan, remembered in her memories, was already outstanding and had exquisite features. Upon seeing Song Qingyan again at the pleasure quarters that time, she kept him in her heart ever since.
"Come, accompany your grandmother back to the room for a game of chess. When you were younger, you always kept her company," Xiao Qinghui, seeing that her granddaughter had no intention to resist, was at ease and led her back to the room by hand.
At this moment, in Xie Ruilin’s boudoir.
Xie Ruilin sobbed into her blanket, struggling to catch her breath from crying.
Madam Shen Cuiru tried to console her, "Stop crying now, what good does crying do? That marriage arrangement with the Song Family was initially made with your elder sister. If it hadn’t been for her being abducted all those years ago, how could it have fallen into your lap? Now that your elder sister has returned, by convention, it should rightfully be hers."
"Anyway, you all favor my sister, everything is in her favor," Xie Ruilin tearfully looked at Shen Cuiru, "Grandmother has always disliked me since I was little, just because I resemble my elder sister. She didn’t want to be poignantly reminded, always avoiding me, and now that elder sister has finally returned, she says she will make amends to me, yet the first thing she does is snatch away my marriage arrangement. It wasn’t my fault my elder sister was kidnapped and sold, so why should I suffer all the consequences!"
Shen Cuiru also felt quite helpless.
Indeed, she definitely had affection for Xie Ruotong, for she was her own flesh and blood, but she naturally doted on Xie Ruilin more. Ruotong had lived with Xiao Qinghui since childhood, and she had little interaction with this eldest daughter until her abduction, unlike Lin’er and Yao’er, who grew up by her side, naturally fostering a different bond.
She was indeed dissatisfied with Xiao Qinghui’s decision just now at the hall.
But due to her status, she dared not voice any objections.
Now seeing her daughter cry so heartbrokenly, she felt powerless.
"Mother, can’t you think of a way to help me? I truly like Song Qingyan, and Song Qingyan likes me as well. Why must elder sister be the one to marry him?" Xie Ruilin was in absolute despair.
Thinking of her beloved man marrying another woman, she would never agree, not even if it killed her.
"Lin’er, didn’t your grandmother just make it clear? What can I do?"
"Can’t you get the Song Family to propose to me specifically?" Xie Ruilin suggested, "Mother, as long as you clarify it with the Song Family, and tell Song Qingyan, he will surely have his parents propose to me."
Shen Cuiru shook her head, "In matters of marriage, it is the parents’ command and the matchmaker’s word that matter, not what Song Qingyan has to say. The Song Family wouldn’t dare to defy your grandmother’s wishes."
"No, I do not agree." Xie Ruilin refused to listen to anything; she was at the brink of collapse, "If my mother won’t let me marry into the Song Family, the day my elder sister gets married will be the day of my death!"
"Lin’er!" Shen Cuiru obviously grew angry.