Wei Cheng was born with good looks, tall and resembling Pan An, graceful and refined, with alluring peach blossom eyes and slightly upturned lips that seemed to carry a hint of a smile.
He must have dressed meticulously, wearing purple attire with a Jade Crown, a jade belt cinching his waist, highlighting a V-shaped physique.
This was a handsome and talented young gentleman.
It was said that Marquis Weiyuan intended to petition to establish him as the Princely Heir, and if successful, he would become a desirable match with looks, talent, and status.
Song Ci’s first impression of Wei Cheng was just , a charming young man captivating to women.
Wei Cheng first paid respects to his stepmother, then followed her instructions to greet Song Ci and the Wei Family’s elder Madam.
The Wei Family’s elder Madam viewed Wei Cheng’s demeanor with mixed feelings of joy and worry.
Joyful that the child indeed looked well; although he was a son of a concubine, the Marquis Weiyuan’s estate had no legitimate son, so he, as the eldest among the sons of concubines, also had a chance to inherit the title, which was sufficient in terms of status.
Worried because with such looks, charming and handsome, who knew how many new acquaintances he would have in the future.
"These are the two Wei Family sisters, since you’ve met them, greet them." Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam pointed at Wang Qiuman and the others, saying: "This is Miss Wang, and this is Second Miss Wei."
Wei Cheng glanced quickly at Wang Qiuman, his gaze swept past Wei Wenyan, and he courteously made a gentlemanly bow.
Both Wang Qiuman and her companion blushed and returned the bow.
Song Ci observed with a calm demeanor on the side, watching Wei Cheng behave as a model gentleman, neither glancing around indiscriminately nor having improper eyes.
The Marquis Weiyuan’s estate held a hereditary title that remained unchanged through generations, and their manners were quite decent.
Wei Cheng asked his stepmother when they would return to the estate, to which Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam replied: "Return after midday rest, and you go a hundred taels of incense money for me at the front hall."
Wei Cheng responded respectfully, then politely excused himself.
After he left, the Wei Family’s elder Madam smiled at Wang Qiuman and said: "If Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam hadn’t mentioned it, I would have forgotten, Man’er, you should also help me add some incense and make a wish in front of Buddha."
Wang Qiuman understood what this meant, felt a bit shy, nodded in agreement, and went along with her maids.
Wei Wenyan watched her leave, lowered her head slightly, clutching a handkerchief with reddened eyes.
Song Ci’s eyes subtly flickered.
So this was the purpose of the meeting.
Marquis Weiyuan’s Madam exchanged a few pleasantries with the Wei Family’s elder Madam before taking her leave.
The Wei Family’s elder Madam also dismissed her granddaughter to rest, then asked Song Ci for her thoughts.
Song Ci replied: "No objections, Wei Cheng is indeed good-looking, quite handsome, and appears to be a model gentleman. If his inner qualities match his appearance, he could well be a good match."
As for his status, she didn’t particularly mind. That Wei Cheng seemed to have scholarly knowledge; even if he couldn’t inherit the Marquis title, with his prospects of becoming a Scholar, his future shouldn’t be bleak.
The Wei Family’s elder Madam paused: "Inner qualities? Do you suspect he’s not as he seems?"
"Not exactly, it’s just that marriage is a significant matter for any woman and must be approached cautiously, as it’s a lifelong affair after all. I just think it’s important to inquire more about his character from various sources, seeking information from unfamiliar faces. Also..." Song Ci paused slightly, then said: "Also, what I said might be unreliable, just a suggestion, but if there’s a chance, perhaps create a few more opportunities for the young ones to interact; merely casting a glance doesn’t reveal much. Oh, if it’s inconvenient, just ignore my suggestion."
She constantly reminded herself not to view matters with a modern perspective; proposing an unengaged interaction, wouldn’t it ruin both their reputations?
Song Ci wanted to slap her own mouth for speaking out of turn, constantly breaking taboos.