When spring arrived, the imperial grandsons were still unmarried and the young masters were growing up. A flood of young women entered Yunzhong’s marriage market: the top-grade contenders sought powerful suitors, while the second-grade ones competed to become grandmothers.
At the Lantern Festival, the Princess Consort of Chu hosted a banquet to choose a bride for the third young master, who had recently returned. The general’s legitimate second daughter volunteered, but made a show of bowing modestly. “This humble girl is unworthy, but I’ll do my best.” The third young master, newly arrived among the elite, cut her off coldly. “If you know it’s ugly, don’t do it.”
When He Song, the general’s legitimate eldest daughter, heard about it while pretending to be ill at home, she decided this third young master was an unparalleled judge of fake sweetness and simply had to meet him. In the end, they met in the bridal chamber.
The man suddenly said, “I hear you’re a master of silver needles. You can ease aches and fatigue, and even prolong someone’s life.”
Since it was their first meeting, she had to make a good impression. He Song gave a graceful curtsy and imitated her younger sister’s tone. “This humble wife is unworthy, but I’ll do... do my best.”
She looked up and met a pair of eyes that seemed to smile and yet not smile.
Isn’t this my sickly great-nephew, who’s been missing for years without a trace?
Her great-nephew ruffled her hair. “You’re not ugly. I think my wife is very beautiful.”
I like this kind of warm and flowing relationship, supporting each other and accompanying each other, envious