The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 120

Wang Shuyi’s expression remained indifferent as she sat properly with her head lowered. “I understand, Mother.”

Madam Jiang, worried that her daughter still had lingering feelings for Xiao Huaijin, gave her a warning. “You’ve already disgraced yourself in front of Xiao Huaijin. That match is impossible now. I won’t allow you to demean yourself any further. The Liu family has both status and power. Just take a look at the young master today—if he’s decent, then nod and agree.”

Had it not been for the previous scandal, Madam Jiang wouldn’t have been this forceful. But she feared that delays would only bring more trouble. It was better to marry her daughter off quickly—she couldn’t afford another incident.

Wang Shuyi remained passive.

The events from before had left her deeply wounded, and she had been dispirited ever since. However, after repeated scoldings from Madam Jiang, she finally realized her own failings. She was beautiful and came from a good family—why should she lower herself for anyone? With this thought, her spirit lifted slightly.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll take a good look.”

Madam Jiang, seeing her daughter’s compliance, felt a pang of sorrow. She embraced her and murmured, “You are my only daughter. You must not be inferior to others.”

As they stepped out of the carriage, Wang Shuyi saw Xie Yunchu and the Third Madam chatting and laughing. Looking at the sister-in-law she had once admired so much, her emotions were complex. Xie Yunchu’s gaze swept past her, barely acknowledging her presence.

The group entered the Liu residence and went to the main hall to offer birthday greetings to Old Madam Liu.

The Third Madam was well known in the capital for her composed and capable nature, earning everyone’s respect. Old Madam Liu clung to her hand, unwilling to let go. When she saw Xie Yunchu’s stunning beauty and remembered that her son was working alongside Wang Shuhuai, she treated her even more warmly.

As for Wang Shuyi and Wang Shuya, Old Madam Liu praised them as well.

When the elders were respected, their children naturally gained favor.

Liu Qiliang, the Minister of Revenue, had received word from the Grand Princess and dared not neglect the matter. He subtly signaled to his wife to arrange a meeting between their son and Wang Shuyi.

Wang Shuhuai was known for his elegant demeanor, and Wang Shuyi was also strikingly beautiful. Liu Qiliang was pleased with the match. However, his wife’s reaction was unexpected.

During the midday banquet, when the guests had gone to dine, Madam Liu dragged her husband back to their chambers and immediately berated him, “How dare you make such a major decision about our son’s marriage all on your own?”

Liu Qiliang was taken aback by her reaction and pointed toward the direction of the palace. “That is the Grand Princess! She personally gave the order—how could I refuse? Besides, this is Wang Shuhuai’s own sister. Does their family’s status not match ours? Is her appearance lacking? Or is her character flawed? The Wang family’s daughters are rare and precious. It is a blessing for us to have one as a daughter-in-law!”

“Shuhai is extremely sought after. Do you have any idea how many officials in the capital have their eyes on his sister?”

Madam Liu’s expression remained grim. “In any case, I’m not interested.”

Liu Qiliang frowned. “What do you mean? Looking at you, have you already made arrangements in private?”

Madam Liu had been waiting for this question. “To tell you the truth, I’ve long set my sights on marrying Xiang’er to Zhuo’er.”

Xu Xiang was Madam Liu’s paternal cousin’s daughter and had grown up alongside Liu Zhuo.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qiliang’s face darkened instantly. “Impossible. The Liu family’s second branch has nothing to offer. You’re trying to prop up your maternal family at the expense of my son’s marriage? Absolutely not! Let me tell you, I have only one son, and he must marry a noblewoman from a high-status family!”

With those words, Liu Qiliang turned to leave.

Madam Liu, anxious, rushed to block him. “Husband, husband, wait a moment! I have my reasons for this. Please believe me, I would never harm you, let alone our son.”

Liu Qiliang refused to listen and went straight to the main hall, asking the matriarch to oversee his son’s marriage. The old lady had never been fond of her daughter-in-law’s ways. Upon hearing that Madam Liu intended to marry off her maternal cousin’s daughter into the Liu family as the principal wife, she was so furious that she trembled with rage.

“That young lady from the Wang family is as delicate as a pearl, an absolute gem! Even Her Highness the Princess has spoken in her favor. If we refuse, we’d be seen as ungrateful!”

Thus, after the midday meal, while others were watching performances, the matriarch had someone deliver a message to the Wang family. The third madam instructed Xie Yunchu to bring Wang Shuyi to meet Liu Zhuo.

Separated by a beaded curtain, the young man and woman stole glances at each other inside a pavilion.

Wang Shuyi stood within, while Liu Zhuo remained outside. His stature was similar to Xiao Huaijin’s, and at the sight of him, Wang Shuyi couldn’t help but think of Xiao Huaijin. Her eyes burned with sorrow, and she nearly shed tears. She struggled to suppress her emotions and lowered her gaze.

Liu Zhuo, peering through the misty beaded curtain, saw a bashful and reserved beauty—truly a sight to cherish. With just one look, he was captivated.

Upon returning home, Liu Zhuo eagerly nodded to his father and grandmother in approval.

Liu Qiliang was greatly satisfied. The following day, he would be heading south. Hosting his mother’s birthday banquet and securing his son’s marriage—what could be better?

Meanwhile, Wang Shuyi returned with her family. Madam Jiang and the others immediately asked for her thoughts.

Wang Shuyi wasn’t particularly happy about it. After a long silence, she hesitantly nodded.

Marrying Xiao Huaijin was impossible, so she might as well choose someone of similar family status.

Seeing that, Madam Jiang was pleased.

Xie Yunchu, however, paid no heed to these matters—she was busy preparing for her business opening.

On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month—Qixi Festival.

According to legend, on this day, the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl reunite across the Milky Way.

People traditionally set up offering tables on terraces and courtyards, arranging skillfully crafted pastries and embroidery needles, lighting incense and candles, and praying for their daughters to be dexterous and skillful.

In addition, it was also a day when young men and women would go out together.

Liu Zhuo, ever the thoughtful one, sent an invitation to the Wang brothers to go out. The third young master, Wang Shukuang, followed his mother’s orders and brought along his sisters, including Wang Shuyi.