Volume One, Chapter 19: Finding You a Suitable Match

However, Wen Ke was focused on taking inventory and only half-heartedly replied, "I understand."

Seeing that she hadn’t grasped her meaning, Mei Gongxue immediately hesitated; after all, she felt too embarrassed to be too explicit about such matters.

But then she thought, no, she couldn’t let her own shyness interfere with something so important.

So, she mustered her courage once more and said, "Um, when you sleep with my eldest brother tonight, please remind him to exercise restraint!"

This time, Wen Ke finally understood. Seeing Mei Gongxue looking awkward and her cheeks flushed like red apples, she couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Mei Gongxue wished she could disappear into a crack in the wall. “Sister-in-law, please don’t laugh. I’m serious!”

How important is it to have a healthy body in life?

Now, perhaps no one knew this better than her!

Seeing such a shy young girl, Wen Ke suppressed her laughter and then sighed deeply, speaking sincerely with a complicated expression.

“I really want to have a child.”

Mei Gongxue was at a loss for words.

When their father had just passed away, Wen Ke had overworked herself managing the household affairs and had a miscarriage.

Since then, she hadn’t been able to conceive again—her health was undoubtedly damaged.

For her, this had surely been a deep regret over the years.

Could Mei Gongxue really advise her not to have children?

But the more one wanted to conceive, the more important a healthy body became.

Mei Gongxue wanted to say more, but Wen Ke just waved her hand. Resigned, Mei Gongxue watched her busy herself around the room.

Wen Ke seemed to deliberately change the subject, tidying up while chatting with her.

“Every year around this time, officials exchange gifts. When you have your own family one day, you must be mindful of social etiquette—there will always be returns! But our Hou residence has been rather quiet these past two years. When the old marquis was still alive, the gifts we received were three times as many as now!”

Afraid that her sister-in-law would tire herself out, Mei Gongxue came to help.

When she saw the records, she was also shocked—not only had the quantity decreased, but even the quality of the gifts was mediocre.

A quick glance revealed very few items worth showing off.

The three most valuable pieces were all sent by Ji Yunchu’s people!

The meaning behind such a gift list was unmistakable.

Although Mei Heming had inherited the title, he held no real power.

He had accompanied their father on the battlefield a few times but achieved no merit; instead, he had been reprimanded twice for reckless ambition.

Mei Yanjun was a scholar, but since the Hou residence mostly mingled with military men, he hadn’t received guidance from great teachers in his youth.

Though intelligent, he repeatedly failed exams and only held a nominal post in the court.

Mei Changgong was youngest and impulsive—he was lucky not to have brought trouble to the Hou residence!

Looking at this, the three sons of the Hou family combined could not compare to a single Ji Yunchu.

After helping her sister-in-law finish organizing the storeroom and having lunch together, Mei Gongxue returned to her own courtyard.

As soon as she entered, Hongxiu whispered in her ear, "Miss, I just heard that the second young lady went to see someone today. When she came back, she was a mess of tears, and she even broke the Fengming qin she borrowed from you!"

Mei Gongxue didn’t pay much attention. “What’s the big deal? If she ever goes a day without crying, that would be the real surprise!”

Just as she took a sip of tea, someone came to report that the second young master had arrived.

Mei Gongxue paused. “What did he say he’s here for?”

“He said he just came to see you!”

Mei Gongxue frowned—it was rare for anyone to come without a reason.

Soon, Mei Yanjun entered, followed by two servants carrying many items.

“Xiao Xue, I just picked out some lively fabrics from the storeroom, all suitable for your age. Your old clothes must be too small by now, right?”

Mei Yanjun’s words were as considerate as ever.

Mei Gongxue replied faintly, “Thank you, second young master.”

His smile faltered slightly. “It seems you still don’t want to call me ‘second brother,’ but don’t worry—I won’t force you. Put yourself in my shoes; if I had been the one sacrificed three years ago, I’d harbor resentment too!”

Mei Gongxue was puzzled by his sudden words.

To be honest, she preferred to avoid dealings with Mei Yanjun.

At least Mei Changgong wore his feelings on his face, but Mei Yanjun always wrapped his thoughts in sugarcoating, always hard to read.

She bluntly said, “Second young master, if you have something to say, just say it directly!”

Mei Yanjun glanced at her and felt a pang of sadness at how much this sister had changed in three years.

“Xiao Xue, don’t speak so coldly. After all, we are family by blood. I admit I’ve been a bit partial to Ah Xiang at times, but can you say we don’t care about you?”

Mei Gongxue couldn’t deny that her brothers did care for her, just not deeply.

Her eyes lowered, her mood complicated. Some things she wished she could sever completely in one stroke, but in the end, breaking the bone also severs the sinew.

Mei Yanjun studied her expression and said gently, “No matter what, the Hou residence is your support and refuge! If we didn’t care about you, who else in this world would?”

Though his gaze was caring and tone gentle, every word struck painfully at her heart.

“Don’t blame me for speaking harshly, but it’s true. To get you out of prison, the Hou residence took on tremendous pressure. Many people have criticized the household because you once submitted yourself to a eunuch!”

Mei Gongxue’s knuckles whitened from clenching her sleeves. Her voice was barely audible through gritted teeth. “Second young master, do you find me a burden and want to drive me away?”

Though she had planned it herself, hearing it from her own blood was far colder than she expected.

“How could you think that?” Mei Yanjun looked shocked, seeming incredulous at her words. “You’re my sister. How could I not care about your feelings? If anyone in the household dared treat you that way, I’d be the first to object. You’re just overthinking!”

Mei Gongxue stared at him unblinking. “What exactly do you want?”

Mei Yanjun seemed oblivious to the anger in her eyes, his tone still calm. “I believe your sister-in-law mentioned it before. I’ve discussed it with eldest brother. Since you’re still young, we’ve arranged a good marriage for you!”

Mei Gongxue’s immediate reaction was refusal. She was no longer interested in family or love, nor did she want to form intimate bonds with anyone.

She didn’t even want to leave the house now—people simply annoyed her.

And she had only returned a few days ago before Mei Yanjun was already eager to marry her off.

It seemed clear—they just wanted to get rid of her!

But why the urgency?

Mei Gongxue pondered long and hard but couldn’t figure it out. Cautiously, she neither accepted nor refused but instead asked,

“Second young master said you’ve already discussed it with the marquis. Have you found someone for me?”

Of course, it had already been arranged.

To be precise, the day after Mei Gongxue returned, Mei Yanjun had already spoken with eldest brother.

It was just difficult to bring up. He cleared his throat and said, “He is the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Zhou Fu.”