Chapter 141 Regret

Supported by Matron Gong, Madam Song strolled through the garden while grumbling about that scoundrel, Fourth Young Master Song.

"Matron Gong, what on earth are we going to do with Fourth Lang's temperament? I really think that Miss Wang is wonderful—composed, dignified, and capable of managing a household. She would be just the right match for a boy like him," Madam Song sighed.

Matron Gong supported her and smiled upon hearing this, saying, "If Your Ladyship fancies her, you can entirely make the decision to betroth her to him."

After all, with the parents' command, Fourth Young Master would have nothing to say against it.

"That won't do. If his heart isn't in it and I still force a betrothal upon him, he won't be happy, and it would also ruin the young lady's future. Marriage is meant to forge a bond, not enmity; both sides must be truly satisfied and mutually pleased." Madam Song stopped before a clump of brilliantly blooming peonies, plucked one as large as a rice bowl, and said, "Matron Gong, although marriages in our time are mostly arranged blindly without prior acquaintance, and a whole lifetime passes in the blink of an eye, how many women have shed tears in secret, only their suffering remains unknown to the world? Trust me, a life built on mutual affection always holds a few more drops of sweetness."

Matron Gong was silent for a moment before replying, "Respected Matron, mutual affection is certainly wonderful, but there are also many young couples who start out deeply in love only to end up as strangers, and when they look back later, the pain is all the greater."

In truth, were there not young couples in this world who cherished one another from the start? Yet as time passed, some still drifted apart into strangers—the men taking concubines while the women spent their nights alone in empty chambers, left to ruminate on the past. That was what truly called for endurance.

All the aggrieved ladies languishing in secluded chambers throughout the world came to be precisely like this.

Madam Song froze for a moment, then laughed at herself, "It seems I was mistaken."

"Your Ladyship is merely showing indulgence toward Fourth Young Master," Matron Gong comforted her with a smile.

"Mm, even if the situation you spoke of might possibly arise in the future, I still wish to witness a young couple starting out in harmony. Actually, isn't everyday life just a series of bumps and scrapes? If you manage it well, there is nothing impossible about living in harmony for a lifetime."

"Your Ladyship speaks wisely."

Madam Song tucked the peony blossom into the hair at Matron Gong's temple and said, "Ah, later on, have Mother Gui make a trip to the Wei residence. Tell Madam Wei—phrasing it tactfully—that it is our Fourth Lang who is unworthy of such a fine young lady."

Matron Gong lightly touched the flower at her temple and accepted the task with a smile.

At the Wei residence.

Madam Wei received the message delivered by Mother Gui. After the latter departed, she let out a long sigh.

"Madam, do not grieve too deeply. These are simply matters where fate has yet to align," Madam Wei's trusted confidante, Matron Liang, poured a cup of tea to console her.

Madam Wei remarked, "After all, our blessings fell somewhat short."

Matron Liang smiled and said, "In truth, it might not be a bad thing after all. That Fourth Young Master Song is like a child who refuses to grow up. To be honest, had it truly come to pass, this old servant would have feared that Miss Wan would end up acting like an old nursemaid, waiting on him hand and foot all day long."

Hearing this, Madam Wei felt somewhat more comforted. Pulling herself together, she said, "Bring the roster back to me later, and I will reconsider it. I refuse to believe that a girl as wonderful as Wan'er cannot find a desirable husband."

"Eldest Miss, you have arrived?"

Madam Wei's heart gave a sudden jolt as she looked toward the entrance, only to see Wang Qiuman walking gracefully inside, her expression as calm and gentle as ever.

"Why have you come over?" Madam Wei beckoned to her.

Wang Qiuman smiled, took a headband from the hands of the maid behind her, and said, "I made a headband for Great-Aunt. Would you like to try it on?"

"Good, good."

Wang Qiuman stepped forward, personally placed the headband on Madam Wei's forehead, examined it carefully, and said, "The size is just right. I only need to make a few slight adjustments here."

"I know how filial you are." Madam Wei patted her hand with gratification, a trace of regret lingering in her eyes.

Wang Qiuman smiled shyly, her mind replaying the words she had just overheard.

So, they had indeed been looking into a match for her, and so, they had found her unsuitable!