Sixty-fourth Discussion on Marriage

  "Miss, are...are you okay?" Qing Tao looked at Jiu Jie'er and saw that she had actually smiled after hearing that the dog had bitten the embroidered product to shreds, and couldn't help but look shocked.

  "What's wrong with me? Of course I have something!" But unexpectedly, Jiu Jie suddenly turned serious.

  “……”

  "Go and put that thing away, then go find a piece of plain-colored clothing." Ninth Sister instructed her.

  "Uh, this..."

  "Miss, what are you going to do..." At this time, the unlucky Qingqi and Qingxing also rushed over.

  "What's going on? Of course it's to plead guilty! Damaging the imperial robe and blaspheming the sacred grace, do you think I still have a life to live?" Ninth Sister said.

  "Ah......" Several people were stunned.

  The ninth sister didn't even bother with a few people, and she didn't go to see the embroidered goods. Instead, she went into the house herself, changed into a plain-colored dress, removed the pink pearl flower from her head, took off the beryl bracelet on her hand, and then opened the door and walked out.

  At the sight of her, several people were frightened, and Qing Tao burst into tears with a "wow".

  "Silly girl, don't cry, you must take good care of yourself from now on!" But Ninth Sister was still stirring up emotions.

  "Miss..." This time, not only Qing Tao cried, but also Qing Xing and Qing Zhi. Outside, Lu'e and another second-class maid rushed in, first asking questions, then also bursting into tears.

  "Eldest sister, what's going on?"

  Hearing the commotion, the tenth sister who lived in the wing room rushed out to see what was going on, with the fourth sister following behind her.

  "Eldest sister, fourth sister, please, I beg of you, save me!" The green peach saw the two coming and immediately rushed over, "Thud---" and knelt down in front of them.

  "Qing Tao, what are you doing?" Before the two could speak up, Jiu Jie already went over and pulled her up, "Why must you drag others into this again."

  The tenth sister and fourth sister couldn't help but look at each other in dismay, full of doubts.

  But they didn't stay puzzled for long ——

  “…That’s how it is!” Ninth Sister briefly explained the situation, then solemnly and sincerely said, “However, two sisters, rest assured, one person does things and one person takes responsibility. I, Xiao Jiu, will never implicate you. I’ll go talk to Old Lady now and ask her to hand me over, also to avoid implicating everyone in our entire household!”

  The two of them were also greatly shocked upon hearing this matter.

  "Little sister, I'll leave the matter of filial piety to you! Fourth sister, actually Little Nine really wants to see what you look like in a wedding dress..." Ninth Sister pulled both their hands again.

  "Older sister..." The younger sister cried.

  " Ninth sister, don't be like this, I'll go and beg mother and old lady for you, maybe things can still be remedied..." Fourth sister's eyes also welled up with tears.

  After all, she was just a young girl; at this moment, her jealousy and resentment melted away, leaving only true love.

  The ninth sister's eyes flashed quickly, and then nodded, walking out.

  The two met and naturally hurried to catch up, the crowd of maids followed behind the two, a line of solemn-faced people, majestically walking out.

  But just as they were about to leave, they ran into Sixth Sister, Seventh Sister and Eighth Sister, who had come from the south-facing garden path; presumably after paying their respects, they had gone for a stroll in the garden before returning.

  "Jiuniang, you... what's with this gloomy look on your face? What kind of trouble are you stirring up now?" Liu'er asked in surprise as soon as she saw Jiuniang leading the way.

  "What's the meaning of 'as if mourning for a dead husband'? What nonsense is Sixth Sister talking about?" Before Ninth Sister could open her mouth, Tenth Sister stepped forward with an angry face.

  " Wen Shi Jie, how dare you scold me?" Upon hearing this, Liu Shi Er immediately flew into a rage.

  "Ten little sisters!" Ten sister wanted to counterattack, but was pulled back by nine sister. Nine sister shook her head at her, then looked at six sister, "Six sister, rest assured, from now on little nine will not make trouble again, and won't be a nuisance to you!"

  "Uh..." Six sister was taken aback.

  Jiujie turned her gaze to look at Qijie, who was standing beside Liuji, and indeed caught a triumphant expression on that charming face.

  It turned out that Zou had taken advantage of her immoral sister, and the lion dog Ball was locked in a cage. The person who held the key was someone from Zou's side. If that person happened to drop the key when passing by her sister...

  "I know Sixth Sister dislikes me, but from now on your eyes will be completely clear." Ninth Sister looked at Sixth Sister with a bitter smile again.

  The sixth sister couldn't help but pause again.

  "But I still hope that in the future, Sixth Sister will think thrice before acting, not be impulsive, and listen more to Eldest Matron's words. Actually, I've always liked Sixth Sister's temperament, it's just...” Ninth Sister said, her bright big eyes gradually becoming moist as she spoke.

  "What's going on? Wenjiu sister, speak clearly!" Liu'er urged.

  The fourth sister couldn't help it and glared at the sixth sister before telling her roughly what had happened.

  "Ah......" Liu Jie's eyes widened instantly after hearing this.

  "9th sister... 9th sister is so pitiful, and she's also afraid of implicating us, that's why she went to plead guilty in such a manner, yet 6th sister still mocks her..."

  On one side, Shi Jie couldn't help but cry again, wondering if she and Jiu Jie were biological sisters. As she cried, she scolded Liu Jie on the other side.

  "Hmm..." Liu Jie was actually a straightforward person, and she had been getting along well with Jiu Jie lately. Hearing this, she naturally felt regretful, but being someone who always stuck to her words, she didn't want to admit it. Instead, she awkwardly said, "Why didn't you guys tell me earlier?"

  "Eight sister..." Nine sister looked at the eight sister who had listened to her misfortunes, and immediately had tears in her eyes, tightly biting her lip.

  It's clear that all along, this wooden and honest elder sister has been genuinely worried about herself, but was suppressed by the Zou family to the point where she didn't dare to reveal her true emotions.

  Alas...

  The Zou family's eighth sister has already made a good marriage, but recently she actually thought that the marriage was not good enough. For this eighth sister, they have arranged for her to marry a lame man, just because the man's father is the Minister of Rites, someone whom their elder uncle has always wanted to get in good with.

  He even came up with a grandiose reason, saying that when the children were young, they had verbally engaged them in marriage. Since they had already been engaged, why not marry Sixth Sister to that man?

  As for these eight sisters, she really sympathized with them from the bottom of her heart, but she was powerless to help. Wasn't she also a clay Bodhisattva?

  "Seventh sister," Ninth Sister said, looking at Seventh Sister, "lend me a word!" As she spoke, she stepped forward and pulled Seventh Sister to one side.

  "What is Seventh Sister afraid of? Afraid that I'll hit you? Hehe..." Turning her back to the crowd, Ninth Sister looked at the wariness in Seventh Sister's eyes and smiled, saying in a low voice, "Don't worry, I won't. Because you will never be able to beat me, no matter if it's becoming a side consort in the future or this time... I will definitely be fine, don't believe me? Then just watch closely."

  "Seventh sister, take care!" After saying that, she intentionally said another sentence loudly, then turned her back on the crowd and walked towards Yanshou Hall.

  Everyone thought that she and Seventh Sister had just exchanged some parting words, so they didn't pay attention to it. Seeing her leave, they immediately followed behind in a flurry.

  Only Seventh Sister gazed at her back, clenching her fists in hatred.

  Is it? She doesn't believe it, and in the face of this great disaster, she will not be punished.

  She laughed again soon after, and then she watched as she was punished...

  However, Seventh Sister was soon disappointed. When they arrived at Yanshoutang, the old lady who had been left to discuss matters with a few wives listened to the whole story and not only didn't mention punishment but immediately ordered Zou Shi to gather all silk threads, fabrics, and ornaments. Moreover, she also ordered that today's matter was strictly forbidden from being spread.

  The seventh sister couldn't help but clench her fists again, with her fingernails digging into her flesh without realizing it.

  "But... Old Lady, it's easy to say that, but this blue brocade is only woven by special people in the palace. How can ordinary families easily find it?" However, Zou Shi's words instantly reignited her hope.

  This question was raised again, and everyone's face turned solemn once more.

  Yes, this is something that can't be bought with money.

  "Mother, how could you forget? Uncle and that Shen Da-zongguan have always been on good terms, we can entrust him to handle it..."

  At this time, a voice suddenly sounded. It was Liu Jie who stood behind Jiu Jie and her sisters.

  "Don't spout nonsense, do you know better?" Mrs. Zou really wanted to go forward and slap her this incompetent and useless daughter a couple of times, but at this moment she could only suppress her anger and glare at her.

  The ninth sister who was kneeling on the ground still had her head down, but a hint of a smile quickly flashed across the corner of her lips.

  "We must go and search even if we can't find anything! What else can we do?" Madam Li said sternly.

  Zou immediately fell silent.

  How is it? Punish these nine girls' crimes and heavily punish these nine girls!

  All seven sisters almost stood up and shouted...

  "All of you, listen up! Each and every one of you must put your minds at ease. This matter of embroidering the ceremonial robe is not just Ninth Sister's own affair, but also a matter for our entire Wen household. If we were to be ruined, would any of us be able to escape unscathed? Even if something good or bad were to happen, none of us would be able to avoid it!" The old lady said sternly.

  Ah, Seventh Sister suddenly felt enlightened as if she had been baptized with a sudden realization.

  It turns out that Jiu Jie had nothing to fear, she must have expected it all along. She still lost to her!

  She couldn't help but feel a surge of hatred and almost spat out a mouthful of bitter blood...

  "Alright, wife of the eldest son, this matter will be taken care of immediately. Moreover, more people will be assigned to help. If another mistake occurs, you will be held responsible!" The old lady then turned her gaze towards Mrs. Zou.

  "Yes!" Zou Shi hastily responded, but secretly she was almost grinding her teeth to dust, especially when her eyes swept over the calm face of Jiu Si'er on the ground.

  This little girl shouldn't be so spineless, crying and begging for mercy everywhere. But the fact is just the opposite, not only is she calm and collected, but also somehow managed to win over everyone, including her own reckless and brainless daughter.

  Now it's fine, but this burden was actually left to myself, not only can't make trouble, but also have to assist wholeheartedly, it's really suffocating.

  Was I wrong in agreeing with San Jie's suggestion that let Jiu Jie be a companion for the bride?

  Was wrong, should it be replaced? But what kind of excuse can be used to replace it, without making a sound, and let the Wangfu side give up?

  This must be what her nephew meant, this is what she just found out these two days, which made her feel even more suffocated...

  ……

  "Miss, Sixth Miss is here again..."

  In the afternoon, Jiu sister was sitting at the table embroidering seriously. On one side, Qing An suddenly pointed outside the window and whispered.

  Jiuer was taken aback and looked out to see a plump and slender figure and a tall and thin figure appearing in her line of sight.

  It's exactly Liu Jie and Ba Jie!

  After the incident of the dog biting the quilt, she gained a great advantage, which was that these six sisters became close to her.

  "Wen Jiu sister, I just knew you're also not bad, responsible, to be honest, I'm not doing badly either, that day I helped you." This Liu sister's way of getting along with her is really special.

  "Uh-huh, of course I know, thank you Sixth Sister!" She could only say thanks.

  "Would you give me a few bars of soap as a gift?"

  "... actually thanked her for the gift? Ninth sister really wants to ask her, Sixth sister, where is your integrity?"

  "Let me tell you, Wenjiu sister, I'm not trying to take advantage of you, I've also brought something for you, quickly bring out those few boxes of lip balm——" This last sentence was of course directed at Wenba sister who was following behind her.

  Looking at the few delicate and exquisite gilded filigree enamel rouge boxes that Wen Ba Jie took out, Jiu Siao also knew that these must be of high quality, so she naturally had nothing to say.

  The two of them started their happy life together from then on...

  " Ninth Sister, you sit by the window and embroider all day, aren't you bored?"

  Before she knew it, six sisters and eight sisters had already arrived at the house. Seeing nine sisters flying needles and threads in front of the window, six sisters immediately shouted.

  "What can be done about it?" Jiu sister replied with a helpless smile.

  Sixth sister listened with sympathetic lips.

  After the incident of that dog biting her, those sisters no longer envied her. Think about it, the greater the glory, the greater the danger, if not handled properly, one's life would be lost, it's better to just stay safe and sound.

  Qing'an hastily invited the two of them, and they sat down, but just after exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Shiyi arrived.

  "Do you know? Just now when I came from the second house, I heard that it was making a noise inside." The little girl couldn't see how much she had been influenced by her mother in other aspects, except for one thing - gossiping.

  "It must be Fourth Sister's doing!" Sixth Sister said with a frown as soon as she heard it.

  As soon as this was said, everyone immediately fell silent, and the atmosphere suddenly cooled down. The Ninth Sister let out a silent sigh.

  Good things never come in pairs and bad things never come alone, this sentence is really not wrong at all.

  Two days after the dog bit the quilt, another annoying thing happened in Wenfu, that is, the change of the fourth sister's marriage.

  The son of the national duke, Yuan Shihuan, actually brought a small concubine into the house a few days ago. The marriage between him and Fourth Sister is set for May 8th, which is just around the corner, so naturally the Wen family intervened.

  But unexpectedly, Yuan Shihuan had a very bad attitude, turned around and shouted that the fourth sister was a jealous woman, and even threatened to break off the engagement!

  It's really a tricky thing, this Yuan Shih-huan is indeed good at playing the seven-inch, making Wen Jia unable to go up or down.

  Agreeing to divorce, what about the reputation of the fourth sister? What about the reputation of other daughters in the Wen family? Where will the face of the Wen family be placed?

  But didn't you agree to divorce? How can you swallow your breath now?

  After consultation with the top leaders of the Wen family and high-level officials, they still decided that they could not swallow this breath, and protecting their reputation was more important.

  In this society, which man doesn't have three wives and four concubines? It's just that Yuan Shihuan's concubine was taken in a bit early. Although the custom of taking concubines is prevalent in the Great Yue Dynasty, it is still rare for concubines to enter the house before their wives.

  But the decision of the high-level leaders was opposed by one person, that is, the fourth sister. It's also understandable, how could this girl who has always been proud and self-respecting accept this insult and imperfection?

  But how could the second master and his wife allow it, so every day, the second house almost staged such a disturbance...

  "It's still Sixth Sister who has good fortune!" At this time, Little Eleven said again.

  Jiujie immediately looked at Liujie after hearing this, she suddenly wanted to know how Liujie viewed this marriage, after all it also concerned herself.

  "Is it good fortune? It's okay, anyway I've known since I was very young that I would marry my older cousin, and we've always played together, so I'm used to it. Having good fortune doesn't feel like anything special." A hint of confusion flashed across Liu Jie's face.

  Didn't Liu Jie have any feelings for Ouyang Jing?

  The ninth sister naturally took in all the subtle expressions on the sixth sister's face, and her heart couldn't help but flutter slightly.

  "Hasn't Eighth Sister's marriage been settled already?" Ninth Sister's gaze fell on Eighth Sister, who became even more silent at the mention of marriage.

  Eighth sister was taken aback, didn't say a word, just nodded slightly.

  "I heard that Eighth Sister's marriage is also quite good!" At this point, Little Eleven said.

  "What's good? A cripple!" But before Eighth Sister could open her mouth, Sixth Sister chimed in.

  Eighth Sister immediately hung her head down. From Ninth Sister's angle, one could see that her delicate white hands were clenched tightly together, with faint blue veins bulging out.

  Jiujie couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart, and one of her hands involuntarily reached out to gently stroke her slender shoulder.

  Wen Ba's sister was taken aback, raised her eyes to look at her, and those big almond-shaped eyes were filled with glittering tears.

  Xiao Shiyi also fell silent.

  "Who can you blame? That day your mother didn't ask you, it was you who nodded yourself!"

  Sixth sister was stupid but not foolish, she vaguely felt that those sharp points seemed to be pointing at her mother, so she immediately looked at Eighth Sister.

  Wen Ba Jie's head hung even lower.

  "Sister Liu, the medicinal soap I made a few days ago is now ripe and it's for moisturizing and removing acne. Do you want to try it?" Sister Liu was about to say something, but Jiu sister interrupted her quickly.

  As soon as she heard this, Liu Jie's face occasionally broke out in two small pimples over the past few days, and she naturally became interested, putting everything else aside.

  Jiujie let Qingying wrap two pieces of soap for her, and then Xiaoshiyi also asked her for some. Jiujie had Qingying wrap another two pieces for her as well.

  In the end, there were only two left. Eighth Sister didn't want them, but Ninth Sister still had Qing An pack and send them to Eighth Sister.

  Holding that soap, Eighth Sister secretly cried again. Others didn't see it, but Ninth Sister discovered it and couldn't help shaking her head in her heart.

  A few people sat for a while and then bid farewell and left.

  After the ninth sister sent them away, she was about to continue working with her needle and thread, but suddenly Qing Xiang led the eighth sister back in a hurry. "Miss, you gave soap to the eighth sister, but she forgot to take it."

  "Oh..." Jiujier was taken aback, her gaze falling on several embroidery patterns at the corner of the table.

  Ba Jie took the soap but didn't leave immediately, instead she looked at Jiu Jie and then at Qing Xing.

  Could it be that her honest and affable elder sister had something to say to her? The ninth sister's slender eyebrows slightly furrowed.

  "Qing Xiang, go help me get a few thin needles from Zhou Mama's place!" Jiu Jie Er said to Qing Xiang. It wasn't until Qing Xiang responded and went out the door that she looked at Ba Jie Er, "Ba Jie Jie is also back, sit for a while longer!"

  The eighth sister listened and naturally nodded, so the ninth sister went to personally refill her tea.

  "That dog was released by Seventh Sister that day, I've already told Sixth Sister."

  No wonder! Jiuniang was taken aback and looked up.

  " Ninth sister, you are a good person, the best to me, so... so I have something else to tell you today..." Eighth sister lowered her head again, clenched her fists tightly and said, "My mother... Mother wants to scheme against you, to ruin your reputation..."

  "Ah......" Jiuniang's face changed color after listening, "Zhōu Shì?!"

  ……

  By the way

  A big counterattack is coming!