HCB Chapter 438 Wanting to Marry Xie Jing
Chapter 438 Wanting to Marry Xie Jing
Qin Jiuwei looked at the little girl who was trembling with fear and couldn't help but purse her lips.
This child is so pitiful.
She smiled and picked up a soft, glutinous rice cake from the wooden plate beside her.
She greeted him softly, "Miss Zhao, would you like some pastries? They were just made this morning."
Her voice was gentle, and there was a faint smile in her eyes.
Zhao Zhiqing timidly raised her head and glanced at her, seemingly unable to believe it.
She glanced at Madam Zhao subconsciously, and seeing that Madam Zhao did not stop her, she cautiously stepped forward.
Qin Jiuwei handed the pastries to her.
The little girl held the pastries, timidly accepting them, her fingertips icy cold.
She looked into Qin Jiuwei's eyes, and her previously tense shoulders quietly relaxed a little.
"Thank you, Madam Crown Prince," she said softly.
After accepting the pastries, Zhao Zhiqing returned to Madam Zhao's side.
At this moment, Qin Jiuwei recalled what she had heard before about the Zhao family.
Zhao Zhiqing is not Madam Zhao's biological daughter.
Madam Zhao only gave birth to two legitimate sons; she originally had no daughters in the family.
Zhao Zhiqing was born to a concubine in the family a few years ago. Because the concubine died early, she was taken in and raised in the main courtyard, but Madam Zhao never liked her.
No wonder Zhao Zhiqing was so fearful and reserved, even walking and talking cautiously.
When Madam Zhao, Qin Jiuwei, gave her some pastries, her eyes immediately crinkled with laughter.
It seems there's still hope!
The Crown Prince's wife seems to really like this wretched girl! It wasn't for nothing that she went to all that trouble to find her here today!
If this marriage can really happen, the Zhao family will never have to worry again!
Seeing that the marriage was promising, Madam Zhao immediately smiled and looked at Xie Jing, continuing their conversation.
"Jing-ge'er has only been at Jingyuan Academy for a short time. I wonder if he's adapting well to the coursework?"
Upon hearing the question, Xie Jing replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Madam Zhao. The teachers at the academy have provided excellent instruction, and my studies have not fallen behind."
Madam Zhao smiled and nodded, continuing to praise, "Jing-ge'er is indeed extraordinary; he will surely achieve great things in the future."
She had barely finished speaking when she asked another question.
Qin Jiu glanced at Xie Jing sideways.
Although he still answered respectfully, there was a hint of impatience in his eyes that was hard to hide.
Qin Jiuwei raised her eyes to look at Madam Zhao, her tone gentle yet direct.
"Madam Zhao has come here today, so why don't you just speak frankly and save yourself the trouble?"
Madam Zhao originally wanted to exchange a few more pleasantries, but this sentence left her speechless.
The smile on his face froze slightly, but he quickly recovered and forced a smile.
"The Crown Prince's wife is indeed straightforward, so... I will not beat around the bush."
Madam Zhao gently straightened her cuffs, suppressing her unease.
"I apologize for my intrusion, but I dare not conceal anything. I have come here today to discuss a marriage alliance with the young master and his wife."
Madam Zhao's smile remained unchanged. "I only have one daughter, Zhiqing, whom I love dearly."
"Young Master Jing is a promising young man with outstanding looks and character. It would be wonderful if we could arrange a marriage between our children."
After he finished speaking, the pavilion fell silent.
Qin Jiuwei couldn't help but sneer inwardly after hearing Madam Zhao's words.
As expected.
She glanced discreetly outside the pavilion.
Sure enough, several groups of people were scattered around the lake not far away.
The ladies, all dressed in finery, were all looking toward the pavilion.
Each of them was accompanied by a little girl.
The little girls were dressed elegantly and charmingly, ranging in age from eight or nine to ten years old. Each of them was well-dressed and had delicate features.
Qin Jiuwei's eyes turned slightly cold.
Xie Jing is now too famous, and he is not yet married.
His father is Xie Yanli, so countless people have their eyes on him.
Before Xie Jing became famous, when he was still at Wutong Academy, the wife of Imperial Censor Zhao came to his door and asked to arrange a marriage.
Now he has not only entered Jingyuan Academy, but has also become Master Gu's last disciple.
Even more people share this idea.
Qin Jiuwei slowly raised her eyes, "We appreciate Madam Zhao's kind intentions."
"However, Jing-ge'er is still young, and the most important thing right now is to study. As for marriage, the family has not considered it for the time being. Please forgive us, Madam Zhao."
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao could no longer maintain her smile.
Wasn't she very satisfied with Zhao Zhiqing just now? She even gave her pastries?
Why the sudden change of heart!
Seeing that the cooked duck was about to fly away, Madam Zhao became anxious and could no longer pretend to be calm, so she hurriedly spoke up.
"The Crown Prince's wife is probably speaking too soon."
She took a slight step forward. "Jing-ge'er is already of age to understand things. Such a major matter as marriage should be decided by Jing-ge'er himself. How can the Crown Prince's wife make such a decision on her own?"
"That's a bit too arbitrary... a bit too arbitrary."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Madam Zhao realized that she had lost her composure, her heart skipped a beat, and she knew something was wrong.
Sure enough, Qin Jiuwei's gentle, smiling expression instantly turned cold.
"Madam Zhao, aren't you being too hasty?"
As soon as those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the pavilion instantly froze.
Madam Zhao stood there, feeling a chill run down her spine.
A fine layer of cold sweat involuntarily seeped from my forehead.