Tang Feng?

Zhong Xiuxiu was stunned.

She had never dared to dream of such a thing!

The Tang Mansion was even more prestigious than the Zhong Mansion, and Tang Feng was the second legitimate son of Madam Tang, a young and talented gentleman. He was the dream love of many noble ladies in the Capital. How could such good fortune fall upon her?

"Fifth Girl, you don’t want to?" 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Madam Zhong looked at Zhong Xiuxiu standing there speechless and asked in confusion.

"No, Mother, it’s just..." Zhong Xiuxiu smiled bitterly, "I feel unworthy of Cousin Feng."

"You silly child."

Madam Zhong initially thought Zhong Xiuxiu disliked the idea, but it was actually because she feared her low status made her unworthy.

"You are my daughter, why wouldn’t you be worthy? The Tang Mansion is my natal family. I know my family members inside out. Don’t worry, once you enter their family, your days won’t be hard."

Madam Zhong didn’t even admit it was because she feared losing the chance to have their excellent resources remain within their family, so she specifically ran back to speak to her natal family.

"Feng’er is upright and doesn’t have any messy people or matters around him," Madam Zhong said. "His future is promising as well. I think you two are truly a match made in heaven."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Mother."

Willing to give her concubine daughter to her natal nephew as the main wife was indeed an honor.

Zhong Xiuxiu understood this was unique love from her legitimate mother, but she still had some concerns.

"Mother, I’ve never wished for great wealth in this life. I just wanted an ordinary, peaceful life, a lifetime of sharing meal after meal, season after season."

She feared she wouldn’t be able to withstand such a wealthy family.

"Marriage should be based on mutual consent. I don’t want to become a resentful couple with Cousin Feng."

Zhong Xiuxiu knew many marriages were alliances for family benefits, decided by parental orders and matchmakers’ persuasion. They seemed harmonious on the surface, but in reality, they often couldn’t get along.

A good marriage can heal all troubles in the world, whereas a bad one can truly shorten one’s lifespan.

"Well, see if this works for you?"

To ensure Zhong Xiuxiu’s successful marriage into the Tang Mansion, Madam Zhong had been tirelessly thoughtful: "It’s my birthday in three days. By then, I’ll let you and Feng’er get to know each other."

"Mother..."

"Rest assured, Mother will arrange everything," Madam Zhong said. "If you both have feelings for each other, I’ll surely prepare a grand dowry for you to marry into the Tang Mansion. If you don’t, I won’t play the villain."

"Thank you, Mother!"

Zhong Xiuxiu bowed gracefully, sincerely grateful.

If a legitimate mother went to such lengths, it was indeed genuine kindness.

At the same time, she was secretly pleased at night, thinking she had worked hard enough to earn the lady’s favor, that even her natal family hoped she could marry back into their family.

On Madam Zhong’s birthday, there was no grand banquet.

Only Zhong Huimin, who had returned from confinement, and members from the Tang Mansion were present.

"Mother, did you say you’re betrothing Fifth Sister to Cousin Tang Feng?"

"Yes, I think they make a perfect match."

"I’m worried the Tang family might be unkind to Fifth Sister..."

After all, she was her benefactor. If the Tang family mistreated Fifth Sister, Zhong Huimin would be uneasy.

"Don’t worry, your grandmother agreed, and your aunt is willing. Today, we’ll let Feng’er and Fifth Girl meet to see if they have a connection," Madam Zhong patted her daughter’s hand. "Fifth Girl, she’s a lucky child. I think a good child shouldn’t be taken off by outsiders. The Tang family is a well-disciplined family. With me protecting her, she won’t be bullied once she enters the door."

"Mother is so thoughtful. I’m happy for Fifth Sister."

Knowing your mother was sincerely planning for Zhong Xiuxiu, Zhong Huimin was much relieved.

She was also aware of Tang Feng’s character, and if Zhong Xiuxiu married him, she should be able to live well.

"That child deserves a good home."

Just then, a maid came to inform them that Old Madam Tang, Doctor Tang, and Second Young Master Tang had arrived.

"Quick, come with me to greet them."

After Old Madam Tang accepted her daughter’s greeting, her eyes turned to Zhong Xiuxiu and she nodded with satisfaction.

"Granddaughter Huimin greets Grandmother." Zhou Huimin waved to Zhong Xiuxiu: "Fifth Sister, come meet Grandmother."

"Granddaughter Zhong Xiuxiu greets Grandmother."

"Good child, this must be Fifth Girl. The last time I saw you, you were so small. Truly, a girl changes eighteen times as she grows up; you become more beautiful, more delicate with time, and really sensible." Old Madam Tang lifted her up and placed a jade bracelet on her wrist: "This is a little gift from Grandmother for you to play with."

"Thank you, Grandmother." Being so favored by the old lady meant she truly liked her: "But this is too precious, Xiuxiu can’t accept it."

"You child, it is inappropriate to refuse the gift of a senior." The old lady held her hand. "What Grandmother gives you, you should take."

Madam Tang, watching this scene, was quite satisfied in her heart.

Although this child was born of a concubine, she was well-mannered and composed, not shallow or shortsighted.

She turned to look at her son and noticed Feng’er looking at Zhong Xiuxiu with gentle eyes, a smile on his face. As a mother, she understood in an instant: this child is interested.

"Nephew Feng greets Aunt, wishes Aunt a happy birthday, with blessings of longevity and health."

"Good boy," Madam Zhong said. "Even with your busy studies, you came to celebrate my birthday. You are considerate. Come, let’s sit in the garden."

In the garden, Madam Zhong deliberately created an opportunity for Tang Feng and Zhong Xiuxiu to exchange a few words.

"I’ve heard that Fifth Miss is studying at the Chunshan Women’s Medical College."

"Indeed."

"Fifth Miss, to save lives and practice medicine is truly a model among women. Tang Feng is full of admiration."

"Second Young Master flatters me."

In this brief question and answer, the two reached mutual understanding already.

Madam Zhong was very pleased to see this.

Old Madam Tang nodded in contentment; this engagement was settled.

Today was to celebrate Madam Zhong’s birthday, and the Zhong and Tang families also put this engagement on the agenda.

They finally decided to wait until Tang Feng obtained a scholarly title at the next exam before making a formal engagement.

After learning her daughter was to be betrothed, Mrs. Gu couldn’t thank Madam Zhong enough.

"I am deeply grateful for your great kindness to Fifth Miss."

"Aunt Gu, no need for formalities. Fifth Girl is also my daughter," Madam Zhong said. "You just need to take good care of yourself. After Fifth Girl is wed, having this child with you, you won’t feel lonely."

"Thank you, Madam," Mrs. Gu said. "There are only a few days left until labor. I will trouble Madam to take care."

"Don’t worry. I have already invited a midwife, and with Fifth Girl by your side, your delivery will be safe."

"Thank you, Madam."

The past few days, Zhong Xiuxiu was absent-minded at the academy.

"Sister Xiuxiu, what’s the matter?"

Lei Ying asked worriedly.

"My aunt is about to give birth. I need to take leave from the teacher tomorrow to stay by her side."

"Hmm, sounds good," Lei Ying said. "Aunt Gu is slightly older, facing challenges with childbirth. Sister Xiuxiu, if you need help, send for me. I’m willing to lend a hand."

"Thank you."

"Sister Xiuxiu, if it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t be alive now. Between us sisters, there is no need for thanks," Lei Ying said. "If gratitude is due, it should be to you."

The two exchanged smiles, yes, in the academy there were so many fellow sisters, but she and Lei Ying were closest in their relationship.

You understand me, I understand you; truly, sisters in spirit.