I was full of admiration. No wonder Duan Chang praised An Jin as an extraordinary talent. He could understand a person’s background, official rank, and even marital status with just a glance – truly worthy of his position as the Personnel Department Vice Minister who managed the employment and assessment of all Qi State officials.
He seemed somewhat embarrassed by my direct admiring gaze, turning his eyes away. “I just…” “I understand,” I said, stirring my chopsticks and scooping down a mouthful of noodles. “No wonder you’ve been promoted so quickly. Do you remember the background of every official so clearly?”
I feel extremely oppressed. Are the Song family and I just incompatible, or what? Their son snatched my big brother’s intended bride, and now their daughter wants to steal my husband. Do the people my family choose look like some kind of delicacy that everyone wants to grab?
The Song family is considered a prestigious family. A noble young lady wanting to become a concubine is puzzling. Madam Song acts like I don’t exist. She spent time complaining to my mother-in-law, saying her daughter is devoted to An Jin, who cares deeply for her daughter; otherwise, he wouldn’t have proposed. She hinted that I’ve been married to An Jin for over a year without a child. The matchmaker praised the Song family’s third young miss. If it weren’t for my mother-in-law sitting coldly at the head of the table, I would have grabbed the broom and swept them out.
My mother-in-law’s brow furrowed tighter, making me feel uneasy. She doesn’t like me. Could she be swayed into wanting An Jin to take a concubine?
My mother-in-law rubbed her forehead and glanced at Madam Song, speaking in a flat tone. “This is not something I can manage. Let them decide for themselves.”
Seeing Madam Song and the matchmaker looking defeated brought me joy. My mother-in-law glanced at me and then claimed to be tired, returning to her room.
I perked up, picked up the refreshing tea that Que’er had specially prepared for me, took a big gulp, and prepared to win the first battle of eliminating An Jin’s romantic entanglements.
Madam Song, seeing this, could only turn to me, saying her daughter was well-behaved and would not compete for affection if she married in.
