Chapter 540: The Matriarch of the State Duke Mansion's Temptation

Lu Ning tugged at the corner of her mouth, trying to make her smile look more natural, but the tension in her eyes had not fully faded.

She thought rapidly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the hem of her robe, and after a moment she composed herself, speaking sincerely and respectfully, praising without reservation: "Duke, your literary talent is outstanding; when you wield the brush, splendid prose flows, and your command of troops is godlike, unstoppable on the battlefield, having earned great merits for the Court; you are truly a first‑rate man of the age!"

Every word of that speech was earnest, with no hint of embellishment.

After all, Chen's reputation and talent are universally acknowledged by both the Court and the provinces.

Yet as soon as the words fell, the tone shifted, the voice gradually softened, carrying a hint of firmness and distance: "But Lu Ning, your heart is now unburdened, and you do not wish to marry for the time being..."

Her voice was gentle, yet each word was clear, and the phrasing was laced with a courteous yet unmistakable refusal.

Lu Ning could not read Pei Suiwan's thoughts, and she did not wish to marry so early, lest no one look after her two younger brothers...

Upon hearing this, Pei Suiwan's smile remained gentle, showing no trace of anger.

He slowly released Lu Ning's hand, leaned back slightly, creating a small distance, his demeanor calm and composed, as if the solemn proposal moments ago had been merely casual conversation.

"Since Lu Ning does not wish it, I won't force you," she said evenly, her tone revealing no emotion, her eyes lightly scanning the unfinished Brothels on the table, changing the subject, "Today is unusually peaceful; let's talk about A Sheng and A Jing!"

The Grand Duke's Lady gave up so easily? Could she be trying to use A Sheng and A Jing as leverage... Lu Ning felt a stir, muttering to herself, this thought raising a hint of caution in her heart, yet she still kept a gentle, obedient demeanor, lifted her gaze to Pei Suiwan and tentatively asked, "But have the two done anything lately that might have angered the Duke or the Prince?"

Pei Suiwan gently shook his head, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, and said softly, "Your two younger brothers are diligent and eager to learn, obedient and sensible, with not a trace of youthful recklessness..."

"Sister, I have often heard my husband praise them, saying A Sheng is steady and capable, A Jing is quick‑witted and clever, both are talents ready to be molded!"

After a pause, he added, "My husband has promoted A Sheng, appointing him as a cavalry officer of the Left Martial Guard, and will keep him close to personally instruct him, to cultivate him properly!"

"The Left Martial Guard is the capital's elite; although a cavalry officer is not a high rank, it allows one to stay beside the commander, learning genuine skills of marching, formations, and military affairs—a chance many covet."

Lu Ning heard this, and the tension in her heart finally eased, and she breathed a sigh of relief in secret.

She could sense the sincerity in Pei Suiwan's words, with no hint of falsehood; her expression softened considerably, yet she still dared not relax, maintaining a cautious posture, and asked softly, "Then, Sister, what do you intend to discuss?"

In the warm chamber, the silver‑threaded charcoal still burned brightly, warm smoke curled, filling the room with a cozy heat.

The soft halo of the lace‑screen lamp bathed their faces, Pei Suiwan's smile remained gentle, but his eyes held a few inscrutable depths.

Though Lu Ning's heart had eased a bit, she still could not let her guard down; after all, the marriage proposal earlier had been too sudden.

She truly could not read the Grand Duke's Lady's true intentions, so she mustered all her focus and waited silently for what would come next.

Pei Suiwan gave a faint smile, the depth in his eyes becoming more evident, and asked calmly, "Lu Ning, you come from the Lu family of Wu County, a prestigious lineage of officials for generations, with deep scholarly roots; I imagine you have been exposed since childhood to the ways of official promotion and court etiquette, correct?"

Lu Ning pressed her lips lightly, her fingertips curling slightly, vaguely sensing a hidden meaning in Pei Suiwan's words but daring not to speculate, she replied honestly, her tone cautious, "I know a little..."

Pei Suiwan blinked, a slight curve forming at his mouth, his gaze fixed on Lu Ning, and asked meaningfully, "Do you think two fresh graduates, with no foundation or backing in the Court, could have a smooth official career and rise step by step?"

"Or, as the brother‑in‑law of a high‑ranking minister, could they be constantly supported, promoted faster, and stand higher and more securely?"

Those words were like a stone tossed into Lu Ning's already turbulent heart, instantly stirring a thousand ripples.

She was taken aback, opened her mouth, but couldn't speak for a long moment, stammering, "This... this..."

Pei Suiwan's question was too direct and too realistic.

Lu Ning knew better than anyone that, regardless of the nation, official circles are strictly hierarchical, and aristocratic families are deeply intertwined.

Two youngsters without any background, no matter how talented or ambitious, must endure countless hardships to secure a foothold in their careers; a slight misstep could mean ruin.

A powerful patron is more important than anything...

Especially when that patron is one's own brother‑in‑law.

As his brother‑in‑law, A Sheng and A Jing's futures are naturally incomparable, a point that cannot be refuted.

The once‑firm defensive line in her heart quietly loosened at that moment, and an indescribable flutter began to stir.

Pei Suiwan keenly noticed Lu Ning's hesitation and shifting expression, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes, but instead of pressing further, he timely changed the subject, his tone returning to its usual warmth: "Then let's discuss their marriages again!"

Lu Ning, hearing this, snapped back to herself, quickly composed her mind, suppressing the chaotic thoughts, lifted her gaze to Pei Suiwan, her expression respectful and focused: "Please, Sister, go ahead!"

Pei Suiwan smiled faintly, a gentle yet sharp edge in his eyes, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the desk, the crisp knocks echoing as if striking Lu Ning's heart, and he asked slowly, "Since the two have entered service of Great Zhou and taken root in the Court, they will remain in Chang'an for the long term, correct?"

Lu Ning felt a chill, nodded in agreement with his words, and replied gravely, "Yes."

As soon as the words fell, she sensed an undercurrent of manipulation in Pei Suiwan's remark, and the thread of caution rose again within her.

Pei Suiwan lifted his fine brows, his smile deepening, and his tone gradually added a weight of reality: "Lu Ning, as their sole sister who has cared for them since childhood, now that they have reached the age of arranging marriages, you must personally select good matches for them, so they will have wives to support them and harmonious families, right?"

Lu Ning nodded silently, the words striking the concerns she held as the elder sister.

She had always been mindful of her brothers' marriages, but being a dependent herself, she lacked the power to plan much for them; Pei Suiwan's remark now brought a pang of bitterness to her heart.

Before she could ponder, Pei Suiwan's tone rose sharply, his gaze sharp as a blade, staring directly at her: "But Lu Ning, consider this—relying only on your own strength, without family protection or wealth and influence, what kind of wives' families could you secure for A Sheng and A Jing?"

Those words struck Lu Ning's heart like a heavy hammer.

She was again at a loss, opened her mouth, but not a single word came out, only a hesitant "This..."

Indeed, she was merely an orphan; despite bearing the Lu name of Wu County, she no longer had any family support.

In Chang'an, teeming with talent and aristocratic families, the only people she could reach were ordinary households.

Even though her brothers are outstanding, without powerful external backing, trying to latch onto truly influential families is nothing but a fool's dream.

She had never dared to contemplate this question; now Pei Suiwan laid it bare, leaving her feeling utterly embarrassed, her hesitation deepening.

Pei Suiwan sensed her embarrassment and wavering, pressed the advantage, yet without harsh words, he merely pursed his lips and smiled lightly, his voice dropping lower, each phrase piercing like a needle: "Lu Ning has always cherished her brothers; surely she hopes for their brilliant futures, not a mediocre life..."

"So, do you intend for them to marry daughters of ordinary families, then fight alone in the Court, watching others' moods, leading a life of mediocrity..."

"Or do you wish them to wed the legitimate daughters of the Six Surnames of Guanzhong, gaining a powerful wife's clan behind them, ensuring a smooth ascent in their careers, step by step?"

Lu Ning lowered her gaze to the unfinished lotus‑vine pattern on the desk, her fingertips tracing the brocade threads, as Pei Suiwan's words, like a hammer, repeatedly struck her heart.

After a long moment, she slowly shook her head, her voice as light as a sigh yet bearing an undeniable truth: "Water flows downhill, people strive upward; this is the natural order..."

The words fell, a bitter smile tugging at her lips, a swirl of complex emotions in her eyes, "The Six Surnames of Guanzhong are centuries‑old aristocratic families, with deep roots and overwhelming power; if one can marry a legitimate daughter of the Six Surnames, such a powerful wife's clan would naturally smooth A Sheng and A Jing's future path. Who would willingly settle for mediocrity, trapped in an ordinary household, wasting a life?"

Those words were both a lament and the truest reflection of her inner self.

As the elder sister, she had always hoped her brothers could climb the high branches and have brilliant futures.

Yet she had long understood her own situation and never dared such lofty hopes.

Now Pei Suiwan has opened a crack in that door, allowing her to glimpse possibility, and the defensive wall in her heart has already begun to crumble.

No wonder she is the foremost talented lady of Chang'an, the matriarch of the State Duke Mansion!

Truly skilled at negotiation; the words spoken and the terms offered are utterly impossible to refuse...

Pei Suiwan heard the words, lifted her eyes slightly, and her voice suddenly rose, carrying a magnificent momentum as she loudly declared, "If A Sheng is the little brother‑in‑law of our State Duke Mansion, backed by the great tree of the Weiguo Gongfu, and also supported by the prestigious lineage of your Wu County Lu family..."

Then he would have the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with the legitimate daughters of the Six Surnames of Guanzhong!

"......" As those words left her mouth, Lu Ning felt her spirit jolted, as if struck by a bolt of thunder.

She abruptly raised her eyes to look at Pei Suiwan, her gaze filled with incredulous shock.

Indeed, if I truly married Chen Yan, then A Sheng and A Jing would become the little brother‑in‑law of the State Duke Mansion.

His status would be turned upside down in an instant.

Marrying a legitimate daughter of the Six Surnames would naturally cease to be an unattainable dream.

The thought grew wildly like vines, instantly entangling Lu Ning's entire mind.

Pei Suiwan caught the tremor in Lu Ning's eyes and knew the moment was ripe.

She pressed her lips together, leaned forward, and once more extended her hand, gently clasping Lu Ning's slightly cool hand; the warmth of her palm carried a soothing power, and in a voice soft enough to melt water she said, "It so happens that I have a younger cousin named Feng He, a direct daughter of the Pei Clan, now at a prime age."

She is exceedingly beautiful, her skin whiter than snow, her temperament obedient and clever, well‑read and sensible, proficient in qin, chess, calligraphy and painting.

If she were given to A Sheng as a wife, not only would A Sheng gain a virtuous partner, but the Wu County Lu lineage would continue its line, forging a strong alliance; thereafter your Lu family could firmly establish itself in Chang'an. What do you think?

Pei Suiwan's words were highly tempting; as one of the Six Surnames of Guanzhong, the Pei Clan's legitimate daughter holds a most prestigious status.

Being able to marry into the Pei family would, for A Sheng, be an unparalleled chance to rise swiftly.

For the entire Lu family, it would be a hope to revitalize the household.

Lu Ning's heart surged with tumultuous waves; such alluring conditions threw her into an extremely fierce indecision.

Her fingertips trembled slightly, and fine cold sweat seeped from her palm.

She looked at the sincere expectation in Pei Suiwan's eyes, inhaled deeply, suppressed the turmoil within, and softly asked, "Then, sister, what plans do you have for A Jing?"

Pei Suiwan lifted her hand to gently brush a strand of hair that had fallen on her shoulder; her jet‑black locks made her skin appear even more luminous, and a gentle smile lit her eyes as she said, "Ning'er, you have probably heard that A Jing's matriarch is your sister's close confidante, isn't she?"

Lu Ning's heart stirred, and she instinctively nodded.

Before she could ask further, Pei Suiwan smiled and continued, "Sister, could you ask Shuying to select a legitimate daughter of the Jing Zhao Du Clan for A Jing?"

This is both a gift to Huan Jing, an added promise to Lu Ning, and a way to bind A Ze's younger brother with Shuying as retainers, further refining loyalty.

"What?" Lu Ning was stunned, a brilliant light flashing in her eyes, her voice trembling with excitement, "To be able to marry a legitimate daughter of the Jing Zhao Du Clan would be perfect!"

Jing Zhao Wei Du, five chi from the heavens.

With such a wife's family, she need not worry any longer...

At this moment, Lu Ning's face no longer bore the previous hesitation and conflict; it was replaced by an uncontainable elation and gratitude.

She gazed at Pei Suiwan, her eyes brimming with emotion.

The lingering resistance she felt toward her own marriage became insignificant before the brothers' bright, dazzling futures.

Pei Suiwan took in her reaction fully, understood it, and her smile grew gentler as she continued to guide kindly, "Our State Duke is someone you've gotten to know in daily interactions, Ning'er, and he has always been exceedingly kind to his own people..."

In not many years, A Sheng and A Jing will both occupy high positions, serving as generals and ministers!

Lu Ning nodded firmly and replied, "Hmm!"

She harbored no doubt about it...

Because Chen Yan is already a power broker, a minister above ten thousand yet below three men!

Seeing the timing ripe, Pei Suiwan stopped beating around the bush, her beautiful eyes fixed directly on Lu Ning, her gaze deep and sincere, looking at the graceful, gentle‑natured woman before her, she slowly smiled and asked, "Ning'er, now that you've thought about it, how do you feel about my earlier proposal?"

She paused, her tone becoming even softer, filled with earnestness and respect: "Rest assured, sister and the State Duke will not force you; we will respect your choice..."