Chapter 235: Daiyu: Does Nian Shilan Not Know Shame?

In the garden of Rong Guo Mansion,

Jia Mu, while recommending the famed physician Wu Qian to Lady Li, pulled Daiyu into her arms and, with considerable satisfaction, glanced at her increasingly rosy complexion.

Daiyu's congenital illness was completely cured, which relieved Jia Mu of a great worry.

Consequently, she extolled Wu Qian's medical skill to everyone she met.

And Daiyu, taken by surprise as Jia Mu pulled her into her arms, felt a few flushes of redness appear on her face under Lady Li's scrutinizing gaze.

Her lacquer-like bright eyes twinkled; she rose, bowed to Lady Li, and softly said:

"Greetings, Madam!"

Her voice was melodious and lingering, with a hint of the gentle softness of the Jiangnan water towns.

Lady Li examined Daiyu's complexion and appearance carefully, and couldn't help but be momentarily stunned!

Undoubtedly, even among the many young ladies and women of the Jia Mansion, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baichai stand out as the finest in both appearance and temperament.

Lady Li gave Lin Daiyu another once-over, a hint of meaning in her eyes, then smiled and said:

"So this is the Lin family's daughter, the Jiangnan salt‑inspection official, right? I heard Nian Shilan mention you when she went back, and indeed you are of uncommon beauty and a refined, virtuous nature!"

Though Lady Li's words were courteous, she felt a certain wariness toward Lin Daiyu's smoky brows and affectionate gaze.

Such an otherworldly temperament explains why Nian Shilan spoke of this lady and another girl named Xue Baichai with such solemnity, as if facing a great enemy.

Having such a cousin around, with Champion Hou in daily contact, must be hard not to be moved!

Lin Daiyu, hearing this, looked up at Nian Shilan beside Lady Li.

She saw that her expression remained unchanged, still the delicate, shy, gentle and virtuous demeanor of a refined lady.

Daiyu inwardly snorted: Hmph! Seeing Tian run to Third Brother's house, his intentions are as obvious as Sima Zhao's—no good at all!

These days she has seen countless noble ladies from aristocratic families come to the mansion seeking a marriage alliance with Jia Jing, and alarms have already sounded in her mind.

Especially this Nian Shilan, a young lady who repeatedly visits, does she not know shame?

After a brief exchange with Daiyu, Lady Li turned back to Jia Mu and said:

"Madam, rest assured, my mother‑in‑law is not seriously ill! She is merely advanced in age, frail and weak."

"Wu, the magistrate of the courtyard, has also visited our family, saying she is just old, but otherwise has no issues."

Jia Mu, hearing this, softened slightly, paused, and sighed:

"Living to seventy has been rare since antiquity! When one reaches such age, ailments are everywhere—here a sickness, there a pain."

"She is also over seventy, a few years older than me; the climate here in Shenjing is not as warm as the south, so she must take care of her health."

"The elderly must not expose themselves to wind or cold, and should worry less."

Lady Li, dressed in a stone‑blue woven‑gold embroidered silk dress with light cloud patterns on the hem and collar, looked graceful, a faint smile on her face, said:

"Thank you, Madam, for your concern; my mother‑in‑law now stays at home, indulging in sweets and doting on grandchildren, so there is little to worry about."

"The only lingering matter is the marriage of my younger sister! She has two sons and two daughters, and now only Nian Shilan remains without an engagement."

"Nian Shilan is the youngest; her grandparents have always treated her as a treasured jewel, reluctant to let her leave the household."

"Moreover, she has lofty aspirations, idolizing her second brother, and wishes to find a towering great general like him, not interested in ordinary young masters."

"Even Li Gu Lao, Jin Shuo's son, and even Prince Yi have visited my home, yet Nian Shilan refuses…"

Lady Li's pointed remarks left the listeners with varied expressions.

Lady Wang, Baichai, Daiyu and others all frowned subtly, their faces slightly darkened.

These words not only subtly highlighted the intention to arrange a marriage with Jia Jing, since a great general as towering as Nian Gengyao is required and of suitable age—who else but Jia Jing?

It also underscored Nian Shilan's desirability, lest the Jia family look down on her because she has visited several times of her own accord.

The Li Gu Lao she mentioned is Grand Councilor Li Guangdi, and Jin Shuo is the Minister of Works Jin Fu, both high officials of the court.

Prince Yi needs no introduction; he is the eldest son of the Taishang Huang, the former heir apparent.

Jia Mu smiled lightly, not following up on Lady Li's words.

Although she also thought Nian Shilan was fine—well‑read, sensible, and of good bearing—she could not decide this matter.

Moreover, many wish to marry their wayward grandson to her family lately, including several distinguished princesses, let alone Nian Shilan!

Jia Mu's smile remained, and in a hoarse voice she said:

"Nian Shilan is indeed admirable; she will surely find a good match in the future."

"Your mother‑in‑law is also blessed; now three generations live together, the descendants thrive, and you have these dutiful daughters‑in‑law."

Lady Li was unbothered by Jia Mu's lack of response regarding Nian Shilan; this was her first visit, mainly to scout and build connections.

Whether Nian Shilan's marriage can be secured hinges on how Second Brother Nian Gengyao negotiates with Champion Hou.

Lady Li smiled and said:

"My mother‑in‑law is indeed blessed! Madam is even more blessed!"

"Beyond being from a marquis family, the former Duke of Rong is a generation's outstanding figure, and now among the grandchildren has emerged a national pillar and hero like Champion Hou."

"On my way to the mansion just now I heard fresh victory news from the northwest! Sealing the wolves, drinking horse water across the vast sea, nine battles all victorious, his fame shaking the world—what glorious achievements!"

"My lord said this northwest battle concerns the realm; Champion Hou's merit is immense, and within ten days the court will issue an imperial decree of reward!"

Lady Li's gentle words were full of praise, though it was unclear whether she truly admired Jia Jing's achievements or was merely flattering.

Jia Mu and the others had by now learned of the ninth victory report.

Although pleased, they, like Emperor Jing Sheng Di, have heard so many victory reports and compliments lately that they have become somewhat immune.

Jia Mu smiled, waved her hand and said:

"He is still young; he only gains some merit by the emperor's trust, and has much more to learn ahead!"

"Lord Nian of Liaodong is the seasoned national minister; the truly skilled warrior leaves no dazzling glory."

"Lord Nian has guarded the frontier at the Nine Borders for many years, truly earning great merit! Even Jia Jing originally rose step by step from under his command!"

These days, Jia Mu, faced with countless congratulations, has already devised a set of responses for flattery.

It means first to stress the emperor's confidence, then to humble oneself a few lines, and meanwhile to praise the other side's outstanding family members, with give‑and‑take, very smooth.

Li Shi, seeing Jia Mu praising Nian Gengyao, felt a bit comforted and, smiling, said:

"Madam, didn't Lan the maid say there's also a Baoyu in the household? I heard he's also naturally gifted and elegant, why haven't I seen him?"