vstars Chapter 1160 Qiao Gong Acts as Matchmaker, Dong Bai is Generous
Chapter 1160 Qiao Gong Acts as Matchmaker, Dong Bai is Generous
The old lady's eyes suddenly lit up, as if a dusty bronze mirror had been polished. Just as she was about to speak, Sun Shangxiang exclaimed "Ah!" and took half a step forward, her cheeks flushed red. Stealing a glance at the old lady and seeing that her mother was not angry, she quickly lowered her head again, twisting the hem of her skirt with her fingers.
He turned to the old lady and said earnestly, "Think about it, Meng Qi is already grateful to Bo Fu. If he becomes the son-in-law of the Sun family, Sun Shangxiang will be his wife, and Sun Shao will be the son of his sworn brother. With these two affections, how could he not care about Jiangdong? Even if Meng Qi really becomes powerful in the future and Jiangdong surrenders, with this marriage alliance, would the Sun family still suffer any injustice?"
The old lady's mind raced, and the more she thought about it, the clearer it became: That's right! Meng Qi was a man of great loyalty and righteousness, and now that he had become her son-in-law, she had to protect Jiangdong for Xiang'er's sake.
She looked at Sun Shangxiang and saw her daughter's face flushed crimson, yet her eyes held a barely perceptible expectation. Her hesitation vanished instantly. She took Sun Shangxiang's hand, her palm warm: "Xiang'er, what Master Qiao said is true, you..."
"Mother!" Sun Shangxiang stamped her foot, her voice trembling with tears, but she wasn't truly angry. "Those were just childhood jokes! Brother Mengqi... he wouldn't even look at me!"
"How could that be?" The old lady patted the back of her hand, a smile creeping into the corner of her eyes. "Although Mengqi is straightforward, he's not a fool. My Xiang'er is so good, how could he not like her?"
Qiao Xuan added fuel to the fire: "Miss Sun, don't worry, I'll talk to Meng Qi. Madam, this marriage will not only fulfill your wishes but also satisfy Meng Qi and Bo Fu's feelings. Isn't that a win-win situation?"
Looking at her daughter's reddened eyes, the old lady's last bit of worry vanished, and she nodded, saying, "Mr. Qiao is right! It's settled then, but we'll have to trouble you."
Qiao Xuan laughed heartily, and the old lady also smiled, but Sun Shangxiang blushed.
During their two-day stay in Jiangdong, the Sun residence was much livelier than usual. Ma Chao spent his days accompanying Sun Shao in practicing spear techniques at the drill ground, watching the boy learn each move with remarkable skill, occasionally offering a few pointers, which added to his leisure time. In the evenings, the old lady always invited him to stay for dinner, during which she would reminisce about Sun Shao's childhood or inquire about the customs and traditions of the north, gradually creating an atmosphere as harmonious as that of a family.
On the morning of the third day, Ma Chao had just finished practicing a set of spear techniques, his forehead still damp with a thin layer of sweat, when a servant rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, someone from Wu Commandery has arrived, saying that Chief Shamoke has properly moved Lady Sally's coffin, and General Dian Wei is escorting it. They will be setting off for Chang'an in the next few days."
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao fell silent for a moment. He then instructed his servants to inform Dong Bai, Zhen Mi, Zhang Fubao, Gongsun Rou, and the others to prepare their belongings, as it was time for them to depart.
Just as he was still in a daze, another maid came to report: "Your Highness, Mr. Qiao Xuan has come to visit and is already waiting outside the mansion gate."
Ma Chao pondered deeply. Qiao Xuan was the father of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, and they had met back in Luoyang. He had neglected to visit him during his trip to Jiangdong. Composing himself, he straightened his clothes and suppressed the redness in his eyes: "Please invite him to the reception room."
The carved wooden window of the reception room was half-open, and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms drifted in on the breeze, settling on the celadon tea set on the table, adding a touch of elegance. As soon as Ma Chao stepped across the threshold, he saw Qiao Xuan standing with his hands behind his back in front of the wall, staring intently at a painting, his white beard swaying slightly in the wind.
"It's been a long time since I've seen Prince Liang. You're still as dashing as ever." Qiao Xuan turned around, his eyes crinkling with laughter, his tone carrying a hint of familiar teasing.
Ma Chao quickly cupped his hands in greeting, his tone sincere: "Lord Qiao is too kind. I have been busy with many matters during my trip to Jiangdong and have not been able to pay my respects immediately. I hope Lord Qiao will forgive me." He then stepped aside to indicate, "Lord Qiao, please sit down."
The two took their seats as host and guest, and a maidservant served freshly brewed pre-Qingming Longjing tea. The tea was clear and bright, with wisps of steam rising from it. Qiao Xuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smacked his lips, saying, "The Prince of Liang has accomplished something truly significant this time. The pacification of Jiangdong and Shao'er's ability to secure his position are all thanks to your efforts in dealing with Gongjin. This old man, retired at home, has witnessed it all and deeply admires it."
"You flatter me, Lord Qiao." Ma Chao put down his teacup. "Bo Fu and I are like brothers. Protecting Jiangdong and safeguarding Shao'er are simply my duties."
Qiao Xuan put down his teacup, his expression gradually becoming serious: "I have come here today because I do have something I wish to discuss with the Prince of Liang."
Ma Chao's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained calm: "Lord Qiao, please speak freely. As long as Ma Chao can do it, I will not refuse."
As they were talking, very light footsteps came from behind the screen. Dong Bai, lifting her skirt, stood in the shadows. She had originally come to discuss her departure with Ma Chao—she had already sent the women to pack their bags, intending to say goodbye to the old lady before leaving. Seeing that there were guests in the hall, she quietly stopped, not wanting to disturb them, and simply stood quietly behind the screen to wait.
Qiao Xuan, unaware of the commotion behind the screen, focused his gaze on Ma Chao's face and slowly began to speak: "The old lady has been frowning these past few days, simply because she fears that Shao'er is too young and the foundation of Jiangdong is unstable. The King of Liang also knows that this world is not peaceful, surrounded by tigers and wolves, and relying solely on Gongjin will ultimately be difficult..."
Ma Chao frowned slightly, his tone solemn: "Lord Qiao, the old lady is overthinking it. With Gongjin (Zhou Yu) in charge of Jiangdong, and veteran generals like Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang, all seasoned warriors, able to maintain order, ordinary storms will hardly shake our foundation." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the city's outline outside the window, "Although I am in Chang'an, I am constantly monitoring the situation in Jiangdong. If anyone dares to provoke us, there is no need for Jiangdong to ask for help; my iron cavalry will march south, and I will not allow Bofu's hard work to be harmed."
Qiao Xuan stroked his beard and said slowly, "That's true, but the old lady is still a mother after all, and she only has eyes for Shao'er. He's too young, and even with good ministers to assist him, he's like a seedling that hasn't taken root in this chaotic world, swaying in the wind."
He changed the subject, his gaze falling on Ma Chao's face with a hint of earnestness: "You've watched Xiang'er grow up. She's a bit fiery, but she can distinguish right from wrong and values relationships. The old lady thought that if she could marry you, it would firstly fulfill the relationship between the two families, and secondly... with this marriage alliance, Jiangdong would have an extra protective charm, and Shao'er's future path would be more stable."
Ma Chao was taken aback upon hearing this, his hand holding the teacup freezing in mid-air, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Xiang'er? To me, she has always been like a younger sister; I have never had such thoughts. How could the old lady..."
“Your Majesty has the ambition to conquer the world, which is evident to all.” Qiao Xuan interrupted him, his tone calm but his words clear. “Jiangdong, a corner of the world, will sooner or later be drawn into the game of the world. What the old lady fears is not Your Majesty’s current covetousness of Jiangdong, but that when the two armies clash in the future, the Sun family will have no one to rely on and will end up with nothing but a desolate wasteland.”
He looked at Ma Chao and continued, "She wants to use this marriage as a bond to bring the Sun family under your wing as soon as possible. If you can truly rule the world in the future, Jiangdong will naturally submit, which will not only fulfill your obligations but also preserve the Sun family's lineage. Wouldn't that be a natural outcome?"
Ma Chao's expression darkened, and he slammed down his teacup harder, the porcelain striking the wooden table with a soft clatter. "I have absolutely no desire for Jiangdong. I dare not forget Bo Fu's entrustment. The old lady is so wary of this; I will go and explain things to her right away!"
Having said that, he was about to get up, but Qiao Xuan grabbed his sleeve and shook his head, saying, "Your Majesty, please wait! It is precisely because you have never shown any ambition that the old lady is even more uneasy. A person like you has your sights set on the world. Just because you did not seize Jiangdong today does not mean you won't tomorrow. Rather than waiting for the future to turn against each other, it is better to strengthen the relationship now—she wants Shao'er to grow up under your protection, so that the Sun family can go further."
A bitter smile appeared on Ma Chao's face as his fingertips unconsciously traced the edge of the teacup: "I don't know how many romantic entanglements I've been involved in. As for Shangxiang, I've watched her grow from a little child into a graceful young woman, hoping only that she could find someone who truly loves her and live a peaceful life. I've never had any other thoughts."
Qiao Xuan shook his head, his tone resolute: "Regardless of the old lady's thoughts, if you agree to this marriage, it will put her mind at ease. More importantly, Shangxiang's admiration for you is far more than just ordinary." He looked at Ma Chao, his eyes filled with understanding, "If you marry her, firstly, it will fulfill her wishes and give an explanation to Bo Fu's spirit in heaven; secondly, with this connection, Jiangdong can confidently rely on your protection in the future, without having to live in fear. When you achieve great things in the future, the Sun family, with this marriage, will at least be a noble family, a lineage that lasts for generations. Isn't that a win-win situation?"
Just as Ma Chao was about to speak, a soft sound came from behind the screen, and Dong Bai stepped out gracefully. Her elegant dress accentuated her dignified figure, and she wore a gentle smile on her face: "Lord Qiao, Chang'an agrees to this marriage."
Qiao Xuan was taken aback, turned to look at her, his eyes full of surprise.
Ma Chao hurriedly stood up and introduced, "Lord Qiao, this is Dong Bai, the granddaughter of Lord Dong, and we are engaged long ago."
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Qiao Xuan's face. He had been so focused on arranging the marriage that he hadn't realized Ma Chao was already engaged. Just as he was feeling a bit flustered, Dong Bai smiled and said, "Master Qiao, there's no need to be so formal. When I say I agree, I mean it."
She looked up at Ma Chao, a hint of amusement in her eyes: "Uncle Ma entrusted me with the affairs of the Ma family's inner quarters long ago, so naturally I should make the decision." She then turned to Qiao Xuan, her tone frank: "Sister Shangxiang is lively and intelligent, and I like her very much. Marrying into the Ma family would not only provide her with a good home but also put the old lady's mind at ease. Why not?"
As she spoke, she reached out and gently touched Ma Chao's arm, her tone slightly reproachful: "What are you still dawdling about here for? Are you secretly pleased but pretending to be?"
Ma Chao's cheeks flushed from her words, and he was momentarily speechless, standing there dumbfounded with his ears burning red.
Upon seeing this, Qiao Xuan was taken aback at first, then clapped his hands and laughed, "Good! Well said, Miss Dong Bai! Since you say so, I can report back to the old lady with peace of mind!" He got up to take his leave, but turned back at the door and said with a smile, "Prince Liang, Miss Dong Bai, this is a great joy! I will go and tell the old lady to make preparations right away!"
"Take care, Lord Qiao." Dong Bai saw him off with a smile. After Qiao Xuan had gone some distance, he turned to Ma Chao, raised an eyebrow, and said, "What, still standing there? Are you really not happy about it?"
Ma Chao then came to his senses, scratched his head, and said with a hint of helplessness, "You... you didn't even discuss this with me."
"Discuss?" Dong Bai raised an eyebrow. "By the time you come to a conclusion, the old lady will probably be worried sick. Shangxiang is a good girl. It's better for us to keep each other company after she marries into the family than for you to think about those worries every day." She paused, her tone softening. "Besides, this is for the stability of Jiangdong, for Shao'er to grow up in peace. Don't you understand that?"
Looking into her clear eyes, Ma Chao recalled Dong Bai's courageous act earlier, and his hesitation gradually dissipated, leaving only warmth. He reached out to tidy the stray hairs at her temples and whispered, "I'll listen to you."