In the time that Wu Ling and his companions had been away, several things were occurring in Silver Sword City.
As a Junior Researcher, Liang Xuanji had been incredibly busy both preparing for the Amber Lily Alchemy Exchange and all of the events surrounding it. Even afterward, there were several affairs left to tend to that required her to put in long hours of work.
As one of the researchers who actually observed the eclipse directly and helped in the collection of materials and data, not only had the Academy itself placed several demands on her, but some of the visitors to the academy made requests for her time and research as well.
It was only several days after the exchange that things calmed down enough for her to turn her attention to the affairs of her little brother and Wu Ling. Fortunately, her little brother had wasted no time in having a portrait prepared that she could present to Wu Ling's mother when she approached the Wu family to negotiate a matchmaking session.
The artists of the Purple Thunder War Hall had done an excellent job of capturing the young protege of the Liang family's best features, depicting him as both heroic in his posture and intelligent in his gaze. Looking at the portrait, if not for the fact that he was her own little brother, even she might have felt moved and she hoped it had the same effect on Madame Wu.
When the mouse-like researcher finally arrived at the Wu residence, however, she walked past it several times to confirm the address that Alchemist Huang Yeyan provided before she knocked on the door. Given Sister Wu's remarkable ability, she'd expected to find the fortified manor of a powerful family. Discovering the humble courtyard where Wu Ling's mother resided surprised the young scholar, but it didn't deter her from making her move today.
In fact, realizing that Sister Wu Ling's origins were much more humble made it even more important to secure a first-mover advantage for her younger brother! When prestigious families came calling, she could already envision Wu Ling's family feeling pressured to accept the first serious betrothal offer that came their way. If that was the case, she was determined to secure that position for her brother!
Eventually, an attractive if somewhat forgettable young woman answered the door blinking several times at the appearance of the young scholar who had come calling. With Wu Ling away, his mother almost never received visitors, so it was strange that someone would bother them in this quiet corner of Silver Sword City.
"Can I help you?" Yingxu asked the young scholar.
"Yes, please pardon the intrusion," Liang Xuanji began politely. "My name is Liang Xuanji, I'm an acquaintance of Junior Sister Wu Ling. She helped to keep me safe on a recent expedition in the mountains," she explained. "I'm aware that she's currently on another expedition, but I was hoping to meet with Madame Wu Ningli to discuss matters regarding her daughter. Would it be convenient to meet with Madame Wu?"
"Madame Wu's health is poor," Yingxu began, trying to figure out what this young woman's motivations were. She felt sincere, eager even, and there wasn't the slightest trace of hostility about her but it was truly strange for anyone to call on Elder Phantom, especially to call on her about Wu Ling.
"Could you tell me what you wish to discuss with her? If it isn't vital, I'm afraid that she may not be able to see you today," Yingxu asked. It didn't hurt to hear what the young woman had to say. She could always send her away after.
"Oh, it's the most important thing for a young woman," Liang Xuanji said, her voice entirely sincere and even a touch somber. "You see, Junior Sister Wu Ling has caught my younger brother's eye and he would like to propose a matchmaking dinner between our families," she explained in something of a rush.
"You must understand that my little brother is very extraordinary. He's an Inner Disciple of the Purple Thunder War Hall, a Soldier, and an Initiate Scholar at just twenty years old," Liang Xuanji continued proudly. "I think he would be a very good match for Junior Sister Wu Ling. I've brought a portrait to show Madame Wu. Since it concerns her daughter's future and potential marriage, do you think she would be willing to meet with me?"
In the doorway, Yingxu blinked several times, her mind trying to process the several absurdities of the sincere young woman's proposal. Matchmaking? With Senior Brother Wu? Clearly this woman had no idea about the truth of 'Sister Wu Ling's identity! But how was she supposed to deflect this woman who clearly had some kind of connection to her Senior Brother?
"You're interested in matchmaking with Senior Sister Wu Ling?" a second voice said from inside the courtyard as a taller young woman emerged. "I'm afraid you've arrived at the wrong place. Senior Sister Wu is the direct disciple of a sect elder," Jieyan explained, sounding almost offended, as though doubting that the young lord of the Liang family measured up to her Senior Brother. "If you wish to discuss a betrothal with her, you'll have to gain permission from the sect," she finished bluntly.
"Oh, Junior Sister Wu has already joined a sect?" Liang Xuanji said, blinking wide-set eyes several times at the news. "And an elder's direct disciple. Brother wasn't wrong when he said that someone was sure to recognize her talent. Can you tell me which sect Junior Sister has joined? I'll bring my brother's portrait there at once to make arrangements."
"We're members of the Bamboo Silk House," Jieyan explained. "We junior sisters are assigned as caretakers for Madame Wu, but you can visit the sect branch in the Outer Blossom Ward and they'll be able to handle matters for you."
"Thank you, kind sisters," Liang Xuanji said, giving a polite bow. "I won't interrupt you any further. You've been very helpful, thank you!"
Once the mousey scholar left and the two junior disciples returned to their chores in the courtyard, Yingxu gave her fellow disciple an odd look.
"Sister Jieyan, why did you send her to the sect? Senior Brother is Elder Phantom's direct disciple. We could have shown her to Madame Wu directly to be rejected without the need of sending her all the way to the sect."
"This way is better," Jieyan said with a smile. "We not only get rid of something that would surely be a nuisance to Elder Phantom, this way, the young girl won't even know that our Senior Brother is the child of an elder. If she knew that, she might get even more insistent since her brother is so exceptional," she explained.
"I'm sure she won't make it very far past the gate," Jieyan added. "Likely, some Deacon will take the portrait to give to Senior Brother when he returns. Once Senior Brother receives it, naturally he can reject the offer without ever having to tell his friend that he's seen it. He can just blame everything on the sect."
"I don't see why you put in so much extra effort," Yingxu said, shaking her head at the retreating young scholar. "It only gives that girl hope she shouldn't have. But, since it shouldn't take the sect long to reject her, I suppose you're right that this is better."