Chapter 709: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 709: Obstacles and Mo Yongxi's Outcome (2)
Mo Yan, hearing this, suddenly recalled another matter and couldn’t help but feel sorry for her friend. She forced herself to say, “People can be deceiving. On the surface, that Shen Gongzi seems perfect, but who knows what he’s really like? Besides, your father and mother carefully chose Du Gongzi for you. He must be a good match. When you marry next year and live at home without having to deal with in-laws, that’s ideal for a woman.”
In this era, being a daughter-in-law was difficult. If one had a strict or demanding mother-in-law who enjoyed tormenting her daughter-in-law, daily life could be unbearable. Duties like morning and evening greetings, serving meals, and helping with dressing could be expected. If these weren’t done well, the consequences could range from scolding to punishment. Some mothers-in-law even interfered in the couple’s private matters… just thinking about it was enough to make one shudder.
Liu Tinglan’s parents had chosen a live-in son-in-law partly to ensure the Liu family lineage continued and partly to keep their only daughter close, so she wouldn’t suffer in a distant in-law’s home. They weren’t overly concerned about their son-in-law’s talents or capabilities; as long as he treated their daughter well and could manage the current family business, that was enough.
Unexpectedly, they found Du Gongzi, a scholar who, despite failing to pass the imperial exams this time with the Liu family’s support, was still a better match than they had hoped for. The wedding date had already been set for May of the following year.
Mo Yan’s words brought Liu Tinglan back to the reality that she was already betrothed, deepening her gloom. She had met Du Gongzi before, but he didn’t stir any romantic feelings in her; he seemed more like a stranger.
She had thought that after marriage, feelings might gradually develop, leading to a harmonious relationship like her parents’. But what was this new sense of dissatisfaction she felt after meeting the other man today?
“Sister Lan, you said Du Gongzi is gentle and ambitious. Your future will likely be bright, and your good days are ahead,” Mo Yan consoled her friend, feeling pained by her situation. She couldn’t possibly encourage Sister Lan to break off her engagement to pursue Shen Ji.
Setting aside whether Master and Madam Liu would agree, Shen Ji had a promising future and a wealthy family, giving him no reason to become a live-in son-in-law. Even in the best-case scenario, where these issues were resolved, would Shen Ji and his family even like Sister Lan? And if they did, what would happen to the engagement with Du Gongzi? Would he quietly accept being rejected and not cause trouble for the Liu family?
Too many uncertainties made it impossible for Mo Yan to offer any encouragement, so maintaining the status quo seemed best.
By now, Liu Tinglan had come to her senses. She knew her parents better than anyone and understood that her marriage to Du Gongzi was set in stone. Unless Du Gongzi wronged her or the Liu family, even if Shen Gongzi were willing to marry in, her parents wouldn’t break off the engagement with Du Gongzi to accommodate her. Besides, it was highly unlikely that Shen Gongzi would agree to be a live-in son-in-law.
Seeing the concern in Mo Yan’s eyes, Liu Tinglan felt a wave of gratitude and managed a small smile. “Yanyan, it’s too late to dwell on this. Don’t worry; I know my limits and won’t act recklessly.”
“Good!” Mo Yan nodded with a smile. Once today passed, Sister Lan and Shen Ji wouldn’t have any further contact. Over time, the small fondness Sister Lan felt for Shen Ji would fade, so Mo Yan wasn’t too worried.
Soon, it was time for the banquet to begin. The Mo family hosted a large gathering with a continuous feast. Guests came and went in waves, each group dining before leaving, making way for the next, until no more guests arrived and the tables were finally cleared.
(The End of this Chapter)
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