Chapter 782: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 782: Caught in the Act (3)
Hearing the shift in tone from the casual “Hanzhang” to the formal “Lord Xiao,” Mo Yan’s face paled slightly. She couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Ruiyuan, only to see him looking back at her. He gave her a small nod, his expression calm and composed, showing no trace of panic.
Mo Qingze, noticing this interaction, felt a renewed sense of irritation. His voice grew colder as he said, “Go back to your room. I’m not a tiger; I won’t eat anyone.”
Huddled in the corner, Mao Tuan raised its head and let out a protesting growl at Mo Qingze. It is a tiger, but it never eats people! Master’s father, you can’t falsely accuse tigers with your eyes wide open!
The interruption from Mao Tuan made it hard for Mo Qingze to maintain his stern expression. Even though he couldn’t understand its growl, his serious demeanor faltered slightly. Forcing himself to keep a straight face, he stood up and walked toward the small sitting room’s exit.
Xiao Ruiyuan, perceptive as ever, gave Mo Yan a reassuring glance before following Mo Qingze out.
Mo Yan watched helplessly as the two most important men in her life disappeared into the courtyard. She didn’t dare follow them and briefly considered sending Mao Tuan to eavesdrop. After some thought, she decided against it.
Mo Qingze strode into his study, lit the lamp, and fixed Xiao Ruiyuan with a penetrating gaze. “Lord Xiao, my daughter is young and naïve. If she has caused any misunderstanding, I hope you won’t take it to heart. Let’s just pretend that tonight never happened.”
Mo Qingze had a favorable impression of Xiao Ruiyuan, which was why he managed to keep his temper in check. Otherwise, he would have flown into a rage long ago at this man who dared to court his daughter.
Xiao Ruiyuan had anticipated that Mo Qingze wouldn’t easily approve of his relationship with Mo Yan. Even so, hearing these words still brought a pang of disappointment.
Taking two steps forward, he respectfully cupped his hands and said firmly, “Uncle Mo, my feelings for Yan’er are genuine, without a trace of falsehood. I cannot regard this matter as a mere misunderstanding. I humbly ask for your blessing.”
“Blessing?” Mo Qingze’s voice rose several notches. “The Mo and Xiao families are worlds apart in status. Lord Xiao holds a high and influential position and is bound to climb even higher in the future. Even if you don’t mind the disparity, can you guarantee your family won’t mind either? The divide between social classes is not easily crossed. How do you expect me to give my blessing?”
Beyond the disparity in their statuses, Mo Qingze had another concern. Xiao Ruiyuan was a military man, and the borderlands were far from stable. Future deployments to the battlefield would be inevitable. With the dangers of war looming, Mo Qingze couldn’t bear the thought of his daughter living in constant anxiety. Moreover, Xiao Ruiyuan’s reserved nature didn’t seem conducive to the harmonious and joyful life he envisioned for his daughter.
“Uncle Mo, my marriage is entirely up to me. As long as you are willing to give your blessing, your concerns will not become an issue,” Xiao Ruiyuan declared resolutely, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.
The Xiao family’s inner dynamics worked in his favor. Xiao Ruiqing had been exiled from the capital and posed no threat. His father, though holding a marquisate title, had no real influence in court and no say in his marriage. As for the Wei family, they would likely welcome the idea of him marrying into a family with no political backing.
Should he marry Yan’er, they could reside in the Emperor’s gifted general’s residence before he inherited the title. After marriage, they would live simply as a couple, free from outside interference. Xiao Ruiyuan also yearned for a peaceful and joyful life with Yan’er, vowing to protect her from external pressures.
Mo Qingze fell silent for a long time after hearing this. He knew Xiao Ruiyuan to be a man of his word. However, human emotions were fickle. If Xiao Ruiyuan ever changed his heart in the future, what would become of Yan’er? Would he, as her father, even have the power to seek justice for her?
“Even if you disregard status, I only want a simple and ordinary husband for my daughter—someone who will cherish her, walk through life with her in harmony, and treat her as an equal. Can you promise me that?” Mo Qingze locked eyes with Xiao Ruiyuan, scrutinizing his every reaction.
(End of Chapter)
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