Chapter 783: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 783: Caught in the Act (4)
Xiao Ruiyuan caught the underlying meaning in Mo Qingze's words and felt a small sense of relief. "Uncle Mo, I am twenty-three this year. I have no maidservants attending to me, nor any concubines. I assure you, there will never be anyone disrupting the peace of our household in the future."
Mo Qingze scrutinized Xiao Ruiyuan from head to toe, surprised that a man of his age had no women serving him. A hint of suspicion flickered in his eyes—could it be that he had some hidden ailment? If so, there was even less reason to approve of him!
The blatant nature of Mo Qingze’s gaze was impossible to miss. As a fellow man, Xiao Ruiyuan quickly deciphered the implication. The frustration nearly made him choke, as if he’d swallowed a mouthful of old blood.
If anyone else dared question his capabilities, he would have silenced them with a single blow. But this was the man holding the key to his future happiness. Not only could he not retaliate, but he also had to convince him that his body was in perfect condition. Yet how could he even begin to explain something like that?
Fortunately, Mo Qingze realized his faux pas and hastily withdrew his gaze, clearing his throat awkwardly. "All of this is just your word, and I can’t verify its truth. Besides, my daughter is still young. For the next two or three years, I won’t consider her marriage."
The meaning was clear—if you’re serious, then wait two or three years. As for what happens after that… we’ll see.
Mo Qingze’s softened stance stemmed from two reasons. First, he couldn’t find a solid reason to outright refuse. Second, apart from his aloof personality, Xiao Ruiyuan was an outstanding young man. Among the youths Mo Qingze had encountered, few could rival him.
Anyone else would likely be overjoyed to have such a son-in-law. While Mo Qingze wasn’t ecstatic, he was starting to believe this might be his daughter’s destined match. Two or three years was neither too long nor too short—a sufficient period to test if this man was truly worthy of his daughter’s lifelong commitment.
Though Mo Qingze hadn’t given a definitive answer, Xiao Ruiyuan was elated to see he wasn’t outright opposed. His respectful demeanor only deepened. “Uncle Mo, I won’t let you down!”
He believed that as long as he treated Yan’er sincerely, he could win over his future father-in-law. When the time came, he would proudly marry Yan’er into their home—their own home.
Mo Qingze gave a noncommittal hum before his expression turned stern. “As for tonight’s incident, I don’t want to see it happen again. Otherwise, you won’t be welcome here anymore.”
A girl’s reputation was of utmost importance. This young man was of an age filled with impetuousness. If anything improper happened, it would benefit him but ruin his daughter’s prospects. He couldn’t allow them to be alone together again.
Xiao Ruiyuan felt a mix of embarrassment and reluctance. But at such a critical juncture, he couldn’t afford to oppose his future father-in-law. At worst, he would make frequent visits to see Yan’er. Even if they couldn’t be alone, catching glimpses of her would suffice. “Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Mo. I understand,” he replied submissively.
“Hmph, you’d better remember that. If there’s nothing else, return to your room and stay put.”
Knowing Xiao Ruiyuan was a man of his word, Mo Qingze was somewhat satisfied with his agreement. Still, he maintained a stern expression and waved him off impatiently.
Xiao Ruiyuan bowed respectfully before leaving the courtyard. As he stepped outside, he instinctively wanted to head toward Mo Yan’s residence but stopped abruptly, recalling his earlier promise to Mo Qingze. He stiffened for a moment, glanced longingly in her direction, then reluctantly returned to his quarters.
As soon as Xiao Ruiyuan left, Mo Qingze emerged. Watching Xiao Ruiyuan’s retreating figure, he let out a cold huff before striding toward his eldest daughter’s courtyard.
Since Xiao Ruiyuan followed Mo Qingze away, Mo Yan had been restless, frequently glancing outside. When Mo Qingze arrived, he saw her standing at the door, anxiously looking around. His previously improved mood soured again.
Seeing her father return so quickly, Mo Yan felt a wave of relief. She rushed forward, grabbed his arm, and dragged him into the room under the pretense of drinking tea, carefully avoiding any mention of Xiao Ruiyuan.
Her little ploys were transparent to Mo Qingze, but he didn’t expose her. Instead, he picked up the teacup and sipped, his calm demeanor giving no hint of what had transpired.
Ultimately, it was Mo Yan who broke under the pressure. After accompanying her father through several rounds of tea, she hesitantly asked, “Father, you… you didn’t argue with Lord Xiao, did you?”
Mo Qingze immediately knocked her lightly on the head. Seeing her wince and rub the spot, he softened and gently patted her head before replying in exasperation, “No, we didn’t argue. I just told him not to come looking for you again.”
Mo Yan panicked. “That won’t do!”
Mo Qingze glared at her. “Won’t do? And why not? Should I allow him to sneak into your room in the dead of night and tarnish your reputation?”
Mo Yan wanted to argue that their relationship was proper and within the bounds of decorum, especially since they were at home. How could it ruin her reputation? But she knew saying that would only provoke her father’s wrath, likely resulting in her kneeling before the ancestors and receiving a stern lecture on a woman’s virtues.
Seeing his daughter clearly infatuated, Mo Qingze rubbed his temples helplessly. “I originally intended for you to marry Shen Ji. Who would have thought… sigh. I never imagined you’d take a liking to that boy.”
He sighed heavily, clearly regretting that Shen Ji would not become his son-in-law.
“Your father has no personal objections to that boy, but the disparity in our families’ status is too great. How can I entrust your future to him so easily? Fortunately, you’re still young. I’ll keep you until you’re eighteen. If he’s willing to wait for you wholeheartedly, I’ll give my blessing. If not…” Mo Qingze’s tone hardened. “Then you’ll forget about him, and I’ll find someone better for you!”
On the rooftop, a hidden guard overheard this exchange and was left in a dilemma. Should he report this statement to his master or not?
(End of Chapter)
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