Chapter 821: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 821: Engagement and Land Reclamation (2)
Zhen’er, upon hearing this, was the first to nod. “Yes, we want Big Brother Xiao to be our brother-in-law. Big Brother Xiao is a great general, undoubtedly strong, and will definitely be able to protect Big Sister!”
Sheng’er also nodded her little head, speaking softly, “Big Brother Xiao is also handsome, and he bought me many little wooden dolls.”
Yun Zhao laughed as he patted his younger sister’s head. Though she didn’t speak, it was clear that she agreed.
“Alright, it’s settled then. But you all better not back out at the last moment!” Xin’er said, somewhat worried. She feared that her younger siblings might be intimidated by their father’s authority and hesitate to plead for Big Brother Xiao.
However, Xin’er’s worry seemed unnecessary. The three younger ones were even more eager than her for Xiao Ruiyuan to become their brother-in-law. “Mm-hmm, anyone who dares back out will be a little dog!” they said in unison.
The little ones whispered excitedly. Mo Yan and Mo Qingze didn’t hear them, but they couldn’t escape Xiao Ruiyuan’s sharp ears. Though the words were not entirely clear, he understood the general meaning and couldn’t help but feel warmth fill his heart.
He stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Uncle Mo, I vowed before my mother’s tomb that I would only marry the person I truly love, and I seek nothing but to grow old together. I have chosen Yan’er, and there will be no one else.”
Mo Qingze was taken aback. “Is this true?”
Xiao Ruiyuan clasped his hands, solemnly stating, “I speak with sincerity, there are no falsehoods.”
This vow had been made in front of the emperor, and even without the fear of committing an offense, Xiao Ruiyuan had never once thought of breaking it. After meeting Yan’er, his determination had only grown stronger.
Mo Qingze took a deep breath. It was no wonder he was shocked; with Xiao Ruiyuan’s status, it was difficult to believe he would go to such lengths for a woman.
When he had searched among the scholars from families of similar status, even those from humble backgrounds, he had feared that a son-in-law with too high a position would end up with many wives and concubines, like many others. He had chosen Shen Ji, knowing that the man wasn’t interested in women and, even if his heart changed, Mo Qingze could easily control the situation. But such matters couldn’t always be prevented—if someone was determined, there was little a father-in-law could do.
Now, this young man was making such a promise. How could Mo Qingze not be moved? With Xiao Ruiyuan’s character, the chance of him breaking his word seemed slim.
If Mo Qingze had only been about 40% satisfied with Xiao Ruiyuan before, his feelings had now risen to at least 80%. However, he still didn’t want to agree too easily. He turned his gaze to Mo Yan. “Yan’er, are you really certain it’s this young man?”
Mo Yan’s heart skipped a beat. She knew that if she showed even the slightest hesitation, her father would never accept Xiao Ruiyuan as her fiancé.
Her heart ached, but she held back the tears that were welling in her eyes. She lifted her head, looking her father in the eye, and spoke calmly. “Father, I have known Big Brother Xiao for nearly three years. I may not understand him perfectly, but I know him well enough. In my heart, no one is more suitable than him!”
At this point, the calmness in her eyes was replaced by a firm resolve. “A fruit tree must endure the wind and the sun to bear fruit. Love is the same! You may not think Big Brother Xiao is right for me, but to me, he is the best match. If he hadn’t come into my life, I might have obeyed your wishes and married someone who seemed ‘suitable.’ But would that guarantee happiness? If not, I’d rather marry someone I love. Even if we can’t grow old together, at least my heart will have no regrets.”
By now, Mo Yan could no longer maintain the usual modesty expected of a young woman. She poured out everything—whether it was what a daughter should say or not, she said it all without holding back.
(The End of This Chapter)
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