Chapter 875: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 875: Someone's Misguided Intentions (Part 2)
Upon returning to his residence in the front courtyard, Zhao Fengnian had just changed into his casual clothes and was preparing to visit his elderly mother in the rear courtyard when a maid hurried in. After bowing, she informed him that the old madam was requesting his presence and asked him to go over quickly.
Not daring to delay, Zhao Fengnian immediately followed the maid to Songhe Courtyard, where his mother resided.
Before reaching the main hall of the courtyard, he heard the sound of cheerful laughter coming from inside. Entering the room, he saw his mother, who was in her sixties, seated at the head of the room. On either side of her were his wife, daughter, sister, and niece, all seated in their respective places.
Before Zhao Fengnian could step forward to bow and greet his mother, the old madam eagerly waved him off, saying, “No need for formalities! Quickly tell me about that family. Is that man a good match for Jiao Niang?”
The “Jiao Niang” she referred to was none other than Zhao Fengnian’s niece, Fan Meijiao, whose childhood nickname was Jiao Niang.
Despite her youthful appearance, Fan Meijiao wore her hair in the style of a married woman. Upon hearing her grandmother’s words, her eyes sparkled as she looked at her uncle, showing none of the shyness expected of a young lady.
Faced with his mother’s question, a hint of hesitation flashed across Zhao Fengnian’s face. Under the urging gaze of the old madam, he finally revealed the information he had gathered: “The man comes from a humble background, just an ordinary farming family. However, he has made a name for himself before the emperor. He is on good terms with the Crown Prince’s household, the Wu’an Marquis’s family, and the heir of the Marquis of Wei Yuan. Moreover, his family has produced a County Princess. This time, he is the most likely candidate for the top scorer in the palace examination. He is indeed a suitable match for Jiao Niang.”
The engagement between Mo Yan and Xiao Ruiyuan was a well-kept secret, even from Emperor Hui’an. Without meticulous investigation, no one knew of it. Zhao Fengnian merely discovered the association between Mo’s family and the three prominent households, assuming that the Crown Prince admired Mo Qingze’s talent and intended to recruit him.
Hearing this, the old madam was overjoyed. Supported by a maid, she walked over to Fan Meijiao and gently patted her hand, her face full of affection. “Jiao Niang, your uncle says this man is a perfect match for you. It seems like fortune is on your side.”
Her words implied that with just her approval, the marriage could be decided.
However, Fan Meijiao didn’t share her grandmother’s enthusiasm. Her expression turned dark as she sharply retorted, “That man already has a daughter, and she’s even a County Princess. If I marry into such a family, who knows if I’ll have to cater to a brat? How is that fortune?”
The old madam’s expression faltered slightly. “You’re unwilling? But didn’t you ask your uncle to inquire about this man? Now that we know, how can you suddenly dislike him?”
Fan Meijiao rose, holding onto her grandmother’s arm, and pouted as she complained, “Grandmother, I fancy the man, not his daughter! If I marry him, I’ll become a stepmother. That girl is a County Princess; if she doesn’t like me and makes trouble, I won’t even be able to discipline her. How is that acceptable?”
As she spoke, she sneaked a glance at her uncle, Zhao Fengnian, and pursed her lips in dissatisfaction when she saw his silence.
The old madam hesitated upon hearing this and turned to Zhao Fengnian, who had remained quiet. “Feng’er, do you have another plan? Or should we consider someone else?”
Zhao Fengnian’s face darkened as he cast a glance at his niece. Choosing his words carefully, he said, “Jiao Niang is already twenty-five years old, and with her... situation, finding an unmarried and promising husband is indeed quite difficult.”
Fan Meijiao’s mother, Zhao’s sister, who had remained silent, suddenly began to cry upon hearing this. “Brother, what are you saying? Are you suggesting that since Jiao Niang is past her prime and not a maiden anymore, she’s only fit to marry a widower with children?”
Before Zhao Fengnian could explain, she hugged her daughter and wailed, “My poor Jiao Jiao! You couldn’t win the favor of your heartless father at home. We hoped marriage would bring you happiness, but that family was cruel enough to cast you out. Now even your uncle looks down on you and refuses to truly think of your future. How did your life turn out to be so miserable? My poor Jiao Jiao!”
[End of Chapter]
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