Chapter 876: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 876: Someone's Misguided Intentions (Part 3)
Initially, Zhao Fengnian’s mother had found his words reasonable, but after hearing her daughter’s tearful accusations, she immediately took Zhao’s side. With a stern expression, she reprimanded Zhao Fengnian: “How can you speak like that about your own niece? Have you forgotten how your sister worked tirelessly, stitching late into the night just to pay for your education? If not for her sacrifices, would you have passed the imperial exam and achieved your current status?”
Zhao Fengnian never imagined that stating a few truths would be so misinterpreted by his mother and sister. Frustration surged within him.
However, when he saw his sister’s tear-streaked face, he was reminded of her younger self, working under dim light into the early hours of the morning to scrape together enough funds for his studies. His anger gradually subsided. With a sigh, he said helplessly, “Mother, Jiao Niang is my own niece. How could I not care for her? But apart from having been married and having three children, the man is otherwise faultless. If we pass on this opportunity, it’ll be nearly impossible to find someone better.”
Zhao Fengnian’s wife, standing quietly behind her mother-in-law, felt a wave of deep disappointment as she watched her husband give in. She had long grown tired of seeing her sister-in-law use past sacrifices to repeatedly make unreasonable demands.
Jiao Niang, spoiled by her grandmother’s doting, had grown into an arrogant and capricious woman. She showed little respect to her aunt and was often dismissive, even towards her uncle, daring to argue with him on many occasions.
Had it not been for her poor attitude, she might have enjoyed a prosperous life in her first marriage to a wealthy, harmonious family. Instead, she treated her in-laws and husband with contempt, showing off her supposed superiority.
Even though she remained childless for years, the family endured her behavior for six whole years. It was only two years ago, after her constant provocations left her mother-in-law bedridden, that her in-laws, despite the risk of retaliation from the Zhao family, took the drastic step of divorcing her on the grounds of disobedience, lack of filial piety, and being childless.
And now, after her uncle had painstakingly found a suitable match, she suddenly decided the man’s children were a dealbreaker? What was she thinking earlier?
Though disdain filled Zhao Fengnian’s wife’s heart, this wasn’t her place to speak. She could only watch silently, curious to see what trouble this spoiled niece and her doting grandmother would stir up next.
Unaware of her daughter-in-law’s thoughts, the old madam hesitated after hearing her son’s reasoning. She looked at her pouting granddaughter and asked tentatively, “Jiao Niang, your uncle makes a valid point. Are you truly unwilling?”
“N-no, Grandmother…” Fan Meijiao’s face flushed with shyness as she avoided her grandmother’s probing gaze. Her demeanor, brimming with infatuation, showed no signs of unwillingness.
Ever since she heard tales of Young Master Ziyu in a teahouse last year, Fan Meijiao had harbored a secret admiration for him. However, the thought of becoming a stepmother to his children left her feeling uneasy. She hoped her uncle could find a way to deal with those “pesky brats,” clearing her path to a perfect union with the man she fancied.
Seeing her granddaughter’s reaction, how could the old madam not understand? She promptly turned to Zhao Fengnian and said, “I seem to recall your sister-in-law’s side of the family has an unmarried nephew. If you have the means, help Jiao Niang secure this good match. When your niece’s husband achieves success in the future, it will reflect well on you as her uncle.”
Zhao Fengnian’s heart skipped a beat as he cautiously asked, “Mother, are you suggesting…”
The old madam glanced at him and replied, “Exactly as you think! That girl may be a County Princess, but if she doesn’t like Jiao Niang, won’t Jiao Niang suffer? The best solution is to make her part of the family. That way, Jiao Niang can live comfortably. If this works out, your sister’s mother-in-law might remember this favor and treat your sister better.”
Turning the idea over in his mind, Zhao Fengnian began to see its merits. His sister’s in-laws were a prestigious family in the capital, but as the wife of a concubine’s son, his sister had struggled to gain the favor of her mother-in-law. Securing this match might improve her standing and, in turn, benefit his own career.
With this in mind, Zhao Fengnian’s eyes lit up. Ignoring his wife’s silent warnings, he said to his mother, “I’ll handle this personally. Mother, just wait for good news.”
The old madam nodded in satisfaction and, after offering a few words of encouragement, turned her attention to her now-elated granddaughter. “Are you happy now? Just stay home and wait for your uncle’s good news.”
Fan Meijiao immediately threw herself into her grandmother’s arms, her eyes gleaming with smug delight. “I knew Grandmother was the best! Thank you, Grandmother!”
The old madam, thoroughly charmed by her favorite granddaughter, showered her with affectionate endearments.
Meanwhile, in the Mo family residence, Mo Yan was meticulously preparing for her father’s palace examination by lamplight, unaware that someone was scheming against her. To “remove” her as an obstacle, they were planning to arrange a marriage that would see her wed to the son of a concubine.
The peaceful days in the Mo household were destined to come to an end…
[End of Chapter]
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