Chapter 901: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 901: Caution and Planning (3)
With that thought in mind, Zhao Fengnian carefully observed Mo Qingze’s expression and asked in a deep voice, “Is this truly what Lord Mo thinks?”
Mo Qingze stopped walking, turned to Zhao Fengnian, and said with utmost seriousness, “Indeed, I have no intention of remarrying. The Crown Prince, in his kindness, once inquired about this matter, and I gave him the same response. How could I deceive His Highness or deceive Lord Zhao?”
The Crown Prince?
Zhao Fengnian broke out in a cold sweat. Could it be that the Crown Prince is also thinking of playing matchmaker? He was suddenly relieved he hadn’t acted hastily earlier—would the Crown Prince think he was trying to compete for someone?
Zhao Fengnian didn’t believe that Mo Qingze would use the Crown Prince’s name as an excuse, and he also knew that Mo Qingze wasn’t lying. In truth, the Crown Prince had only casually mentioned it in a conversation with Chu Heng, with no actual intention of matchmaking. Mo Qingze had purposely been vague, leading Zhao Fengnian to misunderstand.
With the prospect of his niece’s future seeming to fly away, Zhao Fengnian felt extremely frustrated. He was already dreading dealing with his mother and the headstrong niece when he returned home, which only added to his agitation.
Mo Qingze, pretending not to notice Zhao Fengnian’s changing expressions, didn’t want to continue this conversation. He said, “The time is drawing near. If Lord Zhao has no further instructions, I will take my leave.”
Hearing this, Zhao Fengnian, despite still wanting to make another attempt, couldn’t find any reason to keep him there. He sighed and said, “Lord Mo, please take care. We will have an opportunity to meet again, and I’ll invite you for tea. I hope you’ll honor me with your presence.”
Regardless of the outcome, Mo Qingze’s future was certain, and even if they couldn’t become relatives, cultivating a friendship would be beneficial.
Mo Qingze, unaware of Zhao Fengnian’s thoughts, politely responded, “It should be I who invites Your Excellency. I hope that, when the time comes, you will be sure to attend.”
“Of course, of course!” Zhao Fengnian said with a smile that was more genuine than before. He joked, “I might not drink anyone’s tea, but for Lord Mo’s tea, I will definitely be there.”
Mo Qingze gave a grateful smile, cupped his hands in respect, and after Zhao Fengnian had left, turned to make his way to the Hanlin Academy. As for the tea invitation, it was already out of his mind.
In the evening, when Zhao Fengnian returned to his residence, he recounted the entire conversation with Mo Qingze to his mother and niece.
With the prospect of a good match with the wife of the Marquis of Yongchang’s nephew, Zhao Fengnian’s mother, Old Madam Zhao, had not been fully focused on Mo Qingze. Her repeated urging of her son to inquire was merely to compare options and find the best match for her beloved granddaughter.
Upon hearing that Mo Qingze had no intention of remarrying, and that even the Crown Prince had been involved, Old Madam Zhao didn’t feel disappointed. Instead, she believed that her granddaughter and the Marquis of Yongchang’s nephew were a better match, so she muttered a few words but decided not to bring it up again.
However, Fan Meijiao wasn’t so easily swayed. She complained that Zhao Fengnian hadn’t made the situation clear and insisted on going to the Scholar’s Residence herself to confess her feelings to Mo Qingze.
Neither Zhao Fengnian nor Old Madam Zhao would allow that. They immediately ordered a maid to stop her and tried to persuade her, but it was all in vain.
Now, both Zhao Fengnian and Old Madam Zhao were getting angry. With a cold expression, Old Madam Zhao asked, “Is this Mo person truly so wonderful that you’re willing to throw away your reputation? Aside from his looks and talents, what else do you see in him? Isn’t the Marquis of Yongchang’s nephew from a better family background?”
Fan Meijiao, not being a particularly clever person, didn’t try to hide anything from the doting Old Madam Zhao. She blurted out her true thoughts: “If your granddaughter marries the Marquis of Yongchang’s nephew, how can I still use the elder’s favor to torment that vile girl? Hmph, the grudge from when she publicly humiliated your granddaughter at the teahouse—your granddaughter will get her revenge!”
[End of Chapter]
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