Chapter 910: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 910: Hidden Truths and the Encounter with Rebirth (4)
There was another point to consider: the Mo family had no foundation in the capital, and it would be difficult for the County Princess to propose a marriage to a high-ranking family unless the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne soon, or if the newly appointed top scholar gained great favor. Otherwise, within the next three to five years, the Mo family would still be regarded as nothing in the eyes of true noble families.
Thus, even though the marriage between the Cui and Mo families was not entirely a good match in terms of social standing, the County Princess’s identity could compensate for this, ensuring that neither side was seen as "climbing above" the other.
Hearing this, Cui Qingrou finally understood the old madam’s deep concern. She thought back to the past and felt a deep sadness in her heart.
If… if that person hadn’t intervened between her cousin and her third brother, if her cousin, little Seven’s mother, were still alive, if third brother hadn’t fallen so low, striving to protect little Seven, then her mother wouldn’t have to worry so much about little Seven’s marriage.
Seeing her daughter’s melancholic expression, the old madam gently wiped away the tears from her eyes with a handkerchief and comforted her, "Rou’er, don’t be sad. Mother’s health is still strong. I will still look for a good match for you, so there’s no need to worry about me."
Cui Qingrou didn’t want to upset her mother further, so she gradually stopped crying. "From now on, I’ll stay by your side and won’t go anywhere. If you find me annoying, I’ll try to avoid being in your way. But you can’t chase me out."
"You child…" The old madam tapped her daughter’s forehead helplessly. She couldn’t bear to chase her beloved daughter away, but she also didn’t want to see her remain alone forever. Still, knowing her daughter didn’t want to hear this, she chose not to continue and instead began considering suitable candidates for a match.
Worried that her mother might bring up old topics again, Cui Qingrou turned the conversation to her nephew, Cui Ping’an. "I saw little Seven looking down today. When I asked him, I found out he had another episode of sleepwalking last night. He was calling out a girl’s name all night long."
"A girl’s name?" The old madam was surprised. Little Seven had always had episodes of sleepwalking, likely dreaming about his time in the southern villa, unable to wake up. This time, though, he had called out a girl's name. It was something new.
Seeing her daughter’s troubled expression, the old madam’s heart sank slightly. "Rou’er, is there something you’re hiding from me?"
Cui Qingrou knew some things couldn’t remain hidden forever. Sooner or later, her mother would find out, so it might be better to tell her the truth now. Perhaps this would even help satisfy her poor nephew’s wishes.
Resolved, Cui Qingrou glanced at Hong Shang, who understood that this matter wasn’t for her to overhear. The young maid quickly bowed and said, "The kitchen has just finished making fresh lotus cakes. I will go check if they’re ready."
The old madam nodded slightly, allowing her to leave.
After the door was closed, Cui Qingrou finally spoke. "Little Seven got to know a girl from a tenant family while he was at the villa in the south. As you know, he lived there since he was five, so it was normal for him to find a couple of playmates. The tenant family had many children, but he played with that girl, who was two years younger than him. They’ve been together for years, and their bond is deep. Last night, little Seven was calling her name. I think the reason he wanted to return south was most likely for her."
The old madam’s face darkened as she listened, and after a long silence, she said, "In that case, send someone to the south to bring the girl back to take care of little Seven. Once he is married, we can send her back with a substantial dowry to return to her hometown. If she doesn’t want to go back, we’ll find her a suitable match in the capital as a reward for taking care of little Seven."
"But…" Cui Qingrou thought her mother had misunderstood and was about to speak, but the old madam interrupted her. "I understand what you’re going to say. But little Seven cannot marry the daughter of a tenant. His feelings for her are no more than that of a passing affection. Rou’er, do you understand?"
Cui Qingrou understood but didn’t agree with her mother’s approach. However, seeing the firmness in her mother’s expression, she knew there was no changing her mind. She suppressed her concerns and decided to let her nephew decide for himself.
Before leaving, she couldn’t help but offer one last piece of advice. "Mother, you know little Seven’s temperament. If you push too hard, he might hold a grudge. He has only just returned, so please consider his feelings more carefully."
The old madam pressed her lips together and didn’t respond, her expression growing colder. Whether she had listened or not was uncertain.
Cui Qingrou sighed inwardly, silently hoping that her nephew wouldn’t let his feelings for that girl cause his grandmother any grief.
Meanwhile, the old madam, lost in her thoughts, did not notice a small gray bird quietly land on the window. It flapped its wings and disappeared into the vast sky.
To the right of the old madam’s courtyard, there was a small, exquisite garden. Tall maple trees grew there, and the sunlight filtered through their layered leaves, casting scattered spots of light on the ground. Beneath the trees sat a delicate-looking young man in white, his appearance strikingly handsome.
At that moment, the young man, weak and frail, leaned against a bamboo couch, ignoring his personal servant, Can Dou, who was standing beside him. His brows furrowed deeply as he puzzled over something: In his past life, his grandmother had arranged a marriage with his maternal cousin’s daughter. But this time, he couldn’t understand where this County Princess had come from. Had his memories gone wrong?
[End of Chapter]
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