Chapter 680: 285 Loo Ying’s Marriage (Part 2)
When Loo Ying went out, she encountered Yueyao coming her way. The look in Loo Ying’s eyes was full of jealousy and hatred! Yueyao was left feeling quite perplexed by it.
After Yueyao entered the room, she saw that Zhuang Ruolan’s complexion had improved in the past few days. Sitting down, she revealed her confusion and asked, "Cousin-in-law, what did you just say to Cousin Sister Ying? Why did she look so indignant?"
Zhuang Ruolan waved her hand and said, "It’s about her marriage arrangements again. She wants to find someone with a status similar to the Shen family’s, and I told her not to harbour such unrealistic dreams."
Yueyao opened her mouth but, very tactfully, decided not to continue on that topic. "Uncle really should know better. You’re still pregnant, how could he let you do the work!"
Zhuang Ruolan said with a smile, "Father-in-law handed the matter over to your second cousin-in-law. She said she was worried about potential mishaps, so the matter is being considered with my input." Zhuang Ruolan’s words were diplomatic, but actually, Madam Tang mainly wanted to avoid taking responsibility.
Yueyao laughed and said, "Cousin-in-law, why not just let Uncle handle this matter! Either option won’t satisfy Loo Ying, so it might be better to let Uncle make the final decision." In her previous life, Loo Ying had become a concubine, but that was after the uncle had passed away. With the uncle still alive, he definitely wouldn’t let Loo Ying marry into a role as concubine.
Xiang Wei joined the conversation and said, "Actually, if we could find her a scion of a noble family, I believe she would be satisfied." The kind of candidates Xiang Wei was talking about were the concubine-born children of noble families, and specifically those without great prospects. These people, even though they didn’t do much of note, had a reputable status within their families. But once the family was divided, they often lived poorly, which is why many from the outskirts desired to seek favours from the legitimate descendants due to their tough living conditions.
Zhuang Ruolan frowned and said, "That’s not a good idea!" Being a concubine-born daughter-in-law is not easy; one would endure a lot of grievances, and navigating the complexities of a noble family with many members means endless disputes.
Yueyao quickly interjected, "Cousin-in-law, don’t listen to her nonsensical suggestions." Although she disliked Loo Ying, she didn’t have the heart to push her into an abyss.
Xiang Wei ignored Yueyao and continued, "If a noble family’s scion is not suitable, then we should find her a rich landowner with substantial assets, someone who is wealthy but not from a merchant family. If she still refuses, then she might have to become a concubine to another."
Yueyao glared at Xiang Wei and said, "Being a concubine is not such an easy role." With Loo Ying’s status, even a family with some standing wouldn’t marry her as a concubine. Those willing to marry her either were of advanced age or she would face miserable days after the marriage, which was just as bad as setting a trap.
Xiang Wei just shrugged her shoulders.
Zhuang Ruolan, however, thought Xiang Wei’s suggestion of a wealthy landowner was a good one. They were rich and not from a merchant family; in the end, it could be left to Loo Ying to decide. If Loo Ying didn’t choose, the father-in-law could make the decision.
Loo Ying’s marital affairs were none of Yueyao’s concern, but it reminded Yueyao of Hua Lei. Upon returning to Begonia Garden, she quickly sought out Nanny Hao and asked, "Nanny, you mentioned last time that Hua Lei’s parents were already looking for a marriage match for her. Has it been decided?"
Nanny Hao replied, "Hua Lei’s marriage has been set. She is to marry the eldest son of the steward of Tian Zhuang, with the date fixed for the end of the year." Yueyao sent occasional gifts to Hua Lei, and in Tian Zhuang, such generosity was unmatched. It was because of this reputation that the steward had approached for the marriage proposal. Hua Lei’s parents had met the steward’s son and were very satisfied, so the marriage was confirmed. At that time, Yueyao was at the villa, so Nanny Hao hadn’t informed her immediately.
Yueyao nodded and said, "Nanny, send the two bolts of silk from the storeroom to Hua Lei. Let me know again at the end of the year, and I’ll add to her dowry." She was so busy every day, she feared she might forget when the time came.
Xiang Wei suggested with a smile, "Miss, you might as well send down the reward now, and when the time comes, you can just add more to it. It will save you from forgetting later, which wouldn’t be good." Although Xiang Wei disliked Hua Lei’s lack of awareness of her position, after many years serving by Yueyao’s side, Hua Lei deserved additional rewards for her hard work, if not for her achievements.
Nanny Hao laughed and said, "That won’t be necessary. Hua Lei will definitely send over a wedding invitation in due time." Yueyao might not add to the dowry, but she wouldn’t be short on gifts to give.
Speaking of Hua Lei inevitably led to a mention of Qiao Lan. When Yueyao heard that Qiao Lan still had not found a match, she asked in surprise, "What’s the matter?"
After hesitating for a moment, Nanny Hao said, "Miss, Qiao Lan was deeply hurt, and the doctor said she might have difficulty bearing children in the future." Who would marry a woman who couldn’t have children?
Yueyao was shocked, "How could this happen?" Unable to have children, Qiao Lan wouldn’t be able to marry into a good family. What would become of Qiao Lan’s life?
Xiang Wei smiled and said, "Miss, I think Qiao Lan is quite capable. Since you are in need of trustworthy people by your side, why not have her come back to you?" Xi Yu was good, but Xi Juan was a bit too impulsive to handle important matters.