Chapter 773: 322 Ma Linlin gets married_2
Yueyao was very fond of children, and her attitude towards them was also very good, "Come, let your cousin-in-law hold you for a bit." Seeing that Sister Tong did not object, Yueyao reached out and took Sister Tong from Loo Ying’s arms.
Loo Ying, seeing Yueyao’s smiling face, was somewhat surprised in her heart.
As the two walked into the room, Loo Ying said with a smile, "This child is heavy, after holding her for a while, my arms start to ache. It’s better to let the wet nurse hold her!"
Yueyao laughed and handed Sister Tong over to the wet nurse, then took the red gold necklace given by Xi Yu to give to Sister Tong as a meeting gift.
Loo Ying looked at Yueyao’s gift and was very surprised, as the red gold lock was not only of a significant weight but also finely crafted and not cheap.
Loo Ying looked at the maid beside Yueyao and joked, "Cousin, there is something I want to talk to you about." This made it clear she had something to say to Yueyao.
Yueyao smiled and sent all her maids away.
When it was just the two of them left in the room, Loo Ying said, "Yueyao, what are your plans for the future?"
Yueyao laughed and replied, "Cousin, feel free to speak your mind."
Loo Ying stated her purpose, "Yueyao, my mother-in-law has a nephew, nineteen years old, third in the family line, a Juren by merit, and both his appearance and character are not bad. The only issue is that his family’s circumstances are average. But there’s a saying that goes well, ’One should never despise a young man in poverty,’ don’t you think, Yueyao!"
Yueyao responded with a smile, "Thank you for your kind intentions, cousin, but I am not considering marriage for the time being."
Loo Ying was about to speak again, but Yueyao shook her head, "My mind is made up, cousin; no need to say more." She had no intention of marrying at the moment.
Loo Ying was very disappointed.
When Xiang Wei learned of the match Loo Ying had mentioned to Yueyao, she immediately had someone investigate. Upon learning the full details of the man, her expression turned grim, "Miss, that nephew of Madam Zhang is indeed a Juren, but Old Master Zhao has already passed away, the Eldest Young Master Zhao is a gambler, and his wife is a shrew. The rest I don’t even care to mention. Miss, this Loo Ying is really something, daring to introduce such a family to you. Does she wish you ill fortune?"
Seeing an indignant Xiang Wei, Yueyao couldn’t help but laugh, "I didn’t agree, so what’s there to be angry about?" Those who had come proposing marriage to her were either attracted by her reputation or her dowry; Yueyao had long since grown indifferent to it.
Xiang Wei did not want to swallow this insult, but she also did not want to take any action behind the scenes, so she let the incident slip out for Zhuang Ruolan to know.
Zhuang Ruolan, upon hearing that Loo Ying actually wanted to match Yueyao with the Third Young Master Zhao, was also furious. Zhuang Ruolan, who often socialized outside and was related by marriage to the Zhang family, knew quite a bit about the Zhao family’s affairs. Ever since Old Master Zhao had died, the Zhao family had fallen into decline. Not only was the Eldest Zhao dissolute and a gambler who lost their family home, but now the family of six had to rent a house to live in. It didn’t matter that the Third Son of the Zhao Family was merely a Juren; even if he were a Palace Graduate, he would not be acceptable.
Zhuang Ruolan discussed the matter with Ma Peng that night, "Does she not know the Zhao family’s situation? Yueyao used to treat her well when she was at our residence. I really don’t understand how she could propose this to Yueyao?"
Ma Peng’s expression was also unsightly, "Forget it, just have her visit less from now on." Ma Peng had long known that Loo Ying was an ungrateful wolf; he had no expectations for her anymore, and felt he had done what was morally right by arranging her marriage and providing a dowry.
Zhuang Ruolan sighed, "To think she’s not only an ingrate but also malicious." Zhuang Ruolan had already put Loo Ying on her list of people to avoid.
On the twenty-sixth of April, Ma Linlin was married. Ma Linlin had a total of sixty-four dowries, mainly because the Eldest Young Madam from the Qiao Family had eighty-one, and as a younger sister-in-law, she couldn’t surpass her elder sister-in-law. But Ma Linlin’s dowry was fully packed to the brim.
After a lively farewell, Ma Chengteng’s eyes were moist. Having raised his daughter for over a decade, it was truly saddening to see her become part of another family.
Facing such an emotional father, Zhuang Ruolan could only lower her head; she feared that she might burst into laughter and cause her father to lose face.
Ma Peng said, "Dad, the official documentation for my external posting should arrive in the next couple of days. Once it does, I’ll set out." Ma Peng was angling for the position of Prefectural Governor in Binzhou, Shandong, a Fifth Rank substantial vacancy.
Shandong was a land of plenty and securing such a vacancy there was impossible without solid connections. Ma Peng’s success in obtaining this position was also thanks to his father-in-law’s efforts.
Ma Chengteng nodded and said, "Then make your preparations. As soon as the appointment document arrives, you can assume your post." Ma Chengteng had always served as a Capital Official and had never been posted externally, so he couldn’t offer much advice in this area.
When Yueyao learned that Ma Peng was going to be posted away and Zhuang Ruolan did not plan to follow him, she was extremely surprised. She immediately sought out Zhuang Ruolan and asked, "Cousin-in-law, why aren’t you going with cousin to his new post?" Her eldest cousin would surely be away for three to five years. Despite their good relationship now, being apart for so long and with her cousin not being a paragon of chastity meant he would likely take a concubine there.
Yueyao had always seen Ma Peng and Zhuang Ruolan as her ideal partners, even setting them as examples to Mingzhu. If Zhuang Ruolan didn’t follow him, it was certain that the couple would become estranged over time.
Zhuang Ruolan felt powerless: "Yueyao, how can I leave when there are so many responsibilities here in the household?"
Yueyao asked curiously, "How much can there possibly be to do in this estate? Even if there are matters to attend to, my second cousin and second cousin-in-law are also here. Why must you be the one to stay?"
Of course, Zhuang Ruolan also wanted to accompany her husband on his official posting. But it was an unwritten rule for the eldest daughter-in-law to remain behind to care for the elderly and children when her husband was appointed away.
Yueyao couldn’t care less about such rules: "Cousin-in-law, uncle is in good health, he doesn’t need your care. As for the children, you can completely take them with you. I think it’s beneficial for the children’s growth to see more of the world outside."
Zhuang Ruolan hesitated.
Yet Yueyao felt that if Zhuang Ruolan did not accompany her husband now, it would be foolish. If her eldest cousin was to go alone to his post, he would inevitably take a concubine, and affection would develop over a few years. Once he completed his term and returned to Capital City, their relationship would surely not be as affectionate as now.
Yueyao whispered, "Cousin-in-law, if it’s uncle’s decision, I’ll talk to him." If it was Ma Peng’s intention, then it would be up to Zhuang Ruolan to speak up.
Seeing Zhuang Ruolan remain silent, Yueyao said helplessly, "Cousin-in-law, what do you think is more important, appearance or your husband? Staying behind to take care of the children and the elderly, isn’t it all just for appearances? Without you here, could the Ma family really not manage?"
Zhuang Ruolan laughed at this remark and said, "You silly girl, you’re not even married yet! And you’re already lecturing me. I will seriously consider this matter."
After Yueyao left, Cai Yun beside her advised Zhuang Ruolan, "Madam, there really are no major matters in the estate, let the Second Madam handle those trivial things." Cai Yun had hesitated to speak earlier, as it was the old custom for the eldest daughter-in-law to manage the household and care for the elderly. Now that Yueyao had broached the subject for her mistress, she thought it was an excellent opportunity.
Zhuang Ruolan was naturally tempted; the thought of being separated from her husband for years was hard to bear. Eventually, she discussed the matter with Ma Peng.
Ma Peng said with a smile, "As long as you’re willing to come with me, I’ll talk to Father." Ma Peng had wanted to take his wife and children with him, but he was worried about the harsh environment there and whether his family could handle it. Now that his wife had offered to accompany him, he was overjoyed.
Zhuang Ruolan smiled and said, "Alright."
Ma Chengteng was not a stubborn and pedantic person; when his son suggested taking his wife and children to his new post, he naturally did not obstruct them.