Chapter 774: 323 Marquis Yongding’s Family Proposes a Marriage (Part 1)
Zhuang Ruolan had not planned to accompany her husband to his new post, but now that she had decided to go, she definitely needed to reorganize everything.
Ma Peng said with a smile, “I will assume my position in mid-June. There’s still more than a month left, and the road from the Capital City to Shandong is easy to travel. We have plenty of time, no need to rush.”
Zhuang Ruolan smiled and said, “This trip means we won’t be able to return for at least three years. Not only do we have to pack the things we are bringing, but we also need to sort out the things we are not using.”
Ma Peng immediately dismissed the matter. Such trivial things were not within his management. He would be leaving soon, and he had been very busy recently, handling the handover of his official duties during the day and socializing with colleagues over drinks at night.
Madam Tang was very surprised to learn that Zhuang Ruolan was leaving: “Why would my big sister-in-law suddenly decide to go with him to his post?” Madam Tang’s surprise stemmed from her knowledge, since the beginning of the year, of Ma Peng’s plans to take up an external post. And during this time, she had observed Zhuang Ruolan’s behavior as if there were no plans to accompany him. She couldn’t understand why Zhuang Ruolan had suddenly changed her mind.
Su Zhu said, “How could the eldest daughter-in-law possibly go with him to his post? Who would manage all the household affairs inside and out?” Eventually, everything would be pushed onto her own master.
Madam Tang shook her head, “There aren’t many affairs to deal with in the mansion, it’s not a big deal.” Since her father-in-law had agreed, she, as his younger sister-in-law, naturally had no place to object.
As Zhuang Ruolan was instructing her staff to seal away the unused items in boxes, a maid came with a flushed face, “Madam, there is a matchmaker who claims to be surnamed Diao at the door, and she says she comes to propose marriage for Miss Yao.”
Zhuang Ruolan quickly had Cai Yun invite the matchmaker Diao into the reception room, and after changing into a new set of clothes, she met with the matchmaker.
Upon seeing Zhuang Ruolan, Matchmaker Diao beamed with joy, “Madam Ma, this is great news!”
Zhuang Ruolan was suspicious. Naturally, a matchmaker’s visit meant discussing marriage proposals, but what was the reason behind Matchmaker Diao’s joyful expression? Could it be that she was absolutely certain they would agree to the marriage? Zhuang Ruolan smiled and said, “I don’t understand what you mean, mother. Where does this joy come from?”
Matchmaker Diao said with a smile, “It is naturally a great joy for the household. The Lady of Marquis Yongding wishes to seek the hand of the Third Miss of the Lian Family for her Heir Apparent. Madam, isn’t this a cause for celebration?”
Zhuang Ruolan, who had always been composed, couldn’t help but be startled by Matchmaker Diao’s words: “Mother, are you jesting?” Who was the Heir to Marquis Yongding? He was known throughout the Capital City as the Palace Graduate excelling in both civil and military arts. How could it be that Marquis Yongding’s household would propose marriage to Yueyao?
Matchmaker Diao, smiling as if flowers were blooming, thought that this marriage was certain to take place, and naturally, the matchmaking fee was secure: “Madam Ma, I have been a matchmaker for more than twenty years and have always been well-regarded. I would never joke about such an important matter.”
Zhuang Ruolan still felt the proposal was unreliable. Even though she had been preoccupied with arranging Ma Linlin’s wedding and had not gone out much these days, she was still well-aware of the Capital City’s affairs. To Zhuang Ruolan’s knowledge, it seemed that Prince Duan was interested in betrothing Princess Wanhe to the Heir to Marquis Yongding: “Mother, are you truly here on behalf of the Lady of Marquis Yongding to seek the hand of our Yueyao for the Heir to Marquis Yongding?”
Matchmaker Diao said with a smile, “It’s absolutely true. Madam Ma, the Heir to Marquis Yongding is accomplished in both literary and martial arts, and Miss Lian is also renowned for her talent and beauty. They are truly a match made in heaven!” Matchmaker Diao believed there was no problem with this marriage proposal. In her view, it was like a pie falling from the sky, and there’s no reason not to catch it.
If the Marquis Yongding’s household were proposing marriage to another family’s daughter, Zhuang Ruolan might have commented on their good fortune. However, when it came to Yueyao, Zhuang Ruolan couldn’t help but have her reservations.
Zhuang Ruolan said with a smile, “Please convey to the Lady of Marquis Yongding that this matter must wait until our Great Grandfather and the Old Master return before a decision can be made.” Having said that, Zhuang Ruolan had Cai Yun give twenty taels of silver to Matchmaker Diao. Regardless of Marquis Yongding’s intentions, these matchmakers should never be offended.
Cai Yun personally escorted the matchmaker out: “Please forgive us, mother. You probably know about our Miss cousin’s situation. Such a good marriage proposal has suddenly come our way, and our Madam cannot help but be cautious.”
The matchmaker left with a full smile, “Naturally.” She didn’t give it much thought, since, in any case, the cousin-in-law could not make the decision. Of course, the substantial red envelope played a role, making it easy for the matchmaker to leave satisfied without an empty trip.
Zhuang Ruolan hesitated. Given the Heir to Marquis Yongding’s qualifications, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say he could marry anyone he wished; so, why would he choose Yueyao? To others, it might seem like a stroke of luck, but Zhuang Ruolan felt there was something improper about this marriage.
Yueyao was also astonished: “What? The Lady of Marquis Yongding came to propose marriage?”