Chapter 775: 323 Marquis Yongding’s Family Proposes Marriage (Part 1)_2
Zhuang Ruolan originally wondered if Yueyao had any connection with the Heir to Marquis Yongding, which might have made the Heir take an interest in Yueyao. Now, looking at Yueyao’s expression, she immediately dismissed that possibility, "Yueyao, this matter is absolutely true. I just want to ask, what do you think?"
Without a second thought, Yueyao said, "The Heir to Marquis Yongding is a dragon among men; I’m not worthy of him. Cousin-in-law, please reject it for me!"
Although Zhuang Ruolan felt this marriage proposal was inappropriate, she hadn’t considered rejecting it. Regardless, the proposal was indeed tempting, but now seeing Yueyao reject such a favorable match without even considering it, Zhuang Ruolan didn’t know what to say.
Yueyao sincerely said, "Cousin-in-law, I’m not worthy of the Heir to Marquis Yongding. High families marry daughters, low families marry wives, but the difference in status between me and the Heir to Marquis Yongding is too great, and he is also a Palace Graduate in both civil and military fields. How can I possibly reach so high?" Yueyao instinctively felt that there was something fishy about this marriage proposal.
Zhuang Ruolan hesitated, "The fact that Marquis Yongding’s Family sent a marriage broker shows their sincerity. If we refuse, it might make it even harder to arrange your marriage in the future."
Yueyao said indifferently, "Cousin-in-law, let nature take its course in this matter."
Zhuang Ruolan couldn’t make a decision on her own and said, "Let’s wait for your uncle and big cousin to come back and see what they say?"
Yueyao was worried, "Why would Marquis Yongding’s Family propose out of the blue?" Yueyao truly couldn’t fathom what the people at Marquis Yongding’s Family were up to. To her, this was not a good thing but a major trouble.
Xiang Wei was clear-headed, "Miss, if I’m not mistaken, proposing marriage might have been the Heir to Marquis Yongding’s idea."
Yueyao exclaimed in surprise, "Really? It was his idea?"
Xiang Wei playfully teased Yueyao, "Maybe the Heir to Marquis Yongding has had his eye on you like Niu Yanghui had long before, and now that he has achieved official rank, he persuaded Marquis Yongding to propose."
Yueyao almost rolled her eyes, "Do you believe that?"
Xiang Wei laughed, "I believe it!"
Yueyao couldn’t help but curse, "I believe you’re talking nonsense! You’ve seen Guan Jingshuo yourself; do you think he’s taken a fancy to me? As for literary skills, he was already famous at the age of six; as for looks, Guan Jingshuo has a face that could provoke the heavens to wrath, and I feel inferior. Moreover, Yueyao was very clear, she knew what a loving gaze looked like, so she was certain, Guan Jingshuo hadn’t taken an interest."
Xiang Wei couldn’t stop laughing, "You, always so muddled. You’re making this more complicated than it needs to be. Guan Jingshuo sending people to propose is very simple. You saved her life; could he be trying to repay you for saving his life?"
Yueyao couldn’t help but retort, "I think your reason is even more far-fetched. Yes, I saved Guan Jingshuo’s life, but this is not a novel where life-saving grace must be repaid with a marriage."
Xiang Wei toned down her smile and asked earnestly, "Miss, can you tell me, what exactly is this life-saving debt you owe to Guan Jingshuo?"
Yueyao hesitated for a moment, and recounted the events of that day to Xiang Wei, unembellished. Being such a sharp person, Xiang Wei might ask a few more ’whys’ later, and Yueyao wouldn’t be able to explain clearly.
After finishing her story, Yueyao explained, "Guan Jingshuo’s birth mother and my mother were good friends. When we were in Jiangnan, my mother often mentioned Aunt Yun, so when I saw Guan Jingshuo needing support even to walk, I couldn’t bear it, and thus spoke a few more words."
Upon hearing Yueyao’s words, Xiang Wei couldn’t help but size Yueyao up from head to toe.
Feeling uneasy under Xiang Wei’s gaze, Yueyao asked, "What are you doing?"
Xiang Wei said with a beaming smile, "Miss, I’m beginning to believe what they say in Ma’s Mansion that you are a Lucky Star. If Guan Jingshuo hadn’t met you, he would surely be a pile of dust by now, where would all his current glory come from? Meeting you truly is his good fortune." Xiang Wei paused, then continued, "Speaking of which, your older cousin Ma Peng was incredibly lucky that day, it was a huge upset. Miss, that must be thanks to you, right?"
Yueyao, having a strong temperament, nodded with a smile and replied, "Yes, during the examination day, I did pray to Manjusri Bodhisattva and Lord Wenqu Star, asking them to bless my cousin with a smooth examination."
Xiang Wei’s lips twitched considerably. If praying to Manjusri Bodhisattva and Lord Wenqu Star was useful, who wouldn’t do it! However, speaking of which, Xiang Wei truly believed that Yueyao was a very fortunate person. Those around her led good lives.
Xiang Wei cautiously asked, "Miss, have you really decided to reject this marriage proposal? Honestly, I think this marriage is not bad!" Yueyao owed Guan Jingshuo a life-saving favor, and if she were willing to marry Guan Jingshuo, her position would definitely be secure. Although Lady of the Marquis Yongding could be troublesome, as long as the husband was supportive, the issues could be resolved more easily. Ignoring everything else, Xiang Wei believed Guan Jingshuo was a very good choice.
Without even considering it, Yueyao shook her head, "You should know how many concubines and children born out of wedlock Marquis Yongding has!"
After thinking for a while, Xiang Wei said, "I’m not sure about the number of concubines in Marquis Yongding’s Family, but as for children born out of wedlock, there seems to be thirteen, though that number is temporary." Xiang Wei mentioned it was temporary, because the number was still growing.
Yueyao laughed softly.
Thinking that Yueyao had concerns similar to Marquis Yongding, Xiang Wei said, "Miss, we have also seen the Heir to Marquis Yongding; he doesn’t seem to be that kind of person!" Guan Jingshuo was a man of firm will, and would surely not be preoccupied with women.
Yueyao laughed and said, "You misunderstand me. I am saying with countless concubines and over ten children born out of wedlock in Marquis Yongding’s family, marrying into that household would mean a lifetime of managing their wedding affairs, let alone having a ruthless stepmother. One can imagine what life would be like. If I marry into the household, I would end up spending all my time on these trivial matters. Where would I find the time to pursue my painting!"
Xiang Wei sighed, "Alright then, in your eyes, painting is the most important, and a husband would just take a back seat."
Xiang Wei was genuinely worried now. The Miss had been talked at by her for half a year, and it had some effect; at least the Miss wasn’t opposed to the idea of marriage anymore. But the conditions the Miss demanded were too strict. Complicated family backgrounds were out of the question, because there was no time for painting. Yet, those with simple backgrounds failed to satisfy her as well, making her marriage concerns truly troublesome.