Chapter 763: 317 Happy Events in a Row_2
Lady Niu felt somewhat guilty when she heard these words, and with a smile she said, "Good, then I shall wait to hold my grandson."
Lady Niu left with Niu Yanghui, heading back to the Main Courtyard. Gazing at the spotless room, Lady Niu felt neither sadness nor joy. She had left the Small Buddhist Hall this time for her son’s sake, and once her son’s wedding was over, she intended to return. However, she would not tell Niu Yanghui this. As a mother, Lady Niu knew her son’s temperament well, and if he found out, he would be greatly distressed. What Lady Niu was really grateful for now was that her son was marrying a girl he liked.
Just as Lady Niu returned to the Main Courtyard, a maid came to report, "Madam, Eldest Young Master, Maternal Aunt Liu is here."
Seeing Maternal Aunt Liu looking triumphant and full of the joys of spring, in contrast to his own mother’s calm demeanor, a chill briefly flickered across Niu Yanghui’s face. But no matter how annoyed he was, he couldn’t say anything to Maternal Aunt Liu. After all, it was improper for a man to interfere in Inner Courtyard affairs.
Lady Niu said with a smile, "Hui’er, you go about your business! I will just tax myself this last time. Once my daughter-in-law enters the door and someone is there to care for my son, I will be at ease."
Maternal Aunt Liu watched Niu Yanghui’s retreating back, filled with regret. She had always urged the Old Master to settle the Eldest Young Master’s marriage, but the Eldest Young Master had always found ways to persuade the Old Master to dispel the idea.
Maternal Aunt Liu’s son, Niu Yangchao, had decent learning and was skilled in sweet talk, winning Lord Niu’s favor. Maternal Aunt Liu’s original plan was for Niu Yanghui to marry the daughter of a low-ranked family. That way, she would find ways to completely suppress the other party. Once her son made a name for himself, they could then discuss a good marriage alliance, and her life would be complete. But she never anticipated that the Eldest Young Master would catch everyone by surprise and receive a marriage decreed by the Emperor. Now that the Eldest Young Master was to marry a lady from the Marquis’ household, a noblewoman of high status, there would be no place for her in the household once the bride entered the family.
Upon hearing Zhuang Ruolan say that Tingyi was the Tanhua of this examination, Yueyao turned her head to look at Xiang Wei. Such a major event, and yet Xiang Wei had not told her.
Xiang Wei lowered her head, appearing unaware of Yueyao’s gaze.
Zhuang Ruolan handed a red invitation to Yueyao, saying, "Yueyao, the Lian family has sent over an invitation." In Zhuang Ruolan’s opinion, Yueyao should go back. The Eldest Son of the Lian family was well-known, and now that the Second Son had become Tanhua, the Lian family was rising. Yueyao continuing to be estranged from the Lian family would be of no benefit to her.
Looking at the invitation, Yueyao paused for a moment before asking, "Cousin-in-law, has Lady Mo left the Small Buddhist Hall?" If Yueyao’s guess was right, Lady Mo must have left the hall. With her children being so successful, Lian Dongfang surely could no longer keep Lady Mo confined.
Zhuang Ruolan marveled at Yueyao’s sensitivity, "Indeed, the Eldest Lady Lian has come out. But now the stewardship of the Lian family is in the hands of the Eldest Young Madam."
Yueyao said with a smile, "Cousin-in-law, I won’t return to the Lian family. However, I will send a gift when the time comes." Yueyao was aware that Zhuang Ruolan had her best interests in mind. Persisting in such a strained relationship would only hurt herself in the end.
Zhuang Ruolan began to tell Yueyao about Ma Peng’s impending assignment to a post afar.
Yueyao nodded, "My big cousin is still young; being assigned to an external post is also good. Once he accumulates experience, his promotion upon returning to the capital will be swift."
Zhuang Ruolan nodded with a smile.
After talking for a while, an old nanny came to report to Zhuang Ruolan.
After taking her leave from Zhuang Ruolan, Yueyao went to visit Ma Linlin. Ma Linlin’s wedding date was set for the 26th of April. The date had already been fixed, and the marriage would proceed as planned regardless of whether Qiao Wenmao passed the examination or not. Unfortunately, Qiao Wenmao did not make it this time.
Although Ma Linlin was somewhat disappointed, she didn’t take too hard a fall, mainly because Qiao Wenmao was only seventeen years old this year, and waiting another three years would only make him twenty.
On the way to Ma Linlin’s courtyard, Yueyao glanced at Xiang Wei, "Such a big event as Second Cousin Brother becoming a Tanhua, why didn’t you tell me?"
Xiang Wei laughed, "Miss, you didn’t ask, so I thought you didn’t want to know!" Seeing Yueyao’s displeasure, Xiang Wei quickly told the truth, "Miss, whether Lian Tingyi became Tanhua or not, it’s all the same to you, right?" Even if Lian Tingyi had become the Top Scholar, Yueyao would not return to the Lian family.
Yueyao fell silent for a moment before saying, "Next time something like this happens, you should tell me." Yueyao harbored dislike for Lian Dongfang and Lady Mo, but she bore no grudge against Tingli or Tingyi. Now that Tingyi had secured the title of Tanhua, it was indeed good news.
Xiang Wei smiled, "Since Miss is so interested, may I also inform you of another matter. The Heir to Marquis Yongding also passed this examination, although his position wasn’t prominent—ranking in the second tier, over a hundred and ninety. "
Yueyao was surprised, "With the Heir to Marquis Yongding’s talent, he shouldn’t have scored so poorly, right?"
Xiang Wei shook her head with a smile, "Miss, the Heir to Marquis Yongding is also preparing for the martial examination. The tests will be in April, and if the Heir to Marquis Yongding also achieves a title in martial arts, he will be renowned throughout the lands." If Guan Jingshuo also earned the title of Martial Scholar, he would be the first in the Great Yuan Dynasty, making it difficult for him not to become famous!
Yueyao shook her head with a smile, "I remember the first time I saw him he needed someone to support him just to walk; I never imagined he would be taking the martial examination now." Yueyao had never doubted Guan Jingshuo’s capabilities, but she marvelled at how unpredictable life can be.
With care, Xiang Wei asked, "Miss, the Heir to Marquis Yongding said you have a life-saving grace upon him. Miss, when did you save his life?"
Yueyao chuckled, "Why are you so curious?" Other than her and Guan Jingshuo, no one else would know the truth about that matter.
While they spoke, they arrived at Ma Linlin’s courtyard. Upon entering, Yueyao saw the room filled with threads and brocade. Ma Linlin had been embroidering her dowry these past days.
Yueyao admired the nearly completed wedding gown, exclaiming, "Cousin, your wedding dress is beautiful." Ma Linlin’s gown was embroidered with Gold and Silver Threads and adorned with jewels and jade, making it exceptionally luxurious.
Ma Linlin’s face lit up with a brilliant smile at these words.