Chapter 837: Chapter 353: Fright (Part 2)
Xiang Wei also put away her disdain and began to take it seriously: "Their injuries are almost healed, they can come back now." Xiang Wei thought she should find a few more skilled fighters to protect their girl. Sigh, the girl being too beautiful is not always a good thing.
That evening, Madam Ping informed Luo Shao of Yueyao’s attitude: "I originally thought Yueyao would refuse outright, but unexpectedly, she hesitated. I think perhaps the Fourth Prince’s intention to take her as a consort frightened her." Besides this reason, Madam Ping couldn’t understand why Yueyao wavered.
Luo Shao was also a bit surprised. He thought it would take more time, but unexpectedly Yueyao had already softened: "Once the adoption matter is settled, let Heyue propose. It’s better to settle the marriage early to avoid further waves."
Madam Ping hesitated: "But Yueyao only said she would consider it, she didn’t agree. Isn’t this a bit hasty,
Luo Shao confidently said: "Zichang will agree."
Madam Ping always trusted her husband, so she did not doubt Luo Shao’s words: "If this marriage comes to fruition, it will surely cause a stir." Yueyao choosing from among the many options, ended up choosing the most unwelcome bachelor in the Capital City, surely it will become the talk of the town.
Luo Shao had a different opinion: "Heyue’s future is limitless, Zichang marrying him would be Zichang’s blessing." A man’s capability is most important; why worry about looks.
Madam Ping smiled lightly, not refuting Luo Shao’s words.
The Fourth Prince’s intention to take Yueyao as a consort was not a secret, so it quickly spread. Although Ma Chengteng refused, it was still a hot topic in Capital City.
When Yueyao heard the news, her face turned pale. She was certain that the news was deliberately leaked by the Fourth Prince. One could easily see the Fourth Prince’s intentions; who would dare compete with a prince for a woman unless they had audacity?
Xiang Wei also exclaimed in anger: "It’s truly despicable." If she had been half-believing before, now Xiang Wei believed Yueyao. Although Yueyao was valued by both the Marquis Jingning’s Residence and the Li Mansion, when it came to family interests, they would certainly not disregard them for Yueyao. Why would the Fourth Prince be so cunning for a woman of no benefit to him?
Yueyao thought about it for a long time and finally found peace: "It seems I’m destined to be a spinster this life." The worst outcome is not getting married, as she originally didn’t have much desire to marry anyway.
Xiang Wei hesitantly said: "Didn’t An Zhichen ask Madam to probe your thoughts? He shouldn’t back down over such a small matter, should he?"
Yueyao laughed: "Offending a prince is a small matter, what then is a big matter?" Offending a prince would surely affect one’s future, who would joke around with their future?
Xiang Wei was stunned by this and stood there blankly for a long time, then she stood up and said: "If someone retreats due to such a small matter, they are not worth marrying."
Yueyao hummed in agreement but said nothing more.
Ma Chengteng, upon hearing the rumors, felt a pang of regret in his heart. If he had known, he’d have settled Yueyao’s marriage earlier instead of waiting, which would have avoided this situation. But now, it’s too late to regret.
When Lady Li heard the rumors, her face turned pale. She hadn’t even informed Yueyao of the news before this happened.
That evening, Lady Li told Li Guoxing about the rumors outside. Lady Li’s opinion was that her son’s future was important and shouldn’t be ruined because of Yueyao.
Li Guoxing had actually heard about the rumor earlier than Lady Li and held the Fourth Prince’s actions in contempt. As a prince, how could he engage in such low behavior: "It’s indeed untimely to bring it up now, but after some time when the storm has passed, we will set Yueyao and Hanhan’s marriage."
Lady Li was taken aback, wondering why her husband was making decisions so readily. Lady Li suppressed her dissatisfaction and said gently: "I’ll listen to what Old Master decides." After this incident, Lady Li dared not let her son marry Yueyao. With such a controversial daughter-in-law, life would be too short.
Lady Li originally intended to find an appropriate time to hint this matter to Yueyao. However, she couldn’t wait any longer, so the next day she had her trusted old nanny, Nanny He, deliver items to Yueyao, using the nanny’s words to convey the message to Yueyao.
Nanny He found it inappropriate: "Madam, it’s not wise to bring this up at such a tumultuous time. It’s not too late to speak after things calm down." Nanny He didn’t think Yueyao would agree to this marriage. If Madam brought it up now, it would definitely strain the relationship.
At this point, Lady Li paid no heed to such concerns, fearing desperately that Old Master might suddenly settle the marriage.
Nanny He, seeing Lady Li not listening, could only leave helplessly.
When Yueyao heard Nanny He’s indirect words and realized what they implied, she was dumbfounded. Why would Uncle Li want Li Han to marry her?
Xiang Wei immediately responded with a cold face: "Please tell her there’s no need for her to worry about our lady’s marriage." What nonsense, it’s like they are afraid her lady would cling to Li Han just because of some rumors outside.
Nanny He’s face turned crimson.
Yueyao, hearing Xiang Wei’s words, collected herself and said calmly: "Please tell Auntie Li, I have always regarded Brother Hanhan as a younger brother, in my heart Hanhan is no different from Tingzheng." This was a subtle way to firmly state that she would not marry Li Han.
Yueyao’s calmness made Nanny He feel utterly ashamed. As Nanny He left Ma’s Mansion, she remarked sentimentally to the maid next to her: "How could such a good girl have such a bitter fate?" Losing her parents young, then being rejected by her closest uncle, and now amidst adulthood, she gets a broken engagement. With such talk from the Fourth Prince, who would dare marry her now? Miss Lian, in this life, seems fated to stay single.