Chapter 820: Chapter 345: Fan Jun (Part 1)
Su Zhen whispered, "Madam, it’s better to tell them the truth! If you drag it out, it’ll be your fault later on." Just tell the Zhu Family that Miss Yao doesn’t fancy them, and they’ll surely back off.
Madam Tang felt a bit troubled; saying such a thing would indeed be a slap in the face. She regretted getting involved in this matter from the beginning.
Su Zhen noticed Madam Tang’s difficulty and smiled, "Madam, you’re overthinking. Miss Yao doesn’t even fancy the Heir to Marquis Yongding, so it’s perfectly normal that she wouldn’t like Master Zhu Hang, don’t you think?"
Madam Tang nodded, "That’s the only way." It’s better to have her mother arrange it; she really didn’t want to talk to her aunt about this anymore.
Su Zhu murmured, "I wonder what kind of husband Miss Yao is looking for. With her being so picky, marriage will be a big trouble." The fear is that if she’s too picky, she might not be able to marry, and then she’ll be stuck living at Ma’s Mansion forever.
Madam Tang was not bothered by this; her husband was the legitimate second son and would eventually separate from the family. Even if Yueyao never marries and stays at the estate, that would be her brother-in-law and sister-in-law’s issue, not hers. Besides, with Yueyao’s talents, even if she never marries, she would certainly live a life of luxury.
Madam Tang suddenly understood why Yueyao acted so freely. It was because she had confidence; even if she didn’t marry, she wasn’t worried about her future. "Yanmo, I’ll write to my mother." This matter really couldn’t be delayed any longer, and it was best to come clean.
After using that local remedy, Mingzhu stopped vomiting, and everything she ate these days was delicious. Seeing Yueyao recovering put her mind at ease, so she was preparing to return to the mansion.
As reluctant as Mingzhu was, she knew she couldn’t stop Yueyao from leaving. Mingzhu grumbled, "Getting married means losing freedom." Before, she could have Yueyao stay as long as she wanted. Unlike now, with so many considerations.
Xiang Wei ridiculed Mingzhu, "You’ve married to become the household madam, without a mother-in-law managing you, nor is there any concubine annoying you. Niu Yanghui treasures you like a gem. People would envy this life of yours as if you’ve fallen into a honeypot, yet you have the audacity to say marriage is bad here. If you spoke like this to outsiders, they’d ridicule you to death." Those wives tormented by mothers-in-law or battling concubines would certainly resent hearing this!
Mingzhu giggled and said, "Oh, I forgot to give you a big red envelope." Mingzhu was just airing a few grievances; she didn’t really think marriage was bad. Her life now was indeed as sweet as Xiang Wei described.
Xiang Wei began to boast, "Thanks to my expert matchmaking. Miss, you should trust my judgment in the future."
Mingzhu didn’t deny Xiang Wei’s words.
However, Yueyao disagreed, "Was it also your doing that Niu Yanghui professed his intentions before the Emperor?" The affection Niu Yanghui had for Mingzhu was something no one else could contribute to. Of course, Yueyao did not deny Xiang Wei’s role; without Xiang Wei’s recommendation and subtle encouragement, they might have missed out on such a good husband.
Xiang Wei said resentfully, "Always being undermined."
Upon returning to Ma’s Mansion, Yueyao resumed her routine. Every day, she painted, practiced calligraphy, and read, not worrying even without news from Fan Jun.
Xiang Wei originally thought Yueyao would anxiously wait for news, but seeing her calm demeanor, she said, "Miss, I think it’ll take you less than ten years to surpass Mr. Yu Shan." With this kind of composure and character, if she doesn’t surpass Mr. Yu Shan, it would be a shame to her efforts.
Yueyao didn’t even look up, "That’s absolutely impossible. Painting requires talent and effort, but also experience and perspective." Yueyao felt her knowledge reserve was insufficient, and there was much more to learn, while experience is something that requires time.
Xiang Wei smiled. She believed Yueyao’s other strength was that no matter how highly others praised her, she remained unaffected, always aware of her abilities and knowing which direction to strive in. Given time, Miss would undoubtedly become a distinguished figure in the world of painting.
Xi Yu brought over a plate of cherries, "Miss, these just arrived from the Marquis’ household." Cherries are a rare commodity, costing ten taels of silver per pound when first listed. Even now, they cost three taels per pound, and ordinary folks simply can’t afford them.
Yueyao looked at Xiang Wei and said, "You’re in for a treat again." Madam Ping knew Yueyao loved fresh fruit, so whenever the Marquis’ household got fresh fruit, they’d send some to the Niu Mansion and Ma’s Mansion. Yueyao ate very little herself; most ended up in Xiang Wei’s stomach.