Chapter 781: 326 Rejecting Relatives Turmoil (Part 2)
Yueyao refused the marriage proposal from Marquis Yongding’s Family, and while many people verbally labeled Yueyao as foolish, in reality, the families of other girls eligible for marriage felt somewhat relieved. As long as the Heir to Marquis Yongding remained unmarried, they still had a chance, so there were still quite a few families approaching Marquis Yongding’s Family to propose marriage.
Yueyao was surprised when she heard Xiang Wei say that the Heir to Marquis Yongding wanted to meet her. "Xiang Wei, you go meet the Heir to Marquis Yongding and convey my thoughts to him." Yueyao was definitely not going to meet the Heir to Marquis Yongding, especially now, being at the center of controversy, as being spotted would ruin her reputation. Xiang Wei’s makeup skills were excellent, and even if someone saw her meeting the Heir to Marquis Yongding disguised, it would not arouse suspicion.
When Guan Jingshuo saw Xiang Wei, he did not beat around the bush and asked, "Why does Miss Lian refuse to agree?" Xiang Wei, expressionless, responded, "Our Miss said that she wants to become a person like Mr. Yu Shan, thus she refused this marriage proposal." Xiang Wei felt that if Marquis Yongding’s Family were not so chaotic, even if Guan Jingshuo was proposing marriage as a form of gratitude for saving his life, it would not have been a bad match. Regardless, a life-saving favor was of utmost importance, and with that favor, her Miss would stand on solid ground.
Guan Jingshuo didn’t believe this excuse: "This has nothing directly to do with refusing the proposal. Once in the Marquis’ household, Miss Lian can certainly paint!"
On hearing this, Xiang Wei couldn’t help but laugh, "Heir Apparent, let’s speak frankly, although you are commendable, Marquis Yongding’s Family really isn’t a good place. Your family’s inner court is chaotic, and with a formidable auntie-in-law, our Miss can’t handle it." Guan Jingshuo did not expect this to be the reason Yueyao refused the proposal, and frowned, saying, "These are minor issues."
Xiang Wei chuckled: "What’s minor to you is intolerable for our Miss. Heir Apparent, no offense, but although you are excellent, your household is too chaotic. If you don’t find a wife who is as formidable and astute as one from a better family than Duke Ning, you’ll become a widower within three years."
Guan Jingshuo’s face darkened at once.
Xiang Wei, unconcerned about Guan Jingshuo’s displeasing look, said, "Heir Apparent, I’m saying this for our Miss’s sake, whether you listen is up to you."
Guan Jingshuo’s expression relaxed considerably: "Thank you!"
Xiang Wei smiled, "Actually, was it to repay our Miss for saving your life that you sent the marriage broker?" Xiang Wei also felt that Guan Jingshuo’s intent to marry Yueyao was not out of affection, but rather to repay the debt of life-saving.
Guan Jingshuo did not answer this question. Yueyao had already refused the proposal, and speaking of it further had no meaning, yet Guan Jingshuo did consider Xiang Wei’s advice seriously.
When Guan Jingshuo had just returned to the Marquis’ household, a young servant came up and said, "Heir Apparent, the Marquis requests your presence in the study to discuss an important matter."
When Marquis Yongding saw Guan Jingshuo, he said, "I am ready to settle your marriage!" Marquis Yongding had been enticed when Prince Duan’s Mansion came proposing. Princess Wanhe of Prince Duan’s Mansion was the Legitimate Daughter, ennobled as a Commandery Princess shortly after her birth, of noble birth, and reputed to be capable and beautiful—only such a girl was worthy of his son.
When Guan Jingshuo heard that it was Princess Wanhe whom Marquis Yongding intended for him, suddenly recalling Xiang Wei’s words, he said, "Father, I do not wish to marry now, let’s talk about it in a few years!"
This time, Marquis Yongding was unusually adamant: "You are already eighteen years old, I can’t indulge your whims anymore. This matter is settled. I’ve already sent word to Prince Duan’s Mansion, and the astrology charts will be matched in a couple of days. If all goes well, the marriage will be concluded by the end of the year."
Guan Jingshuo looked up at Marquis Yongding: "Father, if I marry the Commandery Princess, it will hinder my career progress!" Men who married Commandery Princesses often ended up idly at home. Would all his years of effort be ruined because of one woman?
Marquis Yongding said, "The Emperor has already appointed you to serve in the Imperial Forest Army; as long as you perform well, your career will certainly not be hindered. In fact, marrying the Commandery Princess could smooth your future career!" Commandery Princesses differed from Princesses and did not exert a significant influence.
Guan Jingshuo knew it was a done deal, and further words would be futile. He composed his emotions and said, "Let Father decide."
The news of the Heir Apparent of Marquis Yongding’s Family’s engagement to Princess Wanhe of Prince Duan’s Mansion very quickly spread. Last time many considered Yueyao unworthy of Guan Jingshuo, but this time was different—the news was universally seen as a match made in heaven.
Yueyao, upon hearing the news, was not too surprised. Since Princess Wanhe had inexplicably visited Ma’s Mansion to question her previously, Yueyao had guessed it, though she did not expect it to be settled so quickly.