Chapter 129: Testing the Marriage Proposal
After coming down from the mountain, Wen Mingqian and Madam Zhong rode in the same horse carriage.
“Today’s events were all thanks to you, Madam. Mingqian will forever remember your favor,” Wen Mingqian expressed her gratitude generously.
“To speak like that makes us strangers,” Madam Zhong said. “If I considered you an outsider, why would I be so dedicated?”
“That’s why Madam is my noble lady,” Wen Mingqian said. “I truly wish we could become family.”
Madam Zhong smiled slightly upon hearing this. “We are both straightforward people who don’t engage in those convoluted schemes, which is why we get along.
At my age, I should be enjoying my retirement, but there is one matter that weighs on my mind.”
“Is Madam referring to the Fourth Miss?” Wen Mingqian asked.
“Isn’t it her? She is the youngest, and my late-born daughter. Everyone knows I dote on her,” Madam Zhong sighed. “But the more I dote on her, the more I worry about her future. She is already sixteen, and her marriage has not yet been arranged.”
“Indeed, a child’s lifelong happiness is a parent’s greatest concern,” Wen Mingqian said, following Madam Zhong’s train of thought. “But for a daughter like your Fourth Miss, who is of excellent character and appearance, and from a noble family, ordinary people would hardly be a match. They would surely be intimidated by your residence’s doorstep.”
“Alas, in truth, our family isn’t fixated on a high marriage. The first priority is family values, and second, the son-in-law must have good character and be learned. Third, she must agree herself. Otherwise, even with a high status, what use is marrying a simpleton? Or if she’s unhappy and cries all day, it’s hardly a happy union.”
“Alas, it’s clear Madam truly loves the Fourth Miss, considering all aspects so thoroughly. For a man to marry and a woman to wed, elders must indeed plan ahead for them!
A few days ago, when I was chatting with the Old Madam and Eldest Sister-in-law, we were discussing Jing’an’s marriage. He had been so busy with his imperial examinations that marriage was never mentioned. Now that he has passed, it’s time to consider his lifelong commitment.”
“Your Eldest Young Master is a man of distinguished appearance and a newly appointed Jinshi scholar. Surely, proposals would be flooding your doorstep!” Madam Zhong laughed. “I wonder which young lady will be fortunate enough to marry such a talented and handsome gentleman.”
“Speaking of which, I can’t help but laugh. When our family chooses a spouse, our thoughts are quite similar to yours, Madam. We want a family with upright values, a young lady who is knowledgeable and sensible, and someone she herself approves of,” Wen Mingqian said. “However…”
“However, what?” Madam Zhong asked.
“However, although there is a satisfactory candidate now, I dare not speak of it,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Young Jing’an has someone in his heart, and it’s someone our Old Madam had already chosen. I fear we might offend the young lady, and even more, I fear it might harm the harmony between our two families.”
“Oh my, you people in your mansion are being too cautious! It’s said that when a family has a daughter, a hundred suitors will come. Your family is not one to be ashamed of. Just go and propose; if they refuse, they refuse, what’s the big deal?” Madam Zhong laughed. “If you’re too embarrassed to speak, just let me be the matchmaker. Let me tell you, I’m excellent at matchmaking.”
Wen Mingqian looked at Madam Zhong and asked, “What do you think of our Eldest Young Master, Madam?”
“Why do you ask such a question? I’ve already said before, this child is an outstanding person, with an immeasurable future,” Madam Zhong replied.
“Then what do you think of our Gong Family’s standing, Madam?” Wen Mingqian asked again.
“Do I even need to say? Of course, it’s good. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be so close to you!” Madam Zhong said.
“Madam’s satisfaction is truly beyond our expectations, but Madam cannot be the matchmaker,” Wen Mingqian said with a meaningful smile. “However, you can ask the Fourth Miss for her opinion.”
In fact, throughout the journey, both of them had been probing each other. After all, as Wen Mingqian said, if the proposal were to fail, it would be considered abrupt and could very likely damage their harmony.
At this point, Madam Zhong naturally understood Wen Mingqian’s intention. The Gong Family had set their sights on her daughter, Zhong Meier. However, her family was a Marquis Mansion, while the Gong Family was merely an Earl’s.
Although the two families were friendly on a daily basis, matters of children’s marriages were not to be taken lightly and could not be ambiguous.
Therefore, the Gong Family intended for Wen Mingqian to test her intentions, which was also for the sake of prudence.
In truth, her own family was also very satisfied with Gong Jing’an. The young man was handsome and talented, not only well-educated but also a newly appointed Jinshi scholar.
Although his family’s noble rank was not high, as long as he possessed true talent and learning, there would be opportunities for him to rise.
Moreover, Gong and Wei Shi were a renowned virtuous and upright couple. Their daughter would certainly not be mistreated if she married into their family.
What’s more, all the younger generation in the Gong Family were excellent, and they would be able to support each other in the future.
Even Wen Mingqian, as an aunt, was no ordinary person. Looking at her character and methods, it was unknown what kind of backing she would secure in the future!
Another point was that her daughter also got along very well with her. Although family status was important when choosing a spouse, Madam Zhong cared more about whether her daughter would be happy after marriage.
Therefore, she did not place excessive importance on the noble rank.
“Oh! So…” Madam Zhong couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’ve gone around in circles and led me into it.”
“Please forgive me, Madam. It’s just that the Fourth Miss is so much to our liking,” Wen Mingqian also said with a smile. “Our Old Madam repeatedly told me long ago, but at that time, Jing’an did not yet have an official position.
Although he has now passed the examination, we still dare not rashly propose. Ultimately, it’s because we fear offending the esteemed lady.”
Madam Zhong was naturally pleased that they showed such respect for her family. She said, “Our family has three conditions for choosing a son-in-law, and two have already been met. Only the last one remains, which I cannot decide on my own. I will go back and ask the Fourth Miss.”
“Madam, please ask her gently. Don’t startle Mei’er,” Wen Mingqian said. “Young ladies are shy.”
“Don’t worry! I’ll have her sister-in-law ask. The two of them, sisters-in-law, are together all day and can talk to each other,” Madam Zhong said. “Whether she agrees or not, I will tell you then.”
After entering the city, Wen Mingqian bid farewell to Madam Zhong and returned to her own residence.
Upon returning to her mansion, Madam Zhong first summoned her daughter-in-law and relayed Wen Mingqian’s intentions.
Fang Shi had actually sensed it earlier and smiled, saying, “The Gong Family’s judgment is truly excellent, to have taken a liking to our precious gem.
Speaking of which, the Gong Family’s Eldest Young Master is an excellent match, worthy of our Mei’er.”
“Alas, we see him as perfect, but we don’t know what that girl’s thoughts are. Please go and ask her opinion,” Madam Zhong said. “If she refuses, it would be a pity for such a good marriage.”
“Mother, don’t worry. Although I haven’t asked Fourth Sister’s opinion yet, I think there’s a good chance,” Fang Shi said with a smile. “Didn’t we happen to meet their Eldest Young Master at the Gong Family’s residence a few days ago? When I saw him then, I felt it was a case of the Prince of Xiang being willing, and the goddess also having the intention.”
