freenovelworld Chapter 328: The Marriage is Discussed!
Chapter 328: The Marriage is Discussed!
"You mean that Prince Ming realized that the Emperor would favor Father Xian and therefore give important positions to the Mu family, so it was inevitable that he would take the initiative to win over the Mu family in advance?"
"Don't think that Mu Xinyao is not favored in your Mu family now. When Mu Xinyao marries Jin Hui in the future, it would be normal for your father to give her some support, right? With such a powerful in-law family, it will be easier for Jin Hui to get things done."
Mu Xin Nuan roughly understood at this point. This meant that from the very beginning, Ming Wang's plan was nothing more than to use Mu Xin Yao to drag the Mu family down with him.
However, Mu Xin Nuan had to admit that what Duanmu Chu Ze said was true.
If Jin Hui had indeed become his father's son-in-law, then it would be perfectly normal for his father to take care of him.
Thinking about it carefully, Jin Hui left a very gentle and polite impression on people. Such a scholar was most likely to win his father's favor.
Mu Xinnuan couldn't help but think of her past life, how well-behaved and sensible Jin Hui was in front of his father.
He would often bring his calligraphy, paintings, and poems to seek his advice, which further endeared him to his father, who then began to pave the way for him in officialdom. Otherwise, how could he have so easily gained a foothold in the court?
Looking back now, he was already one of Ming Wang's men back then. However, given his somewhat awkward and delicate position, Ming Wang couldn't directly step in and personally support him. And just then, his foolish wife appeared, dragging the entire Mu family into the mess.
Mu Xin Nuan's heart suddenly ached. She knew she couldn't let the events of her past life repeat themselves.
"Kim I is really not a very likable person."
"Hehe, I knew you didn't like him! Don't worry, I have my own ways of dealing with him, just watch."
Mu Xin Nuan glanced at him sideways, "What is your status? To lower yourself to his level would be beneath you."
"There's nothing I can do, it's just that my Ah Nuan doesn't like him."
As soon as Duanmu Chuze finished speaking, he saw that Mu Xin Nuan's eyes clearly showed some disbelief. He laughed awkwardly a few times, then whispered a few words in her ear. Mu Xin Nuan raised her eyebrows slightly, and a smile appeared between her brows.
"I seriously doubt whether you are a prince. How could you come up with such a despicable method?"
"What does coming up with such a method have to do with whether I am a prince or not?"
Mu Xin Nuan couldn't help but think that although he came from the royal family and had a noble status, the scheming and fighting within the palace was probably more brutal than outside. What he faced was probably much more ruthless than what she had experienced.
A few days later, the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence indeed sent someone to discuss the marriage.
Li was naturally somewhat surprised, and at the same time, she was also a little unwilling.
"This? Xinyao hasn't even reached marriageable age yet, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
“Madam Mu, I know you love Ai Yao, but I heard that the second young master of the Jin family is about to take up a post outside the city. Although it’s not a high-ranking official position, just a seventh-rank county magistrate, think about how old the second young master is this year. It’s already quite good to have such a good job. I heard that the place he’s going to is in Jiangnan. His future prospects are definitely limitless.”
Madam Li hesitated for a moment, "This matter is far too important. I am just a woman and cannot make the decision on my own. We must wait until we have asked the old master and father for their opinions before we can proceed."
"Why is Madam Mu so cautious? It's not uncommon for young men to get married because they're going to take up positions in other places. Why are you so concerned?"
"It's not that I care. It's just that Xinyao is too young right now, only thirteen, it's really not suitable for her to get married."
"I understand Madam Mu's concerns."
The person who came to discuss this marriage today was an aunt from Madam Jin's maternal family. She laughed and said, "Such things have happened before. What's the big deal? Besides, I'm doing this for your Xinyao's own good. Madam Mu, think about it. If the Second Young Master Jin is serving in an official post outside for a few years, how can he not have anyone to talk to? In addition, the Marquis's wife naturally can't go with him. If the Second Young Master has a son born out of wedlock while he's away, wouldn't that be even more disadvantageous for your Xinyao?"
Li thought about it and agreed.
That young master Jin is in his prime. I heard just a couple of days ago that he took in two concubines. If he brings them to his post, it will be another three years before Xinyao comes of age. By then, he might already have several illegitimate sons and daughters.
If that's really the case, then it would truly be a slap in the face for the Mu family!
Seeing that Madam Li was indeed somewhat swayed, the visitor continued, "Madam Mu, to be honest, the second young lady is also a concubine's daughter. Why should she follow so many rules? You just need to prepare a few more nannies for her. Then, you won't have to worry about who will teach her."
Li smiled awkwardly. Mu Xinyao probably wished all the people she had prepared were dead!
Of course, this couldn't be said in front of outsiders, so she could only nod and say, "In that case, I'll discuss it with the old master and the master. I understand what the Marquis's family means. Please ask Madam to go back and tell Madam Jin that I will think about it carefully."
This means that she has agreed, but she cannot guarantee what the attitude of the Mu family man will be.
"Alright, then I'll head back now and wait for Madam Mu's good news."
After thinking it over, Li first mentioned the matter to the old man.
The old master didn't say anything else, only that it was up to her, his legal mother, to make the decision. He didn't seem to think that the request from the Marquis of Dingyuan's family was excessive.
When Mu Chang'an returned home that evening, after hearing what his wife said, he hesitated only slightly before nodding.
"It's good that she's married into the family. At least she'll be there to keep an eye on things and prevent Jin Er from having illegitimate children first. Otherwise, it'll be our Mu family that loses face."
Madam Li nodded. "That's true. But that would make the wedding date a bit tight. I heard from the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence that the second young master will probably have to take up his post after July."
"Yes. That's right. The Ministry of Personnel should be asking him to take up his post at the end of August. I've heard about that too. It's a county town in Jiangnan, but I heard it's quite affluent there, so he shouldn't suffer too much."
Upon hearing this, Madam Li chuckled, "He is, after all, the second young master of the Marquis's mansion. How could he be sent to some harsh or remote place?"
Mu Chang'an was taken aback, then smiled, "That's true. I'm not as quick-witted as you."