Liao Shijie was helped to his feet and had his clothes tidily arranged by the City Lord’s wife before she spoke. "That’s because I’ve never made things difficult for them. They too are clever and sensible, never giving trouble now and then. The housemaids also know their place, never jumping up and down causing problems. I naturally reciprocate their goodness by finding them suitable marriages and providing generous dowries so they can live their lives without worry about food or clothing. If I were unkind, not to ntion anything else, just with this matter of marriage, I could easily find a match that looks perfect on the surface, but whose male counterpart has all sorts of vices. Even if your father were to question , I could excuse myself by claiming ignorance beforehand!"
City Lord Liao nodded as well.
His wife’s generosity and kindness also earned his respect and affection.
"Shijie, since you are going to the Capital City for the examinations, if you have connections, you’ll naturally stay there, but if not..." the City Lord’s wife paused.
Liao Shijie was quick on the uptake and understood imdiately.
The thought of having to rely on a woman to stay in the Capital City left him sowhat dismayed.
"Silly child, this is not what I ant. You are capable, it’s just that the timing isn’t right. Wait for the right ti, when you earn the emperor’s favor, and your future will be bright. That will be the ti for you to grant titles to your wife and ensure a future for your children. But before that, wouldn’t it be better to have a support to reduce obstacles?"
Liao Shijie was silent.
After a mont, he turned to the City Lord’s wife and perford a respectful bow, "Thank you for your teaching, mother. Your son understands!"
Despite his mixed feelings, he found himself looking forward to eting the woman he had initially disliked.
It was then that he truly accepted the idea of this marriage.
Seeing this, City Lord Liao was overjoyed, "You mother and son talk, I’ll go discuss so other matters with His Royal Highness Prince Rui!"
"Farewell, father!" Liao Shijie bowed respectfully.
After the City Lord had left, the City Lord’s wife took Shijie by the hand and sat him down, speaking earnestly once more. "Your father is set on you joining the official ranks, but I could never bear the thought of you alone in the Capital City. Should anything happen, without anyone to rely on, my heart..."
After all, he had been raised by her side since he was five or six years old, and was more considerate and understanding than his three brothers. The thought of him being alone in the Capital City, with no one to turn to in tis of trouble, caused the City Lord’s wife’s eyes to swell with tears.
"Mother, I have learned from my past mistakes and won’t be fooled a second ti. Rest assured that during this trip, I will act carefully and not behave recklessly again," Liao Shijie hurriedly comforted her.
"That’s good as long as you’re aware. Also, regarding this marriage, I couldn’t speak freely with your father present. But now, privately, I’ll tell you—if that girl is truly arrogant and rude, with neither talent nor virtue, then even if it goes against His Royal Highness Prince Rui’s goodwill, you must not agree to this marriage!"
"Mother..." Liao Shijie’s heart clenched with emotion, overflowing with joy.
"It doesn’t matter if she is beautiful or not; what’s most important is that she is virtuous and has a good character. If you desire soone with good looks and she isn’t to your liking, you can also refuse the marriage. But one thing you must promise —if you accept this marriage, you cannot be fickle-hearted. The Capital City is a place of temptation, but you must remain pure and not take concubines easily or have countless liaisons. Even if you play the field, you must have limits. You need to have a gauge in your heart and not let down others. Everyone has feelings; if you are devoted to her, she will naturally be devoted to you. A peaceful ho will allow you to concentrate on advancing your career. Do you understand?"
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