Knowing that the Cui family would co calling sooner or later, Mo Yan rewarded Fan ijiao with two brews of bird droppings tea daily, and then she waited at ho.
That day, taking advantage of the overcast weather which wasn’t so scorching, Mo Yan made her way to the dicinal fields and the orchards, intending to select a few suitable spots to construct houses for the three hundred soldiers who had co from the frontier.
The buildings didn’t need to be overly luxurious, sothing akin to modern student dormitories would suffice, with rows of houses divided into individual rooms, each room housing four people. In this way, they could look out for one another, helping with anything that might arise.
In total, at least seventy-five rooms would be needed. Including the construction of kitchens, bathrooms, and the like, roughly ninety rooms were required.
The project was not minor, but it was simple to execute: once the corners of the walls were dug, laying bricks and tiles was much easier. Mo Yan planned to entrust the work to the villagers, deciding not to bother Master Lv with this task.
The village school had been built, and as soon as the weather cooled, parents would enroll their children. Once the number of students was confird, a master would be hired to teach, and that would leave ti to help with the construction of the houses.
Having found several places suitable for building, Mo Yan called to the Six Beasts who were out for a stroll and leisurely walked ho. Before she reached her house, she encountered Liyan, who was coming to see her— the Cui family had sent a matchmaker again, and this ti there was also an unfamiliar go-between, a relative from the Cui family.
After the customary exchange of pleasantries, before the go-between, Mrs. An, could broach the subject, Mo Yan got straight to the point, "Mada An, I must not conceal the truth; I, the County Lord, have already been betrothed, and truly cannot agree to the Cui family’s marriage proposal."
Mada An was unaware of this, and shocked by the news, she exclaid, "The County Lord is already betrothed? Why have I not heard of this?"
Realizing that her words might seem like questioning Mo Yan for lying, Mada An quickly redied, "My Lord, I was simply too surprised, I ant no offense, and I hope the County Lord does not take it amiss."
Mada An’s rank level was not as high as Mo Yan’s, but it wasn’t far off either. Mo Yan was not the kind of person to hold a grudge over reason, and so she responded warmly, "This matter was not worthy of wide publicity, and since I keep a low profile, it’s only natural that you haven’t heard, my lady."
This matter was even kept from Emperor Huian, so it was no wonder that the noble families hadn’t caught wind of it.
Mada An was montarily lost for words, still reluctant to give up, and with a forced smile, she probed, "May I ask which family’s fortunate son has the privilege of marrying a lady such as the County Lord? It truly makes one envious."
Mo Yan knew she was doubting her honesty, but her face remained unchanged as she vaguely responded, "You flatter , Lady. The person in question cos from the military, soone you likely have never heard of."
Mada An was not familiar with the military generals in the Imperial Capital; however, she was aware of a few famous families. After running through them in her mind and not figuring out which could be the one, seeing Mo Yan’s continued vagueness confird her suspicion that the County Lord’s betrothed was not of significant standing. She felt emboldened, thinking there was still a chance to argue her case.
Since the formalities were not yet completed and breaking off an engagent, even if ill-advised, was possible, she eagerly began to persuade, "Although I do not know to which family you are promised, I am aware that for a woman, marriage is akin to being reborn. If one is not wed well, life henceforth is like soaking in brine; but with a good match cos love and respect between husband and wife, filial offspring, and a secure future. Is that not what every woman desires in this life?"
Mo Yan did not entirely agree with these words but acknowledged they reflected the mindset of won at the ti. She nodded without contradiction, surprised at Mada An’s sudden change of topic.
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