The mont Lin Xiuyuan stepped out of the study, he suddenly realized his palms had beco slightly sweaty without him noticing. Even after returning ho, scenes from earlier kept replaying in his mind - that cold yet faintly smiling face.
Lin Xiuyuan considered himself a man of strong will. Before coming, he had even thought that even if the other party had physical flaws, he could accept it for future considerations. But when he actually saw her, he had to admit - there actually existed such people in this world. Perhaps extre intelligence and beauty combined was inherently a fatal attraction for n.
If such a person hadn't been born into an ordinary farming family, or in such a remote small county, he probably wouldn't even have had the chance to glimpse her shadow. Gripping his folding fan tightly, Young Master Lin turned to his servant and ordered: "Shuyan, keep an eye on that household. If they have any more antique paintings for sale next ti, make sure to acquire them imdiately..."
anwhile, within the consciousness space, the system was asking its host: "Host, are you really set on the Lin family?"
An Ning, copying the Spring Day painting in her hands, nodded without hesitation: "At least they're intelligent people, aren't they?"
Whether it was Lin Xiuyuan or Master Lin, to An Ning, this was already sufficient. Having desires wasn't terrifying - what was terrifying was not even knowing how to posture when asking for favors.
Though slightly regretful about not being able to beco relatives with an official, regarding An Ning's decision, the entire Xie family - including the usually gossipy Aunt Xie - didn't say a word against it. After all these years, the fourth niece's intelligence had long been deeply rooted in their hearts. If Siya chose this family, there must be a reason.
The Xie family unanimously believed this. Moreover, the Lin family showed great importance to this marriage arrangent. On the betrothal gift day, the presents they sent nearly overflowed the small courtyard. There weren't just two pairs of live geese newly caught, but multiple pairs of pure gold geese, along with various jade artifacts and rare curios that dazzled the eyes.
Aunt Xie watching nearby nearly turned green with envy, lanting not having given her own daughter a good brain.
While An Ning prepared for marriage, Third Sister's wedding arrangents naturally soon followed. With Sanwa the young scholar paving the way and now the Lin family marriage in the county town, Third Sister's marriage prospects beca highly sought after. Matchmakers ca several tis a day, while Second Sister - who was clearly more beautiful and capable - received barely any inquiries beyond a few scattered ones.
Even those few couldn't compare to Third Sister's suitors in either quantity or quality. While Third Sister had moderately wealthy county town families seeking her hand, the best Second Sister could get was a small village landlord with so farmland.
Though she had no intention of paying attention to these people, seeing this situation still made Second Sister burn with sha and anger: "What's wrong with their eyes? Fine, Siya is one thing, but that plain-looking Third Sister who can't utter a word even if you beat her three tis - are they blind?"
But reality was reality. By the ti Third Sister's marriage was settled, Second Sister still had no prospects. The anticipated Liu family showed no intention of proposing at all.
Though preparing for marriage, An Ning actually didn't need to do much herself. Knowing his future wife wasn't skilled at embroidery, the Lin family had sent several master embroiderers days earlier. In her free ti, An Ning's rare entertainnt was watching her cousin jump around anxiously.
At eighteen years old, she was already considered an old maid in this era. Second Uncle and his wife worried endlessly, but Second Sister stubbornly clung to Liu Wencai like a mule, threatening suicide at the slightest criticism. This nearly made Second Uncle explode with anger, almost pointing at his daughter's nose to scold:
"What's so good about that Liu Wencai? At eighteen, he hasn't even passed the scholar exams - far worse than your cousin! At least as a licentiate he won't starve if he can swallow his pride. If that Liu fellow could stand on his own, I wouldn't be so angry. But that guy - not only does he refuse to do any manual labor like a spoiled scholar, but at his age still has his mother wash his underwear! His family's dirt poor too - what would you marry into that for? To work yourself to death as their ox and still get no gratitude?"
Second Uncle knew full well - Widow Lu didn't look down on their family, she was just taking advantage of his foolish daughter! Rembering how Widow Lu had hinted about dowry and Sanwa's study materials last ti, he nearly spat in disgust. His expression turned even uglier looking at his shaless daughter.
"Dad, you're just looking down on people! Just wait - Brother Wencai will make sothing of himself!"
"Save it! He doesn't want you even when he's a nobody, you think he'll treasure you if he succeeds?" Second Uncle remained unmoved.
Munching on Fengxiang Tower's newly released almond pastries, An Ning found the drama highly entertaining. Who knew her usually silent second uncle had this side? His words made Xie Second Ya stiffen all over.
Recalling how Brother Wencai had recently kept asking about Siya - won were sensitive about these things. If she hadn't kept close watch, imdiately blocking any opportunities while taking leave from Manager Cai's shop, and with Siya being a hobody, Brother Wencai might have already t Siya by now.
Biting her lip hard, even Second Ya had to admit - whether in looks or other aspects, this cousin outshone her. Even as just an embroiderer, she'd made Brother Wencai propose multiple tis, yet still played hard to get. In the end, Brother Wencai had risked his life jumping into icy winter water to save her, nearly suffering permanent damage...
Rembering this always made Second Ya gnash her teeth. Such a talented man wholeheartedly devoted, yet her cousin didn't appreciate it at all. Fortunately, through her vigilance these past months, she'd managed to butterfly away that scenario. Now that Siya was engaged, they could never be together.
Hearing the village's recent envious whispers, Second Ya sneered. No matter how rich the Lin family was, no matter how smart her cousin was, she'd still just be a lowly rchant's wife. Brother Wencai was different - he'd beco a Hanlin scholar and enter court. Without that weak, burdenso Siya dragging him down, his future achievents would only be greater.
One day, all these people who looked down on Brother Wencai and her would regret it! Thinking of this, Second Ya couldn't help smiling slightly.
Second Uncle who was patiently persuading her: "......"
An Ning secretly watching while cracking lon seeds: "......"
Forget it - no point arguing with this brainless fool. Second Uncle issued his ultimatum: "That young man from Yang Family Village seems decent. These next few days, you'd better behave. Don't cause any trouble for . Don't want to eat? Then starve!"
"Dad!" Second Ya looked incredulous.
But Second Uncle paid no heed. After speaking, he pushed open the door and left without looking back.
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