Chapter 231: Chapter 94: Yueying’s Marriage Chapter 231: Chapter 94: Yueying’s Marriage Yueyao stood by the window, looking outside. The slanted sunlight was faintly discernible in the courtyard, and a gentle breeze stirred the green bamboo, rustling softly. The mansion had been very quiet recently, yet Yueyao knew this was the calm before the storm.
Nanny Hao relayed a ssage to Yueyao, “Miss, Old Madam has instructed Eldest Madam to look for suitors for the Eldest Miss. It seems Old Madam wants to arrange the marriage soon.” Old Madam knew her health wouldn’t hold out through the year, so she hoped to finalize a marriage for the Eldest Miss before her passing, allowing her to wed right after completing the mourning period. The Eldest Miss, now thirteen years old, was at the age for betrothal. Otherwise, once the mourning was over, she would be sixteen, and by then, arranging a marriage would beco challenging.
Yueyao had a vivid mory of Yueying’s marriage: She had lived as a widow from the mont she wed, never returning since. Although Yueyao was never fond of Yueying, if it was going to be the sa family, she felt obliged to issue a warning.
The Lady family was highly efficient in handling matters, quickly informing Old Madam of the selected family. From the Censorate’s Administrative Office, the Chen family had a legitimate second son, fourteen years old, with a Scholar’s qualifications.
Upon hearing this, Yueyao’s heart sank, it was the sa family from her past life. In her past life, Yueyao had been oblivious to external affairs, but now she imdiately spotted the pitfalls. Although only holding a Sixth Rank official title in the Censorate’s Administrative Office, officials generally wouldn’t dare to provoke such mbers. It was puzzling why they were recomnding their legitimate son to a daughter born of a concubine.
Old Madam Lian was satisfied with the match, as the outward conditions were appealing. However, going by her usually cautious approach to marriage, she proposed they first et the young man before further discussions. The Chen family complied, and the very next day, Madam Chen brought her son to et Old Madam.
Yueyao did not go, as she had no interest in Young Master Chen. Yet, wanting to find a reason to convince Old Madam to decline the marriage, Yueyao asked Nanny Hao to observe Young Master Chen.
Nanny Hao found it odd, initially wanting to say this was none of Yueyao’s concern, but faced with Yueyao’s indifferent expression, she swallowed her words. “The young lady feels rather aloof, there must be so special reason for this,” she thought.
After the eting, Nanny Hao reported, “The second young master of the Chen family is a talented man, refined and polite, and reportedly well-learned too. Old Madam likes him a lot.” Nanny Hao knew that with Old Madam’s approval, this marriage would proceed with just the formalities remaining.
Yueyao frowned upon hearing this, as the fine young man from her past life had vanished prematurely, likely due to ill health. It was strange now to hear he was in good condition: “Nanny, inquire if there’s anything inappropriate with the second young master of the Chen family.”
Nanny Hao asked puzzledly, “Miss, why inquire about the Chen family?” Initially, she too found it odd; the second young master was a legitimate child, and the Eldest Miss was a daughter born of a concubine, hardly a match. But having t him had put her at ease.
After so thought, Yueyao replied, “Nanny, I just feel sothing isn’t right. Could you please have soone gather more information from outside?” If they could discover any illness or such with the second young master Chen, it would be easy to call off the marriage without needing an excuse.
However, all inquiries returned with praise; not a single issue was noted. Yueyao grew frustrated; it must an that the second young master Chen had so hidden ailnt, otherwise he would not have died young before reaching his maturity. Yueyao couldn’t believe soone could just fall ill and die like that, yet now everyone saw this as a favorable match. If she disrupted it, she would attract trouble. Yueyao wavered, realizing the only way to uncover more was through her uncle and cousin.
Although she had previously assisted her cousin, such favors should not be abused. If this were for her cause, Yueyao believed her uncle and cousin would not hesitate, but for Yueying, they would undoubtedly harbor thoughts. Moreover, troubling her uncle and cousin for Yueying, whom she clashed with, was clearly not worth it.
That night, Yueyao lay in her bed, unable to sleep. Her mind incessantly replayed Yueying’s expressionless face during her wedding; like a puppet at soone else’s disposal, devoid of any vitality. After marrying, Yueying was sent back to the Chen family’s ancestral ho and had vanished from sight ever since.
Yueyao wanted to help Yueying escape this marriage, but she didn’t know how to proceed. Faced with this dilemma, she tossed and turned in her bed, staring out the window in a trance.
Bathed in the moonlight streaming through the window, Yueyao marveled at the beauty before her, unable to comprehend how the Lady family could be so cruel as to knowingly engage in such a thwarted marriage match. Once complications arose, it would ruin Yueying’s entire life, yet they feigned ignorance and did not share any suspicions with the grandmother. Even after the Chen family required Yueying to beco a widow, they agreed. And her own uncle, Yueying’s father, for his reputation and career, also pushed his daughter into this pit of fire. Both parents were equally ruthless.
Reviews
All reviews (0)