Chapter 72 Each with their own agenda 4

I happened to run into that girl in the garden that day, but unfortunately she had also adopted the aloof attitude of a noble lady, avoiding me as if I were a street urchin. It was really boring, so I decided not to mention it.

Third Aunt said earnestly, "You and your seventh cousin have been childhood sweethearts since you were little, so why don't you care more about her? In the next few days, take the initiative to get closer to that girl and talk to her more."

Yang Qi looked over, puzzled: "Why? Why is Mother suddenly saying this?"

Although Yang Qi had spent many years living with his mother at his uncle's house, he didn't have much affection for his cousin Lu Yun Chu. The two were several years apart in age, so they rarely played together as children, and when they occasionally bumped into each other, they would at most tease each other.

Third Aunt said earnestly, "You're not getting any younger, it's time to start thinking about marriage."

Yang Qi rolled his eyes: "Mother, are you talking about that girl Yun Chu?"

Seeing his mother nod, Yang Qi sneered through his nose:

"Mother, what are you thinking? How old is that girl? She's five years younger than me, just a little girl who hasn't even grown up yet. How can you be talking about marriage with her?"

Third Aunt glared at her: "Where is she young? She's only five years younger. It's normal for girls to start looking for husbands when they're thirteen or fourteen. If your eldest uncle hadn't suddenly passed away, your eldest aunt would definitely be arranging a marriage for Yun Chu by now."

If we don't plan ahead, and your aunt finds her a husband someday, we'll be out of the picture.

Seeing her son's dismissive attitude, the third aunt could only continue to offer her advice:

“Your father passed away early. Our Yang family has no foundation or connections in the capital. Your eldest and second eldest brothers married daughters from ordinary families, which did not help our family much. Now, do you think you can be satisfied with marrying a daughter from an ordinary family as well?”

Yang Qi was naturally unhappy. When his third cousin's wife married into the family, her dazzling ten-mile-long red bridal procession dazzled many people.

At that time, he fantasized that one day, if he could marry a girl like his third cousin's wife, who came from a noble family with a generous dowry, he could live a life of great wealth and comfort even if he did nothing.

However, he was still somewhat self-aware. How could a girl from a prestigious family possibly be interested in someone like him, who came from an ordinary family, was not good at studying, did not know how to do business, and was still a good-for-nothing who was just loafing around at home?

So it's just something I can only dream about.

The third aunt could tell what her son was thinking just by looking at his expression, so she continued:

"Your seventh cousin is young and gentle, and easy to manage. Now that she has lost her father and brother, she is at her most vulnerable and needs care. As her cousin, it is only right that you spend more time with her and show your concern."

"Now that we're still living in this mansion, as the saying goes, 'being near the water tower, one gets the moon first.' Such a great opportunity is right in front of you; it's up to you how you act."

Yang Yong couldn't help but say, "Mother, you know that my eldest uncle just passed away. According to custom, my seventh cousin should observe three years of mourning before she can get married. My younger brother is almost nineteen. How can he wait? I think it would be better if you asked a reliable matchmaker to carefully select a suitable girl for him after we go back."

"Shut up! What's it to you? What's wrong with observing mourning? It's not like we're getting married right now. We can arrange the marriage first and then get married after the mourning period is over."

The third aunt glared at her eldest son, who was in the way, and continued speaking to her youngest son:

"Your eldest aunt only had two children, Yunqi and Yunchu. Now that Yunqi is gone, your eldest aunt only has Yunchu left, so naturally she dotes on her like a precious treasure. When she gets married, your eldest aunt will definitely empty the General's Mansion's coffers to prepare a generous dowry for her, just like when your third cousin's wife entered the family, with a ten-mile-long red bridal procession. Who wouldn't envy that?"

If you have the ability to make your seventh cousin fall in love with you, your life's most important thing will be settled, and most importantly, you'll be guaranteed a lifetime of wealth and honor. Isn't that the best of both worlds?

As for the three years she observes mourning, your mother won't mistreat you. I'll buy two nice maids for you to serve as your concubines. What do you think?"

With her third great-aunt's patient guidance, Yang Qi's bright eyes became even more sparkling.

Thinking back on my seventh cousin's appearance, although she was young, her face was extremely beautiful, especially her eyes, which were dark and bright, and she always looked at people with a hint of shyness. She was so charming and lovely.

Thinking about it now makes me feel a little itchy.

Moreover, my seventh cousin's personality is similar to my eldest aunt's. If I am willing to lower myself and coax her a bit when she marries into the family, she will definitely follow my lead. Then, I can enjoy her generous dowry.

Yang Qi thought about it more and more and felt that this matter was reliable, so he nodded repeatedly and said, "Mother, I understand."

Life in the General's Mansion appeared peaceful on the surface, but even the servants could see the undercurrents between the various masters.

After Yu Qingci and Yun Chu finished handling the household affairs with Old Madam Ning, the servants brought out several plates of snacks as usual.

Yu Qingci noticed that two of the plates contained fresh dates and pomegranates. The dates were all the size of pigeon eggs, with an enticing color and a layer of water droplets on their green and red skin.

Yu Qingci couldn't resist picking one up and putting it in her mouth. It was crisp, sweet, and made her mouth water.

Such fruit is rare this season; it's simply unavailable on the market and can only be enjoyed by high-ranking nobles.

Lu Yun Chu also picked up a peeled pomegranate and ate several bites, nodding approvingly after spitting out the seeds.

"It's so delicious! I haven't had such sweet pomegranates in a long time. Did the servants who go out to buy them? Tell them to buy more next time."

The maidservant beside him replied with a smile, "It was bought by the master. He said that such good fruit is impossible to buy outside at this time of year, but he was lucky today and benefited from the house of the chief priest next door."

"The Grand Master received a basket of fresh fruit today. Our Master happened to see it on his way back, and wanting the Old Madam, Young Madam, and Seventh Miss to have a taste, he asked the Grand Master to share some with them, and that's how we got these fruits."

After hearing what the maid said, Madam Ning reached out and took a jujube to eat. After finishing it, she nodded and praised, "These jujubes are indeed sweet and fresh. It's kind of Yunzhang to take such good care of them."

The maidservant hurriedly added, "That's right. Our master really cares about the old lady, the young lady, and the seventh young lady. He sent all two plates of fruit to our Songbai Hall. The second lady hasn't even seen them yet."

Yu Qingci glanced at the maid without speaking, and Old Madam Ning's expression hesitated, but she didn't say anything.

Yu Qingci casually asked, "Now that my eldest cousin is in charge of general affairs, he is obviously becoming more and more financially well-off. You people must have received a lot of rewards from him, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't be speaking up for him in front of Mother so often."