Chapter 240 Carrying a Noble Concubine
Yu Qingci listened expressionlessly, then calmly looked at Old Madam Ning:
"I wonder what title Mother intends to give Yiyi?"
In this dynasty, the concubines of officials and their families were divided into several categories. The lowest in terms of status were the lowly concubines who had signed indentures. Next were the free concubines. The next highest were the noble concubines from respectable families. And then there were the even higher-ranking concubines, such as the concubines of Lady Qiao, whose families had a certain background and who were considered half a wife. Their children were also recognized by the court as legitimate sons and daughters.
As for the maidservants who slept with the concubines, they were servants who were not even considered concubines, but had the additional duty of sleeping with the concubines.
Given Luo Yi's background and the fact that she was an orphan, giving her a good concubine would be most appropriate.
As expected, Madam Ning said, "Let's follow the rules for concubines. In the future, you two sisters will live in harmony and serve Yunqi together. This way, you can give Yunqi more children and continue the family line. Then I can rest assured."
Yu Qingci: "Mother's thinking is very thoughtful. However, Miss Luo is, after all, a benefactor. In my opinion, it would be better to give her more face and elevate her to the rank of concubine. This way, Miss Luo will be even more devoted to taking care of her husband."
Madam Ning couldn't help but show her surprise and said with relief, "If you're willing, that's wonderful. I'll listen to you. I knew you were a virtuous woman. Yunqi is lucky to have a wife like you."
Yu Qingci smiled gently: "However, since it is for my husband to take a concubine, we should ask my husband about the specific date and the courtyard to prepare for Miss Luo. If we agree on everything, but my husband thinks that Linxi Pavilion is too small and that it might be unfair to Miss Luo, we will have to change it again, which would be troublesome."
Madam Ning was extremely satisfied. She gently patted her daughter-in-law's hand and said, "I'll do whatever you say."
Yu Qingci added, "However, Mother must ask the General about this matter herself. If I ask him, I'm afraid he might think I have ulterior motives, which would be a loss."
Madam Ning agreed with her daughter-in-law's words and nodded in response:
"Okay, then I'll ask."
As the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were talking, Lu Yunqi appeared at the door.
"Mother, Qingci, what are you talking about?"
When Yu Qingci saw him come in, she got up and went to greet him. Her face was expressionless, but her voice was still clear and melodious: "Husband, Mother has something to say to you. I'll go back now."
After saying that, she didn't look at him again and went straight out of the house.
Lu Yunqi watched his wife's figure disappear from sight, puzzled. He felt a strange unease in his heart. Was she angry again? What happened?
Just as I was about to chase after him to find out what was going on, I heard Old Madam Ning's voice from behind:
"Yunqi, stay behind for a moment, I have something to tell you."
It's unclear what the mother and son said, but in the end, Lu Yunqi left with a cold face, leaving Old Madam Ning sitting there looking desolate.
Lu Yunqi returned to Guanlan Pavilion. Yu Qingci had just finished bathing and changed into a loose-fitting undergarment. She was sitting at the dressing table, and Tong'er was carefully wiping her waterfall-like black hair strand by strand with a handkerchief.
Lu Yunqi stepped forward, took the handkerchief from Tong'er's hand, and gestured for her to leave.
Tong'er went out and gently closed the door, leaving the room silent.
Lu Yunqi took Tong'er's place, gently wiping his wife as he spoke:
"I didn't know Mother still harbored that thought. I'm sorry you suffered today."
"I've already explained Luo Yi's situation to Mother. I promise Mother will never mention the concubine matter to you again. As for Luo Yi, I will find a suitable man for her in the army camp as soon as possible to marry her off. After the marriage, I will give them some money to arrange for them to return to the border, which is, after all, her hometown."
Lu Yunqi bent down in front of Yu Qingci, gently lifted her chin, and lightly pecked her alluring red lips:
“I know you were just saying those things in anger to your mother, but I like them. If your mother is still so confused in the future, just blame it on me. Don’t put yourself in a difficult position.”
Yu Qingci: "Will Luo Yi follow your arrangements?"
Lu Yunqi: "Whether she listens or not is not up to her. In short, she can't stay in this family."
Seeing her husband's resolute gaze, Yu Qingci felt a little better, but her expression remained cold and aloof. After all, he was the one who brought these things back, and she didn't want to forgive him easily.
Seeing his wife push him away and turn to the bedside, Lu Yunqi unconsciously touched his nose, recalling the private words between husband and wife that his subordinates in the military camp had told him. He put on a flattering smile and walked towards his wife.
The next morning, Zheng, the eldest daughter-in-law of Xue, the Minister of War, came to visit.
The Ministry of War's residence is the maternal home of the Marquis of Zhenbei's wife. Before she was married, the Marquis of Zhenbei's wife had a very good relationship with her sister-in-law, Zheng. So after attending the banquet yesterday, she went straight back to her maternal home and entrusted her sister-in-law, Zheng, to act as the matchmaker.
Madam Zheng was in her early fifties, not much older than Old Madam Ning, and had a round face. She had a kind face and spoke gently. After exchanging a few polite words, Madam Zheng explained her purpose.
"The Zhenbei Marquis's Mansion and your family are both military families with a deep connection. You have watched Beifeng grow up. He is of good character, promising at a young age, and has a certain reputation in the army. He is highly valued by His Majesty."
My sister-in-law, Lady Hou, is a straightforward and reasonable person. If Miss Yun Chu were to marry into her family, there would surely be harmony between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and a good relationship between husband and wife.
Upon hearing this, Madam Ning's face immediately lit up with a smile.
She was not unaware of the attitude of the Lady of Zhenbei during yesterday's banquet, but she did not expect the other party to act so quickly, sending her own sister-in-law to visit in person today, which showed her sincerity.
She knew Li Beifeng very well. He was outstanding in appearance, character, and ability. He was definitely one of the best among the sons of noble families in the capital. Moreover, he fought alongside her son. In her eyes, he was almost as close as her own nephew.
Both families are military noble families, and the two families have always had a close relationship. If her daughter could really marry into the Zhenbei Marquis's family, it would indeed be a good match.
It is evident that the auspicious fortune slip that Yun Chu drew at Taijue Temple that day came true.
By the way, I remember that the fortune slip Yun Chu drew for marriage at Taijue Temple that day was an auspicious one. She also happened to run into the heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei that day. Perhaps this was a predestined marriage between the two of them.
Observing the expressions and demeanor of the old lady Ning, Madam Zheng knew that things were going well and pressed her advantage, saying:
"Madam, my sister-in-law met Miss Yun Chu at the manor yesterday and was extremely pleased with her. She praised her highly in front of me, saying that the young lady is outstanding in appearance, good in temperament, and has a rare demeanor in dealing with people. It is obvious that she is well-educated by you."
She really liked it, so when she got home she discussed it with the Marquis of Zhenbei, who is also my brother-in-law. When my brother-in-law heard that it was a girl from your household, he immediately agreed. So, the two of them asked me to come and make the trip on their behalf.
The Marquis of Zhenbei's family sincerely requests a marriage proposal. If the Old Madam and the General agree, we will soon send an official matchmaker with a formal invitation to formally propose marriage. We will certainly not dare to neglect Miss Yun Chu.
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