Chapter 241 Proposal
Madam Ning was already tempted, but she still said, "The Marquis of Zhenbei's family is of noble birth, and the heir is an outstanding person. However, the marriage of one's children is ultimately a major event."
"This matter is not urgent. We can discuss it further when my son returns from the military camp. Please trouble Madam Zheng to convey our gratitude to Madam Hou. We will remember your kindness and will certainly give the Hou family a reply once we have reached an agreement."
Madam Zheng smiled and agreed. Marriage is not a one-off decision. As the saying goes, marriage is a matter of words, but matchmakers have to run themselves ragged. Especially for the woman, no matter how satisfied she is with the marriage, she can't agree to it on the first try. She has to be reserved for a while.
However, judging from Madam Ning's attitude, there were basically no problems with the marriage. Zheng felt relieved. Her nephew's marriage had been delayed for so many years and was finally showing some progress. It was wonderful. She had to hurry back and discuss it with the Marquis of Zhenbei and his wife. This time, she absolutely could not let that muddle-headed old woman ruin it again.
After exchanging a few more casual words with Old Madam Ning, Madam Zheng took her leave.
After everyone left, Old Madam Ning sent someone to call Yu Qingci over, and happily told her about it. Then she sighed:
"The only thing I can't let go of right now is Yun Chu's marriage. This child is simple and honest, and I'm really afraid that she will marry into a bad family in the future. So you and Yun Qi should also pay close attention to her marriage."
"I've watched Beifeng grow up; he's truly excellent in every way. Putting aside everything else, the fact that he fought alongside Yunqi and earned merit gives me peace of mind. Now he's a young general in the army. If this comes to fruition, it would indeed be a wonderful marriage."
Yu Qingci listened in silence for a moment. She did have a very good impression of Li Beifeng, the young master, and she was naturally happy to see such a talented young man paired with Yun Chu.
However, she didn't know much about the situation of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion. Moreover, the girl who kept calling Li Beifeng "cousin" at Taijue Temple that day was clearly more than just cousins. Since they were going to get married, she had to find out more about these things.
Yu Qingci carefully chose her words before speaking: "Last time I heard my husband say that the heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei is only a few months younger than him, which means he is twenty-three now. At this age, haven't they discussed marriage before? Given the social standing and family background of the Marquis of Zhenbei, the heir's marriage has not been settled yet. Is there any reason for this?"
When reminded by her daughter-in-law's words, Madam Ning felt as if she had been doused with cold water. She finally recovered from the joy of having a son-in-law fall into her lap. Indeed, it was rare for a young man of Li Beifeng's age in the capital to be still unmarried. Normally, someone his age would have already married and had children running around.
Moreover, the Zhenbei Marquis's family, like theirs, was a military family. The men in the family would often pick up swords and rush to the battlefield. Therefore, in order to continue their family line, military families like theirs would often start planning the marriages of their children and grandchildren very early.
But Li Beifeng has been dragging his feet on getting engaged until now.
Madam Ning remained silent, and there was a reason for this, a reason she had heard about before, but she had forgotten about it in her excitement in front of Madam Zheng.
Thinking of this now, Madam Ning gasped in shock and looked at her daughter-in-law with a sheepish expression.
“Daughter-in-law, you have only been back in the capital for a short time, so there are some things you may not know. There is a cousin living in the Zhenbei Marquis’s residence. She is the grandniece of the old lady of the Zhenbei Marquis’s family and has been raised by the old lady. She is very much loved by the old lady.”
I heard that for the past few years, the old lady has wanted this cousin to marry her grandson, Li Beifeng, so that the two families could continue their marriage alliance. However, neither the Marquis of Zhenbei nor his wife, nor the heir, were willing, so the matter was delayed.
By the way, what was the name of the girl I met with the Crown Prince at Taijue Temple that day?
Yu Qingci: "Lin Chuchu".
Madam Ning remembered: "That's right, it's Lin Chuchu. Didn't she always call the young master her cousin? It's probably that Lin Chuchu."
If that's the case, we really need to think about this marriage proposal carefully.
As the two were talking, Yu Qingci looked up and saw a corner of her skirt peeking out from the doorway. A knowing smile appeared on her lips as she said to Old Madam Ning:
“Mother, there’s no rush. Let’s send someone to inquire about the Zhenbei Marquis’s residence first. My husband is close to the heir of the Zhenbei Marquis. Let’s ask him again when he comes back tonight and see what he has to say. It’s not too late to give them an answer once we’ve figured it out.”
With a sense of security, Madam Ning stopped worrying and quickly instructed Granny Wang to send someone out to inquire.
Yu Qingci smiled but said nothing, then took her leave.
As soon as I stepped out of the main hall, I saw Lu Yun Chu hiding quietly by the door like a kitten. When she saw me come out, her face turned red as she glanced at me, then lowered her head. Without even guessing, I knew that this girl already knew about the marriage proposal from the Marquis of Zhenbei.
Seeing this, Yu Qingci walked up to Lu Yunchu, smiled faintly, took her hand, and walked out together.
As Yu Qingci left Songbai Hall, she looked at her sister-in-law, who was still blushing and silent, and smiled faintly.
"You heard everything?"
Lu Yun Chu's cheeks flushed even redder, as if painted with the finest rouge. She twisted the handkerchief in her hands, her voice barely audible: "Sister-in-law..."
Yu Qingci chuckled and reached out to tidy up a few stray strands of hair at her temples. She said gently, "It's only natural for a man to marry and a woman to marry. You don't need to be shy. Li Beifeng, the heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei, comes from a distinguished family and has excellent character. He is the dream match of countless young ladies in the capital. The fact that he has taken a liking to my sister-in-law shows that he has good taste."
"Sister-in-law,"
Lu Yun Chu became even more embarrassed by her teasing.
Yu Qingci changed the subject: "However, we still need to be cautious about this matter. You saw it yourself at Taijue Temple that day. He had a cousin named Lin Chuchu by his side. Engagement is a big deal, and it's better if we clarify some things beforehand."
Your elder brother is on good terms with Prince Li, so he knows more about the affairs of the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion than we do. We'll discuss this matter in detail when he returns tonight.
There's no one around right now, so tell me what you really think? Do you like him?
Lu Yun Chu's mind went blank when Yu Qing Ci asked her so bluntly. The tall and handsome figure in her memory flashed through her mind, causing a slight flutter in her heart.
But then, the thought of that cousin made him hesitate, and after a long pause, he bit his lip and said:
"I don't know either. It's all up to my sister-in-law to decide. I trust my sister-in-law."
After saying that, she lifted her skirt and quickly left as if fleeing.
Yu Qingci's smile widened even more; the girl was clearly smitten.
When Lu Yunqi returned that evening, Yu Qingci recounted how the Lady of Zhenbei Marquis had invited her sister-in-law, Zheng, to propose marriage. Lu Yunqi frowned as he listened.
"Li Beifeng?"
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