She secretly went to the Sun family home and happened to overhear the conversation between Madam Sun and Miss Sun.
The Lin family and the Sun family are definitely not going to get together.
Qiao Zhizhi said, “Lian’er, I remember you told me that although the Qiao family has a fine army, it has no foundation in the inner court. Although my brother-in-law is climbing up step by step, I think it will be difficult for him to succeed on his own in the future. If I join the Lin family, I will definitely use the Lin family’s strength to help the Qiao family rise to prominence.”
Having gained twenty years of wisdom, she was no longer a sheltered young woman, her heart set on romance. She understood that a family's strength, capabilities, and possessions were always the foundation for survival, especially in the capital. Coming from the Qiao family, how could she not consider their interests?
Qiao Lian'er was very pleased that Qiao Zhizhi had not wasted so many years in the time difference space.
"Let's remain patient and wait and see how the Lin family behaves."
The wealthy families of the capital were all enjoying the New Year while eating melons. During the New Year, there were often gatherings, and by the first few days of the month, almost everyone knew about this matter.
After sighing for several days and having no interest in celebrating the New Year, Master Lin finally summoned Lin Songyan.
"I just attended a garden party, and many prominent families looked at me strangely. Several members of the Qiao family were also invited. Their attitude was the same as before; they certainly know how to behave."
Lin Songyan hadn't shaved for the past few days, and coupled with not sleeping all night, he looked very haggard and stopped going out.
"Father, why did you suddenly bring up the Qiao family?"
“Given your current situation, no prestigious family in the capital would ever marry their daughter to you. Our Lin family is a century-old clan and a relative of the emperor. We cannot lower our standards too much to marry into a family that is not respectable enough. Otherwise, your brothers and sisters will also lose face in the future, and the entire family’s reputation will suffer as a result.”
"I don't want to disappoint you, Father, but I'm unfilial. Many things can't be done as you wish. Although this isn't what I truly want, I'm still sorry," Lin Songyan said, his voice filled with sorrow.
Master Lin hesitated, feeling that he was becoming increasingly despicable. Although he was not exactly a clean person either, some of his actions, when brought to the forefront, were inconsistent with the family's century-old traditions.
“I think that if the Qiao family is willing, the Lin family wouldn’t necessarily be unable to accept you marrying that great painter, Zhizhi.”
“No way.” Lin Songyan refused immediately upon hearing this: “Wouldn’t that ruin her life? Although she is an open-minded and generous person and wouldn’t despise me just because I can’t have children, our Lin family shouldn’t do this to harm people.”
Of these words, Master Lin took a few to heart; his open-mindedness and magnanimity immediately brightened his spirits.
"Yan'er, are you silly? You have feelings for her and can give her stability. She won't dislike you. Once she's married, she'll take good care of you. It's a two-way street."
“Father, you were so eager to arrange a marriage with the Sun family back then, but when the Sun family objected, you had to settle for second best. If the Qiao family knew about this, what would they think?” Lin Songyan said angrily.
“That’s easy to handle. If the Lin family doesn’t say anything, and the Sun family doesn’t say anything, the Qiao family will never know. The Sun family is also afraid of tarnishing their daughter’s reputation.”
Seemingly fearing that the Lin family would pester them again, the Sun family took advantage of the New Year's gathering to find suitable husbands for their daughter everywhere, and have now tentatively settled on the prestigious Wu family.
Seeing that Lin Songyan remained silent, Master Lin softened his tone.
"If you are uneasy, our Lin family will double the betrothal gifts, and raise the other standards by one level, according to the etiquette for a county princess. How about that?"
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