Although Mu Xi knew that Yan Qingqing had some doubts about her identity, she did not know that Yan Qingqing had suspected her so early and had already confirmed it.
She always thought she was hiding it so well.
Li Xiang'an knew she was a woman only because he had drunk too much and entered the wrong room when he escorted Li Xin's mother to her wedding, and he happened to be taking a shower at the time.
She had always thought that Li Xiang'an was too drunk to remember, but it turned out that the man remembered everything and was just pretending to be stupid.
Later, for some reason, Li Xiang'an began to express his feelings for her.
Mu Xi thought for a moment and then asked, "Madam, I am just a servant now. Given your current status, you could easily find a daughter-in-law of equal social standing. Why would you choose me?"
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "You've been with me for so long, when have I ever judged a person based on their family background?"
Another difference is that marrying a wife is different from marrying off a daughter.
When I marry off my daughter, I have to consider her family background, social standing, and the character of her in-laws, because these factors determine whether my daughter can live comfortably in her husband's family.
But getting a daughter-in-law is different. I only need to consider her character and whether my son likes her.
Besides, you're the one I've had my eye on for a long time. Marrying you is Xiang An's good fortune.
However, I'll be frank with you today: Xiang An might be quite different from his brothers.
They all pursued official careers, while only Xiang An went into business.
Although the difference seems small now, Xiang An may have more say in this family.
But the future is uncertain, as the status of merchants in our Great Yan Dynasty is ultimately limited.
No matter how much money you have, you can never erase your origins.
You shouldn't feel disappointed later on.
Hearing this, Mu Xi felt a warmth in her heart. The lady was truly kind to her, and even analyzed the pros and cons so clearly for her in case she felt disappointed in the future.
But with her status, what right did she have to look down on Li Xiang'an, especially since Li Xiang'an was truly sincere towards her?
She liked Li Xiang'an from the bottom of her heart. Especially when Li Xiang'an was negotiating business, he could take the initiative with ease and humor, and that feeling was really charming.
Mu Xi said shyly, "Don't worry, Madam, I wouldn't have such thoughts."
Furthermore, I would like to verify whether the family rules established by Madam are valid.
Of all the questions Mu Xi asked, this was probably the one she most wanted to know.
As a woman herself, how could Yan Qingqing not understand Mu Xi's thoughts?
So he said firmly, "Don't worry, since it's a family rule, it's valid."
"If my second son ever dares to betray you in the future, I will surely kick him out of the house."
Li Xiang'an looked at Yan Qingqing with some helplessness and said, "Mother, you know I'm not that kind of person, so naturally I won't let Mu Xi down."
Upon hearing Yan Qingqing's promise, Mu Xi put down his sword and knelt before her, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam. From now on, Mu Xi will always prioritize the Li family and Xiang An in everything he does."
Yan Qingqing was overjoyed upon hearing this, and Li Xiang'an also grinned foolishly beside her.
Yan Qingqing glared at him and said, "You idiot, what are you standing there like a fool for? Hurry up and help your wife up."
Upon hearing the word "wife," both of their faces flushed red.
Yan Qingqing sighed inwardly. These two children always acted mature and composed in everything they did, but this was the only thing that could make them blush and their hearts race.
After they get married, they'll probably become immune to this kind of thing, and then it won't be so fun anymore.
Yan Qingqing still needs to discuss the engagement with Yuan Huiniang and then choose an auspicious day to finalize it.
Because of Mu Xi's special status, Yan Qingqing did not plan to hold a grand celebration.
She figured she would just invite her own family to have a good time, and that would be enough; she was sure Mu Xi wouldn't mind.
In fact, Yan Qingqing had considered preparing a new identity for Mu Xi, but later thought it was unnecessary.
From then on, he would claim to others that she was his distant niece.
If anyone asks, just say that the two of them were betrothed since childhood, so as to avoid outsiders from speculating.
After Li Xiang'an and Mu Xi left, Yan Qingqing asked Ruyi to call Yuan Huiniang over.
Yuan Huiniang thought that Yan Qingqing had a favorite girl in the booklet she sent, and asked with a smile, "Mother, how is it? Which family's girl have you taken a liking to?"
I think the Li family's daughter is quite good. They've had tutors since she was little, so she's literate and can help me manage the household after she marries into the family.
The daughter of the wealthy Ding family is also quite good, and the wealthy Ding family and his wife are on good terms with our family.
Although she's two years younger than my second brother, I saw her at the last banquet, and she's indeed very beautiful. My second brother is also good-looking, so they're a perfect match.
Yan Qingqing: ……
Everyone else is fine, but Ding Xiuer, the daughter of Master Ding, is someone that Madam Xu has her eye on. If she were to be taken as a daughter-in-law, the Ding family would certainly have no objections, but Madam Xu would probably be unhappy.
Besides, even if someone is good-looking, Li Xiang'an has to like them first, so Yuan Huiniang is destined to be disappointed.
Yuan Huiniang was still counting the girls she liked when Yan Qingqing quickly interrupted her, saying, "Alright, alright, your second brother and I have appreciated your feelings."
But none of these girls are suitable.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Huiniang immediately looked like a rooster with its neck being choked, staring at Yan Qingqing for a long time before asking, "Not suitable? Does Mother think their family background is too low?"
This is a difficult problem, mainly because I don't know many of the women and young ladies in the prefectural city.
At this point, Yuan Huiniang's eyes lit up and she said, "Isn't Mother on good terms with Madam Liu? We can write her a letter and ask her to take better care of Second Brother."
Madam Liu is a kind-hearted person, especially since she became friends with Yan Qingqing.
Last time, I even came all the way from the prefectural city to attend the Li family's banquet. I also mentioned this issue to Yan Qingqing in private, but Yan Qingqing refused.
Yan Qingqing looked at Yuan Huiniang helplessly and said, "Can you let me finish what I have to say first?"
Yuan Huiniang then realized that since she came in, her mother-in-law had only said one sentence, and it was all her who kept babbling on and on.
So he quickly smiled and said, "Mom, please speak, I'm listening."
Yan Qingqing said, "Your second brother's marriage has been arranged."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Huiniang's eyes lit up. Just as she was about to speak, Yan Qingqing interrupted, "It's someone you know, but not one of the girls in your book."
Your second brother likes it, and I think it's good too.
It wasn't that Yan Qingqing was preventing Yuan Huiniang from speaking; it was just that Yuan Huiniang had recently become a bit too talkative.
Especially regarding Li Xiang'an's marriage, Yuan Huiniang was extremely enthusiastic. Not to mention Li Xiang'an, even Yan Qingqing found it hard to bear.
Yuan Huiniang was stunned for a moment after hearing Yan Qingqing's words. Li Xiang'an's marriage had already been arranged? No wonder her mother and second brother weren't in a hurry.
But it's always better to marry whoever it is sooner rather than later.
She looked at Yan Qingqing with longing, and when Yan Qingqing said Mu Xi's name, Yuan Huiniang was stunned.
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