Chapter 85 The moon in the sky and the mud on the ground, how can one even have the slightest desire for them?
Before Shen Yuejiao could answer, Su Xiaoyu added:
"As for me, I absolutely do not have those feelings for my cousin. I didn't before, I don't now, and I never will. My feelings for him are only those of a brother and sister, and there is absolutely no romantic love between us. I can swear to God on this."
At this point, she grasped Shen Yuejiao's hand; "So, Yuejiao, don't treat me as your enemy. Your opponent has never been me, but rather Cousin Xinghe's still-unawakened heart."
"If you like him, go for it. Be open and honest with him, let him see your brilliance and your uniqueness. Don't worry, I won't be an obstacle between you two; on the contrary, I can help you!"
These words were like a wake-up call, leaving Shen Yuejiao stunned on the spot.
She had never heard anyone analyze relationships so thoroughly before.
"But, your engagement..."
At this point, Su Xiaoyu also felt somewhat discouraged.
"I'm trying to figure out a solution regarding the engagement. My parents are adamant, and so are my aunt and uncle..."
Thinking of something, Su Xiaoyu bit her lip, as if she had made up her mind.
"If all else fails, I'll just marry anyone, or find a way to leave the capital. In any case, I absolutely cannot marry my cousin."
"How could that be!" Shen Yuejiao exclaimed in surprise.
If I just marry anyone, wouldn't my whole life be ruined?
Remembering the rumors she had heard, she tentatively asked, "Little Fish, I heard that your young master once... Tell me honestly, what about your feelings for him..."
Before she could finish speaking, Su Xiaoyu's expression changed, and she hurriedly interrupted her: "The young master is the bright moon in the sky, while I am just mud on the ground. How could I possibly have any designs on him? Yuejiao, you must not say such nonsense."
Seeing the flicker in her eyes, Shen Yuejiao immediately understood.
She's clearly trying to cover up her mistake. If she had no sincerity, why would she be so flustered in her explanation?
Realizing this, Shen Yuejiao felt immense sympathy for Su Xiaoyu and sighed:
"I understand, but Little Fish, this is too difficult...."
The distance between the heir of a marquis's mansion and a maid born into the household is more than a thousand mountains and rivers.
It's an insurmountable chasm.
"But don't give up so easily, Xiaoyu. Have you tried... to have a proper talk with the young master? Perhaps he..."
Su Xiaoyu shook her head violently, her face still flushed.
"It's not something we can talk about. Once this thin veil is lifted, no matter the outcome, I will no longer be able to stay in the Marquis's residence."
Su Xiaoyu knew in her heart that if the prince had no interest in her, her wishful thinking would be wishful thinking and she would become a laughing stock.
If she showed even the slightest bit of affection, things would only get worse. The lady's fury, societal condemnation, and pressure from all sides would instantly engulf her.
At that point, let alone staying in the Marquis's mansion, it's uncertain whether they'll even survive.
Shen Yuejiao realized that the topic was too heavy, so she quickly changed her attention.
"Alright, let's not talk about these troublesome things for now. The most important thing is to break off your engagement with Xinghe. We'll figure out a way to do that together!"
Su Xiaoyu nodded vigorously.
——
The next morning, at Yilan Garden, the room was warm and cozy.
As usual, Xiao Jingheng came over to pay his respects to his father and mother, bowing respectfully.
"The son greets his father and mother."
Xiao Dingshan picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and instead of urging him to get up, said:
“Jingheng, you’re not young anymore. I heard from your mother that you used to always use official business as an excuse to avoid marriage. Now that things are on track, it’s time to start looking into marriage.”
As he spoke, his sharp eyes seemed unintentional, yet they remained fixed on Xiao Jingheng's face, not missing a single expression.
But who is Xiao Jingheng?
A master judge at the Dali Temple, capable of remaining calm even when Mount Tai collapses before him, would certainly not reveal his true colors in front of his parents.
He remained calm, not even raising an eyebrow, and cupped his hands, saying, "Yes, everything is up to Father and Mother to decide."
Upon hearing this, Madam Liu was first taken aback, then her face lit up with delight.
I feel that my eldest son has finally come to his senses.
She beckoned to her trusted mother beside her, who immediately handed her a thick picture book.
"These are all noble ladies from the capital whom I have carefully prepared for you. They all come from good families, are beautiful, and have good character."
She pointed to one of the portraits of noble ladies: "Look, this is the eldest daughter of Minister Li's family. She is gentle and refined, well-educated and reasonable..."
“Mother,” Xiao Jingheng interrupted, “Although Minister Li is a man of integrity, his eldest son’s performance in the Ministry of Personnel’s evaluation is only above average. Moreover, he has a close relationship with one of the Third Prince’s tutors. Such a marriage might attract attention and is not the best choice for the Crown Prince.”
Madam Liu was taken aback, and realized that her eldest son's words made sense. She immediately put Miss Li's portrait aside.
After thinking for a moment, he pointed to another noblewoman.
"And what about this General Chen's only daughter? A daughter of a military family, straightforward and decisive!"
Xiao Jingheng said without hesitation, “Mother, General Chen is stationed in the northern border and commands a large army. If the Marquis’s family were to form a marriage alliance with the General’s family, it would be too conspicuous and easily arouse His Majesty’s suspicion. Not only would it not be an aid, but it might even become a death warrant.”
Lady Liu fell silent again.
"Then this Grand Secretary Zhao's granddaughter... there shouldn't be any problems, right?"
"Grand Secretary Zhao's students and old associates are all over the court, and his influence is deeply entrenched. Marrying him would certainly bring assistance, but it would also mean being completely drawn into the factional struggles within the civil service, making it difficult to surpass him. Given the current political situation, this is not a wise move."
Several noble ladies from prominent families were rejected by Xiao Jingheng, and Liu Shi's hand holding the picture album froze.
The smile on her face gradually disappeared, replaced by anger.
"Jingheng, tell your mother the truth, do you not want to get married at all? Are you still thinking about that girl Su Xiaoyu?"
Liu finally couldn't hold back and asked the question that had been on her mind.
Xiao Jingheng calmly lifted his robe and knelt down, his back straight.
"Mother, please calm your anger. Your son would not dare to do such a thing. All my thoughts and considerations are for the long-term benefit of the Marquis's family. Marriage is a matter of great importance, concerning the rise and fall of the family. How can it be treated lightly?"
"It is precisely because we attach great importance to this that we need to be even more cautious."
He looked up, paused, and added, "If Mother finds these young ladies unsuitable, she might attend more banquets in the coming days and observe them personally. As for the final selection..."
"The autumn hunt is approaching. Various forces will gather at the hunting grounds this time. It is a matter of the Crown Prince's prestige and also an excellent opportunity to observe the dynamics of all parties. Son, you must deal with it with all your might and dare not be distracted. It would be better to wait until after the autumn hunt to make a decision."
These words are reasonable and entirely based on the interests of the Marquis's mansion.
Even Xiao Dingshan was speechless for a moment.
Finally, Xiao Dingshan waved his hand, his voice revealing both joy and anger.
"Get up. Since you have the idea, then let's do as you say. After the autumn hunt, we need to set a plan for this matter."
"Yes." Xiao Jingheng lowered his eyes, concealing the gloom in them.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com