Chapter 591 Intending to Engage
The once quiet Meng family suddenly became lively again after producing a top scholar in the imperial examinations, and even matchmakers and relatives came to propose marriage.
Meng Dongyuan has been spending his days either receiving guests or going on appointments, and he's been flattered so much that he's practically floating on air. The Meng family is in a better state now than before the scandal broke and when Madam Sun was in charge of managing the household.
One day, the Huang family sent an invitation to Meng Dongyuan. When he learned that Lord Huang intended to marry his second daughter to his son, he was tempted. In particular, when Lord Huang casually mentioned that he was very talented but just unlucky, and that if someone gave him a helping hand, his career would definitely be smooth, he almost immediately agreed to the marriage.
Back home, remembering Lord Huang's words, Meng Dongyuan regretted not agreeing immediately. Arranging this marriage for his son would not only benefit his son but also him. He was currently struggling to achieve his ambitions, and his son-in-law was not supporting him because of Ah Yao's pillow talk. In that case, he could only rely on his future in-laws.
Therefore, the next day, Meng Dongyuan told Zhao to ask a matchmaker to propose marriage to the Huang family.
When Zhao learned of his idea, she secretly cursed him for being short-sighted. She thought that when Chengzhang passed the imperial examination next year, there would be more people to propose marriage and more choices. Why rush things?
She gently advised, "Chengzhang is still young. In my opinion, there's no need to rush into an engagement."
Meng Dongyuan immediately glared at her: "Everyone says that stepmothers don't really care about their children. Sure enough, Chengzhang isn't your son, so of course you're not worried about his marriage. The Huang family's daughter is beautiful, dignified, intelligent, and quite talented. She's also about the same age as Chengzhang. If you don't settle down with such a good girl soon, you'll miss out."
Zhao scoffed lightly: "Does my husband want to find Chengzhang a satisfactory wife, or does he want to find himself a satisfactory in-law?"
Caught off guard, Meng Dongyuan immediately flew into a rage: "What nonsense are you talking about? Of course I'm looking for a suitable wife for Chengzhang. I'm his father, would I harm him? This Huang family girl is perfect in every way, a good match for him."
Zhao said, "If that's the case, there's no rush. He's not that old. It's not too late to get engaged in another year or two. Then we'll have more options."
Meng Dongyuan frowned, glaring at her with displeasure, and said in a deep voice, "Zhao Shi, don't forget, you are only his stepmother, not his biological mother. With me as his father, when has it ever been your place to interfere in his marriage?"
Zhao couldn't refute this. She couldn't interfere, but if Chengzhang was married off arbitrarily by Meng Dongyuan, and something went wrong, causing unrest in the family, how could she enjoy a life of happiness with Chengzhang? She only had one daughter, who would eventually marry out of the family. Married daughters couldn't manage their parents' affairs. For the rest of her life in this deep mansion, she could only rely on her stepson, Chengzhang. Only if her stepson was good could she enjoy a life of happiness.
Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed through her mind, and she said in a moment of inspiration: "Husband, the eldest young lady said before that she would find a good marriage for Chengzhang. The eldest young lady is the wife of the Marquis of Changxing, and she associates with the wives of powerful and influential people in the court. This Huang family girl may not be as good as the girl the eldest young lady has chosen."
Upon hearing this, Meng Dongyuan instinctively refused. How could he possibly benefit from a marriage arranged by his eldest daughter? He said, "Although an elder sister is like a mother, I, as her father, am still alive. Why would I need her to arrange a marriage for Chengzhang? Besides, she is young and inexperienced, and her judgment of people is certainly not as good as mine."
Zhao said, “The eldest daughter is not very old, but Old Madam Gu is. Moreover, Old Madam Gu has lived to this age and knows the temperament of the elders of each family’s daughters. With her help to make a judgment, Chengzhang’s marriage will not be bad.”
Meng Dongyuan paused for a moment. The family that the in-laws could choose must be better than the Huang family. Chengzhang had gotten a good marriage, which would boost his career and ensure his future success. But what about his career? It was not as good as the Huang family's. The Huang family was willing to help him. Once his career was successful, they would pave the way for Chengzhang, and Chengzhang would also have a successful career.
Thinking this, he said, "How can I trouble my in-laws with such a matter? I have my own ideas about this, so you don't need to say anything more. Just find a matchmaker and pick an auspicious day to go to the Huang family to propose marriage."
Zhao asked, "Aren't you afraid that Chengzhang will be unhappy with your hasty marriage to him? He's back at the academy and knows nothing about it. Once he finds out, he'll definitely make a scene."
Meng Dongyuan disagreed, saying, "Marriage is a major event, and it has always been decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers."
Zhao felt a throbbing pain in her head. Marrying such a husband was truly a nightmare. He was short-sighted, only cared about his immediate interests, and was selfish. Even Chengzhang, such a promising child, was being used for personal gain. He didn't care about his child's future at all and was just a burden to him.
Even if we do become related by marriage with the Huang family, will the Huang family help the Meng family or the Meng family help the Huang family?
The Meng family has declined, but Chengzhang is promising and has the Marquis of Changxing as his son-in-law. The Huang family cannot compare with the Gu family, but by marrying into the Meng family, the Gu family can also establish a kinship relationship and gain far more benefits than the Meng family. With the Marquis of Changxing's support, Chengzhang's career will be smooth, and the Huang family will gain a promising son-in-law.
After a moment of silence, Zhao said, "Since you have made up your mind, I will find a matchmaker another day."
Meng Dongyuan was pleased with her tact and his tone softened, saying, "You can handle it as you see fit. The Huang family is a scholarly family, so don't be impolite."
Zhao nodded and sent Meng Dongyuan away. She rubbed her temples, looking slightly tired.
Seeing this, her trusted maid reached out and massaged her while asking, "Madam, are you really going to ask a matchmaker to go to the Huang family to propose marriage to the young master? I met the Huang family's daughter when I went to the temple with you to offer incense before. She seems to be a dignified and gentle girl, but the young master may not like her."
“How could that be?” Madam Zhao shook her head gently and continued, “Only when the Crown Prince is well can I live well. The Crown Prince is a child who can distinguish right from wrong and is filial. If I treat him sincerely, he will surely repay me sincerely.”
The maid asked again, "Then why did you agree to the Earl's request just now?"
Zhao replied, "It's just a temporary measure. Our Lord is not afraid of anyone at home. No one can stop him from doing whatever he wants. Only the eldest young lady can control him. Go to the Marquis of Changxing's residence later and tell the eldest young lady about this. Please ask her to come back tomorrow."
The maid nodded in response, "Yes, Madam." After a moment, she added, "Then the Earl will surely know that it was you who sent someone to invite the eldest daughter."
Zhao said indifferently, "So what if he knows? Do you think I'm afraid of him? He was the one who did that thing with the old lady. I went to tell the eldest young lady, and he couldn't do anything about it."
The maid nodded: "This servant understands."
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