Chapter 542 Fate Has Not Yet Arrived
After receiving greetings from the younger generation, Madam Gu looked at Yun Xin from the eldest branch of the family and her little grandson Wanwan. She quickly asked the younger generation to bring the two little ones over and play with them. They were both exquisitely beautiful children, and just looking at them made her heart melt.
Madam Gu lovingly touched the cheeks of the two little ones and smiled, "These two uncles and nephews both look like their mother. Wanwan looks like Ayao, and Yunxin looks like Xiuyuan's wife. Ayao and Xiuyuan's wife are both very beautiful. These two uncles and nephews will probably charm a lot of young girls in the future. These two little ones probably won't have to worry about finding wives in the future."
Gu Jingsheng said dismissively, "Mother, a man's real worth is his ability. What's the use of a good-looking face? The little girl is naive and only cares about her face. Her parents are not naive either."
As soon as he said this, everyone's eyes turned to him, feeling that his mouth was worse than nothing, as he never said a single pleasing word.
Gu Jingsheng sensed that the atmosphere was not right and felt that he had been too direct, so he quickly added, "Of course, it's good to be good-looking. The more important thing is to educate the children well so that they can be successful in the future."
Zhang glanced at him and said slowly, "Whether a child will be successful or not will also be affected by the family environment. As an elder, you should set a good example in the future."
Upon hearing this, Madam Chen glanced at Madam Zhang in surprise, feeling that Madam Zhang's eloquence had improved considerably. Of course, that was only when facing Gu Jingsheng. With others, she would unconsciously speak without thinking, but with Gu Jingsheng, she was very clear-headed. This was probably because Madam Zhang disliked Gu Jingsheng.
Gu Jingsheng wasn't particularly clever, but he wasn't stupid either. He understood the implication in his wife's words, and his expression changed.
Looking at her eldest son and his wife, Madam Gu sighed inwardly. This couple used to be inseparable when they were young, how did they end up like this?
To quell the commotion and prevent the younger generation from arguing, Madam Gu said gently, "What the eldest son and his wife said makes a lot of sense. It's good to be good-looking, but one must also be capable. A man can't rely solely on his looks. You elders, brothers and sisters-in-law, must set a good example for Wanwan and Yunxin."
The younger generation responded in unison.
Old Madam Gu glanced at Gu Xiuhong, who was sitting below Madam Chen. She was very fond of this grandson. Xiuhong had entered the Ministry of Revenue, where he was capable and appreciated by his superiors. His marriage prospects were also getting better and better. So she asked, "Second daughter-in-law, I heard some rumors a couple of days ago that the Minister of Rites is interested in Xiuhong and wants to arrange a marriage between our family. Is this true?"
Madam Chen replied gently, "Mother, it is true, but my daughter-in-law politely declined."
Madam Gu was very puzzled: "Why is that? I've heard that the youngest daughter of the Minister of Rites is exceptionally talented and beautiful."
At this moment, Gu Xiuhong answered on behalf of his mother: "Grandmother, I have no intention of getting married at the moment, so I asked you to refuse on my behalf."
Madam Gu said, "Xiuhong, you're not young anymore, you're nineteen already. When your eldest brother was nineteen, he already had Yunxin."
Gu Xiuhong replied, "Grandmother, I want to make a name for myself first before considering my relationship with my children."
Madam Chen glanced at her son, feeling helpless. She didn't want to keep taking his empty promises. He used to say he would only consider marriage after passing the imperial examination. After passing the examination, he said he would wait until he was appointed to an official position and entered the court before considering marriage. Now that he was working in the Ministry of Revenue, he said he would first make a name for himself. After making a name for himself, would he say he would wait until he became a first-rank official before considering marriage?
She used to think that her son was so outstanding, from a prestigious family, and handsome. Her future daughter-in-law might not necessarily come from a noble family, but she had to be beautiful, talented, dignified, well-educated, gentle, and kind. Ideally, she would be a good match in terms of social status.
Later, I thought that it would be fine if she was of average appearance. Women don't need to take the imperial examinations or be particularly talented. As long as they can read and write, that's enough. Kindness is a must. Daughters of minor officials would also be fine, as long as their families are peaceful and harmonious.
Now, she hopes that her future daughter-in-law will be a girl, a dignified and gentle girl, and a kind-hearted girl.
Madam Gu was unaware of Chen's thoughts. Hearing her grandson's answer, she was very pleased, but she did not quite agree with his words. She said, "Xiuhong, it is a good thing that you want to make something of yourself, but that will not stop you from getting married. Once you have a virtuous wife, you will be able to serve the country with more peace of mind."
Gu Xiuhong said, "Grandmother, I'm afraid of neglecting the young lady." He paused, looked at his third uncle and aunt, and continued, "Grandmother, I also believe in fate. Like my third uncle and aunt, when fate comes, you can't stop it. I don't have that idea now, probably because the time hasn't come yet."
Upon hearing this, Madam Gu immediately sided with her grandson. She also believed in fate. In the past, when her son was injured, the Mei family broke off the engagement, but other families were willing to marry their daughters to them. However, her son did not want to marry them. Later, when it came to A Yao, even though the wedding day was so absurd, her son still agreed. This was fate ordained by heaven.
She said to Gu Jingsong and Chen Shi, "You two don't need to rush. Xiu Hong's time hasn't come yet. Forcing him to get married might just harm a young couple."
Gu Jingsong and Chen were both enlightened parents; otherwise, they wouldn't have cared about their son's wishes. They would have arranged a good marriage for him long ago. Hearing their elders say this, the couple replied repeatedly, "Mother, don't worry, your son/daughter-in-law understands."
After leaving Shou'an Hall and returning to the second branch of the family, Madam Chen and Gu Jingsong stared intently at their son standing before them.
Chen asked, "Xiuhong, tell me, what kind of wife do you want?"
Gu Xiuhong used the same excuse: "Mother, I have no intention of getting married right now. I want to make a name for myself first before considering marriage. Look at my third uncle, he got married at twenty-nine. I'm only nineteen now, what's the rush?"
Then Chen asked, "When will your father and I be able to hold our grandson?"
Gu Xiuhong gave her a bad idea: "I can't answer this question, but if Mother wants to take care of the child, why don't you and Father try to have another brother or sister for me while you're still not too old? A woman of thirty-five can still get pregnant."
Chen: "..."
Gu Jingsong: "..."
This is truly their most filial son. The couple is so old and still trying to have a child. It would be fine if they didn't get pregnant, but if they did, people would laugh at them. The man would be praised for being vigorous in his old age, but the woman would be accused of being pregnant with a pearl in her old age. They already have a granddaughter, and if they have a child younger than her, how shameful would that be?
After a moment of silence, Madam Chen said, "Husband, our Xiu Hong might end up like our third brother. I reckon Xiu Hong's son will be younger than his grandnephew."
Gu Jingsong remained silent for a moment before saying to his son, "Since our time together hasn't come yet, I won't force you, but you have to hurry up so I can see my grandson before I die."
Gu Xiuhong gave a barely perceptible smile and replied gently, "Father, don't worry, I will."
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