Chapter 199: Beijing's Noble Circle
Upon hearing this, Madam Tang's smile faded a bit. "Madam Yun, how can you think like that when you're still so young? You've got so much time left to enjoy. The Duke's Mansion is definitely the best place for you to settle down. Don't do foolish things just for some false reputation."
"Yes, Madam Yun, we all know about the Duke's Mansion that Madam Tang mentioned. Lord Tian is a first-class hero. Apart from the Regent, he has made the most contributions.
He's a strong man, and he could kill a cow with one punch. If you marry him, no one will dare to bully you. Don't miss this opportunity to marry such a good man!" Mrs. Zhao chimed in.
"I'm sorry, I've always been timid and I'm most afraid of coming into contact with tall, mighty and strong men." Yun Wansheng responded with a slight smile on her lips.
"Madam Yun, do you really not agree with this marriage?" Mrs. Tang's tone turned slightly colder.
"Mrs. Tang, this marriage requires mutual consent. I know that I am unlucky and unworthy of the Duke's Mansion. Please forgive me." Yun Wansheng stood up and knelt to apologize.
"Madam Yun, this is your fault. The Prime Minister's wife personally acted as a matchmaker for you, but not only did you reject her kindness, you even dared to despise my eldest brother's appearance. You are really shameless." The thin woman opposite said rudely.
"Cousin, don't be rude!" Mrs. Tang seemed to be scolding the woman.
"Cousin, my elder brother is such a good man, but he is despised by this widow. How can I not be angry?" Tian Shiniang said indignantly.
Yun Wansheng knew who this woman was when she heard this: "Mrs. Tian, please don't misunderstand me. Everyone has different preferences, so it's not a question of disliking anyone.
"Mrs. Tang, I'm sorry, we have something else to do, so we won't stay any longer. Let's talk another day." Then he was about to leave.
"Madam Yun, some things need to be worked out. For example, your elder brother, although he has the support of the Prince Regent, he cannot rely on just one person's reputation to gain a foothold in the capital.
Maybe you don't know how your elder brother got the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry. It was a reward that was forcibly awarded to him by the Regent against all odds. Otherwise, how could he have become a second-rank general with his few military achievements?
What's more, he is an Eastern Qiang. How can you expect others to obey him? He seems to be in a good position now, but in fact he is being marginalized everywhere in the government office. Other generals don't cooperate well with him on any matters. If it weren't for the regent's mediation, I think your elder brother would have been a mere figurehead long ago.
Therefore, if you want your elder brother to be like other Beijing officials, he must have the support of various forces behind him.
If you agree to this marriage, your elder brother will not only have the help of the Regent, but also the Prime Minister's Mansion and the Duke's Mansion. With such a strong backing, even if you are from the Eastern Qiang, no one will dare to harm you secretly."
Yun Wansheng's expression was solemn after hearing what Madam Tang said. She hadn't expected Shangguan Lan's position as General of Chariots and Cavalry to be anything but easy. Nor had she expected this seemingly ordinary matchmaking to be entangled in political factors. She was at a loss as to what to do. She was afraid that a willful decision would bring trouble to Shangguan Lan.
"Mrs. Tang, let me think about this matter carefully when I get back."
"Okay, no rush!" Mrs. Tang smiled kindly, as if the threat and reminder just now were not said by her.
"Mrs. Tang, we still have things to do, so we'll take our leave first." After saying that, he bowed and then motioned Qiao Xue to follow.
After they left, Mrs. Tian spitted and said, "She's really from a small place. If she wasn't beautiful and courageous, I wouldn't have liked her and asked my eldest brother to marry her!"
"As long as she understands the interests involved, I believe she will agree." There was confidence in Mrs. Tang's eyes.
"Mrs. Tang, why don't you go and propose marriage to her elder brother directly? As long as Shangguan Lan wants to rely on you, he will agree to this marriage on behalf of his sister. Why do you need to ask her separately?" Mrs. Zhao asked puzzledly.
"Madam Zhao, you may not know that I have asked someone to inquire about the Qiao family. I heard that the brother and sister were separated for some reason when this woman was very young.
It had been more than ten years since they last met. Only last year did they recognize each other by chance. Although they had known each other for a short time, Shangguan Lan cared about his sister very much.
Since they were so familiar yet not familiar with each other, Shangguan Lan naturally didn't dare to make decisions on her own. If she proposed to him, he might ask Yun Wansheng for her opinion. If she agreed, it would be fine, but if she disagreed, Shangguan Lan couldn't force her.
So, after seeing this, I felt that there was a greater chance if I started with her herself. As long as she cared about the brother-sister relationship, she would consider it seriously.
Her reaction just now said it all; she cared about her eldest brother. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone back to consider it. A hint of complacency rose in Mrs. Tang's lips. She was the best at manipulating people's hearts.
Yun Wansheng left the restaurant, her brow furrowed as she pondered the trouble. Qiao Xue walked beside her, "Wansheng, if you really don't want this marriage, just reject them. I don't believe your brother can't become a general without them. The Regent alone is enough."
"Qiao Xue, you're too naive. Political competition involves various forces. If your influence is weak, you'll be at a disadvantage. If you don't offend anyone, you'll be able to get by. But if you offend a certain force, someone will secretly obstruct you and frame you.
"It's obvious that if I agree to this marriage, everything will go smoothly. But if I don't agree, I will offend the four forces in that room, or even more." Yun Wansheng said unhappily.
She never imagined that she came to the capital just to attend a wedding banquet, but was dragged into the political vortex in the capital's circle, which made her hesitate to make a decision easily.
Of course I can't agree to the marriage, but I can't refuse it outright either. It's really frustrating.
"Wan Sheng, is this matter so complicated?" Qiao Xue looked at her with a confused look, with the ignorance of a young girl in her eyes.
"Qiao Xue, you are still too young. You have lived a carefree life. How can you know the hidden dangers in the world? When you grow up and mature, you will understand the dangers of this world."
"I'm scared when you say that. What are you going to do?"
“I haven’t decided on it yet.”
"Go back and discuss it with your eldest brother and ask him to give you some advice."
"Yes! I will." Yun Wansheng responded casually.
She was not in the mood to go to the study, so after sending Qiao Xue back home, Yun Wansheng also rushed home.
When he returned home, he saw Shangguan Lan had also returned: "Brother!" He called out naturally, walked to the table and poured himself a cup of tea.
"Yeah! I heard from the servants that you and Qiao Xue went shopping?" Shangguan Lan asked after watching her finish drinking the water.
"Well! Brother, are you used to living in Beijing? I think it's not as good as my hometown." Yun Wansheng asked in a relaxed manner.
"It was indeed difficult to adapt at first, but it's better now." Shangguan Lan said with a gentle smile.
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