“Niannian is a good girl, but Rui’er, she is not good enough for you!” Over the past two months, Madam Cheng has also seen through Cheng Rui’s thoughts and said it bluntly.
“Rui’er, you are the eldest son in the family, the most promising one to rise above others. Your father has placed all his hopes on you. You are absolutely not allowed to marry a merchant’s daughter,” Madam Cheng explained.
“Second Uncle Gu is also going to take the imperial examination,” Cheng Rui said, frowning.
“Rui’er, you yourself are a scholar, you know how difficult it is to pass the imperial examinations. Your father has investigated, and since he got married, he has completely stopped reading books, indulging in gambling and even drinking all day long.” Madam Cheng shook her head with a smile and said, “Alcohol is a good thing in a little, but too much is harmful to health. Studying relies on the brain. Do you expect someone who has been drinking for more than ten years to pass the imperial examinations?”
Cheng Rui frowned and remained silent.
"Alright, while you're still just admiring him, put your mind at ease. Marriage is a matter of parental consent and matchmaker's arrangement. Knowing your father doesn't approve, why are you developing feelings for her? Let's go, let's go back!" Madam Cheng sighed, patted Cheng Rui, and got into the carriage first.
Cheng Rui followed silently behind.
After getting into the carriage, Cheng Rui said, "Mother, Niannian's shampoo and conditioner set will definitely be all the rage in the Great Zhou in the future. Niannian is no ordinary woman. Last time I went to her house, I observed her small workshop. I had never seen those things before. Even though I saw them and heard her explanation, I couldn't make them myself."
Madam Cheng smiled and said, "You're a scholar, so naturally you don't know the craftsmanship. Let's not covet her recipe. The Gu family is a very good family. If we cooperate to make money, everyone will benefit! If you reveal your true intentions to your father, he might not allow us to associate with them. So, you should know what to do!"
Cheng Rui remained silent for a while, then asked, still somewhat unwilling to give up, "What if I take her as a concubine after I get married?"
Madam Cheng raised an eyebrow and glanced at Cheng Rui with surprise.
“Mother, although we haven’t had much contact these past two months, I still like Nian Nian very much. Her looks and earning ability are enough to make her a suitable concubine for me. As a good concubine, I will not mistreat her in the future,” Cheng Rui explained.
"If they're willing to take a concubine, your father will definitely be too. But Rui'er, in my opinion, they won't let their daughter become a concubine. You should give up on this idea!" Madam Cheng advised.
Cheng Rui shook his head and smiled, "Yes, Mother. Give Niannian two years, and she'll earn as much money as most wealthy families in the Great Zhou. If I pass the imperial examination in two years, my maternal grandfather will definitely arrange a good marriage for me. I'll marry a wife first, then take a concubine. My wife will help me with my career, and the concubine will provide me with money for favors. Mother, you won't have to work so hard as a merchant anymore."
Madam Cheng smiled with satisfaction: "Rui'er is truly the best gift God has given me. Having such a filial son as Rui'er makes it all worthwhile, even if I have to deal with merchants' wives every day. I believe that one day my son will be able to give me the entry ticket into the circle of noble ladies in the capital."
Madam Cheng was the illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue in the capital. When she married Lord Cheng, it was in place of her legitimate sister.
The Cheng family and the Sun family had a marriage agreement, and after Master Cheng passed the imperial examination, he went to their home to ask for their hand in marriage.
Over the years, Madam Cheng had been sent on assignments with Lord Cheng. Although she was able to manage her own household without her mother-in-law, her life was not what she had envisioned before her marriage.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com