Yun Qing was surprised that Zhu Tao had already revealed everything before she even started testing him. Hearing this, she felt somewhat relieved.
Yun Qing thought for a moment and then said, "Since my uncle's family has been kind to our family, and my uncle has allowed my cousin to come to the capital with him, he must think that my cousin has a better future if she follows you. I do have some connections, and it would be possible to find a good marriage for my cousin, but her family background is naturally not as good as Du Luo's."
Zhu Tao didn't think Yun Qing was oblivious to Wang Jiao's intentions, but he thought Yun Qing's suggestion was perfect.
Zhu Tao smiled and looked at Yun Qing, then said, "Jealous?"
Yun Qing blushed, but stubbornly replied, "No."
Zhu Tao didn't want to tease her, but her blushing face looked quite pretty.
“Your idea is good. My cousin is not young anymore, it’s time for her to find a wife. As for other things, good times are short, let’s think it over.”
Then they began to blow out the lamps and remove the candles, promoting social harmony.
Wang Jiao's matter was resolved quickly. It was quite simple. Although Wang Jiao had impure thoughts, she was still young and a pampered girl raised at home. She had the intention but not the means.
If Yun Qing had listened to her, it would likely have caused some unnecessary misunderstandings between her and Zhu Tao, but Yun Qing did not listen.
Wang Jiao was naturally at a loss.
The first person to bring up the matter of Wang Jiao's marriage was Yun Qing's mother-in-law, Madam Wang. The reason Madam Wang brought it up was because her son said that he had a close friend who, although currently a scholar, was young and would achieve great things in the future.
Upon hearing this, Wang felt that her niece was a suitable match for such a person. As for the family, they weren't very wealthy, but they were about the same as the Wang family, so there was no need for Wang Jiao to look down on them.
This person is currently in his hometown, and Wang needs to go back to get married.
Wang Jiao naturally disagreed, and Madam Wang was also a little angry. In ancient times, social status was highly valued. The hierarchy was scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. The Wang family were merchants, and although they had some money, in terms of social status, they were not as good as farmers.
Zhu Tao then spoke of his bedmate, saying that he was of good character, his family was not so poor that they couldn't afford to eat, and he even had servants to take care of him.
Wang Jiao won't suffer if she marries him; she won't be wronged.
However, Madam Wang was aware of Wang Jiao's ulterior motives, but knowing it didn't mean she would tolerate it.
Mrs. Wang called her niece over and asked her, "Tell your aunt, what are you really thinking?"
What could Wang Jiao think? She couldn't bear to part with the prosperity of the capital, nor could she bear to part with her cousin, whose future was bright.
Wang Jiao said with tears in her eyes, "Auntie, please don't make me go back. I promise I'll behave myself and not cause any trouble."
Although Wang was not clear about the details of Wang Jiao's actions, she was generally aware of them. She was not exactly "honest," and her son would not have let her go back if she hadn't caused trouble.
Wang had no interest in wasting time with her.
Madam Wang sighed: "I know what you're thinking, but you also know that your cousin is married and living a good life. If he doesn't have that kind of interest, no one can force him. Besides, the husband Tao'er found for you is quite good. He's only a year older than your cousin and is already a scholar. With some effort, you could become a wife of an official. Why keep him around? Even if your cousin agrees, he'll still be a concubine, which will only upset him. How can you be happy then?"
Wang Shi still cared about this niece to some extent, and she spoke to her earnestly and her reasoning was all correct, but Wang Jiao wouldn't listen to her now! She seemed to be possessed.
Having no other choice, Wang could only say cruelly, "If you don't want to go back, that's fine too. Your aunt will let your cousin-in-law handle your marriage. As for the outcome and what kind of husband you get, your aunt will no longer concern herself with that."
Upon hearing this, Wang Jiao's face turned ashen.
She cried even harder.
"Auntie, did that woman say something? Auntie, you have to believe me, I didn't do anything. She's just jealous and doesn't like me. Auntie, Auntie..."
Wang was also annoyed by her niece's crying and sobbing. There wasn't much affection left to begin with, and if this continued, there wouldn't be much left either.
Madam Wang frowned and said, "I've said all I need to say. If you still consider me your aunt, then go back and get married. I think your brother will agree. Go back and wash your face, don't make yourself look too bad."
After saying this, Madam Wang said to the maid who was serving Wang Jiao, "Didn't you see that your mistress is unwell? Take her back quickly and take good care of her."
Liu Xiang replied tremblingly, "Yes."
Wang Jiao returned to her small courtyard, still unwilling to give up, but it seemed there was nothing she could do. She couldn't even see her cousin anymore, so in the end, Wang Jiao gave in.
She decided to go home and marry her cousin's classmate; she dared not stay in the capital and let her cousin's wife find her a husband.
Yun Qing was overjoyed to hear that Wang Jiao was going back, since having such a person around was really annoying.
As for what will happen to Wang Jiao after she gets married, that depends on how she manages things; happiness is something you create for yourself.
While things were still going on at the Zhu residence, preparations for the trip to Jiangnan were also complete, including personnel, funding, and planning.
We started by land, and because of the paved road, the ride wasn't too bumpy. It was just a bit boring along the way, but the boring days passed quickly.
Starting from the capital, we first arrived in Shandong.
Then the whole trip came to a stop, and when talking about Shandong, Jinan is naturally a must-mention.
Jinan is a wonderful place, with mountains and lakes dotting the landscape, which perfectly describes its beautiful scenery and auspicious feng shui.
Everyone says that Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven, but Jinan is no less beautiful.
Jinan has abundant water resources, which naturally nurtured wealthy people and corrupt officials who were rolling in money.
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