That evening, inside the prefectural government office, the prefect's wife said to the prefect, "I met the wife of Prince Yong today. She was elegant and graceful, truly befitting a daughter raised by a wealthy family in the capital. She also spoke very kindly."
The prefect said, "Although I have never seen that consort in person, I have heard some things about her. She must have something special about her that she has been able to win the favor of Prince Yong for so many years."
Recalling her thoughts from earlier that day, the prefect's wife couldn't help but ask, "Is it true that Prince Yong's harem consists only of his wife?"
The prefect nodded: "It does sound absurd, but it is indeed true. I heard that it was a prediction made by the Living Buddha that Prince Yong can only spend his life with his wife."
The prefect's wife was unaware that the matter involved the Living Buddha's prophecy.
For a woman, marrying someone of equal social standing and receiving their respect is already a blessing. As for the "one life, one love, one partner" described in Nalan Rongruo's poem, it's mostly wishful thinking. Unexpectedly, there are actually women who are this lucky.
"Originally, I was thinking of introducing Zhinan to Prince Yong as his younger sister, but when I saw that Prince Yong's wife was disgusted by the idea, I didn't say it. Now it seems that I'm glad I didn't say it."
The prefect was taken aback upon hearing this. Zhi Nan, his niece.
Thinking about it, his niece was indeed beautiful. He had recently heard some news, though it was hard to confirm if it was true. If it was true, Prince Yong would surely have even greater wealth and honor in the future.
He really wanted to climb up this tree, and his niece would have been a good candidate, but unfortunately Prince Yong was not interested in women.
He sighed and said, "Let's just forget about it! Don't cause trouble. If we anger Prince Yong's wife, she can say something to Prince Yong, and it will be difficult for us to take another step forward."
Who wouldn't want a better future if they were an official serving away from home? It's just difficult!
"I'll do as the master says."
"By the way, the river embankment will take some time to be repaired. If you have the chance to see Prince Yong's wife in the future, it's always good to get to know her better. Prince Yong probably has a great future ahead of him."
The prefect's wife was startled upon hearing this: "Does the master mean...?" Is it the kind of good fortune she was thinking of?
The prefect nodded: "Don't spread this news. It came from the capital. Prince Lian may be having some health problems, and his ambitions are probably hopeless."
The Prefect's wife: "How could that be? Could it be that Prince Yong did something to Prince Lian?"
The prefect shook his head: "It shouldn't be. He was tricked by a woman. I can't say for sure. Just remember, don't offend the wife of Prince Yong."
The prefect's wife understood: "Don't worry, sir, I will give the order later."
The prefect trusted his wife completely. Their relationship, built on mutual support in their youth, had soured and become strained as more women entered the household. Even as their children grew up, he ultimately preferred to stay in the main courtyard.
"I trust you completely." He said, then laughed.
The prefect wasn't bad. In fact, in today's world, it's already good enough if an official isn't corrupt. There are some things he can only watch helplessly. It's not that he doesn't want to get involved, but he has a large family to support, so he can't manage everything.
Maintaining one's integrity is already difficult enough; remaining indifferent is not right, but given the current state of affairs, it cannot be said that he is wrong.
"Go to sleep. Tomorrow I need to go to Prince Yong's place to talk to him about the material transportation."
There are many intricacies involved, which I dared not speak of before. Now that Prince Lian is seeing no hope left, he should offer his own testimonies.
"Yes, sir."
On the other side, after Tong Cheng'er returned, she told Yinzhen, "This prefect's wife is a rare person; she understands people's thoughts very well."
She meant her no harm and was easy to get along with. She was perceptive and sensitive to people's feelings and could tell that she had ulterior motives when introducing that niece. However, she didn't say anything because she saw that she didn't like her.
Yinzhen said frankly, "If you think he's good, you can get to know him better. The prefect is alright, but he's too timid. He has some talent, but he's too hesitant. Let's see if we can use him!"
He had worked in the Ministry of Personnel, where he rectified and investigated many cases, and also formulated corresponding policies. However, he was not in power, and there were some things he could not do extravagantly, otherwise he would be suspected of vying for power.
There were too many corrupt local officials in the Qing Dynasty.
Although he wasn't entirely satisfied with this Prefect Cheng, he was still a rare find.
If possible, I can use it in the future.
"I understand. The river embankment is important, but you can't overwork yourself. You are the most important one."
Tong Cheng'er already knew from Yinzhen that he died from exhaustion in his dream; his life wasn't short, but it certainly wasn't long either.
I was afraid he would tire himself out.
He himself actually pays attention to health, but when he gets busy, he always forgets and needs someone to remind him.
"I will. I will come back on time every night from now on."
Tong Cheng'er nodded in satisfaction.
The two then went to sleep.
The prefect's wife quickly found a suitable young man for her niece. He was from a slightly lower social class, but his family was harmonious and his mother-in-law was easy to get along with.
The family owns some farmland and two shops. Although her life after marrying into the family won't be as comfortable as it was before she got married, she should be much more at ease.
Qi Zhinan himself is satisfied with this.
She had seen that man before. He was quite handsome, a scholar, and had a certain manners in his dealings with others. He was neither a bookworm nor a playboy, and he had already passed the imperial examination.
Her status and his family background were more than enough for her.
However, Cheng Yue'er was somewhat unhappy.
"Mother, my cousin is exceptionally talented and beautiful. She could have any kind of handsome man she wanted. Why did she choose the one from the worst family? Won't my cousin suffer if she marries him?"
The prefect's wife glared at her daughter: "What nonsense are you talking about? If your cousin hears this, she'll start having all sorts of wild thoughts. You're not allowed to discuss this anymore. A young lady like you, don't you know any shame?"
Cheng Yue'er said coquettishly, "Mother, I'm serious. How could a mere scholar like myself be worthy of my cousin?"
Looking at her ignorant daughter, the prefect's wife thought of her steady niece. She wished her daughter were as sensible as her niece. But since she was her own daughter, she was willing to protect her from her ignorance.
"Your cousin personally agreed to this marriage."
Cheng Yue'er asked in surprise, "Why would my cousin agree?"
The prefect's wife thought that her daughter was not young anymore and that things could not continue like this forever. So she explained to her in detail, "Zhinan is both beautiful and talented, but her parents have passed away. Your father and I treat her like our own daughter, but others may not think so. If we find her a marriage with a wealthy family, Zhinan will inevitably suffer grievances and be inferior to others. I have seen that Liu Juren's mother. She is of good character, and your father has also seen her. She is confident that she will pass the imperial examination. If Zhinan marries into that family, the affection between young couples can support each other and live in harmony. Most importantly, I have inquired and found that Liu Juren's mother is very kind to Liu's two sisters-in-law. Zhinan will not suffer from her mother-in-law's temper after marrying into the family."
Cheng Yue'er was just a little naive, not really stupid. The prefect's wife explained these things to her in detail, and she was able to listen.
"So, it seems that Scholar Liu is a good match for my cousin!"
The prefect's wife shook her head helplessly: "It's hard to say whether he's a good man or not, after all, people's hearts are unpredictable, but as far as Zhinan is concerned, he is indeed a good choice for a husband, otherwise she wouldn't have agreed so quickly."
Cheng Yue'er: "I understand, Mother."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
