Chapter 167 Chapter 167
Rong Yuzhe has been preparing for the imperial examination since returning to Beijing. Apart from going to the palace, he has hardly ever left the house. Liu Manyun did not bother him with those things.
I just didn't expect that
Naturally, this matter has been delayed until now.
I had planned to tell him after the exam, but unexpectedly the Li family arrived even faster.
She thought for a moment and asked, "Have you met anyone from the Li family since you returned to Beijing?"
"Li family?" Rong Yuzhe didn't react for a moment, but when he saw his mother's angry expression, an idea came to him, and he nodded and shook his head.
"What do you mean?"
"I met my father from a distance when I first returned, at a palace banquet," Rong Yuzhe confessed honestly. "Besides that, I haven't had any further contact with their family."
As he spoke, he seemed to understand something: "Mom, they are coming to see you?"
Liu Manyun nodded: "I've looked for him twice before, but I sent him away both times."
I thought that knowing their attitude would allow me to stop and give up those ridiculous and unrealistic calculations, but who would have thought that they would show up on the wedding day and say it was a double happiness and let the two lovers get married as soon as possible.
It's absolutely ridiculous!
Rong Yuzhe's face turned grim: "They are here again today?"
Qin Tianxiao glanced at his sister-in-law and simply called the housekeeper over, asking him to tell him everything that happened today from beginning to end.
As the housekeeper spoke, Rong Yuzhe's face became darker and darker, and his fists clenched tighter and tighter. How dare they be so shameless?
"Third brother, what do you think?" Liu Manyun looked at her son. She wanted to know what he thought first.
"Mom, there's no way we can do that," Rong Yuzhe shook his head. "Since the Li family betrayed and humiliated us fourteen years ago, everything that happened is now in the past."
He hasn't gotten married in these years simply because he hasn't met the right person. It's not because he's been deceived or hurt and is therefore panicking, nor is it because he still has that person in his heart.
He is a person who can take it or leave it. The Li family and that person have long been strangers to him.
It's just that the incident at the time caused his temperament to change drastically, and his family members were always worried that he was affected by the Li family's affairs. He explained it, and everyone nodded in agreement at the time, but in fact they didn't take it to heart at all. Seeing that the more he explained, the more cautious everyone became, always afraid of irritating him, he simply stopped saying anything and let them guess.
I just didn't expect that after so many years, the old things would be brought up again one day.
"Don't worry, there's no way I'll like that person, and there's no way we'll get back together!" Rong Yuzhe said firmly.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that he didn't hesitate at all and his expression didn't seem fake.
"Oh, third brother, it's a good thing that you have no feelings for the Li family." Rong Ziyu patted her chest and exhaled heavily. She didn't dare to breathe just now, for fear that she would be too sentimental and reconcile with that person.
Her appearance made everyone laugh.
Although they laughed, they all felt relieved in their hearts.
To be honest, even if those things had not happened, they still looked down on some people in the Li family. It was not that their status was not as high as that of the Rong family, but that the Rong family did not agree with the behavior of some people in the Li family. However, they did not deny everyone because of the words and deeds of others. In addition, the two children had a good relationship and were engaged. They thought that the man was a good person and would marry into the Rong family in the future. They would not have too much contact with people and things in her natal family who had ordinary relationships, so she did not say anything.
Speaking of this, Liu Manyun couldn't help but sigh again.
It was all her fault for being blind and unable to judge people. She had previously thought that Mrs. Li was a very nice person and her daughter was well-behaved and sensible. After a few interactions, she began to like her very much. In addition, the little girl followed her son every day, and as childhood sweethearts, it was natural for them to get together.
Who would have thought that once he fell into trouble, the people he had high hopes for would change their attitudes.
It’s just that people’s hearts are hard to predict and those people are too good at disguising themselves.
"Mom, now that I have passed the imperial examination and officially entered the court, I can be considered a small achievement. I'll have to trouble you to take care of my marriage." Rong Yuzhe suddenly spoke, interrupting Liu Manyun's thoughts.
"Son, what did you say?" Liu Manyun was very surprised.
In the past, not to mention the child bringing it up, even if she took the initiative to talk about it, the other party would just avoid the topic or simply refuse to cooperate.
"I'm not young anymore, it's time to think about these issues." Rong Yuzhe was a little puzzled by his mother's excitement. It's not like he was not going to get married, so why was she so excited?
Of course.
Liu Manyun was so excited that her son finally figured it out. This made her happier than if he had become the top scorer in the imperial examination. She immediately agreed and decided to arrange the banquet for the guests as soon as possible.
"Mom, there just wasn't anyone suitable before," Rong Yuzhe explained again, "I'd rather be without than with someone who doesn't suit me. Besides, at that time, I wasn't in the mood to think about these things."
"Yes, yes, mother believes you." Liu Manyun nodded. As long as her son wanted to get married, whatever he said would be the truth.
So, Liu Manyun and Qin Tianxiao began to ask this older young man about his preferences. Finding a wife is not like anything else. It is someone you want to spend your whole life with, so first of all, you have to like her. Only in this way can the couple have a harmonious relationship and live a better life.
Rong Yuzhe blushed when asked. If you ask him what type of girls he likes, he actually doesn't know.
In the past, I was with the girl from the Li family. That was because we played together since we were young, and then we naturally got together. As for how deep my feelings for her were, or whether I liked her particularly, that’s not the case.
For him, the relationship with the other person is more of a habit and responsibility.
He thought about it and said dryly, "Let everything take its course." After all, matters of the heart are really hard to say.
However, the prerequisite is that the other party and her family must have good character and share the same ideals as our family.
"Okay, okay," Liu Manyun noted her son's instructions and promised with a pat on her chest, "Just wait to be the groom."
Rong Yuzhe: “…”
Everyone couldn't help laughing when they saw the third brother/nephew blushing because of embarrassment.
Only at this time did they really put the Li family's affairs behind them and began to prepare to celebrate for the three of them.
Then everyone happily talked about today's parade.
Someone teased, "Third brother, with so many girls throwing flowers and handkerchiefs at you, is there anyone you like?"
"Yes, even though we are in a private room on the second floor, we have heard many women asking about your situation."
"I reckon someone will come to visit us tomorrow, even before we have to entertain the guests."
Those people from the Li family are an exception.
"Don't tease me with broken bones," Rong Yuzhe looked at his brothers and nephews who were still single. "We're all the same. Sooner or later, it will be your turn."
No one should laugh at anyone else.
Everyone: “…”
They glanced at each other and changed the subject in unison.
"Alas, I don't know when father and the others will return."
"It's such a pity that I didn't see my eldest brother, second brother, and third brother riding their majestic horses in parade through the streets."
"There's nothing we can do about it. They're doing something big."
"It's nothing, actually. I missed my eldest brother, second brother, third brother, fourth brother, fifth brother, cousin Lu and the others. Besides them, there are Huai Jin, Huai Yu, and Huai Bai Yunhao," Rong Ziyu said confidently, "All the men in our Rong family are good."
When everyone heard this, it seemed that what Tzuyu said was right.
"It's up to you now." Rong Yuqing patted the shoulder of Lao Wu beside him.
"Yes," Rong Yuheng nodded, "I'll wait for your good news."
Rong Yuzhe said seriously, "You still have time to prepare, you will definitely be able to do better."
Rong Yunan and others: "..."
Third brother, you think too highly of us. Can anyone be better than you, the top scholar?
Several people were crying in their hearts, but they still had to look confident and agree that they would definitely work hard. Only the people involved knew how bittersweet it was.
Seeing the several people struggling, Qin Tianxiao couldn't help but slap his youngest son beside him. "Alright, how long have your three brothers been preparing? How long have you been preparing? We don't need to catch up with their ranking, just make the list."
On the list?
There is absolutely no problem with this!
"Look at what you have accomplished." Rong Yuzhe rolled his eyes at a few of them, and his gaze fell on the eldest brother of the Lu family who was smiling and watching them joking. He thought that this guy was not much worse than him.
After chatting and laughing for a while, none of them forgot their identities. They said something and went back to the study to continue reading and studying.
Rong Yuqing and the other two also wanted to go, but were rejected.
"Big brother, second brother, third brother, you guys should go and take a rest first. It's not easy to finish the exam, just relax."
"Yes, if there's anything we don't understand, we'll write it down first and you can explain it to us later."
"We have learned almost everything now, and all that is left is to keep reviewing and practicing."
Seeing that they were not pretending and that they were indeed too tired during this period, he did not insist any longer and went back to his own yard to rest.
This rest lasted from day to night, and when I woke up, it was already the next morning.
As soon as Rong Yuzhe got up, he was taken by the servants to wash up, change into nice clothes, and comb his hair into a complicated bun.
He felt somewhat helpless, and after asking around, he discovered that many guests had come to his home.
Without asking, you can guess the purpose of these ancient people's visit.
The servant did not hide anything and explained the situation, and he couldn't resist the urge to hold his forehead.
I don’t know whether to say that my mother is efficient or that those people are unwilling to do anything without profit.
but,
He had already said what he wanted to say, so naturally he would not go against his mother's opinion. He could only try his best to cooperate.
On this side, Liu Manyun and other female family members came out to receive the ladies from various families who came to visit.
None of them explained their purpose, but they mentioned in their conversations that their children were growing up and they were worried about various problems. Liu Manyun was an insightful person, so what was there that she didn't understand?
She nodded in agreement: "Children are a debt. Women have women's worries, and men have men's troubles."
When everyone heard this, they all started asking questions. Firstly, they were concerned, and secondly, they wanted to take the opportunity to find out something. It would be even better if they could know something in advance.
Seeing everyone's interest piqued, Liu Manyun finally spoke: "As you all should know, my son was once engaged. We were childhood sweethearts and had a very close relationship. Unfortunately, the Rong family encountered misfortune... Well, let's not talk about it anymore. It's all in the past. My son has passed the imperial examination and feels that he can shoulder the responsibilities of a man and take good care of his wife and children. Look, I'm so worried now. A girl from a good family is sought after by hundreds of families. What advantages does this boy have?"
With their attitude clear, the girl's family members who came to inquire about the news were very accommodating and said that they didn't have to worry about such an outstanding man. However, they all had their own plans in mind and looked at others with a little wariness, because they were all competitors.
Liu Manyun and others observed the reactions of the crowd calmly. The emotions that were revealed first reflected their true inner selves. Those with unfriendly expressions or wandering eyes were the first ones they eliminated.
"I heard that the Li family came in person to congratulate us yesterday?" someone mentioned seemingly unintentionally.
Liu Manyun glanced at her and sighed softly, "Our Rong family can't afford such congratulations."
When everyone heard this, they instantly became alert and asked, "What's wrong?"
This not only satisfies their curiosity, but also has a significant impact on subsequent decisions.
"My son has been going to other places to install water trucks since returning to the capital with his father and uncle. He has never met or spoken to the Li family before. But yesterday, when Madam Li came to talk about our son's marriage, she started talking."
"She's an outsider..." someone retorted without thinking, only realizing halfway through the sentence, "The Li family doesn't have any girls of marriageable age."
The only one was the eldest daughter Li Ruirui who was divorced and came back.
Everyone looked at each other, could it be what they thought?
Qin Tianxiao sneered and said, "Don't doubt it, it's just what you think."
"Ah? This is too incredible."
"How does she have a face?"
"Not to mention that girl now...it's impossible to be like that back then."
"The Li family is not as good as before, I'm afraid they are anxious."
"How can I not be anxious? Seeing that the Rong family is getting better and better, I must want to seize it."
“…”
Liu Manyun and Qin Tianxiao looked at each other. Their goal was achieved, so they didn't start talking to the crowd. However, when the topic went off track, they brought it back to the topic, making sure that everyone who came knew everything about the Rong family's situation and the Li family's shamelessness.
From today onwards, no matter what the Li family does or says, it will not involve the Rong family. On the contrary, the Rong family is the one that is implicated.
After seeing off the people who came seemingly to congratulate but actually to gather information, everyone in the Rong family breathed a sigh of relief.
Today, I have gained a lot. Not only did I spread the news so that outsiders could not say anything bad about the Rong family, but I also wanted to see a few good families.
However, these are just preliminary impressions. Further contact and understanding are needed to understand the specific details.
After the palace examination, everyone's life returned to normal.
Compared to the men's intense studies, the women are even busier. They not only have to take care of the business, arrange and supervise matters in the compound, but also prepare for banquets.
All the female members of the family, including Lu Yao, were very busy. Although their work was fulfilling, it was also very tiring.
Fortunately, many things only need to be assigned to the people below. They will control the general direction, monitor the progress at any time, and avoid mistakes.
Soon, the day of the banquet arrived.
Early in the morning, the Rong Mansion opened its doors to welcome guests. Many prominent people in the capital came one after another, accompanied by their wives and children. Especially those families who had come to test the Rong family's words before, they brought with them their daughters of marriageable age who were carefully dressed up.
Liu Manyun, Qin Tianxiao and others were overjoyed.
These people may become a family in the future. Whenever they think of this, the smiles on their faces become more obvious.
Looking at someone is a process of mutual understanding and selection. As long as she is a daughter, those who love her will not blindly marry her based on appearance.
Therefore, when you choose others, you are also being chosen by others.
Everyone understood each other tacitly, and everything went smoothly and friendly.
If we ignore the fact that the Li family was driven away from the downtown area during the banquet, the banquet was a success.
Of course, the appearance of the Li family was just a bit of a spoiler, but it did not bring any big impact. In just a few days, everyone who came knew what the Li family had done. They all felt ashamed of their actions and blamed them and explained to those who did not understand the situation.
For a time, the Li family's reputation plummeted, and the Rong family became the poor little ones in everyone's eyes, attracting a lot of sympathy.
"Ah, this Rong family is so unlucky. Why did they get stuck with this family?"
"It's a good thing I broke off the engagement back then, otherwise I wouldn't be able to explain my guilt now."
"By the way, even if the engagement isn't broken off, do you think the Li family will let their daughter go with the Rong family or stay in the capital and wait for them to return?"
The answer is obviously no.
The more they knew about the Li family's character, the more they despised their actions, and the more sympathetic they felt towards the Rong family. They all helped to attack the Li family, making it so that the Li family members did not even dare to go out openly.
"It's all because of you, useless thing! Such a good plan didn't work!"
"Do you know what this means to the Li family?"
"I shouldn't have been so short-sighted in the first place. Even if we had been more careful when we broke off the engagement, it wouldn't have turned out like this."
In the Li family's study, the head of the Li family launched a series of insults at Liu Yulian, scolding her so hard that she couldn't even raise her head.
She didn't know why things turned out like this. She was clearly doing everything according to what the master and daughter had agreed upon.
"Dad, what do you think we should do next?" Li Ruirui was also worried and anxious.
I have waited so long for the Rong family to come back, and I will never give up easily.
That’s my husband!
"What else can we do? What else can we do?" the head of the Li family said unhappily.
Their plans had been spread, and whatever they did would be watched, making it impossible for them to succeed.
"I want to go find Brother Zhe myself." Li Ruirui always believed that it was someone else in the Rong family who was causing trouble, and her brother Zhe was unaware of it, otherwise he would never have let her fall into this situation.
"What were you doing earlier?" the Li family's head asked unhappily. "Back then, I told you to find opportunities to interact with people. You said you could get them to take the initiative, but did they take the initiative?"
Speaking of this, Li Ruirui felt very aggrieved. She had made all the plans well, but the man went out with the two old men just a few days after returning to the capital.
If she wants to interact with people, she has to have the opportunity to find them.
Later, when the other members of the Rong family returned to Beijing, she also tried every means to contact Liu Manyun, get close to her and please her. But who could have imagined that this person had been in exile for more than ten years, and not only had she become vulgar, but she was also difficult to approach. Before she could say a few words, she turned around and left, not giving her any chance to show her ability.
After waiting for a long time for Brother Zhe to come back, he refused to leave the house, making all her carefully prepared things useless.
It must be this woman Liu Manyun. She didn't want her to marry Brother Zhe, so she said something to sow discord and not let Brother Zhe see her.
Based on Brother Zhe's feelings for her, as long as she opens her mouth, he will definitely not let her suffer any injustice.
The more Li Ruirui thought about it, the more upset she felt. How could things turn out like this?
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