Jiang Shuyun and Mu Yi'an only have one daughter, Chuyue, who has been pampered since childhood.
Although Mu Yi'an dotes on his daughter, he only instills modern ideas in her and does not promote the idea of a lifelong monogamous relationship.
Living in such a feudal dynasty, Mu Yi'an must have had similar experiences to Jiang Shuyun, who came from modern times.
More importantly, both Mu Yi'an and Jiang Shuyun had unsatisfactory lives in their previous lives and were both aiming to remain unmarried and childless.
Upon arriving in a completely unfamiliar and different place, the two strangers could only huddle together for warmth.
Mu Yi'an used his knowledge to acquire wealth, while Jiang Shuyun worked hard to pass the imperial examinations and gain social status.
The two complemented each other, which is why Mu Yi'an could demand that Jiang Shuyun not have concubines or maids.
Chu Yue was different; she was born in an era where having multiple wives and concubines was legal.
Mu Yi'an taught her to read and write, had her practice needlework, learn music, chess, calligraphy and painting from Granny Hai, and attend classes with her younger brothers, all to broaden her horizons.
In patriarchal dynasties, women were destined for hardship. If they lacked vision and focused all their energy on domestic matters, they could easily be trapped for life.
Chuyue was very obedient; she studied diligently whatever her mother asked her to learn.
Squatting in a horse stance is hard work, but my parents said that good health is the most important thing, especially for women.
During childbirth, it will be a life-or-death situation. A healthy body increases the chances of survival.
Chuyue doesn't have many memories of Jiangjia Village, but her deepest impression is of life in Fucheng.
Mother took them to play in the village. The stream water was cool, and there were small fish and shrimp.
Every morning when I get up, I practice horse stance with my older and younger brothers to exercise.
Learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from Granny Hai, as well as learning etiquette, and spending time with Sister Anran, wasn't boring at all.
My mother said that learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting isn't about gaining the title of a talented woman. It's so that when I'm in a bad mood in the future, I'll have a way to release my emotions.
Her mother often said that when she grows up and has her own family, she should live a good life.
If you meet a good person, you and your spouse will live in harmony, supporting each other and enjoying a lifetime of happiness.
If you encounter a bad person, figure out what you want, try to put your mind at ease, and live in a way that makes you comfortable. Don't beg for a man's pity to get by; learn to make choices.
When she was young, she didn't understand what her mother meant.
Her parents had a very good relationship, and she once thought that all couples in the world were like that.
Later, as I grew up and met more people, I learned that other families not only had a matriarch but also concubines and maids. My brothers and sisters had different mothers.
At that time, she was very afraid of growing up.
Later, an older brother came to live with the family. He was the same age as the second brother, and it was through him that Chuyue learned what life in a so-called aristocratic family was like.
"Mother, is what Brother Gu Zheng said true? There is unseen bloodshed and intrigue in the inner quarters of aristocratic families."
"It must be true, they're scared?"
"A bit. I used to think that all couples in the world were like parents."
Later I learned that not all men are like my father, with only one wife and no other women.
However, the situations of my friends and their families were mostly about fighting over food and drink; I never imagined there were so many harmful methods involved.
"Silly child, enough benefit will cause enough harm."
The families we come into contact with are all of similar social standing, so there's not much room for competition within the family.
In the capital, Gu Zheng came into contact with many prominent families, from whom he could acquire a great deal.
So, you'll feel scared when you hear that.
Mu Yi'an patted his daughter's head. The twelve or thirteen-year-old girl was starting to think about growing up and was also a little afraid of growing up.
"Mother, I don't want to live that kind of life. I like a simple life."
"Yes, Mother knows. But Chuyue, sometimes fate plays tricks on us and doesn't let us have our way."
You should still learn what you need to learn, just in case. We may not have malicious intentions, but we cannot be without ways to protect ourselves. You may not need to use what you've learned, but you can't be unprepared when you need it.
Mu Yi'an didn't intend for Chu Yue to marry into a wealthy family, but who can guarantee what the future holds?
"I know, Mother, I will study hard."
Mu Yi'an thought that after a while, Jiang Shuyun would take the children on a study tour, and Chuyue would go along as well.
A few years later, Chuyue reached marriageable age, and Anran was already engaged.
Mu Yi'an and Jiang Shuyun were in agreement, both feeling that it was a good thing for a girl to go out and travel before she got engaged.
He traveled and studied in the Jiangnan region for a long time with his father, brothers, Gu Zheng, cousins, and other relatives.
Chuyue experienced a different kind of life and suddenly stopped feeling afraid.
She has parents, older brothers, and younger brothers; she has strong support, so she has nothing to fear.
Even teenagers have fantasized about what their future husbands would be like.
However, Chu Yue never imagined that Gu Zheng, who had always lived in her home, would like her.
She had always thought that she would marry into a simple family in the future. Her parents had prepared a sufficient dowry for her, and she was sure she would live a good life. Gu Zheng, or rather, the Gu family, was someone she hadn't considered; it was more complicated.
Later, her parents discussed the Gu family's plans with her. Gu Zheng would not pursue a career in government and would likely stay in the prefectural city.
Chu Yue thought about it for a moment, and if that were the case, it wouldn't be bad. She didn't want to be too far away from her parents.
Whether it was because she was getting older or because she felt that her parents' analysis made sense, fifteen-year-old Chuyue had a different feeling when she looked at seventeen-year-old Gu Zheng.
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