Shen Ci nodded without hesitation.
Pei Mingzhu's eyes showed some curiosity: "I heard that Young Master Chi has now risen to the third rank in the government. Isn't he your brother-in-law? Why doesn't he think of helping you out?"
Upon hearing this, Xueqing, who was following behind, immediately became alert. She deliberately kept a distance of not too far or too close, just so she could hear their conversation.
Xue Qing frowned. This Miss Pei seemed to have said it unintentionally, but to her it sounded like she was trying to sow discord.
If the young master doesn't have his own opinions, wouldn't he develop a grudge against the young lady after hearing these words?
Shen Ci frowned subconsciously, his tone somewhat displeased: "A real man should rely on himself to achieve success. What kind of skill is it to rely on others?"
He didn't think there was anything wrong with it. If Chi Yan really offered to help him, he would feel that it was looking down on him!
If he really wanted to take a shortcut, he could easily get a position in the court by relying on his father's connections. Why bother to work so hard to pass the imperial examinations?
Pei Mingzhu smiled at him and said with admiration, "You really have ambition!" She paused for a moment, then apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry, I'm just a straightforward person and I was just a little curious. Please don't take it to heart."
Her frankness and openness immediately dispelled the discomfort Shen Ci felt in his heart.
Upon hearing this, Xueqing felt an even stronger sense of unease. Was being outspoken the same as being thoughtless? Didn't she know that her words might damage the harmony between the young lady and the young master?
Alarm bells rang in her mind, and Xueqing silently clenched her fists, deciding to tell her mistress everything truthfully when she got back.
Seeing the two return, Madam Pei looked pleased: "It seems they had a very pleasant conversation."
Shen Tangning smiled and stood up to say goodbye: "It's getting late today, let's meet again another day."
Mrs. Pei readily agreed, and after saying goodbye, the two women, sister-in-law and aunt, left first.
Shen Tangning watched the two figures as they walked away, then narrowed her eyes slightly: "Aci, what do you think of Miss Ming's character?"
Shen Ci stammered in response, "It's...it's alright!"
She turned her head to look at him: "Oh?"
His eyes darted around, and his tone was slightly hesitant: "We chatted for a while, and I found we had a lot in common. She's very different from the noble ladies I've met before." He paused slightly, his expression becoming somewhat cautious, "Sister, don't you like her?"
Shen Tangning did not deny it: "I really don't like it."
Shen Ci bit her lip, a struggle flashing in her eyes: "Then how about..."
“Aci.” She suddenly looked him straight in the eye, her tone serious, “It’s my business if I don’t like her. The most important thing when you marry is your own heart. If there are no problems with her character and family background, and you really like her, then you can firmly protect her. Your sister and mother will respect you.”
Put yourself in their shoes; nobody wants a difficult in-law family or a husband who wavers between his mind.
Her eyes softened. "Of course, all of this is based on the premise that the other person is indeed worth it."
Shen Ci paused for a moment, then silently pursed her lips, her voice slightly hoarse: "Sister, I know what to do."
...
After bidding farewell to Shen Ci, inside the carriage, after listening to Xue Qing's account, Shen Tangning curled her lips into a smile, her gaze turning slightly cold:
"It seems the other party is indeed a formidable character."
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