Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Are You Really Not Pretending to Be Clueless with Me?

“Then he’s done quite well.” Madam Fu nodded and said, “What do you think?”

“What did Xiao Chengyu say to you?” Fu Shinian asked.

Upon hearing this, Madam Fu realized that Fu Shinian could call him by name directly.

Evidently, the two were indeed very familiar with each other in private.

“Previously, you called him Marquis, and now it’s Xiao Chengyu?” Has everything been laid on the table, no more pretending?

“Not really.” Fu Shinian pouted slightly, tugging at Madam Fu’s sleeve, “I just happened to say it offhand.”

“I’m not really thinking much of it.” Madam Fu said, “Just considering Marquis Changping as a person, he’s undoubtedly excellent. Now he’s in great health too.”

“I believe he wasn’t deceiving me.” Madam Fu said, “Marquis Changping is a gentleman. If he wanted to leave an heir, even when his health was at its worst, there were still families willing to marry their daughters to him, knowing they were destined to a widow’s life.”

“He directly stated at that time that he wouldn’t marry, so there’s no need for him to deceive me now. Besides, he’s genuinely fond of you, so naturally, he wouldn’t want to do anything to trouble you.” Madam Fu said, “If he were the selfish type, only caring about his own feelings without regard for your well-being, just wanting to marry you at any cost, then I wouldn’t trust him.”

Madam Fu did believe Xiao Chengyu’s words.

“Mother thinks well of him?”

“As far as Marquis Changping himself is concerned, I see no reason why he isn’t worth marrying.” Madam Fu said, “It’s just that the Changping Marquis estate might not be as clean as Marquis Changping himself.”

“The old madam likes you, so if you married into the estate, I wouldn’t worry about the relationship between you and your mother-in-law.” Madam Fu mused, thinking the old madam’s fondness for Fu Shinian likely hinted at wanting her as a daughter-in-law.

Inviting Fu Shinian to the marquis estate might also have been to set up Xiao Chengyu and Fu Shinian.

Initially, Xiao Chengyu was surely against it, but he genuinely grew to like her.

Madam Fu shook her head, “But the key is that there are still Xiao Fengxing and Lin Qingqing in the marquis estate. Neither are easy to deal with.”

Madam Fu stroked Fu Shinian’s hair, “I initially thought that, like Mingzhu, you would marry into a simple family. It wouldn’t matter if their status was slightly lower than ours. If their status were lower, they would have to rely more on our family and wouldn’t dare mistreat you.”

“In a simple household, there aren’t so many troublesome matters.” Madam Fu sighed, “You’ve never encountered any internal strife at home or suffered any grievances. Why go to someone else’s house and fight with this or that person?”

Fu Mingzhu, having heard about Xiao Chengyu proposing to Madam Fu, wanted to come and ask Fu Shinian.

Just as she came in, she heard Madam Fu’s words.

She felt a warmth in her heart and quickly spoke up, “Mother!”

“Mingzhu is here.”

“I heard about the Marquis Changping affair and came to find Shinian.” Fu Mingzhu said, “Before the marquis came, I wanted to tell mother that I suspect he was interested in Shinian.”

“I didn’t expect him to admit it first.” Fu Mingzhu said.

“Even your sister noticed.” Madam Fu said with some exasperation, “Are you really playing dumb with me?”

“Those involved can’t see clearly.” Fu Shinian blushed and said, “I really didn’t notice…”

She hadn’t even mentioned that earlier Xiao Chengyu said he couldn’t marry her.

She’s afraid that if she said it out loud, Madam Fu really wouldn’t allow Xiao Chengyu to marry her.

Wait!

Fu Shinian suddenly thought, why was she worried?

“So how do you feel now?” Madam Fu said, “Naturally, I prioritize your wishes.”

“As long as the person is good, it all depends on whether you like him or not.” Madam Fu said, “I’ve analyzed the situation at the Changping Marquis estate with you. What do you think?”

Fu Shinian hung her head, her hands clinging to her dress hem, “I haven’t thought much about it, I didn’t expect him to propose, my mind is still in a jumble, I haven’t made up my mind.”

Madam Fu sighed in relief, saying, “Then there’s no rush, after all, he hasn’t officially proposed through a matchmaker, he’s just letting us know in advance, it’s not formal.”

“The old madam hasn’t come to visit either.” Madam Fu said, “Take your time to think.”

“But before that, we need to arrange a match for Mingzhu.” Madam Fu added, “Among the young men you’ve been considering lately, is there anyone you prefer?”

“I’ll leave it up to mother.” Fu Mingzhu said, “I don’t have anyone particular in mind, marriage is just about living life together in the future.”

“The ones mother chooses all have clean and simple backgrounds, and they’re pleasant to look at, so there’s no worry of becoming annoyed by their looks over time.” Fu Mingzhu spoke frankly, “I think they’re all more or less the same, who does mother think is best?”

Madam Fu sighed, saying, “Even though marriages are mostly arranged by parents, and few come together out of love, I still hope you can choose someone you genuinely like so your days together will be more enjoyable.”

“So, mother, do you like father?” Fu Mingzhu couldn’t help but ask.

Madam Fu couldn’t help but laugh, “Don’t be fooled by how your father is now, he was once a famously handsome young man. Your father once topped the scholar’s examination, so you can imagine how striking he was back then.”

“Although your father wasn’t from a prominent family, just a regular farmer’s household, his talent and looks made many families interested in him after he scored highly in the examinations. As you know, your maternal grandfather was once the Minister of Ministry of Industry. Given my family background, there were also other offers from marquis and count families, but they were convinced by your father’s looks…”

Fu Shinian: “…”

Fu Mingzhu: “…”

They really didn’t expect that.

“So, I hope you can choose someone you like within reason.” Madam Fu said.

Fu Mingzhu looked down.

Madam Fu felt a pang of heartache for her and said, “I know what happened before hurt you. But that’s its own kind of blessing, at least you saw his true nature before the engagement, avoiding a pitfall.”

Thinking of the Gu family, Madam Fu said, “Mingzhu, what do you think of Little General Gu?”

Fu Mingzhu frowned, “Why is mother bringing him up? I don’t think much of him.”

“Why?” Madam Fu was taken aback.

“Mrs. Gu obviously has her eyes on Shinian. When we were out, Gu Lingyi would always find ways for Gu Yunze to interact with Shinian, to talk with her. But for some reason, Gu Yunze stopped talking to Shinian and began speaking with me.” Fu Mingzhu frowned, “A man who looks around everywhere is not a good match.”

“Mother, please don’t consider Gu Yunze for Shinian.” Fu Mingzhu shook her head, “I don’t think he’ll do.”

Madam Fu: “…”

Fu Shinian: “…”

“Um, sister…” Fu Shinian couldn’t help speaking up, “Is it possible that the Gu family is actually interested in you? That Little General Gu likes you?”

“Impossible.” Fu Mingzhu replied without hesitation, “Whenever there was a chance, Gu Lingyi would come over to you, singing praises of Gu Yunze, isn’t that obvious?”

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