Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Schemes

“Are you saying the Marquis Changping and the Fu family’s second daughter? The Fu family’s second daughter indeed did a favor for the Marquis Changping, but wasn’t that a matter of the past? Why bring it up now?”

“If it’s not a marriage proposal, how else would you explain these boxes of gifts?”

However, there’s no need for speculation as the Housekeeper Jiang from the Marquis’s residence was distributing red envelopes along the way.

Although the money inside wasn’t much, just a few copper coins, it was all for a bit of joy.

But it was given to ordinary folks.

No matter how much they received, they were already quite pleased.

“Today, our Marquis and the second lady of the Fu family are engaged, truly a cause for celebration.” Housekeeper Jiang said merrily as he went along, “Let’s all celebrate together.”

“So, it really is the Marquis and the second lady’s affair, congratulations, congratulations!”

“The Marquis and the second lady are indeed a perfect match.”

People were offering all sorts of blessings freely, while Housekeeper Jiang kept clasping his hands in thanks.

They even paraded with the betrothal gifts around half the capital city.

Actually, according to the old lady’s temperament, she wanted to circle the entire capital.

It was Xiao Chengyu who thought it was indeed too ostentatious and suggested going just half a circle.

The old lady reluctantly agreed.

Now that the marriage was finally settled, Xiao Chengyu felt a little relief.

Mrs. Yan, watching how both daughters of the Fu family secured such good matches in just a few days, was filled with jealousy in the courtyard.

“Did you know about Fu Shinian and the Marquis Changping before?” Mrs. Yan asked suddenly, “No wonder you were reluctant before when I asked you to leave a good impression on the Marquis Changping.”

Yan Liqing now understood how to get along with Mrs. Yan.

At this moment, she said, “I was not aware.”

“Stop pretending with me.” Mrs. Yan said discontentedly, “Do you take me for a fool now?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Yan Liqing said with her head lowered.

Just then, Chaohua hurriedly approached, “Madam, there is a letter from home.”

“Give it to me!” Mrs. Yan saw the letter in Chaohua’s hand and quickly snatched it away.

Mrs. Yan hurriedly opened it to read.

Originally full of excitement and expectations, her expression became worse as she read on.

Mrs. Yan, pulling a long face, looked up from the letter, “Your father says your grandmother is unwell and wants me to return immediately.”

Although Yan Liqing suspected it was just an excuse for her father and grandmother to call her mother back, she couldn’t help but worry that her grandmother might really be unwell and asked, “Did the letter mention what’s wrong with grandmother?”

“Nothing serious,” Mrs. Yan dismissed it, “Just that she’s old and inevitably feels unwell from time to time.”

Mrs. Yan frowned, “Not sure what your father is thinking, with so many people at home, why do I need to go back personally?”

“If I leave, there’ll be no one to look after you siblings here,” Mrs. Yan complained.

Yan Liqing was not satisfied with Mrs. Yan’s indifference towards her grandmother and said, “Why don’t I go back with you, mother. I’m also worried about grandmother’s health.”

“Why do you need to join in on the excitement,” Mrs. Yan said, “The journey is long and time-consuming. You would be better off making your mark in the capital to secure a good marriage.”

“Still, if I’m not here, I really can’t rest easy. Your aunt might not be as mindful of you,” Mrs. Yan advised, “Anyway, don’t trust your aunt too much. If she suggests a match for you, delay it.”

“Though her own daughter is well-married, she may not want to see you do well.”

Yan Liqing thought to herself that her aunt wasn’t that kind of person, but just as she opened her mouth, Mrs. Yan interrupted, “I know you want to bring up Fu Mingzhu, thinking her marriage is good as well. But that’s because Fu Mingzhu is already a Hereditary Lady, your aunt naturally wouldn’t make things difficult.”

“Besides, finding a good match for Fu Mingzhu also benefits the Fu family,” Mrs. Yan said, “So she can arrange a good match for Fu Mingzhu, but may not necessarily do the same for you.”

“In any case, wait until I return to discuss further,” Mrs. Yan finished speaking, and suddenly went silent as if something else had come to mind.

Yan Liqing didn’t ask, sensing that whatever Mrs. Yan thought of couldn’t be good.

After a while, Mrs. Yan suddenly asked Yan Liqing, “What do you think of your cousin?”

“Cousin?” Who? Fu Changqin?

“Your cousin, Fu Changqin, what do you think of him?” To prevent Yan Liqing from pretending not to know, Mrs. Yan continued, “I see you like your auntie quite a bit. It wouldn’t be bad to marry into the Fu family.”

“Mother, haven’t you always looked down on cousin?” Yan Liqing looked at Mrs. Yan incredulously, “And you also don’t like auntie.”

“But I see you and your auntie get along well.” Mrs. Yan said, observing that Yan Liqing’s nature was indeed similar to that of her aunt, outwardly proper.

“Your aunt values reputation and loves to keep appearances. Just thinking about your father, she wouldn’t make things too difficult for you. This is much better than living under another mother-in-law’s thumb.”

“As for your cousin, though his rank isn’t high, he has at least passed the imperial examination.” Mrs. Yan continued, “Now the Fu family has formed marital ties with both the General Mansion and the Marquis Changping’s household. Just the connections with these two families ensure your cousin won’t face difficulties on his career path.”

“Without requiring intervention from your grandfather or father, Fu Changqin has a smooth path in officialdom.” Mrs. Yan stated.

Fu Changqin might not be particularly capable, but he has solid connections.

“You’ll see,” Mrs. Yan said, “Surely, many families have their eyes on Fu Changqin, hoping to forge marital connections with the Fu family.”

The Fu family now, thanks to its daughters’ marriages, has indeed elevated their status.

“I see you treat Fu Changqin well; being close to him, you’ll have a greater chance than others,” Mrs. Yan remarked.

“Mother, I only regard cousin as a brother.” She had no other feelings for Fu Changqin.

If it were just a typical parental arrangement, she would have no objections.

But seeing her mother like this, she knew her aunt must have strong opinions, and if the two families became in-laws, constant quarrels would be inevitable.

Why trouble her aunt with such familial discord?

“You don’t want to be with the Marquis Changping, nor with Fu Changqin!” Mrs. Yan exclaimed in anger, “What do you even want!”

Yan Liqing sighed, “Father is urging mother to hurry home, so mother must be busy packing, I won’t disturb anymore.”

Having said this, Yan Liqing quickly left.

Mrs. Yan angrily thought if Yan Liqing really took her for a fool.

Did she think Mrs. Yan couldn’t see through her excuses?

Mrs. Yan did not know, however, that Madam Fu also received a letter from Mr. Yan at that moment.

In the letter, Mr. Yan explained that the children had written home saying Mrs. Yan’s behavior at the Fu family was inappropriate, giving him and the old Lady Yan a reason to summon Mrs. Yan back.

He also apologized to Madam Fu for the trouble Mrs. Yan caused, assuring that this time once she went back, she wouldn’t be coming out again.

But currently, the family’s affairs were managed by the old lady, who could not come to the capital.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep