Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 901: Vigilance and Planning (3)

Chapter 901: Chapter 901: Vigilance and Planning (3)

Upon thinking of this, Zhao Fengnian carefully observed Mo Qingze’s expression and asked in a deep voice, "Is this truly what Mr. Mo wishes in his heart?"

Mo Qingze stopped, looked at Zhao Fengnian with utmost seriousness, and said, "The official indeed has no plans to remarry. Previously, the Crown Prince had kindly inquired about this matter out of concern for the official, and the official answered likewise. How dare I deceive His Highness or Mr. Zhao?"

The Crown Prince?

Zhao Fengnian broke out in a cold sweat. Could it be that the Crown Prince also had plans to propose a marriage match? He suddenly felt relieved that he had not spoken rashly; otherwise, would the Crown Prince think he was competing with him for someone?

He didn’t believe that Mo Qingze had the audacity to use the Crown Prince as a cover, nor did he think Mo Qingze was lying. It was just that this matter came up during a casual chat with Chu Heng, who had casually asked a question without any actual intention to arrange a match. Mo Qingze had been deliberately vague, causing Zhao Fengnian to misunderstand on purpose.

Seeing a prospective nephew-in-law with such bright prospects potentially slipping away, Zhao Fengnian was extremely frustrated. Thinking about facing his mother and wilful niece when he got home made him feel even more irritated.

Mo Qingze pretended not to notice Zhao Fengnian’s changing facial expressions and, not wishing to be entangled with him further, said, "The hour is nearly upon us. If Mr. Zhao has no further instructions, the official will take his leave first."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Fengnian wanted to make one more attempt but found no reason to detain Mo Qingze. He could only say, "Mr. Mo, please go slowly. If there is a chance in the future, this official would like to invite Mr. Mo for tea, and I hope Mr. Mo will do me the honor."

Regardless, the man’s future was undoubtedly bright; if not as a relative, then maintaining a friendship would also be good.

Mo Qingze was unaware of Zhao Fengnian’s intentions and politely replied, "It should be the official who invites you, sir. When the time comes, I truly hope you will do me the honor of attending."

"Certainly, certainly!" Zhao Fengnian’s smile became a few degrees warmer, he jokingly said, "I might not accept other people’s tea invitations, but for Mr. Mo’s tea, I will definitely attend."

Mo Qingze showed a touch of gratitude, bowed to Zhao Fengnian, and after Zhao Fengnian left first, turned and headed towards the Hanlin Academy. As for the tea invitation, it had already completely slipped his mind.

That evening, Zhao Fengnian returned to his mansion and recounted the morning’s conversation with Mo Qingze to his mother and niece exactly as it had occurred.

With the good marriage prospect involving the Duchess of Yongchang’s nephew, Madame Zhao did not put all her attention on Mo Qingze. Her prompt to son Zhao Fengnian to inquire was merely to make comparisons and choose the best match for her dearly loved granddaughter.

Upon learning that Mo Qingze would not remarry and that even the Crown Prince had gotten involved, Madame Zhao felt no regret. Instead, she considered her granddaughter to be a perfect match for the Duchess of Yongchang’s nephew, muttered a few words, and decided not to bring it up again.

However, Fan Meijiao refused to let it go, complaining that her uncle Zhao Fengnian had not clarified things and was intent on going to the Scholar Mansion herself, to convey her feelings to Mo Qingze.

Zhao Fengnian and Madame Zhao would not allow it and directly ordered the maid to stop her. They tried to reason with her earnestly to no avail.

At this, not only Zhao Fengnian but Madame Zhao as well began to get angry, asking with a cold face, "Is this man named Mo that good that you would disregard your reputation as a young lady? Besides his looks and talents, what exactly do you fancy about him? Is the social standing of the Duchess of Yongchang’s nephew not superior to his?"

Fan Meijiao, not being particularly clever and unable to hide anything in front of her doting grandmother, blurted out her true thoughts, "If your granddaughter marries the Duchess of Yongchang’s nephew, how can she continue to receive the support of her elders to trouble that wretched girl? Humph, your granddaughter must avenge the public humiliation suffered at the teahouse at her hands."