The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1066 - 242: Engagement Procrastination Syndrome_3

Chapter 1066: Chapter 242: Engagement Procrastination Syndrome_3

Pei Yuan also felt somewhat uncomfortable, having long decided on the betrothal but delaying it time and again. It was clear that they were waiting for Wendong to pass the imperial examination and gain official recognition, which would indeed be more impressive. However, this deliberate and expectant behavior and attitude made her uncomfortable.

Second Madam Zheng beat around the bush asking about Pei Qin’s health, speaking sweet nothings to try to get close.

Old Lady Zheng also put on the demeanor of an elder caring for the younger.

Seeing that they were not here to discuss the betrothal matter, Pei Qin had no interest in keeping company with the Zheng family members any longer, "Old Lady Zheng doesn’t come by often, so it’s best if Ms. Xie and Young Master Xie keep her company and have a good chat! I’ve just arrived, and nothing at home has been arranged properly yet, so I must be excused!"

Seeing her impatience, Old Lady Zheng, who had also been to grand residences where she wasn’t treated generously, chuckled in agreement, telling her to go attend to her business while they would talk to Xie Yi.

As soon as Pei Qin and Pei Yuan, accompanied by their maidservants, left, Second Madam Zheng stared at Xie Yi, "What did I tell you before? To get Mo Heng settled while she wasn’t around. Now she’s back, and with the way she carries herself, she clearly doesn’t think highly of us. All she’s good for is making money and marrying a good husband! She comes from much humbler origins than you!"

Xie Yi was also annoyed, "I’ve said it before, I won’t be a concubine! Auntie, there’s no need to bring this up again!"

"I’m only thinking of your well-being, and you’re not appreciating it!? Why didn’t you refuse when you insisted on only marrying Pei Wendong before? Now you’re saying this!" Second Madam Zheng was also quite frustrated.

Old Lady Zheng looked at Xie Yi, "You say you won’t be a concubine, do you want to be the principal wife? But with that other in place, who was appointed by the late emperor, she won’t be divorced, and now that her health is improving, becoming the principal wife is impossible for the time being. You’ll just have to endure!"

Hearing these words, Second Madam Zheng changed her thinking, assuming Xie Yi wanted to become the General’s Wife, which made her feel uneasy, "You have such great ambitions!" Her daughter didn’t even have a chance, yet Xie Yi, an orphan, actually aspired to become the General’s Wife.

Just as Xie Yi was about to explain that she wanted to arrange a betrothal with Pei Wendong, Pei Wendong and Xie Ze came in from the front yard, and her explanation got stuck in her throat.

Although not completely satisfied with Pei Wendong, Old Lady Zheng and Second Madam Zheng were still polite to him, exchanged a few words, and then Second Madam Zheng said they should head back.

Pei Wendong accompanied them to the horse-drawn carriage to see them off. But he also had some doubts and asked Xie Yi, "Did your grandmother and auntie come just to see you and Xie Ze?"

Xie Yi had no choice but to nod. They hadn’t told Pei Qin anything about the betrothal; it wasn’t even mentioned, so she couldn’t shamelessly say it wasn’t so.

Yet Second Madam Zheng returned home contemplating ways to help Xie Yi win over Mo Heng, "Now she has the chance to get close. Pei Qin even said today that they would wait until after Pei Wendong’s imperial examination to discuss further. These next six months or so should be enough!"

"She may not want to be the concubine, but Lady Pei is still the legitimate wife and can’t just be gotten rid of," Old Lady Zheng thought that it would be good enough for Xie Yi to secure a position first and bear a son to capture Mo Heng’s heart. Otherwise, should the time come when Pei Qin could no longer manage and Mo Heng needed to remarry, he might go directly for daughters of prestigious families, and it wouldn’t be Xie Yi’s turn.

"If it really took that much effort, it wouldn’t be her turn!" Second Madam Zheng felt uncomfortable after hearing Xie Yi again refuse to be a concubine, thinking she aspired to become Mo Heng’s principal wife. Sure, Xie Yi came from a decent, if struggling, family of an Official’s daughter, but she was a destitute woman completely dependent on others—how could she compare with her own daughter!

As they spoke, Zheng Yuehuan, the youngest daughter of Second Madam Zheng, came in, "Grandmother! Mother! How did your visit with my cousin go? What’s the New General Mansion like?"

Second Madam Zheng glanced at her daughter’s fair and lovely petite face, undeniably prettier and more appealing than Xie Yi, and couldn’t help feeling discontent with her future son-in-law, responding indifferently, "What might the General Mansion be like? We certainly don’t have the means to just go over and look around!" They were only led to a side courtyard, had their meal, and came right back. As if they could view the garden!

"Mother! If cousin gets married over there, we’d be proper relatives too! Let me go with you next time!" Yue Huan begged, hugging her arm.

Second Madam Zheng had once visited the General Mansion when Xie Yi moved there with Pei Yuan’s family, only to be stopped by the doormen. She wouldn’t expose her daughter to such treatment. Looking at her pampered young daughter, Second Madam Zheng’s eyes shifted. Why should she go through such lengths to help Xie Yi seek to marry a man like Mo Heng, when it should be for her own daughter!? Unwilling to become a concubine, and having nothing to her name, yet wishing to become the principal wife? Even if it was to be the principal, it should be her daughter who fit the role!