The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 818 - 175: You Can Still Be His Concubine Mother_2

Chapter 818: Chapter 175: You Can Still Be His Concubine Mother_2

"Shut your mouth!" Grandma Fang slapped him, Qianqian has everything going for her except a bit of a fiery temper, she has become much more stable over the year, and she’s capable too, much better than those pampered young ladies from rich families.

Lady Yu watched her eldest son, unable to hide the joy on his face, and she was happy too. Her son marrying someone he liked meant a loving marriage and harmonious life, and their future looked promising!

With two large carts, the Fang family went ahead and proposed marriage.

Everyone understood and had a moment of realization. No wonder Fang Liuming, after becoming a Scholar, didn’t have marriage talks arranged for him. No wonder so many, including Old Zhao’s brother-in-law, Young Master Yang, were rejected when they asked for Pei Qian’s hand in marriage. The two families intended to strengthen their bond through marriage!

Pei Qin now held a Third Rank Enjoin, Mo Heng was a Ninth Rank Inspector, and Pei Wendong passed the exam to become a Scholar; they could be considered part of an official family. And with Fang Liuming being a Palace Graduate from two examinations and holding an official position in one of the Capital Jingcheng’s Six Ministries, having such a brother-in-law was truly prestigious!

Their alliance through marriage was indeed cause for celebration!

Since the marriage was agreed upon, Pei Qin obviously wouldn’t say anything unpleasant but found a dignified excuse. Previously, they refused because Pei Qian was still young, and they were worried Fang Liuming, being an official in the capital, might not resist temptation. They didn’t want to jeopardize the relationship between the two families if the marriage agreement led to complications. That was why they fabricated an excuse about not marrying close kin.

This was Old Scholar Fang and Grandma Fang’s guess too, as it seemed the most reasonable explanation.

The families quickly agreed on the marriage and exchanged betrothal gifts.

Lady Yu thought about setting the wedding date, "Qianqian will come of age in April after the New Year; it’s not easy for Dalang to come back often. Why not set the marriage date now, get them married first, and then consummate the marriage after Qianqian comes of age?"

Pei Qin’s lips twitched slightly, already thinking about taking a wife right after the engagement. He coughed, "Pei Qian is still young; I want to keep her with me for another year to teach her some things. And to temper her character a bit more!"

"Qianqian is already very good now! She’s become much more composed! Besides, there’s nothing wrong with being lively. She’s bright, and when you let her be, she manages quite well!" Grandma Fang also persuaded.

Pei Qin was not convinced, "As for the wedding date, let’s discuss it next year!"

Seeing that she was not to be swayed, Lady Yu and Grandma Fang had no choice but to leave empty-handed. However, the good news was that the marriage agreement had already been established, solidifying the ordeal.

Fang Liuming felt reassured.

Shen Rou did not go out, but her maids and servants did. Hearing all over town about Fang Liuming asking for Pei Qian’s hand and the two families reinforcing their bond, they felt it was unfair to their young mistress. She had thrown her lifetime in with them, and even if Sir Fang had no feelings for her, seeing such committed loyalty ought to have moved him to accept her.

Song Ming did not interfere with her but made sure someone watched over her to prevent her from running about, "Fang Liuming is already betrothed to Pei Qian. I expect my letter to your grandfather and parents will arrive soon, so if you want to continue living as a lady of the Shen family, stay put and wait to return to the capital!"

Shen Rou hid in her room, crying bitterly. She had done so much for him, couldn’t he see her goodness?

The sound of New Year firecrackers rang continuously.

Liu’er Alley was unusually lively this New Year. Although Shen Rou was a new addition, Pei Qin had her join in as well, but Shen Rou felt it was an insult and refused to come.

With her absence, Pei Qian, Pei Wendong, and the others were delighted. With Song Ming and Ji Bingchu joining in, they played and made merry until very late.

After the New Year’s visits, as snow fell, Pei Qin and Jiujiu were left at home.

Since she was betrothed to Fang Liuming, it was inappropriate for Pei Qian to openly visit relatives, so she stayed home as well.

Mo Heng and Pei Wendong, dragging Xiao Yong along, went together to Fang Family Village.

Pei Yuan sent a message before the snow, advising not to come. But after the snow stopped, she arrived with Zhao Xiaochen anyway.

Having not met before the New Year, they thought Pei Wendong might not make it back for the celebrations. Brother and sister reunited, they had plenty to talk about while sitting together.

Song Ming and Ji Bingchu had not returned by almost noon, and Shen Rou figured they would spend another day mingling at Pei Qin’s. She gave some silver to the Protector to inquire about the Fang family.

Previously, Shen Rou was heartbroken and seemed to have given up in despair. Even though she couldn’t let go completely, she was intimidated. Her maid often went out, so they weren’t overly cautious.

The Protector tried to dissuade the maid with a few words. Receiving only orders, he reluctantly took the money and went out to inquire, heading directly to Fang Family Village.

Fang Li, drunk and inebriated, complained when the villagers complimented him on securing a capable daughter-in-law, "What capable daughter-in-law? Our Dalang is an official, and he’s been promoted now. His future prospects are enormous! Marrying a young lady of high birth would be no problem at all!"