tallest building

Chapter 129 A Tentative Proposal

After descending the mountain, Wen Mingqian and Madam Zhong rode in the same carriage.

"I am truly grateful to you, Madam. I will always remember your kindness." Wen Mingqian expressed his gratitude generously.

“You’re being too polite by saying that,” Madam Zhong said. “If I treated you like an outsider, why would I be so devoted to you?”

“That’s why you’re my benefactor,” Wen Mingqian said. “I really wish we could become family.”

Madam Zhong smiled slightly upon hearing this: "We are both honest people, and we don't know any of those roundabout ways, which is why we get along so well."

At my age, I should be enjoying my retirement, but there's still one thing on my mind that I can't let go of.

"Is Madam referring to the Fourth Miss?" Wen Mingqian asked.

"Isn't it her? She's the youngest, and she's my daughter born late in life. Everyone knows I dote on her," Madam Zhong sighed. "But the more I dote on her, the more I worry about her future. She's sixteen now, but her marriage is still undecided."

“Yes, the marriage of one’s children is what parents worry about most,” Wen Mingqian said, following Madam Zhong’s words. “But someone as beautiful and of noble birth as your fourth daughter is not a match for most people. They would inevitably look at your family’s doorstep and hesitate.”

“Alas, actually, our family doesn’t necessarily insist on a high-status marriage. The most important thing is family tradition, the second is that the son-in-law must be of good character and knowledge. The third is that she herself must agree. Otherwise, no matter how high the social status, what’s the use if she marries a good-for-nothing? Or if she is unhappy and cries all day long, it’s hard to have a happy marriage.”

"Ah, it's clear that Madam truly dotes on Fourth Miss, considering everything so thoroughly. Men should marry when they're of age, and women should marry when they're of age; as elders, we must think ahead for them!"

A few days ago, my grandmother, sister-in-law, and I were chatting about Jing'an's marriage. It turns out he was so busy studying for the imperial examinations that he hadn't mentioned marriage at all. Now that he's finally passed, it's time for him to consider his marriage.

"Your eldest son is so handsome and talented, and a newly appointed scholar. No wonder suitors are lining up to propose!" Madam Zhong laughed. "I wonder which lucky girl will be able to marry such a talented and handsome man."

"Speaking of which, I can't help but laugh. Our son's choice of a wife is almost identical to Madam's. He wants a family with upright character, a well-educated and sensible daughter, and someone he himself likes," Wen Mingqian said. "However..."

"But what?" Madam Zhong asked.

"It's just that we have a satisfactory candidate right now, but we don't dare to speak up." Wen Mingqian smiled and said, "Jing'an has someone he likes, and it just so happens that our old lady has already chosen someone. We're afraid of being too forward with the girl, and even more afraid of hurting the harmony between our two families."

“Oh dear, I say your household is being far too cautious! As the saying goes, a family with a daughter will have a hundred suitors. It’s not like your family is lacking in suitors. Just go ahead and ask. If they don’t want to, they don’t have to. What’s the big deal?” Madam Zhong laughed. “If you’re too shy to ask, just let me be the matchmaker. Let me tell you, I’m the best at matchmaking.”

Wen Mingqian looked at Madam Zhong and asked, "What does Madam think of our eldest young master?"

“Why ask such a redundant question? I already said that this child is an exceptional individual with a limitless future,” Madam Zhong replied.

"Then what does Madam think of the Gong family's standing?" Wen Mingqian asked again.

"Of course it is good, otherwise I wouldn't be so close to you!" said Madam Zhong.

“It’s truly a pleasant surprise that Madam is so satisfied, but Madam cannot be a matchmaker.” Wen Mingqian smiled meaningfully, “However, you can ask Fourth Miss for her opinion.”

In truth, the two had been testing each other along the way. After all, as Wen Mingqian had said, if the marriage proposal failed, it would seem abrupt and could very well damage their relationship. By this time, Madam Zhong naturally understood Wen Mingqian's meaning: the Gong family had taken a liking to her daughter, Zhong Meier. However, her family was, after all, a Marquis's household, while the Gong family was merely an Earl's household.

Although the two families are on good terms, their children's marriage is no different from other matters and cannot be taken lightly.

That's why the Gong family intentionally had Wen Mingqian test their intentions; it was also for the sake of caution.

In fact, his family was very satisfied with Gong Jing'an. The boy was handsome, talented, and well-mannered. He was also a newly appointed Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

Although one's family rank is not high enough, as long as one has real talent and learning, there is no fear of not having a chance to rise in the world.

Moreover, Gongrang and Lady Wei were known for their virtue and integrity, and their daughter would certainly not be mistreated after marrying into their family.

Moreover, the younger generation of the Gong family are all quite capable, and they can help each other in the future.

Even Wen Mingqian's aunt is no ordinary person. Judging from her character and methods, who knows what kind of powerful backer she will be able to climb up to in the future!

There's another reason: her daughter and she get along very well. Although family background is important when choosing a spouse, Mrs. Zhong cares more about whether her daughter will be happy after marriage.

Therefore, they did not consider titles to be particularly important.

"Oh dear! So that's how it is..." Madam Zhong couldn't help but chuckle, "You've been going around in circles with me."

"Please forgive me, Madam, but Fourth Miss is just what my family wants," Wen Mingqian said with a smile. "Our old lady told me this repeatedly a long time ago, but at that time Jing'an did not yet have any official rank."

Although he has now passed the exam, he dares not rashly propose marriage. Ultimately, he fears he might offend the young lady.

Seeing how much they respected her family, Madam Zhong was naturally pleased and said, "Our family has three conditions for choosing a son-in-law, and two of them have already been met. I dare not decide on the last one; I will ask Fourth Sister when I get back."

"Madam, please ask slowly, and don't frighten Mei'er," Wen Mingqian said. "The young girl is delicate."

"Don't worry! I'll have her sister-in-law ask her. The two of them are together all the time, they can talk to each other," Madam Zhong said. "Whether she's willing or not, I'll tell you when the time comes."

After entering the city, Wen Mingqian bid farewell to Madam Zhong and returned home.

When Madam Zhong returned to the mansion, she first called her daughter-in-law over and told her what Wen Mingqian meant.

Fang had actually noticed this long ago, so she laughed and said, "The Gong family really has good taste; they've actually taken a liking to our precious little one."

"Speaking of which, the eldest son of the Gong family is a perfect match, a worthy partner for our Mei'er."

“Alas, it seems perfect to us, but we don’t know what that girl is thinking. You should go and ask her what she thinks. If she is unwilling, it would be a pity to ruin such a good marriage.”

"Mother, don't worry. Although I haven't asked Fourth Sister's opinion yet, I feel there's a chance." Madam Fang said with a smile, "Didn't we run into the eldest young master of the Gong family a few days ago? When I saw him, I felt that the Prince of Xiang was interested and the Goddess was also interested.