webnovelfull Chapter 275 Proposing marriage at home
Chapter 275 Proposing marriage at home
Chapter 275, Proposing Marriage
Master Cui brought Cui Mingyi with him, but no servants.
The father and son carried two boxes and arrived at the princess's residence in a low-key manner.
Cui Mingyi was dressed in a brand-new brocade robe today, with a belt inlaid with gemstones around her waist, and her hair was neatly combed.
His usually carefree face now showed a hint of nervousness and anticipation.
He followed behind Master Cui, holding a simple sandalwood box in his hands.
The box that Master Cui was holding contained gifts for Lu Tao and Liu San Niang, which were top-quality tonics.
In the box in Cui Mingyi's hand was a priceless jade bracelet, a family heirloom of the Cui family.
The gatekeeper of the princess's residence remembered Tian Tian's instructions, "Third Master Cui, our residence... is currently closed to visitors..."
Master Cui bowed deeply, "Today, Master Cui has come to propose marriage on behalf of my son."
The gatekeeper was taken aback. A marriage proposal?
This princess didn't explain.
"Then, Master Cui, please wait a moment while I go in and inform Madam."
The gatekeeper hurriedly went in to report.
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang were also surprised to hear that it was the Cui family who had come to propose marriage.
“Tian Tian did mention it, saying she liked this young master from the Cui family…” Liu San Niang stammered, “I didn’t expect them to come and propose marriage.”
Lu Tao recalled the fifteen days the two children had spent together...
Sweetie had also told me not to stop her from doing that.
"Should we go to the palace to inform Tiantian?" Liu Sanniang asked.
Lu Tao shook her head, "No need, let's go take a look first."
"The Cui family also knows that Tian Tian is in the palace, so they probably won't ask for an immediate answer this time."
Liu San Niang nodded, "Then... let's go out and meet them?"
She nervously tugged at her clothes...
Lu Tao chuckled, "What's wrong? You've been saying you'd find a partner for Youyou, but now that the time has actually come, you're getting nervous?"
Liu San Niang smiled awkwardly and tugged at Lu Tao's sleeve, "Don't laugh at me."
Lu Tao grabbed her hand. "Don't laugh, don't laugh! It's okay, I'll go with you."
“Youyou is also my daughter, so I have to take a look at her too.”
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang arrived at the front hall.
"Third Master Cui."
"Madam Lu, Madam Liu." Despite being encouraged by Old Master Cui, Third Master Cui still lacked confidence.
When he saw the two ladies come out, he immediately smiled as if money was no object.
"Third Master Cui, please have a seat." Lu Tao and Liu San Niang sat down in the main seats. "Third Master Cui, this is..."
Master Cui did not sit down, but cupped his hands and said, “Madams, I am unworthy to have brought my son here today, as there is an important matter to discuss.”
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang glanced at Cui Mingyi and saw that he looked uneasy.
The two men said politely, "Third Master Cui and Young Master Cui, please sit down and talk things over."
After they were seated, Third Master Cui presented his gifts and got straight to the point, "Madams, my son Ming has also fallen in love with Princess Anping at first sight. I have come today to propose marriage. I hope you will grant my request."
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang exchanged a glance, but didn't look at the gifts on the table.
Seeing this, Cui Ming also stood up and presented the sandalwood box in his hands with both hands, saying, "Madam Lu, Madam Liu, this is a small token of my appreciation."
Liu San Niang glanced at Cui Mingyi's box and saw a crystal-clear jade bracelet.
She's been using a lot of good stuff lately, and you can tell the quality is excellent.
"We understand what Master Cui means."
Lu Tao smiled and said, "However, it's always been Tian Tian who's been worrying about Youyou's marriage."
"So... even though we are both mothers, we have to wait for her to come back before we can make a decision."
Master Cui nodded knowingly, "Madams, rest assured, I have come to propose marriage with utmost sincerity."
"Of course I know about the princess's affection for the county princess."
“Now that the princess is serving the country in Oden, I am deeply impressed.”
"I, Cui, will await good news."
Cui Ming was somewhat disappointed, but still bowed respectfully, saying, "This junior will follow the arrangements of the two ladies."
Lu Tao looked at the gifts on the table, wanting the Cui father and son to take them back.
“Ladies, if the princess returns and does not agree to our marriage proposal, we can return these gifts later,” Master Cui said frankly.
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang nodded, "That's fine too."
After seeing off the Cui family father and son, Lu Tao and Liu San Niang returned to their inner room.
"Sister Lu, what do you think of Cui Mingyi?" Liu San Niang asked Lu Tao mysteriously.
Lu Tao nodded slightly, "The Cui family are all scholars, and they are a family that values reason."
"I think the young master of the Cui family has clear eyes; he's not the kind of person with bad intentions."
Liu San Niang nodded, she thought so too, "Let's wait until Tian Tian comes back before we talk about it."
*
Although we'll talk about it when Tian Tian comes back.
But Liu San Niang still couldn't help but go to find Qin Youyou.
At this moment, Qin Youyou was heartbroken because she had seen Cui Mingyi yesterday.
That day, she saw Cui Mingyi and his cousin at the Tea Fragrance Restaurant...
After Cui Mingyi and his cousin paid the bill and left, she was initially happy because Cui Mingyi said he would look for her.
But then they overheard the guests at the Tea House discussing...
"This young master of the Cui family, don't let his usual carefree attitude fool you, he's actually a hidden genius."
"real or fake?"
“It’s true. I have a friend at Qingya Academy who is in the same study room as the young master of the Cui family. He said that the young master Cui is usually unruly and spoiled by his family, but in reality, he is very talented in literature. Old Master Cui likes him very much.”
"That cousin of mine is also a talented woman. The two of them standing together are truly a perfect match."
"That's right. Even if he doesn't marry his cousin, with Young Master Cui's talent, he'd be more than qualified to marry a talented woman."
Qin Youyou's face paled slightly at the thought.
"Youyou?" Liu San Niang came over and saw her daughter staring blankly.
Qin Youyou snapped out of her daze and forced a smile. "Mother, what is it?"
Liu San Niang sat down beside her and said softly, "Just now, the third master of the Cui family brought Cui Mingyi to propose marriage."
"What?" Qin Youyou stood up abruptly. "The Cui family... they've come to propose marriage?"
Liu San Niang nodded, "Judging from their expressions, they are sincerely seeking marriage."
Qin Youyou stood there, stunned, her mind a complete mess.
She recalled the discussions among the literati in the shop, and felt a mix of emotions.
"But...I'm not some kind of talented woman..." Qin Youyou murmured, her voice tinged with a lack of confidence.
Liu San Niang frowned. What did those words mean?
"A talented woman?"
Suddenly realizing something, she grabbed Qin Youyou's hand. "Youyou, are you saying that you're not a talented woman, so... you're not good enough for Cui Mingyi?"
Qin Youyou remained silent.
Liu San Niang clicked her tongue in annoyance, "You little brat."
"Your second sister is Princess Fufeng, the future Crown Princess."
"You are the Princess of Anping, bestowed the title by the Emperor!!"
"You own so many shops in Yunzhou Prefecture, bringing in thousands of taels of silver every day!!"
"What else does Cui Mingyi have besides a bit of literary talent?"
"Besides!!"
"Since the Cui family has come to propose marriage, it means they value you and have not looked down on you just because you are not a talented woman."
Liu San Niang gently patted Qin Youyou's back, "Girl, you have to believe in yourself, you're very good."
"You are kind and intelligent."
"Your mother and Aunt Lu both like you, your eldest and second eldest sisters also like you, and your younger brother Jinghe likes you."
"That means you're a good person."
"Don't doubt yourself or lose confidence because of Cui Mingyi."
"If you act like this, how can you face your second sister for everything she has done for you over the years?"
Qin Youyou blinked. So many years... her second sister had prepared so many things for her...
Isn't it just so that she has confidence in herself?
Why does she become so insecure after meeting Cui Mingyi?!
She's really letting down all the things her second sister has done.
"If Cui Mingyi doesn't like you because you're not a talented woman, then we won't like him either."
Upon hearing this, Qin Youyou's eyes lit up, and she nodded emphatically, "Yes, Mother, you're right, I've figured it out."
She has family, money, and shops!
Why should you belittle yourself because of a man?
She was really... blinded by a single leaf before.
*
Liu San Niang was worried about Qin Youyou, so she wrote a letter and sent it to the palace.
The letter quickly reached Tian Tian.
However, her hands were covered in mud, so she could only see them after washing up at Yongle Palace in the evening.
Ling Yao stayed by his side.
"What did the letter say? Is there some urgent matter at your residence?"
"Is it still about the shop?" Ling Yao poured her some hot tea.
Tian Tian smiled and shook her head as she handed the letter to Ling Yao.
Ling Yao took the letter, and Tian Tian picked up her tea and took a sip.
In the letter, Liu San Niang told Tian Tian about the Cui family's marriage proposal and also told her about Qin Youyou's worries.
Ling Yao put down the letter. "How could Youyou be so self-deprecating?"
Tian Tian carefully put the letter away. "You don't know..."
She looked up, a slight smile playing on her lips. "You have no idea what life was like for us in the village."
“Youyou lost her father when she was very young.”
"Aunt Liu is very strong-willed. She learned to make tofu to support her family, but because of this, Youyou is often left alone at home by her."
"Afraid that Youyou might be in danger, Aunt Liu told Youyou not to go out."
"At such a young age, he was confined to his home every day, with no friends... and no one to talk to."
"After selling tofu, Aunt Liu still has to face the gossip and rumors from the villagers..."
Tian Tian bit her lip. "Back then, our family of four was kicked out of the Tian family. Luckily, we had Aunt Liu."
"I treat Youyou like my own sister. I don't want her to have to put up with her husband's attitude after she gets married..."
"so..."
So, after receiving her share of the silver and family property, Youyou had the confidence to stop having to be subservient to others.
However... her childhood experiences still instilled in her a timid and insecure nature.
Looking at Tian Tian's empathetic expression when she talked about Qin Youyou, Ling Yao couldn't help but recall the messages he had left for her.
She must have experienced these things in the village before...
Their family...
There will undoubtedly be a lot of rumors and gossip.
Ling Yao's heart tightened, and he grabbed Tian Tian's hand, "Tian Tian, you... suffered injustice before."
Tian Tian shook her head, looked up at him, and said, "It's all in the past now."
Looking into her bright eyes, Ling Yao felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
He gently stroked her hair and said solemnly, "Sweetie, don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the Cui family. If Cui Mingyi dares to treat Youyou badly, I'll be the first to punish him."
Tian Tian was taken aback for a moment, then laughed, "You are His Highness the Crown Prince, why are you meddling in such trivial matters?"
Ling Yao said seriously, "This is no small matter! Youyou is your third sister, which means she is my third sister. I can't let her suffer any injustice, and I can't let you worry."
Tian Tian felt a warmth in her heart and leaned against him, whispering, "Thank you, Ayao."
Ling Yao lowered his head and gently rubbed her forehead. "So, what do you think about this marriage with the Cui family?"
Tian Tian chuckled softly, "Let's talk about it when I get back."
"This will give Cui Mingyi and Youyou a good opportunity to think it over carefully."
Ling Yao thought about it and agreed; the matter of marriage did indeed need to be thought through.
He asked in a low voice, "Are you tired today?"
Tian Tian shook her head, "I'm not tired, I'm used to it."
Moreover, those junior officials were not as difficult to communicate with as high-ranking officials; they all listened to her and did not contradict her.
In fact, they didn't dare to disagree with her.
If, upon returning to the local area, the land is not growing well or the yield is insufficient, accountability will certainly be pursued.
It's better to listen carefully and learn diligently now.
It must be recorded very clearly.
If a problem does arise, you can find a solution in the booklet.
"Just like His Highness did back in Baishi County, each of them had a booklet with very detailed records."
Ling Yao chuckled, "Back then, I knew absolutely nothing about farming."
"By the way, there's a spring banquet in a few days. My father and mother specifically instructed me that you must attend."
"It's right here in the palace."
Tian Tian nodded, "Okay."
Ling Yao hugged her tighter, brushing the stray hairs from her forehead. "During this time, many officials will be hosting spring banquets at their homes, and everyone is visiting each other..."
"It's tough on you, having to stay in Oden..."
Tian Tian smiled and didn't take those words to heart.
*
"An invitation from the Prince An's residence?"
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang looked at the invitation sent by the Prince An's Mansion, which said that they were invited to attend the Prince An's Spring Banquet.
Time is tight, it's tomorrow.
It's already evening.
“I’m not going,” Liu San Niang said.
Lu Tao didn't want to go, but she didn't know how to refuse the invitation.
"Should we prepare a backup gift and tell them we're not going?" Lu Tao asked.
Liu San Niang didn't know either, "Isn't it necessary?"
"Didn't the gatekeeper already tell them that we're closed to guests?"
“But…” Lu Tao pondered, “If we don’t go, and there’s no explanation, won’t people think our Princess’s Mansion is unruly?”
Liu San Niang frowned, "That's true... and it's the Prince An's residence..."
"Is Prince An...older than the Princess?"
“He should be older than the princess,” Lu Tao said.
The two couldn't make up their minds.
"Should we send a message to the palace to inquire?"
"The palace is locked up right now, it's too late even tomorrow."
"What should we do..."
Tian Xiang came back from buying some snacks. "Mom, Aunt Liu, what are you looking at?"
Lu Tao and Liu San Niang handed her the invitation.
"Xiang'er, look..."
Tian Xiang put down the invitation. "Mother, how about I go tomorrow..."
"Everyone knows that Tian Tian is in the palace."
"I can go by myself."