Xue Ru was dumbfounded, never expecting Madam Cui to take an interest in her. Even Tang Ning, sitting nearby, was astonished.
It wasn’t that Tang Ning thought Xue Ru unworthy, privately, she believed Xue Ru was exceptional in every way, more than a match for any noble son in the realm. But the reality, as seen by others, was far harsher. Leaving aside Xue Ru’s past with the Song family, her status as an illegitimate daughter, without clan or kin to rely on, and her subsequent “self-exile” from the Song family to take a new surname, were enough to make her undesirable in the eyes of families who valued propriety.
The Cui family was one of the eight great noble clans, and Madam Cui herself came from a prominent lineage. Families like theirs prized pedigree above all, valuing a woman’s background far more than her appearance or character. Yet, Madam Cui was proposing that her only legitimate son marry Xue Ru.
And not just marry her, but as his principal wife, with the promise of managing the Cui household in the future. This…
Tang Ning didn’t immediately respond on Xue Ru’s behalf. Instead, she frowned and turned to her. “Ah Ru, this concerns your marriage. What do you think?”
Xue Ru hesitated for a moment before looking at Madam Cui. “I’d like to know why Madam Cui chose me.”
Before Madam Cui could reply, Xue Ru spoke softly, “You don’t need to speak of my appearance or character. I know my own worth. I’m not unattractive, but I’m hardly a breathtaking beauty. We’ve only just met today, and before this, far from praise, my name carried a basketful of infamy in the capital.”
“Young Master Cui is the legitimate heir of the Cui family. Though the Cui family has lost some face recently, its foundation remains strong. If he wishes to marry, there are surely countless noble daughters in the capital eager to wed into your family. Madam Cui, you have no reason to choose someone like me, a disowned illegitimate daughter with no clan to her name.”
Xue Ru’s tone was no longer timid, nor was it aggressive, but her meaning was clear.
“I want to know why Madam Cui chose me.”
Madam Cui noted Xue Ru’s calm demeanor. Though there was a trace of bewilderment, her mind was sharp, quickly honing in on the crux of the matter. She showed no shame in referencing her past, and Tang Ning’s silent indulgence as she spoke indicated her trust in Xue Ru to ask her own questions.
Madam Cui’s approval grew. She said earnestly, “Since you ask so candidly, I’ll speak plainly as well.”
“I had indeed considered arranging a marriage for my son with other noble families. But after the palace banquet incident, I realized that so-called alliances among noble houses are meaningless. When it’s time to turn on each other or kick someone when they’re down, no one hesitates.”
“My son is the legitimate heir, yet because of my outspokenness that night at the banquet, he incurred the displeasure of both his grandfather and father. Combined with the scandal involving Xuan Qin, which tarnished the Cui family’s reputation, the families that once discussed betrothals with my son have suddenly grown cold…”
“So I’m a fallback choice?” Xue Ru asked bluntly.
“Of course not,” Madam Cui replied without hesitation. “Even if the Cui family has suffered, as you said, its foundation remains intact. If I were to settle for less, there are plenty of daughters from official or noble families in the capital, not to mention those from my own maternal clan’s main branch. I chose you because I’ve looked into your past.”
She paused, adding, “I must apologize for having investigated your background.”
Xue Ru showed no anger, her expression clear and attentive as she listened.
Madam Cui, even more pleased, continued gently, “When Song Tan and his wife were alive, they didn’t value you. Song Tan, in particular, treated you harshly because of your mother. But I looked into her story, and the fault was not hers, it was Song Tan who wronged her.”
“When you were with the Song family, you were timid and rarely seen in public. The servants sold off by the Song family barely remembered you, the illegitimate daughter of the third branch. Yet, when Princess Xiangning and Lord Xiao despised the entire Song family and destroyed the Duke’s household, they spared you alone. Afterward, they kept you close, protecting and caring for you. There must be a reason for that…”
“Madam Cui, mind your words!” Tang Ning’s face suddenly darkened, and she set her pastry down heavily.
Madam Cui hurriedly clarified, “Please, Princess, don’t be angry. I’m not suggesting Lady Xue is scheming. I only mean that you and Lord Xiao are people who tolerate no flaws. For Lady Xue to earn your regard, her character must be exceptional.”
“She endured a difficult childhood and harsh treatment from the Song family. Most would have become twisted by such circumstances, yet she bloomed like a lotus in the mud.”
Her eyes held unmasked admiration as she looked at Xue Ru. “I investigated the events before the Song family’s downfall and your relationship with the Princess. When you left the Song family, you were declared a daughter of the Rong family. Most would have clung to the Rong name for status, securing a promising future and a good marriage. Yet, you took your mother’s surname, one slandered and scorned. That alone sets you above many.”
Tang Ning’s anger softened slightly at Madam Cui’s words, and Madam Cui continued earnestly, “After the Song Dukedom fell, you moved to Jiyun Lane. You didn’t rest on the protection of the Princess and Lord Xiao but instead strove to improve yourself.”
“You’re one of only two female students at Rongsheng Academy, making remarkable progress since enrolling. I’ve also heard that you manage some of the Princess’s businesses and estates. The Song family would never have taught you such skills, yet in just half a year, you’ve transformed. That can only mean you’re inherently brilliant.”
“The Cui family’s status is high enough, and my maternal clan is also prominent. What my son needs is a virtuous, capable wife who can help him stabilize the household.”
“I truly admire Lady Xue, which is why I boldly propose this marriage for my son. If you agree, Princess, I promise my son will respect and honor her, never mistreating her. The Cui household’s management will be hers alone, with no interference from others.”
As Tang Ning prepared to respond, Xue Ru spoke first. “Madam Cui, does this proposal have anything to do with the mine you offered Lord Xiao?”
“Absolutely not!” Madam Cui replied without hesitation. “I sincerely wish for my son to marry you. To treat this as an addendum to another matter would be an insult to both you and my son. I genuinely want you to join the Cui family as its mistress.”
Xue Ru’s face softened into a faint smile. “Thank you, Madam Cui, for your high regard.”
“Then this marriage…”
“I’m afraid I cannot accept.”
Madam Cui’s brow furrowed. “Why?”
She had laid out the terms generously and believed her esteem for Xue Ru was clear. For the Cui family’s legitimate heir to marry an illegitimate daughter was a significant gesture of sincerity. She had expected Xue Ru to agree, not refuse.==============
You can read ahead to chapterr 770 (100+ extra chapters) here
Comments
Post a Comment