Chapter 422: 422 Pledge Yourself to the Old Marquis_1

At this time, dusk had descended. The room was lit up by the yellow candlelight. The furniture arrangement around was old, appearing to have existed for many years.

Old Grandfather and Old Madam were seated in the two Imperial Tutor chairs directly in front of the entrance.

To the left were the first master, Wei Minghong, First Lady Mo; the second master, Wei Mingyong, and Second Lady of the Bai Family.

To the right were the newly arrived Third Lady Yun, Wei Yichen, Wei Qingwan, and Wei Yilin.

Wei Ruo had seen these people from the Wei Family of the capital city in her former life, so she had a good understanding of them.

The old patriarch was handsome but extravagant in his dual youth. He did not excel in literature or martial art repayments, taking over a title and becoming an idler for a few years, without achievments. However, he was very monogamous emotionally and never took a concubine after developing a strong bond with the old madam over the years.

The old madam came from a family of scholars. She had a gentle personality and really loved her children and grandchildren. However, she always considered the old patriarch’s wishes first.

First Lord Wei Minghong was robust and had a round figure. He looked simple-hearted. According to the memory of her former life, he was both jealous and ambitious.

His wife, Lady Mo, looked ordinary, was quiet and rarely spoke. The former master didn’t know much about her.

Wei Ruo had observed Second Lord Wei Mingyong personally. He was shrewd and eager for quick success.

Second Lady Bai was eloquent and adept at socializing. She could turn black into white with her glib tongue.

“Ruoruo, come and meet your grandparents,” Yun pulled Wei Ruo towards the old grandfather and old madam.

“Greetings to Grandfather and Grandmother,” Wei Ruo paid her respects to the elderly couple.

Then she greeted the First Lord, First Lady, Second Lord, and Second Lady sitting next to them.

“Greetings to Uncle, Aunt, Second Uncle, and Second Aunt.”

Those who hadn’t met Wei Ruo before scrutinized her carefully.

“Good girl, just as your Second Uncle described in the letter, you’re as radiant as a flower and very bright. You must have been tired from the long journey!” The old madam said, her face full of smiles and her eyes brimming with kindness.

Second Lady Bai chimed in, “Isn’t that the truth? I always thought my Wanwan was the most radiant child, but it turns out that you, the biological daughter of your mother, are even more lively. It’s just my misfortune that I was unable to bear a daughter!”

With that, Bai turned to Yun and continued, “You really are blessed, Sister-in-law! I am so envious of you!”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Where are you going with this, Second Sister-in-law? Your three sons are each competent in their own right. It’s you who is truly blessed,” Yun quickly replied.

Bai laughed, “That’s incomparable to your good fortune, Sister-in-law! Not only is your second daughter about to marry a prince as a concubine, but your eldest daughter is also to marry into the Marquis’s Residence. All this wealth and fame would make anyone envious!”

“What is the Second Sister-in-law talking about? A Marchioness?” Yun was visibly taken aback.

Next, she turned her puzzled gaze toward the old grandfather and old madam.

“What your Second Sister-in-law said is correct, we have arranged Ruo’s marriage with the Xuanping Marquis Residence,” the old patriarch responded.

“The Xuanping Marquis Residence? The Marquis’s heir?” Yun was confused; if she were marrying the Marquis’s heir, she should be called Crown Princess, not the Marquis’s wife.

“Marquis Xuanping,” the old patriarch corrected.

“Marquis Xuanping?” Yun’s surprise was even more evident, “If I am not mistaken, Marquis Xuanping is already nearly sixty years old, isn’t he? And he has already outlived two wives.”

“Correct, Marquis Xuanping is indeed fifty-six years old this year. Despite being close to sixty, he is still vigorous and healthy with no known illnesses. Although Ruo will be his succeeding wife when she gets married, she will be his legitimate wife, the marchioness of the Marquis Residence,” the old patriarch answered.

Yun’s face stiffened, leaving her momentarily unsure of how to respond to the old patriarch’s comment.

Weiruo, on the other hand, didn’t seem too surprised. When she had learned that the elders had arranged betrothal for her, she already had a rough idea.

For the reputation of the Duke Residence, even though they were now in a difficult situation, the old patriarch and old madam probably wouldn’t let their legitimate eldest daughter be someone’s concubine. However, to marry into a prominent family as a primary wife was challenging as not many families held the Duke Residence’s daughters in high regard.

Wei Qingwan, who was sitting next to her, exhaled a sigh of relief. Initially, she was concerned when the old patriarch mentioned that Wei Ruo was to become a marchioness, but hearing that she was to marry the fifty-six-year-old Marquis Xuanping, she was relieved. Her worry was replaced by mockery and sneers directed at Wei Qingruo.

Bai Family’s lady followed up, “Sister-in-law, this is indeed a great blessing for you and your daughter! Although Marquis Xuanping is older, the Xuanping Marquis family is still flourishing. I don’t know how many families want to marry their daughters into that house. It is a great fortune that they have taken a liking to a daughter from our Wei Family.”

“But doesn’t the Marquis already have several legitimate sons? Their ages are all above Ruo’s. Isn’t it inappropriate for Ruo to be married to him?” Yun cautiously inquired.

“What’s the inappropriateness in that? Although there are legitimate sons from previous marriages, any son that Ruo bears after marrying into the family will also be a legitimate son. Furthermore, no matter which legitimate son inherits the family property in the future, Ruo will always be their biological mother,” Bai’s voice rang out clearly.

Wei Mingyong also chimed in, “That’s exactly the twist of it, Sister-in-law. You shouldn’t worry about it. All of Marquis Xuanping’s sons are very capable and will surely bring glory to their ancestors. After marrying into that house, Ruo will definitely live a prosperous life.”

Yun’s brows were still furrowed.

The old grandfather spoke with great sincerity, “Third daughter-in-law, I understand your concerns. But as you know, Ruo returned to the duke residency from the countryside recently. Outside our family, we said she is Wanwan’s twin sister, but due to her weak constitution at birth, she was raised discreetly in the countryside to secure her survival, as per the fortuneteller’s advice. Therefore, she received education in the countryside for many years, her character inherently rustic. Thus, the matter of her marriage isn’t that straightforward.”

After hearing this, Wei Ruo almost thought she was in confusion.

What difficulties in marriage? Clearly, Wei Ruo should have been amidst a ceremony—only to have the plans suddenly changed.

“Difficulties” indeed, but just with marrying above one’s station.

What did Wei Ruo being raised in the countryside have to do with being unable to marry high? Clearly, the Wei family had declined over the years and others looked down upon them, while they were keen to marry their daughters to prominent families. That was the real reason for the problem!

Of course, Yun understood this. But facing the old patriarch’s explanation, she dared not express any disagreement even if she found it improper.

Wei Yichen’s face was colder than usual, but he didn’t comment on the matter.

Wei Yilin pouted, attempted to voice his objections several times, but was always stopped by Wei Qingwan next to him.

Wei Qingwan whispered to Wei Yilin, “Yilin, we cannot act as rashly in the capital city as we did in the Taizhou prefecture. Your mother will speak up if there are problems.”

Wei Yilin rolled his eyes and replied softly, “Who knows if you’re afraid of my rashness or just can’t stand to see my elder sister’s happiness?”

Weiruo’s words made Wei Qingwan’s face stiffen, “Yilin, that incident on the way here was an accident. I’ve already explained it to you.”