Chapter 582: 582: Xiaobei's Confession_1

Madam Xu was, in many respects, a very traditional person. She had little expectation for Wei Ruo, but for her own son, she hoped he could start a family and carry on the family line in a timely manner.

“Indeed, he’s not young anymore, but this matter depends on Brother Xiaoyong’s thoughts. If he doesn’t want to get married, we can’t force him,” Wei Ruo said.

“Well, this problem is manageable. A while ago, I asked him once, and he said he wanted to get married,” Madam Xu replied.

Hearing this, the expression on Xiumei at the side changed a bit, as if she was somewhat surprised.

“Oh? Brother Xiaoyong wants to get married? Alright, this makes things easier then,” Wei Ruo said.

“Yes. So I was thinking of perhaps finding him a match, see if there is a lady willing. As long as she doesn’t mind Xiaoyong’s condition, and is willing to be with him, I will certainly treat her well and make sure she isn’t wronged.”

“This can be easily taken care of. I’ll send someone to find the local matchmaker later, ask her for some portraits of eligible bachelorettes suitable for his age. We can filter them first before presenting them to Brother Xiaoyong. Furthermore, when I find the time, I’ll find the local Madam Village Head to have a chat with. They should know well about the local women.”

Hearing this, Xiumei couldn’t help but say, “Miss, aren’t we rushing this a bit?”

“Don’t worry, we’re just helping Brother Xiaoyong look at this stage, not settling it right now. Whether he wants to get married ultimately depends on if we find someone he likes,” Wei Ruo explained.

“Alright,” Xiumei acknowledged, then lowered her head, looking somewhat weighted down.

###

Wei Ruo was serious about this matter and promptly arranged for Yun Zixiu to get in touch with the local matchmakers.

By nightfall, the portraits had been delivered to Wei Ruo.

Xu Zhengyong was currently a sixth-rank general, a significant official in the locality. As such, he virtually had his pick from the local ladies, and the portraits delivered to Wei Ruo were of the most outstanding women around.

As Wei Ruo went through them one by one, Xiumei remained silent at her side.

Wei Ruo, paying no mind to it, asked Xiumei for her opinion. “Meimei, what do you think of Miss Liu?”

Xiumei glanced at the portrait, which showed a dignified and beautiful young lady from a noble family.

Xiumei grumbled, “Such a beautiful lady, he, the brute, is getting a bargain!”

“Brother Xiaoyong might be a bit brutish, but he would certainly be a good husband. It wouldn’t matter if his wife is softer and weaker, she wouldn’t be wronged,” Wei Ruo assured.

Xiumei just pursed her lips.

Wei Ruo, upon seeing Xiumei in displeasure, asked, “What’s wrong? Is it that you’re not satisfied with Miss Liu? No problem, there are still many ladies from different families here. We’ll first shortlist some, then later let Brother Xiaoyong choose for himself.”

“Don’t know. Just feeling a bit upset, but can’t exactly say why,” Xiumei replied.

“My good Meimei, you mustn’t have gotten a bug. Let me check, don’t tell me you’ve come down with something because you’re not used to the water and soil of Jiliao.”

Wei Ruo immediately went to take Xiumei’s pulse.

After a while, Wei Ruo said: “Good, good. My Meimei is all fine.”

Xiumei said, “I’ll go to the kitchen first and fix some food.”

Then she quickly turned and left.

Wei Ruo watched Xiumei rush away, stroked her chin, and fell into thought.

###

When Xiumei left the room, she headed towards the kitchen with her head down, and accidentally ran into Xiaobei coming in from the back yard.

“I’m sorry,” Xiumei quickly apologised.

“No, no, are you hurt, Lady Xiumei?”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s good then. Where are you heading, Lady Xiumei?” Xiaobei asked her with concern.

“Going to prepare some food,” Xiumei replied, seeming quite absentminded.

Xiaobei, sensing that something was off with Xiumei, asked, “Is there something bothering you, Lady Xiumei?”

“Not exactly any troubles.” Xiumei answered, paused for a moment, then asked Xiaobei, “Xiaobei, you’re not young anymore either, have you ever thought of finding a woman and settling down?”

“Huh?” Xiaobei was taken aback by Xiumei’s question.

“What’s the matter?”

“This matter… this matter… The master did mention it to me… but… but…”

Stammering and stuttering, Xiaobei struggled to complete his sentence.

“But what?” Xiumei curiously asked.

Xiaobei scratched his head embarrassingly, “But I want to find an ideal woman…”

While speaking, Xiaobei looked at Xiumei with fiery eyes.

Xiumei puckered her lips, “It seems that when men reach a certain age, they all want to settle down. It is rare, after all, to find someone like Miss who thinks differently.”

Xiaobei cautiously asked, “Why did you suddenly bring this up, Lady Xiumei? Is Miss going to discuss a marriage alliance for you?”

There was worry in his eyes and tension in his voice.

“Not really.”

“Then it’s…”

“Nothing really,” Xiumei cut off the conversation, “Looks like you’re going to see the Prince, right? I won’t hold you back from your duties.”

After bidding Xiaobei goodbye, Xiumei quickly walked towards the kitchen.

Xiaobei stood rooted to the spot, looking lost as he watched Xiumei’s receding figure.

In truth… he wasn’t that busy…

Come to think of it, Miss Xiumei is already seventeen, and since Miss is so fond of her, perhaps she would arrange her marriage sooner rather than later.

As he thought of this, Xiaobei furrowed his brow, and a long-hidden thought in his heart began to sprout…

###

On March 25th.

Wei Ruo had chosen several suitable candidates over the last few days and was currently discussing them with Madam Xu in the study.

Xiumei, serving tea snacks, entered and overheard their conversation. Her face slightly changed, she put down the items and left hastily.

Outside, she ran into Xiaobei.

“Xiu…Lady Xiumei…” Xiaobei called out to Xiumei.

Xiumei stopped and turned around to look at Xiaobei.

Xiaobei seemed to have something on his mind, and he was even holding a brocade box in his hands.

“What’s wrong? Do you have any troubles?” Xiumei asked with concern.

“Xiu…Lady Xiumei… I have something… something to tell you…” Xiaobei was somewhat nervous, even stuttering in his speech.

“Xiaobei, don’t be nervous, just tell me directly what it is. If there’s anything I can help you with, I will definitely help!” Xiumei quickly gave her reassurance.

Xiaobei calmed himself down and slowly walked up to Xiumei, then handed the brocade box to Xiumei.

“Lady Xiumei, this is all my worldly possessions!”

Xiumei froze: “Xiaobei, what are you doing?”

“Lady Xiumei, I know this is abrupt, but I can’t think of a better way. I’ve thought of asking the master for help, but I’m worried that it would add pressure onto you.”

“I thought about it and could only come up with such a crude plan. Inside is my accumulation over the years, including house deeds, land deeds, and silver notes. If Lady Xiumei, you are willing to…marry…me, from now on… I…will treat you well…I’ll do whatever you say!”