novelaction Chapter 247 Finalizing the Engagement!
Chapter 247 Finalizing the Engagement!
Mu Xin Nuan felt slightly uncomfortable with Duanmu Chen's sudden arrival.
Although His Highness the Grandson tried his best to be more peaceful and approachable, she always felt that the more he did so, the colder he seemed!
With Duanmu Chen joining them, the four of them naturally only talked about matters related to music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, which was the safest topic.
Because Mu Xin Nuan was somewhat afraid of Duanmu Chen, she kept her head slightly lowered, not daring to look him in the eye or let him see her face.
"Miss Mu is truly a model of a well-bred young lady. My aunt should learn more from Miss Mu."
Although Duanmu Jing is Duanmu Chen's aunt, she is younger than him. She often speaks to him in a teasing tone.
Duanmu Jing didn't care at all, glaring at him, "Duanmu Chen, are you asking for a beating? In your eyes, am I not a lady? This is disrespectful to an elder, do you know that?"
Duanmu Chen smiled faintly, "Little Aunt, do you look at yourself now, do you have even a trace of the demeanor of an elder?"
"Duanmu Chen, do you believe I'll really go to the Crown Prince and have him confine you to your quarters for half a month!"
Seeing Duanmu Jing's cheeks puffed out in anger, Duanmu Chen was in a great mood and laughed several times. "I was unable to attend Fourth Uncle's coming-of-age ceremony in person, but I heard that Father Emperor personally went to the Chang Le Prince's Mansion. The scene at that time must have been very unforgettable."
"Of course! Perhaps the Crown Prince was afraid that you would cause trouble at my residence, so he sent you to inspect the military camp. How was it? I heard that you stayed in the military camp for almost half a month. If you wanted to, you could have traveled to and from the Eastern Palace every day. I didn't expect you to live in the military camp. I'm sorry to have troubled you."
"Fourth Uncle, what are you saying? It is my duty to share the burdens of Father and Grandfather."
Duanmu Chuze nodded, his approval evident on his face. However, Mu Xinnuan felt that there seemed to be something off between the uncle and nephew. She had a vague feeling that there was some kind of spark between them.
Just when the Empress finally agreed to release them, unfortunately, just as Mu Xin Nuan and her daughter were about to take their leave, Prince Chang Le came to pay his respects to the Empress. So, naturally, it was Prince Chang Le who escorted them back.
Duanmu Chuze was in a great mood, perhaps because he had just reached an agreement with Mu Xinnuan. He even personally escorted them to the gate of the Mu residence, befitting his status as a prince.
"Thank you very much for your escort, Your Highness. I am extremely grateful."
Although Mu Xin Nuan harbored resentment in her heart, she still had to say some polite words.
Lady Li thanked him somewhat awkwardly. She didn't dislike Prince Chang Le herself. However, when it came to her daughter's marriage, she naturally couldn't say she had any good feelings towards him.
"Did he make things difficult for you or embarrass you when you met Prince Chang Le today?"
Mu Xin Nuan shook her head, "Mother, don't worry, I'm fine. The little princess was there too, and besides, His Highness the Grandson went over later. The four of us just chatted for a while."
After hearing this, Lady Li was still uneasy. How could there be another Prince Changsun?
“Anuan, listen to me. Neither our Mu family nor your maternal grandparents’ side expect you to marry into wealth or status. We just want you to live a peaceful and happy life.”
"Mother!" Mu Xin Nuan called out coquettishly. Seeing that Jin Shi was coming from not far away, she knew that her elders naturally had something to say, so she didn't linger and went straight back to Yue Xuan.
After much deliberation, Mu Xin Nuan also felt that Mu Xin Yao's matter could not be delayed any longer, and it would be best to arrange it as soon as possible! A concubine's second son from a marquis's mansion paired with a concubine's daughter from an earl's mansion, no matter who you look at it, it is Mu Xin Yao who is marrying above her station.
"Have someone keep an eye on Mu Xinyao, and don't allow her to leave the mansion until her marriage is finalized."
"Yes, ma'am."
Mu Xin Nuan is the eldest daughter of the family, so it's naturally easy for her to keep someone under her control!
Three days later, Madam Jin from the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence sent someone to propose marriage.
Naturally, Madam Li had to inform the old lady first, and she had also discussed it with Mu Chang'an beforehand. This marriage was quite good! At least, that Second Young Master Jin was considered a decent young man in the capital, and his family background and status were a good match.
Although the old lady felt it was somewhat inappropriate, she was not Mu Xinyao's legal mother after all, and they were from different generations. Moreover, Mu Xinyao was an illegitimate daughter, so she had no reason to interfere in her marriage.
If the family that Madam Li had arranged for Mu Xinyao to marry into was of low social standing, she could have argued against it with a clear conscience. But now, it was the Marquis of Dingyuan's family who had come to propose marriage, and judging from their tone, Madam Jin seemed quite satisfied with Mu Xinyao. What reason did she have to object?
"Miss, I heard that the Second Miss caused quite a ruckus in the courtyard and broke a lot of things," Rong Yue said with a sigh.
"What? From your tone, it's not that you're worried about the Second Miss, but rather that you're heartbroken over those things?" Mu Xin Nuan said with amusement.
“Miss, that’s not what I meant. This second young lady hasn’t had such a big temper in years. I wonder what’s wrong with her today? Isn’t that young master Jin quite nice? Didn’t she seem to care about him a lot before?”
Mu Xin Nuan rolled her eyes at her, "That's not about her caring about Young Master Jin, it's about her caring about me!"
Rongyue's expression froze slightly, and she said awkwardly, "Miss, should we report this to Madam and the others?"
"No need! Let her make a scene. In two days, Madam Jin will come in person to exchange betrothal gifts between the two. She's not stupid. Even if she doesn't want to, she can't make a scene in front of Madam Jin. Otherwise, her reputation will be ruined. Forget about marrying into wealth and status, even ordinary scholars and talented men probably won't want to marry her."
"Yes, ma'am."
Mu Qing rushed in. "Miss, I just went out and saw a young woman selling herself to bury her father. I felt sorry for her and bought her."
Mu Xin Nuan's brow twitched slightly. Mu Qing, with her personality, didn't seem like the type to easily pity people! How could she suddenly buy a maid for no reason?
"what happened?"
Mu Qing stepped forward a few steps and whispered, "This is the arrangement of Prince Chang Le. Didn't you give instructions before that you and Prince Chang Le had reached some kind of agreement? Moreover, that girl was carrying a token, which was said to have been specially prepared for you by Prince Chang Le."
"Bring the person in."
"Yes." Mu Qing clapped her hands, and Mu Xin Nuan saw a little girl dressed in plain clothes enter. She had a small white flower in her hair and a sad expression. She really looked like she had lost a loved one.
"What's your name?"
“Replying to Miss, this servant is Chunyu. This is what Master instructed me to give to you.” After saying this, she presented a bronze token about the size of her palm with both hands.