CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: IT’S RARE TO FIND SOMEONE AS OUTSTANDING AS ME

Meng Yao didn’t beat around the bush, "I see that you seem to have feelings for Dahe."

Mrs. Qian was a little surprised.

"Dahe’s personality, you know, he’s sweet-talking and can charm people. Such a person might unwittingly say something that could confuse others," said Meng Yao.

Perhaps he might say, Hong Xing, you’re so capable, if I could marry someone like you in the future, I’d be overjoyed.

Though spoken without intention, it resonated with the listener.

A young girl’s first stirrings of love can come so unexpectedly.

"I don’t look down upon Hong Xing’s status," Meng Yao said sincerely, "I’m worried about that kid Dahe, who might be oblivious. He’s always at school, and frankly, in these years, you’ve seen him more than I have as his mother. You know better what kind of person he is. I’m afraid that Dahe might unintentionally lead Hong Xing on and hurt her feelings later."

Mrs. Qian mentioned earlier that she sees Hong Xing as half a daughter, indicating Hong Xing’s importance.

If affection leads to complications in the future, it could end in chaos.

"Hong Xing is a determined child, she never shows anything usually, I hadn’t noticed at all," Mrs. Qian said with some regret, "This child..."

In Mrs. Qian’s eyes, Hong Xing isn’t a match for Zhao Dahe.

He’s a smart boy; her husband has said more than once that his future is limitless.

Such a young man cannot be matched by a maid, even if she were freed from servitude, it still wouldn’t be right.

"Don’t worry, sister, I’ll restrain Hong Xing and ensure she doesn’t affect Dahe. If Dahe desires it in the future, let Hong Xing be a concubine," said Mrs. Qian.

"Sister, Dahe has told me he wants to choose his spouse himself in the future, and I’ve agreed," said Meng Yao, "Also, he mentioned he doesn’t want multiple wives, he wants to be devoted to his future wife."

Of course, Zhao Dahe never said the latter part.

This was Meng Yao’s thought, and she planned to instill this idea in Zhao Dahe later.

Having one wife ensures a peaceful home, which benefits family harmony.

This way, she can be less worried as his mother; at least, there won’t be concerns about marital disputes.

Meng Yao expected Mrs. Qian might think Zhao Dahe was foolish not to recognize this.

Instead, after the initial shock, Mrs. Qian beamed, "Indeed, Dahe is a good child, no, a responsible man."

Meng Yao reconsidered and understood.

No woman would likely dislike a devoted man.

Besides, Mr. Wang seemed to have only Mrs. Qian as a wife.

"With a virtuous wife, there are fewer troubles; I’ve always believed in monogamy," said Mrs. Qian.

Meng Yao was surprised by Mrs. Qian’s enlightenment, considering she was a native of ancient times. But given she agreed to her daughter’s venture into the world, it showed she was extraordinary.

"I agree with your view, sister," Meng Yao said.

Mrs. Qian was delighted, "As expected, we get along well. Don’t worry about Hong Xing, I’ll handle it properly."

"I still hold to my words; if our Dahe is interested in Hong Xing, I have no objections," Meng Yao said.

"I understand," Mrs. Qian nodded.

As they were leaving, besides Peach Blossom Brew, Mrs. Qian packed many items of food and supplies.

Meng Yao couldn’t decline, so she accepted, pondering that she’d prepare a generous New Year’s gift for Mrs. Qian in return.

"Mom, please wait for me; Master said I’m granted an early holiday." Zhao Dahe ran out, "I’ll go pack my clothes and books, and go back with you."

Mrs. Qian instructed Hong Xing, "Hong Xing, go help him pack."

Hong Xing glanced quickly at Meng Yao, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Mrs. Qian nodded slightly toward Meng Yao.

Meng Yao understood; Mrs. Qian must have spoken to Hong Xing about something.

Sending Hong Xing to help Dahe pack was likely a chance from Mrs. Qian.

Meng Yao was quite assured about Zhao Dahe. He is resolute, has plans for his future, and if he likes Hong Xing, he will certainly make a commitment like a man. If he doesn’t like her, he would make it clear instead of stringing along a young girl.

In just a quarter of an hour, Zhao Dahe came out carrying his bookcase, looking normal.

Hong Xing behind him, at a glance, seemed normal too, but upon closer inspection, her eyes were masking forced smiles.

No need to ask, Meng Yao knew Zhao Dahe had rejected Hong Xing.

"Dahe, you mustn’t slack off after returning," Master Wang reminded, "I’ve already enrolled you for the county exam on the sixth of February, your teacher and I await good news."

"Rest assured, I won’t disappoint you and the teacher," Zhao Dahe said confidently.

"Very good, very good," Master Wang also exuded confidence in Zhao Dahe, "I look forward to you making me proud."

They waved goodbye to the couple, and the family boarded the carriage.

The carriage was arranged by Mrs. Qian to take them and their belongings back.

"What were you talking about?" Meng Yao asked.

"Mom, you know?" Zhao Dahe was very surprised.

"Mom, second brother, what are you talking about?" Zhao Xiaohua was full of curiosity.

"Shoo, shoo, this is adult stuff, it doesn’t concern you," Zhao Dahe looked disdainful.

Zhao Xiaohua made a face; anyway, the carriage space was small enough that whatever her brother and mom talked about, she could hear.

"Let them listen, it’s no big deal, they’re not kids anymore," Meng Yao said.

Indeed, considering, in ancient times, girls could marry at fifteen.

If not married by seventeen, the Government would forcefully arrange a match.

"Nothing much, just... she said, she said she’d be willing to serve me. When I marry, she wishes to be my concubine," Zhao Dahe’s face reddened a bit as he spoke shyly.

"And then?"

"Of course, I rejected her firmly," Zhao Dahe said, "I don’t even know what my future wife will be like; what if she’s not willing for me to have a concubine? That would waste Hong Xing’s time."

"So, you mean, in the future, if your wife doesn’t want, you won’t take concubines?" Meng Yao asked.

Zhao Dahe naturally nodded, "Of course. If I marry her, it means I really like her, why would I want to upset her if I like her?"

Hey, this kid indeed has quite the awareness.

"Furthermore, too many women is troublesome," Zhao Dahe added, "I aim to accomplish great things; where would I get the time to deal with many women? One is enough. Besides, mom, look, both me and Xiaohua are born by you, and we still fight all the time. How much more if they’re not born by the same mother?"

"It’s good you think this way," Meng Yao was quite happy.

"Well, the man I marry can only have me," Zhao Xiaohua said, "No way my second brother can manage it while my future husband couldn’t. If the man I fancy is less than my brother?"

"That’s indeed possible to be less than me," Zhao Dahe said, "After all, someone as outstanding as me isn’t often seen."