Chapter 1426: Parental Family
Chapter 1426: Parental Family
Editor: Henyee Translations
Eldest Uncle remained stunned for a while before he heaved a sigh and slowly made his way back home.
He opted not to divulge the matter to Ms. Fang.
The more Third Uncle and Mrs. Ma ruminated on the situation, the more infuriated they became.
Unexpectedly, Shao Xiaozhi had fallen for Zhao Shu and was resolute about marrying him. “I’m even willing to be a concubine! Can I become one, please?”
Ms. Ma was so exasperated that she blurted out, “What nonsense are you spouting? Is being a concubine something desirable? Are you out of your mind to willingly embrace an inferior status?”
Shao Xiaozhi, teary-eyed, responded, “Why not? We can become concubines. Young Master Zhao and his family are good people; they will surely treat me well. Furthermore, my cousin is a high-ranking official in the capital, and my brother has now become a Cultivated Talent, soon to be a recommended man, and an Advanced Scholar. He’ll also secure an official position. Even if I become a concubine, everyone in the Zhao Family, including Young Master Zhao, his wife, or anyone else, will treat me well.”
“In addition, if I marry into another family, would it be any better than following Young Master Zhao?”
Shao Xiaozhi had observed the first branch of the family’s increasing prosperity over the past two years. While her family hadn’t benefited directly, she had witnessed it to some extent. She had also indirectly benefited from the first branch of the family. For instance, she received a few pieces of quality fabric for tailoring clothes each year. She received a few pieces of silver jewelry, silk flowers, threads, needles, as well as delectable pastries, preserves, and various foods. While it wasn’t a lot, she had tasted and seen them.
.comMoreover, she watched Taotao grow more capable as time went on. Her eyes appeared to shine, and she exuded a newfound confidence. This transformation was beyond what a village girl could achieve, leaving Shao Xiaozhi feeling envious and resentful.
She believed that Taotao’s shift in demeanor wasn’t due to her responsibilities but stemmed from Shao Yunduan’s rise to an official position, which made Taotao more arrogant.
After making these comparisons and witnessing the numerous good things Taotao experienced, Shao Xiaozhi was unwilling to marry a rustic and lead a life like this for the rest of her days.
Fifth Cousin and Fifth Cousin-in-law had mentioned their intent to find a suitable marriage for Taotao. Shao Xiaozhi also aspired to secure a promising marriage, similar to Taotao’s. She wished for her brother to swiftly advance to the position of an intermediate recommended man or Advanced Scholar, so she could elevate her social status.
Alternatively, Taotao could expedite her own marriage. Once Taotao wed, Shao Xiaozhi would be the sole unmarried girl in the Shao Family. Her parents would inform her uncle that her fifth cousin should not neglect her.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Shu arrived and instantly captured her heart.
Furthermore, as Young Master Zhao was a friend of Fifth Cousin and a businessman, what was the harm in marrying him? With her family’s support, she had no reason to fear!
Shao Xiaozhi, teary-eyed, expressed her feelings with conviction. Ms. Ma ceased speaking and turned to Third Uncle for his opinion, asking, “What do you think?”
The two of them exchanged glances, and Third Uncle found himself swayed by Shao Xiaozhi’s words.
The couple’s hearts raced with excitement once again.
Hence, Third Uncle and Mrs. Ma resolved not to seek Eldest Uncle’s assistance. They reached a mutual agreement and proceeded directly to Zhao Shu.
Zhao Shu was taken aback when he noticed Ms. Ma’s beaming countenance.
His instincts warned him that something was amiss.
He contemplated evading them, but Shaoding Village was relatively small, and he couldn’t simply vanish into thin air.
Ms. Ma and Third Uncle intercepted him.