Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 367 - 366: Can’t Marry

Chapter 367: Chapter 366: Can’t Marry

Mrs. Jiang hadn’t seen what Li Xuan originally looked like, but from his current appearance, he didn’t look like a fool, just a bit slow in reaction.

Then she thought about how Chu Hanyan had been rumored to be unbearable in the past, but now, aside from speaking a bit slowly, she has become a lovely and intelligent girl.

She had to admire this "daughter" of hers, who had managed to educate these two children well, keep her man faithful, and appease her in-laws. She was born of a background that people frowned upon, yet she managed to thrive in her husband’s family. Moreover, even with her pregnancy, she didn’t ask for a concubine, and both her husband and his family could tolerate this...

If Chen Afu were her biological daughter, she might still teach her how to be virtuous and how to better capture her husband’s heart. A concubine was just an object of pleasure, and when a woman was no longer young, a man would surely be unfaithful. It was better to fulfill his desire earlier and let him appreciate his wife’s virtuousness and magnanimity. But this "daughter", she could not say much.

The two entered the house and the servants served them some tea, and they chatted a while. Chen Afu noticed that she had something to say, so she dismissed the servants.

Mrs. Jiang forced a smile, "I have no other choice but to discuss with you. Your third sister is already fifteen years old. Many girls of this age are married, but Qing’er is not... When we were in Jiangnan, many families proposed marriage. Your father and I knew that he wouldn’t always be an official in Jiangnan, so we didn’t want to leave Qing’er alone there. We refused their proposals, planning to arrange her marriage after we moved here. But unexpectedly, that shameless girl ruined her own marriage and even your sister’s. There were two decent families who sent people to propose, and we were actually fond of one, but..." Her voice trailed off, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Chen Afu quickly comforted her, "Mother, don’t worry. My younger sister is gentle, virtuous and talented. Father’s political achievements are outstanding, and he might even have a promising future. My sister will surely meet a better family in the future."

A hint of a smile spread across Mrs. Jiang’s face. She knew about some of the political achievements her husband had made after becoming the governor of Dingzhou, which were closely related to Chen Afu.

She laughed, "Yes, Madam He — oh, the wife of Deputy General He, she has visited our home several times and has invited me and your two sisters to visit The Hes several times. I saw that she wants to marry Qing’er to her second son. If it were in the past, I would not let Qing’er marry into a military family..."

She paused, glanced at Chen Afu, as she was married into a military family herself. She hastily explained, "A military family without roots is different from your husband’s prestigious lineage. Your third sister is not as sensible as you, I’m afraid she won’t adapt to the habits of a military family. But now, we can’t be so particular. I’ve met that young man, he’s serving in the army, but has a refined appearance, fair and clean, and looks like a scholar, not a common soldier at all. Your third sister has also seen him and seems quite satisfied. Considering his good character, we decided to settle this marriage, regardless of whether he comes from a military family. But your father doesn’t seem willing as The Hes are believed to have close relations with Second Prince’s party. Afu, could you inquire of your husband whether it’s appropriate to have a marriage alliance with The Hes?"

Chen Afu had indeed heard that Deputy General He was part of the Second Prince’s party, planted here by the Emperor’s brother-in-law. He was trying to win over Commander Fu, while also relentlessly suppressing Chu Lingxuan. The key point was that Chu Lingxuan dreams of pushing him out and taking his position as Deputy General.

But it wasn’t appropriate to explicitly tell this to Mrs. Jiang. Later in the evening, she would discuss with Chu Lingxuan how to explain this matter. So, she nodded and said, "Alright, I’ll ask my husband about it."

Mrs. Jiang will also be attending the wedding banquet at The Fus tomorrow. After some chat and laughter, Mrs. Jiang bid her farewell and returned home.

At night, Chen Afu went to bed first while Chu Lingxuan was leaning on the headboard thinking about his official duties. A high-ranking official from the Central Army Commandery named Mr. Jian was coming to attend the banquet, and he was considering how to show off his worth in front of Mr. Jian, earn some praise and step on Deputy General He.

The soldiers of Dingzhou were directly under the management of the Central Army Commandery, and Mr. Jian was their direct superior.

Chen Afu told him what Mrs. Jiang had said.

Chu Lingxuan put down his book, turned to Chen Afu and said solemnly, "Your third sister must not marry He Er. Not only because Mr. He is part of the Second Prince’s party, but mainly because He Er is not a reliable person. Your parents haven’t been in Dingzhou long, and your father, being a civil official, doesn’t know much about He Er. He Er may have a fair and delicate appearance, but he’s known for his violent temper and cruelty. He often injures or even maims his subordinates. It is said that he has injured and even killed several maids in his house. However, The Hes have money and power, and they managed to suppress these incidents, so many people are unaware."

Chen Afu was startled. If they married her to such a man, poor little Miss Chen Yuqing would suffer. She sat up and said, "Oh, I have to tell my mother about this, I absolutely cannot push my third sister into the fire pit."

She thought to herself, it would be great if Chen Yuhui could marry He Er and let her experience what it’s like to be whipped or punched. However, she couldn’t share this wicked idea with Mrs. Jiang. Above all, if the Chens and The Hes were to become related by marriage, it might be detrimental to Chen Shiying’s career.

Chu Lingxuan continued, "Also, remind your mother that it’s best not to intermarry with members of the Second Prince’s party..." Thinking for a moment, he added, "Forget about it, I’ll find a time to invite your father over to our house and discuss it with him. It seems that the Second Prince’s party is aware of your father’s achievements and wants to pull him into their camp. They probably figure that your third sister is his legitimate daughter and you are his illegitimate daughter. If your third sister marries He Er, he might abandon you if anything happens... Actually, your father-in-law and I should have had a good talk long ago, but we’ve both been busy and you weren’t here, so we never found the right time."

Chen Afu nodded in agreement.

Chu Lingxuan lay down, pulled Chen Afu into his arms and said, "Tomorrow, try to interact more with The Fus, Mrs. Qin, Mrs. Liu, as their men have good relationships with me. If anyone doesn’t know how to respect you, you don’t need to bear it; I’ll find a way to teach them a lesson in the future."

This would be Chen Afu’s first appearance in the social circle of noble ladies, and he was afraid that some people would criticize her background. He had heard many rumors, but never dared to tell her. He always felt guilty towards Chen Afu for not being able to protect her, allowing her to bear many grievances and become the object of gossip in the Capital City.

Chen Afu laughed and said, "How are you going to punish them? Will you take the women who disrespect me out and give them a beating?"

Chu Lingxuan said, "I won’t hit women, but I will drag out their men or sons and give them a good beating."

Chen Afu nuzzled her face into his neck, saying, "Your wife isn’t that weak. If they respect me, I will respect them in return. If they dare to bully me, I won’t show any mercy."

Chu Lingxuan thought of the fierce Chen Afu in rumors when she got into fights, and jokingly said, "But you can’t fight now, your current condition doesn’t permit it."

Chen Afu giggled, proudly saying, "Now that I’m married, I’ll leave the fighting to my husband."

Chu Lingxuan kissed her lips, laughing, "That’s exactly what you should think."