Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play
Chapter 161: Seeking a Son-in-law

Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Seeking a Son-in-law

"Why are you still harboring prejudice?" Xie Xun downed his drink in one gulp, his tone tinged with emotion. "I want to marry a wife, but if you disapprove, does that mean I can’t marry?"

"Exactly!" Marquis Zhenbei, wary that he might be swayed by the princess, sneered and said, "Marriage naturally follows a parent’s order and a matchmaker’s word. You have no choice in the matter."

"Grandfather and Maternal Grandfather didn’t agree with you marrying Mother. Yet you insisted on bringing a matchmaker to propose, only to be chased out by Grandfather. Now it’s suddenly all about obeying parents and listening to matchmakers when it’s my turn?" The defiant young marquis scoffed. "So you can set fires in the village but forbid the commoners from lighting their lamps?"

"I’m the father, and you’re the son. What can you do?" Marquis Zhenbei grinned at his annoyed son. "Bad luck for you being born into my family."

Xie Xun took a deep breath and put down his wine cup. "Fine. Since you’ve said that, I’ll be blunt. I fancy Fengyu and want to marry her. Can I or can’t I?"

The crowd: "..."

Xie Zhang: "..."

He actually dared to say it!!!

"That doesn’t seem very appropriate, does it?" Lady Mudan instinctively glanced at the Marchioness, who, though she had joked about it before, knew this was unlikely.

Lady Lan silently thought, That’s highly inappropriate!

The Su Family’s wealth is unparalleled, and they only have Feng Shu and Fengyu. If both entered the Marquis Mansion, Emperor Jianming would be on pins and needles. Fengyu had been betrothed to Jiang Yang early on. If not for that, the emperor intended Fengyu to marry the Crown Prince—or even Prince Kang as a concubine.

Otherwise, the palace banquet wouldn’t have been disrupted.

The ladies had discussed privately that Fengyu, having just come of age and recently broken off her engagement, wouldn’t be rushed into anything. In a year or two, Emperor Jianming would certainly arrange for Fengyu to enter the Eastern Palace or Prince Kang Mansion.

The Marchioness pondered before saying, "I also like Fengyu. It’s just... it’s not very appropriate. When did you start having feelings for her?"

Marquis Zhenbei, noting the subtle expressions of the ladies, asked curiously, "Who is Fengyu?"

Xie Zhang replied, "She’s Shu’er’s younger sister."

"Ha..." Marquis Zhenbei was shocked. On instinct, he felt this wasn’t feasible. However, after having Xie Jue, the marquis had given up trying to navigate complex situations and only cared about results. He asked Xie Jue, "Can he marry her?"

Xie Jue replied coldly, "No."

Marquis Zhenbei joined the unified stance: "No."

Xie Xun, resigned to his fate, quipped, "Fine, then. Third Miss wants to have a live-in husband. Father, what do you think about me marrying into her family instead?"

Marquis Zhenbei slapped at him, but Xie Xun quickly used Xie Jue as a shield. The second young master lacked his strength and reflexes, so he ended up taking the hit in his place.

Fortunately, Marquis Zhenbei retracted his strength just in time, though the blow still nearly knocked Xie Jue to the floor. The marquis quietly shifted closer to the Marchioness. "Second son, are you alright?"

Xie Jue took a deep breath and slammed his fist on the table, causing the cups and dishes to rattle. His snow-like face turned red with fury, veins bulging. Apart from Xie Zhang, everyone instinctively distanced themselves from the second young master, fearing his wrath.

Xie Zhang massaged his temples, thinking gloomily that there was no way this meal could proceed peacefully.

The three madams glared reproachfully at Xie Xun.

The young marquis, having incited everyone’s ire, decided to flee. "I’m full. You all take your time to discuss whether I marry or join another family. It’s up to you."

"You insolent brat, stop right there!" Marquis Zhenbei’s roar echoed throughout the Marquis Mansion.

The servants were already accustomed to it—without fail, the young marquis had provoked the marquis again. Ever since the marquis returned to the capital, he’d only viewed the young marquis favorably for one day. That fleeting fatherly affection had crumbled within twenty-four hours.

Fengyu, known for being fond of sleeping in, was unusually startled awake by Qiuxiang and Chunlu early in the morning. Sitting groggily on the edge of the bed, her face darkened as Qiuxiang informed her that the Marquis Zhenbei couple and their sons were visiting the Feng Family to discuss the wedding date for Xie Zhang and Feng Shu. Fengyu remained displeased.

She was always in a bad mood whenever her sleep was interrupted.

Because of recurring nightmares, Fengyu often suffered from sleep deprivation. The maids in the plum garden avoided disturbing her rest. When Fengyu wasn’t well-rested, she dropped her usual pretense of sweetness and docility, and her irritation was plain to others.

Her sour mood lingered until the Marquis Zhenbei couple and their three sons arrived. Xie Xun immediately noticed her displeasure. Though she had rejected his confession outside the city, Xie Xun didn’t mind. Seeing the Third Miss, he flashed a roguish, carefree smile, deliberately putting on an air of charm.

The Third Miss, with her heart of stone, remained expressionless.

The crowd from Marquis Zhenbei Mansion: "..."

It looked for all the world like the little marquis was hopelessly infatuated on his own.

Marquis Zhenbei and his wife were there as guests to discuss the wedding date. Due to Xie Xun’s candid confession of his boyhood crush, not only the marquis and the marchioness but also Xie Zhang and Xie Jue found their attention curiously drawn to Fengyu.

The marquis silently mused to himself, wanting to see what kind of woman his rebellious son had fallen for.

Fengyu stood beside Feng Shu, wearing a vibrant pomegranate-red spring blouse paired with a white water-patterned skirt. Her hairstyle, unlike the current trend for simplicity, was slightly more intricate. Gold pendants with tassels adorned her hair, along with hairpins inlaid with turquoise and gemstones. Her opulent outfit exuded wealth even stronger than her demeanor. Marquis Zhenbei was nearly blinded.

So rich!!

The marquis thought of Xie Xun’s empty courtyard. Compared to Fengyu, his youngest son looked exactly like a freeloader in the making.

This young lady, despite her age, carried off such a lavish look effortlessly. Her face was cold and unwavering, while his youngest son grinned foolishly beside her. The girl didn’t even grant him a proper glance. Dignified and unyielding, Marquis Zhenbei suddenly felt it was a pity. The second son had said she couldn’t marry in, but if she could, she could surely keep Xie Xun in line.

The marquis’s mood lifted. At last, his rebellious son had met his match!!

Xie Zhang raised an eyebrow slightly. He’d only met Fengyu twice and had little recollection of her appearance. He hadn’t expected her resemblance to Feng Shu, though her temperament was markedly different—she appeared much more obedient and well-behaved.

Fengyu hadn’t anticipated becoming the center of attention, given today was meant to discuss the marriage of Xie Zhang and her elder sister. Naturally, the focus should have been on her sister. She was used to being invisible beside Feng Shu and had zoned out, nearly nodding off. But sensing several subtle gazes consistently falling on her, Fengyu realized the Marquis Mansion guests were all staring at her.

She belatedly adjusted her demeanor and instinctively gave a sweet, obedient smile.

The crowd: "..."

The Marquis Zhenbei couple brought their sons as guests, showing utmost respect to the Feng Family. The Feng Family, in turn, put forward their best hospitality. Both Feng Changlin and Feng Changqing stayed home to entertain them.

The discussion of Xie Zhang and Feng Shu’s wedding proceeded smoothly.

Their horoscopes had already been matched, and they settled on June 6th.

Feng Changqing felt that with only two months left, preparations might be rushed. He suggested postponing until autumn or the end of the year. The Marchioness hesitated to mention that her eldest son had originally wanted an April date.

Feng Changqing, always respectful and trusting of Marquis Zhenbei, refrained from opposing the summer date too strongly despite his reservations, and the wedding date was finalized. The two families chatted amicably.

"What about Ayu? Has a suitable match been chosen for her?" The Marchioness smiled gently, as if she’d never heard the rumors circulating in the capital.

Feng Changqing beamed, ready to respond, but Fengyu spoke first, every word deliberate. With a slow smile, she said, "Ayu intends to take a husband into the family."

The crowd: "..."

Xie Xun lowered his head, chuckling softly. The little fox was cunning indeed—she declared her intent to take a live-in husband openly, clearly to thwart his ambitions. She probably hadn’t guessed, though, that he had already confessed everything to his father and mother.