The little maidservant brought the tea, poured it into cups, then bowed her head and stepped back.
Wei Luo took a sip of tea before addressing Yin Yong, “To be frank, I’ve come here to propose marriage to the Second Lady in person.”
Yin Yong was taken aback!
He had already agreed to King Yan, promising Yin Rong, his eldest granddaughter, in marriage. Why then was the Third Master asking for Yin Hui?
Wei Luo noticed the old man’s surprise, but dealing with someone as shrewd as Yin Yong, especially someone who may have lived through two lifetimes, made it hard to discern his thoughts.
Wei Luo could only explain, “I’ve met the Second Lady once. This time, my father is discussing marriages for the younger generation. I’ve always considered it would be the Second Lady, but I never communicated this, leading to the misunderstanding. Today, I’ve come to clarify, and I hope you’ll be pleased.”
Yin Yong subconsciously stroked his beard.
A high-ranking marriage was a good match, and the Third Master seemed fond of his granddaughter. Yin Yong was genuinely pleased, yet his granddaughter had a stubborn temperament.
After pondering, Yin Yong spoke sincerely to Wei Luo, “Third Master, this old man has two granddaughters, both beautiful. My eldest has both parents, while the younger one lost hers early. In terms of fortune, the elder granddaughter would be the better choice. That’s why I intended for my eldest granddaughter to marry you.”
Wei Luo replied flatly, “I understand, but I won’t marry anyone except the Second Lady.”
No compromise!
Wei Luo’s expression and tone remained calm, as if this were a natural and ordinary declaration.
Yin Yong was taken aback once more, yet he also grasped Wei Luo’s implication.
Deciding swiftly, Yin Yong rose from his seat and said to Wei Luo, who stood up as well, “I appreciate the Third Master’s favor. I should have agreed to the marriage, but the child is spoiled by this old man. Marriage is a significant matter. Let her know first. Please wait; I’ll inform her and return shortly.”
Wei Luo nodded as Yin Yong left swiftly.
Sitting back in the chair, Wei Luo pondered Yin Yong’s demeanor and let out a sigh of relief. It appeared Yin Yong hadn’t been reborn, but rather some manipulation had occurred within the Yin family’s second household. Consequently, Wei Luo would need to rearrange for Yin Hui to marry him.
Thinking once more about Yin Yong’s assessment of Yin Hui as delicate and willful, Wei Luo mulled over the implications.
Wei Luo smiled. She was never coquettish or self-willed; at most, she loved to shed a few tears, but she couldn’t be more obedient.
When Yin Hui learns that she would marry him later, she would surely be overjoyed, wouldn’t she?
—-
In Huixiang Hall, Yin Hui sorted through her closets filled with clothes of all kinds, bright silks and satins in colors that girls adored.
At fourteen years old, it was a marvelous time. Having spent so long in the Yan Palace in her previous life, Yin Hui now intended to savor every moment.
“Miss, the Master is here.”
Yin Hui set down the clothes and proceeded to the main room to greet her grandfather.
Upon their meeting, Yin Hui learned that Wei Luo had actually come to her family’s gate.
How peculiar. In her previous life, she had been married to Wei Luo for so long, but he had visited the Yin family only once, and the second time was when her grandfather unexpectedly passed away.
“Ah Hui, the Third Master informed me that he has met you and will marry no one else but you,” Yin Yong said joyfully, not due to boasting.
Emperor Long was older than him, and it was fitting for his grandson to marry his granddaughter.
Yin Hui lowered her eyes, concealing the shock within them.
Before her marriage in her previous life, she had never met Wei Luo, and Wei Luo couldn’t have seen her either. Even if he had, he wasn’t a lustful person, and he carried himself with nobility.
The only explanation was that Wei Luo, like her, had gone back on time.
Given that King Yan had tasked Wei Luo with marrying a lady from the Yin family, it made sense for Wei Luo not to marry her.
Indeed, despite Wei Luo’s outward demeanor of aloofness, he harbored affection for his childhood sweetheart and dear cousin. He was content with her body and cherished their son, qualities Yin Rong couldn’t provide. Even after marriage, Yin Rong and her husband turned to Wei Luo for assistance with various tasks. It was no wonder that Wei Luo did not favor Yin Rong.
With her thoughts swirling, Yin Hui raised her head and spoke to her grandfather, “Grandfather, I have no desire to marry into a noble family and be confined. Whether the Third Master likes me or not, I don’t wish to marry. Since the Third Master refuses to marry my elder sister, and King Yan is waiting for the marriage funds, I believe it’s best to handle it this way. You should accompany the Third Master to the Yan Palace and personally apologize to King Yan. Explain that my fate is unfortunate, and I am truly unworthy of the Third Master. Then, of your own accord, donate silver. Don’t mention it’s for rejecting the marriage; simply state that upon hearing of the tight situation at the front lines, you wish to contribute to the soldiers’ cause. By making the donation, the marriage will be dissolved.”
Yin Yong had traveled far and wide, and few things could truly shock him. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated his granddaughter’s words.
Previously, while his granddaughter was intelligent, she hadn’t displayed much boldness beyond ordinary boudoir girls. What she had just articulated was both tactful and daring!
“Aren’t you afraid that the Third Master will become angry and resent us?” Yin Yong inquired, his protective instincts for his granddaughter kicking in. He was deeply curious about her thoughts.
Yin Hui smiled gently and responded, “The Third Master isn’t that type of person, and neither is King Yan.”
Yin Hui’s refusal stemmed from her intimate knowledge of their temperaments. Had she not lived through her previous life with them, she wouldn’t have had the courage.
For instance, King Yan, despite frequently reprimanding his sons, always maintained a courteous and virtuous demeanor in public. He would never accept bribes or unjustly accuse others.
Yin Yong double-checked with his granddaughter, realizing she had firmly made up her mind. Thus, he had no choice but to handle the situation with Wei Luo once more.