Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
On that day, Ms. Zhang intercepted Shao Meiling when she was in a good mood and casually mentioned her fiancé’s upcoming visit before the New Year. Shao Meiling blushed upon hearing Yu Xiaomiao’s name.
Ms. Zhang sneered inwardly but sighed dramatically, “I’ve heard about the Yu Family, such a pity!’
Shao Meiling grew slightly furious, staring at Ms. Zhang. “What do you mean?”
Ms. Zhang responded, “It’s quite obvious. Shao Yunduan has become a Provincial Champion, soon to become an Advanced Scholar and an official. His father-in-law already holds a government position. He’s destined for a promising future. You’re his cousin, but you come from a different background. Now your two brothers are making money, and your life is going to improve. However, you got engaged too early. If you had started seeking a suitor now, you might have had many suitors vying for your attention!”
“Look at your Elder Aunt. She’s so clever that she hasn’t even engaged Taotao yet. She wants to wait until Shao Yunduan becomes an Advanced Scholar and find her a suitor, perhaps someone from a wealthy family!’
“She’s quite calculating, isn’t she? But she’s Taotao’s mother, after all. It’s understandable that she’s looking out for Taotao’s best interests. However, you’re also a daughter of the Shao Family, and she does nothing to help you.
She even allows your mother to get you engaged so early, because she has her
own motives, maybe even something sinister, I believe.”
Shao Meiling bit her lip, growing pale, suddenly overwhelmed by jealousy.
She had never been fond of Taotao, yet she was going to marry someone of nobility because of her brother. Perhaps she would become the wife of a young master, leading a carefree life. But what about her?
She was marrying into an ordinary farmer’s family.
She would have to work for the household and labor in the fields. Despite her hard work, she would only receive meager income for the rest of her life. Why…
Her Second Sister-in-law had a point. She deserved a better family.
Her cousin would become an official next year, while she would be the cousin of an official coming from such different circumstances. How could an ordinary farmer’s family be sufficient for her?
She had to admit that she wasn’t as exceptional as Taotao, but couldn’t she at least marry into a wealthy landlord’s family?
Shao Meiling sneered, “Why didn’t you say this earlier, Second Sister-in-law? What’s the point of mentioning it now?” They were already engaged!
Shao Meiling felt even more miserable.
Nis. Zhang let out a slight sneer. She continued, “Meiling, it’s never too late.
You’re not married yet, right? You can even break off the engagement. The Yu Family doesn’t deserve you. You have to think about it and avoid ruining yourself.”
Shao Meiling hesitated. Breaking off an engagement could tarnish a girl’s reputation, and she was well aware of that.
Nis. Zhang seemed to have sensed her concerns and wore a knowing smile. “Once Shao Yunduan becomes an official, you’ll become the cousin of an official with a respectable family background. You’ll stand out from other girls whose engagements are broken. When that time comes, no one will blame you for this stain. They’ll flock to your door, begging for the chance to court you!’ Shao Meilings spirits were lifted upon hearing this.
Yes, she would indeed be different from other girls whose engagements were broken.
The Yu Family didn’t deserve her, and she was determined to break off the engagement with them!
Only foolish people would reject such a well-thought-out plan… She refused to lead a life filled with humiliation and poverty..