Chapter 345: A Smile
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
During their conversation, the prefectural magistrate’s wife leaned in closer to Qin Zhenzhen and whispered, “Today’s banquet will be attended by all the officials from the provincial capital, as well as wealthy businessmen.”
“A High Scholar who is both handsome and of an appropriate age, yet unmarried, may very well find himself pursued as a son-in-law.”
“Some of the top-ranked High Scholars have strong family backgrounds. Even if they are already married, officials or wealthy businessmen may still offer their concubines to them.”
Qin Zhenzhen smiled and replied, “I’ve heard about all of this.”
The High Scholar holding the top rank had an even brighter future. In the upcoming capital examination next spring, he was likely to secure a place on the coveted Golden List, a prospect that would elevate his status significantly.
The prefect’s wife expressed surprise. “Aren’t you concerned at all?” Or had she not conveyed her thoughts clearly enough?
Considering Su Bin’s background and appearance, he would undoubtedly attract considerable attention from various quarters.
If he chose to do so, he could potentially take in multiple concubines at once, each bringing substantial dowry.
Qin Zhenzhen remained remarkably composed. “What’s there to be concerned about?”
Should Su Bin ever entertain the notion of taking concubines, she would have no hesitation in seeking a divorce!
The magistrate’s wife misconstrued Qin Zhenzhen’s response. “You’re remarkably magnanimous.”
“However, it’s also a reality we women must contend with.”
“Take my household, for instance. I have two concubines.”
Initially, these two individuals had started as concubines, but following the birth of children, they had been promoted to full-fledged concubines.
Despite being the legitimate wife and having been raised by her aunt as her mother, her husband continued to treat her with kindness. The two concubines had never dared to challenge her boundaries.
However, each time she glimpsed her husband retiring to his aunt’s chamber, a twinge of discomfort would creep over her.
Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen were still young and deeply in love. How could she be so accepting of such a situation?
Aware that she had been misunderstood, Qin Zhenzhen saw no need to explain herself.
Su Ning, who had been listening, vigorously defended her third brother.
“Madam, my third brother would never take another woman as his concubine!”
“Third Sister-in-law, isn’t that right?”
Third Elder Sister-in-law was well aware of how deeply her Third Elder Brother cherished her at this point. How could he possibly have feelings for other women?
Qin Zhenzhen smiled and replied, “We’ll find out when he returns.”
The prefect’s wife also offered a smile and conceded, “Alright, perhaps I’ve said too much.”
“But sometimes, men find themselves in difficult situations.’
For instance, some higher-ranking officials liked to send women to their subordinates. Firstly, it served as a way to win the loyalty of their subordinates.
Secondly, they could gain insight into their subordinates’ thoughts and actions through these women, thus ensuring a degree of control.
In such scenarios, subordinates often found it challenging to refuse such advances. To do so could jeopardize their official careers or even their lives.
Of course, Su Bin had not reached such a stage. However, given his status and future prospects, it was inevitable that people would test his resolve at this banquet.
The magistrate’s wife had offered her reminder to Qin Zhenzhen out of genuine concern, hoping to shield her from potential hurt. Additionally, she wished to discourage Su Bin from taking a concubine at such an early stage.
While it was common for capable men to eventually take concubines, the expectation was usually after the legitimate wife had given birth to her eldest son.
Qin Zhenzhen understood the magistrate’s wife’s perspective. She recognized that the prefect’s wife held traditional beliefs deeply ingrained in the feudal era. Her expectations of men differed significantly from those of a modern woman like herself.
However, Qin Zhenzhen had no intention of engaging in a debate on this matter. Instead, she brushed it off with a laugh.
In the eyes of the magistrate’s wife, Qin Zhenzhen appeared as a woman deeply in love with Su Bin, ready to accept whatever decisions he made with open arms.
They all understood that Qin Zhenzhen had chosen to marry Su Bin..