Chapter 643: Do You Want to Enter the Palace?
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Ning’s response left Qin Zhenzhen even more bewildered.
She murmured, “If it’s not necessary, I won’t allow him to take concubines. If there’s no other option, then I might consider letting him…’
Qin Zhenzhen was on the verge of laughter due to the awkwardness of the answer.
Why did it sound so strange?
If a man wanted to take a concubine, he would undoubtedly feel it was necessary, and he would likely have various justifications.
Men tended to find reasons to justify taking a concubine, and they would certainly come up with excuses.
Trying to keep her composure, Qin Zhenzhen softened her tone. “Little sister, can you elaborate a bit more?”
Su Ning kept her head down, silent and unsure of how to explain.
Qin Zhenzhen pressed gently, “We’re doing this for your own good. Can you please not resist the engagement so much?”
“The family we’ve chosen for you is undoubtedly a good one. The young man is a fine person with a promising future.”
The family selected for Su Ning was from the same lineage as the Minister of Rites, and the young master, though currently residing in Shanglin, was soon to take the imperial examination. He had the potential for a bright future in the capital as an official.
Su Bin had conducted a discreet investigation, confirming their family’s favorable standing. Most importantly, they didn’t commonly practice having concubines.
Coincidentally, the Minister of Rites was under the Third Prince’s command, adding another layer of consideration to this potential marriage.
It was the Madam of the Chen family who initially approached Qin Zhenzhen, expressing their interest in having Su Ning marry into their household.
She even pledged that her son would never take a concubine, citing her own husband’s lack of concubines as precedent.
Qin Zhenzhen didn’t provide an immediate response or rejection. She conveyed that she needed time to consider and consult Su Bin for Su Ning’s approval.
Mrs. Chen expressed understanding, stating that it was only fair. She even praised Su Ning for having her own opinions.
However, Su Ning didn’t seem receptive to the idea.
“Third Sister-in-law, I don’t want to marry into the Chen family.”
Qin Zhenzhen felt quite helpless. “I haven’t even described the qualities of the
Chen family’s sons, and you’re already declining.”
She suspected that Su Ning might have someone else in her heart, though it certainly couldn’t be the Third Prince.
Changing her approach, Qin Zhenzhen tried to console her. “Let me be honest with you. Why are you so eager to get engaged?”
“You don’t know about the incident six months ago, and we kept it from you. I’ll share all the details now.”
Qin Zhenzhen recounted everything about the Lord State Duke’s proposal to the Su family.
Su Ning was shocked, almost on the verge of tears. “How could this happen? I absolutely won’t enter the Public House!”
“Third Sister-in-law, you and Third Brother must prevent this from happening again!”
Qin Zhenzhen fixed a stern gaze on Su Ning, causing her to shiver.
“We were aware that you didn’t want to enter the Public House, so we immediately devised a plan for him to marry another woman.”
“But there are unforeseen circumstances. Some matters are not communicated to us in advance. If a similar situation arises again, we may not have the time to intervene. Do you understand?”
“I don’t really understand.”
Su Ning shook her head. She suddenly calmed down and gazed at Qin
Zhenzhen.
“Third Sister-in-law, I truly don’t understand. The only thing Third Brother doesn’t dare to refuse is the Public House. However, there are no young masters of suitable age in the Public House who haven’t married.”
She knew that the authority of the current Lord State Duke was comparable to that of the emperor. If her third brother declined, it would undoubtedly invite trouble.
Apart from the Public House, Su Bin didn’t trust anyone else’s assurances. Qin Zhenzhen observed Su Ning quietly. “You’ve overlooked the palace!” “If an imperial edict arrives from the palace, summoning you to enter, would you comply or resist?”