Red silk, lanterns, and candles were prepared in Ruan Family Village, indicating a wedding was imminent.
However, Chen shi thought otherwise. Gently, but firmly, she said: “No, Ji Mingshao is in poor health. Ning’er cannot marry him.”
“Okay, then she won’t marry,” Ruan Shi Xin told Ruan Ning.
“Mother, I want to marry him,” Ruan Ning said, pouting.
Chen shi sighed, stroking her shoulder gently: “Ning’er, we must find a son-in-law to support the family. We need someone capable, like your father. Ji Mingshao is too young and weak; I can’t feel at ease.”
A maidservant approached: “Miss, Master Bai and Miss Qing have arrived. Second Master is calling you.”
Ruan Ning glanced at Ji Mingshao, who sat silently without acknowledging her. She smiled softly and said, “Young Master Ji, I’ll go first. I’ll come back to see you later.”
In the main hall, Master Bai Ruan Shimin animatedly discussed County Magistrate Li with Ruan Shixin and his wife. He said, “County Magistrate Li is young and promising! He has already sent the betrothal letter and will take Miss Qing as his second concubine in two days. This is a stroke of luck!”
Nearby stood a young girl in a red dress, her disgruntled expression evident. When Ruan Ning entered, her disdain grew.
Chen expressed concern: “Uncle, the Ruan family isn’t high-ranking, but we’re respectable. How can a Ruan daughter become someone’s concubine?”
Ruan Shimin ignored her and directed his comments to Ruan Shixin: “Second brother, your household rules are lacking. A sister-in-law shouldn’t interrupt when her brother-in-law is speaking. In my house, such an ill-mannered woman would have been divorced long ago!”
Ruan Shixin chuckled: “Big brother, we’ve already separated households. These are the rules in my home, and you can’t interfere.”
Ruan Shimin was furious, cursing before saying: “You’re so afraid of your wife; you’ve embarrassed the Ruan family. Regarding your niece marrying an official, this brings honor to our family. You should contribute some money, just one thousand taels, in cash or silver notes.”
