Free Web NovelChapter 1464: Chapter 1464: Xiao Ho
The old madam took a sip of tea. "Her husband passed away, and she’s twenty this year. I’ve had someone examine her birth details; you two are quite compatible. She’s a woman destined to bring prosperity to her husband."
Lu Anning nodded, "Mother, you decide."
"I do like her. She’s beautiful, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, gentle and honest. Most importantly, she has no ill intentions."
Lu Anning understood his mother well; if she brought this up today, she had already made up her mind.
He genuinely didn’t care. Qing Chun, whom he married due to his mother’s fondness, had poor health while pregnant with Qing Chun. It was close to not being born.
The various other women around him over the years were also gifts from above, but he truly had no enthusiasm for them.
"Okay, I still need to discuss this with Xiao Ho."
That woman sitting there gives off a serene vibe, such women have a grasp; there will certainly be no chaotic affairs.
Lu Anning lay alone in bed that night; at just twenty-five, he had never been keen on female beauty.
All he could think about was the woman his mother spoke of. Indeed, he could say she was the most beautiful he had ever seen. He could also see she wasn’t cold, but seemed unable to interact with people.
A man surely notices a woman’s looks. Having a beautiful woman, of course, he’d be willing.
He simply hadn’t considered she’d been married before. Men still care about that aspect of women.
Nevertheless, Lu Anning soon thought that he too had been married.
The next day, the old madam came again. Xiao Ho was reading.
"Xiao Ho, we’ve known each other for quite some time now. I’ll speak straightforwardly."
"Madam, please go ahead."
"Xiao Ho, my family wishes to propose to you."
Xiao Ho furrowed her brows, "Madam, I never thought of marrying again."
"Xiao Ho, I roughly understand what you’re thinking. I can only say that life isn’t easy for a woman; you’re still young now with someone taking care of you. But don’t you feel lonely? You are so young. Having someone at your side to shoulder the burden of the family.
Wouldn’t you want your own children? To have someone to rely on when you’re old?
Perhaps you’re unable to let go of the man from before; he has already passed. There’s no need to hold vigil for him, life is hard for a woman; you have yet to experience that.
I suppose your moving in here has caused some rumors?
Xiao Ho, our family is uncomplicated, living steadily. My son Anning has people around him, but they are quite few, all given by the powers above."
Xiao Ho found it amusing; what was said didn’t really concern her. But the idea of wanting a child stirred her heart.
Indeed, how nice it would be to have a child. She remembered Qi Hao and Qi Xuan from childhood.
If she truly had the opportunity to have her own child, that would be quite nice.
The old madam watched Xiao Ho silently. "Think carefully, for a woman’s lifetime, first it’s the parents at home, then the husband, and afterward the children."
Xiao Ho was indifferent to these, her thoughts constantly returning to Qi Hao and Qi Xuan.
The two sat in silence. The old madam drank tea.
After finishing a cup, she saw the woman still seemed bewildered, "Xiao Ho. You ought to know life’s difficulties; having a capable man to lean on is a good thing."
Xiao Ho was indifferent to men. One could say she was afraid of them deep down, despised them, especially the man who deceived her, whom she truly gave her heart to, yet how did he treat her in return?
Though he eventually died, her revulsion for men remained.
Later, she was sold twice. Those who persecuted her all died.
However, she genuinely wanted children, truly wanted them. For children, a man is required.
Looking at Qing Chun’s looks, her future children would undoubtedly be extremely beautiful.
They couldn’t compare to Qi Hao and Qi Xuan but would certainly be beautiful enough.
"Xiao Ho, have you considered it?" She really didn’t want the higher-ups arranging her son’s future, making the household chaotic.
Finding a simple woman who could steady the household life with her son. The few women at home were already tireingly disliked,
though two had been killed, all harbored jealousy toward Qing Chun. This home belonged to Qing Chun; none should dream otherwise.
Xiao Ho nodded, "Okay, I agree."
Merely finding a man to conceive, not a Cultivator, so there’s no worry of energy-draining. This arrangement was good.
Her life would continue unchanged, without difference.
The old madam smiled. "Alright, I’ll arrange for a matchmaker to propose tomorrow. Rest assured, nothing will be missing from the three matchmakers and six gifts. We’ll ensure you’re married into our family grandly."
Xiao Ho didn’t know how to respond, merely nodding.
The old madam didn’t mind Xiao Ho’s indifference; she was beautiful enough. Besides, her body appeared robust, envisioning many grandkids, the Lu Family was too sparse.
In the following days, preparations proceeded according to the marriage protocols here.
Xiao Ho’s days remained unchanged. Cultivating every night, practicing swordsmanship in the morning, reading in the afternoon. No impact whatsoever.
The old madam was eager; the date was set.
Xiao Ho had no objections. In a month, the two would wed.
"Madam, how will we prepare your dowry?"
Xiao Ho paused. Unaware of this?
"Madam, the bride price sent is abundant. It will be taken, but we still need to prepare a dowry."
Xiao Ho nodded, "You make arrangements." After speaking, she tossed ten taels of gold to the servant woman.
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"Yes, I will arrange it immediately."
Xiao Ho didn’t concern herself with this. She didn’t care about it.
The days flew by, soon it was the wedding day. Lu Anning, in festive attire, arrived on horseback to fetch Xiao Ho.
Many were curious about who Xiao Ho truly was, but Lu Anning had already arranged protection, preventing anyone from intruding. Marquis Wei Yuan was, after all, conferred his title through military merits.
Xiao Ho, donned in a red bridal gown, felt waves of emotion in her heart. Was she truly getting married? She recalled her grandfather telling her to ensure happiness after marriage.
Although Marquis Wei Yuan was remarrying, the ceremony was grand. After they bowed, Xiao Ho was supported into the bridal chamber.
After a while, many entered with festive commotion; she remained indifferent.
"The groom is here, quickly lift the veil, let us see the bride."
Many women instigated, Xiao Ho’s veil lifted.
"Wow, Marquis Wei Yuan truly has luck; this lady is exceedingly beautiful."
The merry crowd wished Lu Anning congratulations.
Folks outside summoned, announcing that the Emperor had dispatched someone to deliver an imperial decree.
Xiao Ho was also guided to join. Those outside could see Xiao Ho; none lacked envy for Lu Anning, chiefly due to her beauty.
Today’s princes and the Crown Prince also came, seeing the beauty, each harbored their own thoughts.
