Free Web NovelChapter 1499: Mingzhu Extra
Mingzhu returned from a social engagement, her face showing signs of fatigue.
Zhi Qin softly said, "Madam, how were the two girls you saw today?" Mingzhu had been frequently going out these days to arrange a marriage for the Fifth Young Master.
Mingzhu shook her head, "Let’s see more!" With so many sons, just choosing daughters-in-law was exhausting. Ah, if she had known, she wouldn’t have had so many children.
A maid hurried in, her face full of smiles. Seeing Mingzhu, she said, "Madam, the second young master of the An Family has been appointed Top Scholar by the Emperor."
Mingzhu asked, "Is it true?" The hottest topic these days was An Fei winning first place in the examination. Everyone was guessing whether An Fei would be appointed Top Scholar by the Emperor. If An Fei were appointed Top Scholar by the Emperor, he would have passed the imperial examinations at the county, provincial, and national levels. Passing all three levels would surely bring him fame, and his future career would be smooth sailing, as shown by the precedent of Yu Zida.
With the title of passing the imperial examinations at the county, provincial, and national levels, Yu Zida’s career was extremely smooth. It took him only fourteen years to become Chief of Staff. Unfortunately, because of early health issues, Yu Zida’s energy was sapped and he didn’t show much in his youth, but when he got older, all the after-effects appeared, forcing Yu Zida to retire six years ago. Otherwise, with Yu Zida’s ability, he would surely have reached the Chancellor position within ten years.
The maid nodded, "It’s true, the imperial announcement has been posted."
Mingzhu remained calm, saying, "Understood, you may leave." Actually, when Brother Feifei won first place in the examination, Mingzhu had already guessed that this examination’s Top Scholar was almost certainly Brother Feifei. It’s no wonder, as he had been first in all examinations up to now, unlikely to falter in the final one, so she wasn’t too surprised.
Mingzhu thought for a moment, went to her storeroom, and picked out a heavy gift. This was meant for Brother Feifei.
In the evening, Niu Yanghui returned, and Mingzhu told him about Brother Feifei being named Top Scholar. Mingzhu deliberately mentioned it, knowing that even if she didn’t say anything, it was impossible Niu Yanghui wouldn’t have heard of such a big event.
Niu Yanghui sighed, "It’s been many years, why are you still holding onto this?" Niu Yanghui knew Mingzhu had always been troubled by the fact that his father arranged Ying Rui’s marriage without their consent.
Mingzhu’s face turned sour, "Shouldn’t I be troubled? If Peng Family had been good, I wouldn’t say anything. But look, what kind of daughter-in-law did Father arrange for Ying Rui? How many problems have arisen in the years since?"
Niu Yanghui coughed, saying, "Didn’t you also agree then, saying it was fine?" Actually, Niu Yanghui felt that Madam Peng had some flaws, but overall she was acceptable. Mingzhu, being the mother-in-law, had too high expectations for her daughters-in-law. Of course, he only dared to think this, never to express it, lest it lead to arguments.
Mingzhu retorted, "Could I avoid marrying her just because I didn’t like her?" Once a marriage is arranged, breaking it off without reason would only create enmity!
Niu Yanghui helplessly said, "Now there are grandchildren, what’s the point of arguing about this?" His father may have been wrong not to consult them before arranging Ying Rui’s marriage to the Peng Family, but now, discussing it is pointless.
Mingzhu’s face darkened, she remained silent.
Niu Yanghui said, "Choose more nice things to send to the An Family. With such rare talent from the An Family, we must foster a good relationship."
As they spoke, a maid entered, saying, "Old Master, Old Grand Master requests you to come over."
Mingzhu didn’t speak further, she had been at odds with Old Grand Master Niu since marrying into the family. Later, Old Grand Master Niu secretly decided Ying Rui’s marriage, which infuriated Mingzhu to no end.
Niu Yanghui exchanged a few words with Mingzhu before going to see his father. The mansion was large, but as the sons grew up and married, even it was no longer enough. Thus, the Niu Family paid a high price to buy the neighboring mansion, whose garden was quite beautiful, much to Old Grand Master Niu’s liking, so he moved there.
Shortly after the New Emperor ascended the throne, Old Grand Master Niu retired. Unlike Li Guoxing, who supported the Ninth Prince, Old Grand Master Niu was always part of the Neutral Faction; thus, after the Emperor ascended, he retired to avoid attracting attention.
Niu Yanghui used to hold some resentment towards Old Grand Master Niu due to his mother’s situation, but over the years, he let go of that resentment, "Dad, how are you today? Feeling better?" With old age come many ailments. Old Grand Master Niu caught a chill a few days ago and is currently on medication!
