Chapter 724 - 497: The Only Choice

Chapter 724: Chapter 497: The Only Choice

Some little plans fell through, which is indeed not a good thing for some people. There are even those who, refusing to give up, visit the house from time to time.

Most of these visitors are women, secretly probing into the matters concerning Xiaomi and Wei Ziang.

Fortunately, in the past few days, the second lady learned a few things from her in-laws, so handling some overt inquiries posed no problem.

As for the subtle probing, if unnoticed, then it remained unknown.

After all, outsiders dared not speak recklessly in their house, as everyone in and out of here were closely associated with the Emperor and Empress.

It’s worth mentioning that Wei Ziang started preparing to move houses and was even quite delighted, having people tidy up his new residence. When the Emperor bestowed rewards, he also sent a batch of servants, which Wei Ziang didn’t replace.

He knew that among these people were spies from the palace, as well as others, but he didn’t mind, since he wouldn’t be staying in the Capital City for long anyway.

He even came up with a pretext to ask the Emperor to let him leave.

To others, this implied meaning is naturally apparent, and I must say, it disappointed quite a number of people.

Whether it was the Jiang family or Wei Ziang, this rare rising star, if courted, would surely be a great ally for one’s family.

Unfortunately, no one succeeded.

Of course, besides Wei Ziang and Xiaomi, Jiang family’s remaining bachelor, Jiang Wei, this young Princely Heir, also couldn’t escape being targeted.

But that’s not urgent for now. As for the future Princess Consort, we can’t just pick anyone, right? Our young Princely Heir is still young; there’s no rush to decide.

"Was it that easy to dismiss them?" When Xiaomi heard this from Zhou Ying, she was dumbfounded.

Didn’t they previously make it sound so serious? Scared her into thinking that if she didn’t have a match, she would immediately be forced into marriage.

"It’s not exactly easy. Look at Xiao Wei; he doesn’t even dare to step out of the house now, constantly asking your elder brother when his exams are, eager to flee."

Zhou Ying hurried to explain, lest Xiaomi misunderstand, "And you’re different from Xiao Wei. You’re a girl, and although you’re the same age as Xiao Wei, others will definitely think you’re not young anymore and wonder why you’re not married yet."

Just like what happened to her back then.

Speaking of which, Zhou Ying couldn’t help but sigh, "I told you so much before. If you didn’t want to attract attention, just say you’re engaged. Yet you, in front of so many people, insisted on saying that you and Ziang had privately pledged for life. Was that appropriate?"

The two were walking in the garden. On such a cold day, they didn’t want to wander outside, mainly because once outside, they could easily ’run into’ others, whether it be the young masters from somewhere or the young ladies.

It’s easy to guess their intentions — just wanting to bask in some so-called ’good fortune.’

To protect Xiaomi from being regarded as a ’witch’ by the villagers, Jiang Hu had proactively ’spread rumors,’ making people think Xiaomi was a Celestial Lucky Star incarnate.

Later, they realized the villagers seemed too dependent on and valued this notion of a Lucky Star, prompting them to leave Fu’an Village overnight decisively.

Afterward, apart from Liu Ze’s parents and their family, no one else brought up the matter again; very few knew about it.

Who would’ve thought they’d manage to mix in with the Capital City later on? Not to mention that ten-year-old business; if not for the prior escape experience back then, even ancestors from eighteen generations ago might have been uncovered.

Consequently, Xiaomi, this descended Little Lucky Star, brought good fortunes wherever she went, naturally spreading through whispers.

This led to many who wanted to have Xiaomi in their house.

Of course, the other day, when Xiaomi mentioned she had ’privately pledged her life,’ it also spread, hugely impacting her reputation as a woman.

Thus, while many still wish to know Xiaomi, they often secretly criticize her character.

Xiaomi knew this was what Zhou Ying meant, but she didn’t care and merely shrugged at the words.

"I did it on purpose. Families of status certainly can’t tolerate tarnish on their Lady’s reputation. Since we’ll be staying in the Capital City for a few more months, I just want some peace and quiet."

At least, it put off certain people’s thoughts. As for reputation, it doesn’t put food on the table.

Zhou Ying was helpless. Although she knew Wei Ziang’s feelings for Xiaomi and understood the close relationship between the two,

everyone believed they would eventually be together. However, privately pledging their lives was still not real.

She just felt Xiaomi tarnishing her reputation without cause felt somewhat inappropriate.

But on second thought, it seemed she wasn’t much better herself, so she didn’t bring it up further.

"However, Xiaomi, there’s something I still want to ask. What’s really going on between you and Ziang? He’s already arranging his new house, but hasn’t mentioned marriage at all?"

Speaking of this, Xiaomi, rarely, blushed a bit. That day, in a moment of heat, she asked Wei Ziang if they could not rush to have children first.

God knows they weren’t even married yet, and having children was still far off.

Wei Ziang was so excited he almost jumped up, then assured repeatedly that as long as she didn’t want to, they could never have children in their lifetime!

She didn’t expect Wei Ziang would react so intensely, losing composure.

But afterwards, the two discussed the matter slightly.

Although it seemed, only her parents were told, others in the family still didn’t know.

"It’s for show. We agreed not to marry in the Capital City, so whenever it happens, the guests will all be unfamiliar, and even on the big day, we have to maintain decorum."

Speaking of ’big day’ made her feel a bit awkward, but she quickly got over it.

Zhou Ying was first happy, then slightly frowned, "Then, where will you get married? If when the time comes, you both leave, what if your elder brother and I can’t go?"

Even if Jiang Yu indeed passed next year’s spring exam, he still needed to study in the Capital for three years, after which he could decide to stay in the Capital or be appointed elsewhere.

However, after the spring exam, others would temporarily leave the Capital City.

Xiaomi smiled and reassured, "Don’t worry, Yingying, we probably won’t marry that early. By then, you all can definitely attend."

Zhou Ying was skeptical. She thought for a moment and then cautiously asked, "Xiaomi, do you truly like Ziang, or are you doing this just for convenience?"

They all knew Xiaomi treated Wei Ziang differently, but they hadn’t been overly intimate, so, is it really affection?

Even if she knew that even if it was for temporary convenience, even if Xiaomi didn’t like him, her agreeing to marriage was a reason worth celebrating for Wei Ziang.

However, deep down, she hoped Xiaomi was genuine and not treating her marriage lightly for any other reason.

Xiaomi smiled.

"Yingying, rest assured. No matter the reason, to me, besides Xiao Ge, I feel it’s impossible to marry anyone else."

For Xiaomi, marriage means Xiao Ge is her first choice and only option!

Aside from him, there would absolutely be no other!