Chapter 304: Paving the Way for the Eldest Grandson’s Exam (5)_1
Lady Chen’s face grew even uglier as she stared at Pei Qin’s abdomen. Wearing a heavy cotton-padded jacket, it was impossible to tell whether her belly was pointed or round. Craving spicy food every few days, if it turned out to be a girl...
Lady Kong knew she harbored resentment because Pei Wenlee’s marriage arrangement had fallen through while the suitor’s family had taken a liking to Pei Qin instead. Although she also wished for Pei Wenli to travel a smoother, swifter path to success by passing the examinations quickly and gaining prominence, Lady Zhu had called her back twice to discuss privately arranging Pei Qin’s marriage. If she disagreed and kicked up a fuss, with the Wang and Landlord Chang’s families as well as the Fang family coming to support, Lady Zhu might very well overplay her hand and, as a consequence, possibly ruin Pei Wenli’s prospects in the examinations.
She had come to console Lady Chen and to urge her to join in stopping the match. It was better to bribe the Clerk with some silver to clear the way than to take such a risk!
Lady Chen’s heart was filled with seething hatred, and she wished she could literally devour Pei Qin’s flesh and blood. Hearing what Lady Kong said, she too feared that Lady Zhu’s mishandling could spell disaster for her eldest son’s examination.
Lady Zhu, however, was unwilling to heed any advice and insisted on Pei Qin’s absolute obedience to facilitate the eldest grandson’s examination preparations. Besides, the second son was already an accomplished scholar; with just one word from above, his status could be restored, much easier than the struggles of examinations! These two issues had become a constant worry for her.
"You are that wretched girl’s biological father, and they are still descendants of Old Pei’s House—are you not the one to decide whom she marries? Even if she’s rebellious, she would never dare to defy you and be unfilial!" Lady Zhu resolved to proceed with this plan. She’d first finalize the marriage with Zhao Junchao’s family, accept the betrothal gifts, and once the twenty-seven-month mourning period had passed and mourning clothes were cast aside, Pei Qin would have to obediently marry into their household!
Pei Zongli returned to the county town to discuss with Qian Wanxiu, "If this matter stirs up trouble, it could well backfire."
Qian Wanxiu’s eyes twinkled, "But if this is mother’s will, it would not be good for you to disobey her."