Chapter 477 - 475 Satisfactory Marriage
Yin Xiaocheng, as a military general who once guarded the Northern border, knew something about Shen Qixiang. As soon as his wife mentioned this candidate, he was already eight parts convinced.
The Shen Family had a simple lineage, and Shen Qixiang’s integrity as an official suggested that his family education wouldn’t be lacking. Given that Shen Qixiang’s son admired his niece’s insight and intelligence, and that Shen Qixiang’s wife was already on her way to the capital, it was clear the Shen Family placed great value on Xinyan.
While Shen Qixiang’s wife had not yet arrived, he took the opportunity to inquire thoroughly about the second son of the Shen Family. If he was confirmed to be a good match, he would discuss settling the arrangement with his younger sister.
Ye Xinyan didn’t bother herself with these idle matters, simply focusing on her own affairs. Little did she know, the young man she had met at Prince Fu’s Mansion had not gone through Duke An’s Mansion but was taking a detour and inching closer to the heart of the decision regarding her lifetime affair.
Shen Yongzhen’s father had rotated through official posts in Liaoyuan Town for over a decade, rising from a minor county official to now a Fourth-Rank Official. Whether serving as a magistrate or prefect, their status as his sons was not low, yet they did not indulge in the infamous misconducts associated with tyrannical government scions.
Especially Shen Yongzhen, who surpassed his brothers in scholarly talent. Although he was an excellent student, his mentor hesitated because of his youth; he wasn’t allowed to participate in the prefectural or academy examinations until he turned eighteen, at which time he succeeded in becoming both a Scholar and a Successful Candidate. Even though he didn’t rank high among the Successful Candidates, it was quite rare for someone so young to achieve such a distinction.
Due to his modest success, Shen Yongzhen had diligently studied at home for another three years. Only at the end of last year, with his mentor’s approval, did he follow his father to the capital to take part in the spring metropolitan examinations the following year.
Known as a young prodigy since childhood, Shen Yongzhen wasn’t pretentious despite his talents, instead displaying a pleasant and gentle nature, treating others with kindness. Although he wasn’t married, he had no reputation for frivolity; aside from two concubines arranged by his family, he never dallied with women elsewhere.