"Once you joined a noble clan, the path was smooth whether you sought a civil post as a clerk or official, or a military post as a soldier or commander. You could fulfill your ambitions."
"Becoming a live-in son-in-law of any noble clan would give you opportunities that ordinary scholars and warriors could only dream of all their lives. And as long as your character was sound, your official career would surely rise steadily, with no telling how far you might go."
"Besides, the young ladies of noble clans truly come from scholarly families. They're genuinely dignified and refined. Taking one as your wife and seeing her become the mother of your children would be one of life's great joys, a happiness to cherish forever," Milger said.
After listening, Zeng Mu could only chuckle faintly and shake his head repeatedly. "Then perhaps I'm not blessed with that sort of luck. I'm a rough fellow. In literary talent, I naturally can't compare with those scholars, and plenty of warriors are no weaker than me. Besides, they're usually broad and imposing. They can win a lady's heart simply by standing there. Compared with my slight build, I'd truly pale beside them."
"Heh, don't be so certain. Who knows? Some young lady might take a fancy to you." With that, Milger gestured to ask whether he wanted to come inside and sit.
The shack was cramped, covering less than three square meters. Fortunately, the width of the ruined stone bridge sheltered it from wind and rain. Otherwise, the wind from a single rainy night might have wrecked it.
There was no bed inside, only a pallet made from piles of torn clothing and rags, topped with pine needles and cypress leaves. It felt soft yet springy beneath him, and was reasonably comfortable.
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