The Old Madam's Reproach

As for the husband's and mother-in-law's thoughts, if they cannot understand you, then you can ignore them.

Life is short. If you always prioritize other people's opinions and don't do what you want to do, you'll not only be exhausted, but you'll also regret it when you're old.

With this in mind, she had a very clear idea and understanding of her future life, and her mood became exceptionally calm.

"Zhao Ruxi, you have a kind of magic that can influence the people around you," she sighed.

Zhao Ruxi was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh, "I just hope your mother-in-law and husband won't scold me."

The two looked at each other and laughed.

"Young General Fu must be captivated by your smile," Zhao Ruxi murmured, looking at Mu Qingqiang's smile.

When Mu Qingqiang isn't smiling, she's an ice queen; but when she smiles, the ice melts, everything comes back to life, and spring arrives. That fleeting moment of radiant beauty is captivating.

Based on the fact that Fu Yunkai only saw her once in front of the Court of Judicial Review before coming to propose marriage, Zhao Ruxi thought he was a sucker for good looks. Besides appearance, he probably considered many other factors when deciding on his marriage.

This is very chauvinistic and also very realistic. She really can't say whether this kind of man is good or bad.

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingqiang's smile faded, and after a moment of silence, she nodded vigorously. "I understand what you mean."

"Huh?" Zhao Ruxi was taken aback. "What do I mean?" She didn't seem to mean anything at all.

"Those who rely on their beauty to please others will find their favor waning as their beauty fades," Mu Qingqiang said. "I had met him before, and we came from similar backgrounds. His initial arrogance turned into obsequiousness, simply because he had seen my smile. And beauty, too, will eventually fade."

She looked into the distance. "I admire him as a hero, but I won't put my whole heart into him. I can't care too much about him. I will do what I want to do and live the life I want to live."

Zhao Ruxi: "..."

Her words were purely a reflection, nothing more. Where did Mu Qingqiang's insights come from?

But... fine.

"You're not wrong to think that way," she nodded.

"Zhiwei, have you considered marriage?" Mu Qingqiang was very interested in Zhao Ruxi's marriage prospects.

She didn't know what kind of man such an extraordinary woman as Zhao Ruxi would marry.

"I told my mother that I won't arrange marriages before I turn seventeen. I plan to consider marriage only after I've fulfilled my long-cherished wish of becoming an official in a remote area," Zhao Ruxi said.

Mu Qingqiang felt a mixture of envy, admiration, and worry. "But if that's the case, there won't be many men left to choose from in the capital, right? Most people start getting engaged at fifteen or sixteen."

"I'm not afraid," Zhao Ruxi said. "What's meant to be will be. If someone's engaged early on and doesn't wait for me, it just means we're not meant to be."

Mu Qingqiang was stunned by Zhao Ruxi's free-spiritedness and domineering presence. Her gaze towards Zhao Ruxi was filled with admiration.

The next day, just before the end of the day's business, Zhao Jingli and Zhao Jing'an arrived at the eldest son's house. The two first went to pay their respects to the old lady and Lady Zhu.

Upon seeing the two, the old lady couldn't help but ask, "How have Miss Rui and Miss Yu behaved lately? They're getting on in years, and it's understandable that they're anxious about their marriages. We can't let them cause any scandals. Young Master Li, you're now the head of the second branch of the family, so you need to keep an eye on them and keep them in check. Even if you don't think about yourself, at least think about your fifth sister."

Zhao Jingli gets worried whenever this matter is mentioned.

Some time ago, the old lady frequently took Zhao Rurui out to socialize and actively arranged marriages for her, for which Zhao Jingli was very grateful. Unfortunately, nothing came of it.

He said, "I've also advised my fourth sister. She's promised me that after the imperial examination this year, she'll see if there's a suitable candidate among the newly appointed scholars. If there is, she'll consider marriage."

The old lady took Zhao Rurui out for a walk, but she still couldn't sell her to anyone, and Zhao Rurui herself was quite desperate.

At first, Zhao Jingli tried to arrange a marriage for her, but she was ungrateful; she also complained that the old lady and Lady Zhu didn't help her. Now, after these two experiences, she finally faced reality, accepted her fate, and agreed to Zhao Jingli marry the newly promoted scholar.

The old lady was also aware of Zhao Rurui's situation.

What she wanted to say was to Zhao Ruyu: "How is Miss Yu now? Is she still involved with the second young master of the Marquis of Pingnan's Residence? I heard that she no longer goes to the Capital Women's Academy, and spends her days dressed up in flamboyant clothes, I don't know what she's doing outside."

Her expression turned serious as she looked at Zhao Jing'an: "Brother An, I know you're not close to me, and I wouldn't normally say this. But your mother is gone, your father doesn't care about things, and although your brother is in charge, he's still quite young."

She recounted the story of two families in the capital where a girl had committed a shameful act, affecting the marriage prospects of her siblings and causing her father and brothers to lose face in public.

"Both families I mentioned are well-known and have proper names. Go and ask them about it. I won't say anything about it affecting your eldest, second, third, fourth, and fifth sisters' marriages. In your heart, all these cousins combined probably don't carry as much weight as your non-blood-related sister."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jing'an quickly raised his head, wanting to speak, but was stopped by the old lady's gesture.

"Don't rush to argue, listen to me first. If you think what this old woman has to say is reasonable, then listen; if you don't, then don't ever set foot in our main house again. I don't have a grandson like you who doesn't care about family ties."

These words were very harsh, and Zhao Jing'an's eyes reddened.

The old lady remained unmoved.

The reason why Zhao Ruyu can still cause trouble in the second branch of the family, besides her irresponsible father Zhao Yuanliang, is that Zhao Jing'an protects her and is unwilling to let her leave the Zhao Family.

"You yourself are also going to take the imperial examination; your brother is now studying mathematics with Mister Gan, probably hoping to use this skill to obtain an official position. Whether it's directly seeking a position or taking the imperial examination to become an official, those who take this path value their reputation the most. If your family has a scandal, both of you brothers will be ruined. Not to mention your fourth sister. Her marriage is already difficult; if she's implicated, she'll be destined to become a nun for the rest of her life."

"For a sister with no blood relation, you harmed your own brother and sister. You can't distinguish between family and kin, you don't know what's important. Brother An, I am truly disappointed in you."

"You might think this has nothing to do with you. But since your eldest brother is now in charge of the second branch of the family, any problems Miss Yu should be addressed by questioning your eldest brother first."

"But if it weren't for your sake, your eldest brother would have sent Zhao Ruyu back to the Xu Family long ago. She's enjoyed your fifth sister's wealth and luxury for over a decade. Isn't it only right and proper for her to go back to the Xu Family now? Why are you suffering for her? Besides, it's not like the Xu Family is starving. If your fifth sister can live that kind of life, why can't your sixth sister?"