Chapter 666: Chapter 599, Confessed to_1 Chapter 666: Chapter 599, Confessed to_1 Listening to Madam Zhu, the fourth wife, recap the situation of their family, Madam Li glanced at Sun Family’s clearly interested demeanor and understood that her sister-in-law had her sights set on the other family’s dowry.

Thousands of books and paintings, well, even she was somewhat tempted.

What was the Yan Family lacking?

Heritage!

Good collections of books and paintings couldn’t simply be bought anywhere, they needed to be accumulated over generations within a family.

After some contemplation, Madam Li smiled and turned to Madam Zhu and the fourth wife, “Ningmen Prefecture is quite a distance from Xingzhou. You’ve come from afar, why not stay with us for a few more days? You could also take this opportunity to tour Ningmen Prefecture.”

The fourth wife was naturally more than willing and quickly replied with a smile, “I’ve long heard about the beautiful scenery of Ningmen Prefecture. I didn’t get a chance to see much when I came over during the Dragon Boat Festival. Now I finally have the opportunity; I just hope it won’t impose on the elders and you, Madam.”

Old Madam Yan felt the fourth wife was very eloquent and said with a smile, “Madam Zhu is being too courteous. We are delighted you could come; the very thought of imposition couldn’t be further from our minds.”

Thus, Madam Zhu, the fourth wife, and Zhu Qiyun stayed on.

Afterward, the Sun Family kept watching Zhu Qiyun and saw that the girl was well-behaved with an unordinary elegance in her speech and conduct, which led her to nod inwardly in approval.

After dinner, Daohua accompanied Madam Li back to the main courtyard.

Looking at the gifts left by the fourth wife, Madam Li pondered for a moment before saying with knitted brows, “Even though the Zhu Family has declined over the years, they still are an aristocratic family from Zhongzhou. Even after the death of the fourth Master Zhu, with her clan’s support, the fourth wife shouldn’t need to lower her status this much to seek marriage with our family. Could it be that Miss Zhu has some undisclosed ailment?”

Daohua glanced at Madam Li and replied, “I don’t think she has any ailments, but she has been betrothed before.”

“What?!” Madam Li looked over in surprise, “How do you know?”

Daohua then described everything she had witnessed in Taoyuan Town in detail.

After hearing this, Madam Li also let out a light sigh, “Ah, Miss Zhu is indeed pitiful, to have encountered such distressing troubles.”

Daohua nodded in agreement.

Madam Li continued, “If your second aunt knew that Miss Zhu was once betrothed, she probably wouldn’t agree to this marriage.”

Daohua: “…But if Miss Zhu hadn’t been betrothed before, she might not have chosen your second brother. Every situation has its pros and cons; one cannot have all the advantages.”

“Just like my future sister-in-law–her family background is indeed impressive, but the Han Family places too much importance on exchanges of interest. In the future, your elder brother will certainly need to be careful in his dealings with them.”

“And then there’s your fourth brother and Sister Su–if Sister Su agrees to marry him, your fourth brother would also have to commit to never taking a concubine for life.”

Madam Li looked at Daohua, somewhat astonished, “You seem quite fond of that Miss Zhu?”

Daohua: “It isn’t a matter of like or dislike. From our limited interactions, I think she’s a person who can remain calm in crisis and can control a situation. Someone like her would suit your second brother; after all, he will be the one to carry on the second household in the future. He needs a wife who can support him.”

Madam Li nodded, “You’re right. Your father and I have been so concerned about Wenjie’s marriage because we are also considering the future. We don’t need to discuss our side of the family, and with Wentao supporting the third household, your father and I are reassured. But as for the second household…”

“Your second uncle and aunt may have some cunning, but they lack true wisdom and vision. If the second household doesn’t fare well in the future, it would distress us all.”

Daohua: “Mother could talk with father. Since Teacher Zhu has worked under father’s command, father should have a better understanding of the Zhu Family, to see what his thoughts are.”

Madam Li nodded, “When your father comes back later, I will discuss it with him.”

Daohua sat for a while longer and after Yan Zhigao returned, having politely greeted him, she left.

Madam Li spoke to Yan Zhigao about the fourth wife’s intentions and showed him the gifts she had brought.

Yan Zhigao immediately noticed the three rare books among the gifts and expressed his admiration, “Aristocratic families really are different; in all my years of service, I haven’t acquired even one such book.”

Madam Li laughed, “A decimated camel is still bigger than a horse, but these gifts are too precious. What do you think, my lord, should we accept them or not?”

Yan Zhigao fell silent for a moment, flipping through the gifts sent to other members of the Yan Family, “This fourth wife is indeed thoughtful.”