Chapter 674: Chapter 605, Joy for Some, Sorrow for Others (Two-in-One Mega Chapter)_3 Chapter 674: Chapter 605, Joy for Some, Sorrow for Others (Two-in-One Mega Chapter)_3 Upon hearing this, Madam Dong grew angry, “You child, your grandmother just spoke to you about this and you haven’t listened. The Marquis Residence of Zhaode is our equal in status, and their legitimate eldest daughter is the most suitable candidate to be your wife.”

Dong Yuanxuan, “But I don’t like her.”

Madam Dong immediately snorted, “In the matter of marriage, we must respect the wishes of our parents and the matchmaker’s words. A decent family’s daughter won’t even meet you until the marriage, so how can you speak of liking or not liking? Only daughters from families with lesser manners and etiquette are seen by others before the marriage.”

Dong Yuanxuan immediately retorted, “Grandmother, how can you say that? I have met Miss Yan because our families are close.”

Madam Dong’s expression softened, “I haven’t said anything against Miss Yan from the Yan Family, only that the legitimate eldest daughter from the Marquis Residence of Zhaode is truly the epitome of a noble lady. As for the daughters of local officials like her, they do lack in certain areas because of their background and perspective.”

Seeing her grandson about to speak again, Madam Dong didn’t want to waste words and said directly, “Enough, there’s no need to talk further. I’ll tell you the plain truth, there’s no possibility between you and the eldest Miss Yan.”

“Have you even considered her background? In this region of Zhongzhou, she’s merely the daughter of a Magistrate. How could she be a match for you, a son of a Marquis?”

Dong Yuanxuan looked incredulous, “Grandmother, didn’t you used to like Miss Yan very much?”

Madam Dong spoke indifferently, “I am quite fond of the girl. She is friends with Yun Yao, and for Yuan Yao’s sake, I will also give her some face. But just because I like many young ladies, does it mean they all should be married into our family?” she said, her tone softening.

“Yuanxuan, your grandmother and your parents would not harm you. Miss Yan from the Yan Family has a lively and cheerful disposition; such girls are very likable before marriage but it’s not necessarily the case after they marry.”

“For a wife, you should marry someone gentle and virtuous. Think about it for yourself–if your wife were like Yun Yao, running out to the streets every two or three days, would you be happy?”

“Good child, listen to your grandmother. Put away your feelings for the eldest Miss Yan. If you truly like beautiful girls, how about I send you two maidens even prettier than her?”

Dong Yuanxuan frowned tightly, “Grandmother, do you really see me as so superficial?”

Madam Dong smiled, “Yes, my grandson is the most excellent indeed. But no matter how outstanding you are, you’re still a young lad. There’s no shame in liking beautiful girls.”

Seeing her son’s expression growing increasingly displeased and worried he might talk back to his grandmother, Madam Dong quickly stood up and walked towards her son, “Child, you must believe that your mother and grandmother are only thinking of your best interests. You and Yiyi… really aren’t suitable for each other.”

Dong Yuanxuan argued, “Mother, whether Miss Yan and I are a suitable match or not, shouldn’t it be for me to decide?”

Madam Dong harrumphed, “What can you decide on your own? At your age, can you consider things as comprehensively as we do? Don’t be fooled by one’s appearance. A lot of people look good but are of no real use. Once you get married, you’ll realize your grandmother has your best interest at heart.”

Dong Yuanxuan, “I don’t… ”
“You don’t what?”

The Provincial Governor Dong suddenly walked in with an unsightly expression, looking at Dong Yuanxuan, “All these years of education, and you dare talk back to your grandmother. Go, kneel in the ancestral hall and reflect on where you’ve gone wrong.”

Madam Dong wanted to speak up to stop him, but the Provincial Governor shook his head to silence her.

Madam Dong hesitated to speak seeing her husband truly angry, unable to say much, she could only watch as her son dejectedly went to the ancestral hall.

Once everyone had left, Madam Dong expressed her displeasure, “What’s the need to punish the child? Couldn’t we have spoken nicely?”

The Provincial Governor sat down, “At times like these, we must cut through the mess with a sharp knife to let Yuanxuan understand our resolute stance. If we give him even the slightest illusion that we might yield, he will continue to make trouble with us.”

Madam Dong was reluctant to hear her husband speak of their son in such a way, “Yuanxuan has been sensible since he was little, not at all like what you’re describing.”

The Provincial Governor shook his head, “You do not understand what a boy in love is like. They are willing to give up everything.”

Madam Dong sighed, “How did it come to this? I hardly ever heard Yuanxuan mention Yiyi before, so how did she come to weigh so heavily on his heart?”

Madam Dong, feeling sorry for her grandson, grunted, “In my view, it’s because girls from humble families like hers lack propriety. If she were truly a good girl, she would naturally know to avoid impropriety and not let Yuanxuan fall for her.”

Madam Dong quickly said, “Mother, Yiyi is just like Yuan Yao in temperament, and perhaps she doesn’t even know about Yuanxuan’s feelings for her. You shouldn’t misunderstand her.”

Madam Dong moved her lips as if to speak, and then kept silent. She knew she was just venting her anger, but she couldn’t help it; regardless of whether the eldest Miss Yan did it intentionally or not, she had caused conflict in the family and that made her angry.