The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1608 - 1603: Each Gets What They Want

Unexpectedly, Lady of the Gu Family laughed after hearing Old Granny Zhang’s concerns.

She knew that Old Granny Zhang truly cared for Gu Changque, the youngest brother, hoping he could enjoy a harmonious marriage, have children, and live a beautiful family life.

In Lady’s view, these worries were not an issue.

Back then, out of several options, why did Gu Changque only choose the most inconspicuous Miss Zhuo?

It certainly wasn’t love at first sight.

It was just that Miss Zhuo was the oldest, had experienced many things, was stable-minded, and had a gentle disposition. Moreover, the Zhuo Family seemed decent, and at least they weren’t aiming to marry off their daughter for benefits.

Otherwise, Miss Zhuo wouldn’t have remained at home as a spinster.

If the Zhuo Family were heartless, worried that Miss Zhuo would tarnish their reputation, they could have married her off casually years ago, and nobody would say a thing against it.

It was because they cared for Miss Zhuo, that they chose to endure gossip to keep her at home, at least she had family to look after her.

Miss Zhuo, having gone through so much, still lives calmly, proving she’s not an ordinary girl, with resilience and an ability to find joy in herself.

The two of them met once before, Gu Changque had made his intentions clear ahead of time.

The Zhuo Family had considered carefully before agreeing to the marriage.

Firstly, the Gu Family’s reputation is unquestionable; although Gu Changque holds a nominal position, he’s an official. When Zhuo Die marries him, she also gains a Grant.

While she may not have relatives as grand as the Gu Family, no one in the Zhuo Family would dare disregard her.

Secondly, although Gu Changque is much older, it’s heard that he never married before, nor could he take concubines; his life is clean.

Zhuo Die, after marrying in, doesn’t have to be a ready-made stepmother nor pledge allegiance to any former wife’s tablet; she is the legitimate first wife.

Although the man is older, Zhuo Die is still young and able to bear children. If she could have a child, this would secure her footing in the Gu Family.

Madam Zhuo privately advised Zhuo Die that no man is without the desire for descendants. Gu Changque, after years away, surely wants to marry to pass on his lineage; otherwise, who benefits from his wealth after he passes?

As long as Zhuo Die can bear children, she should not hold back once married, disdain anyone, or act distant with Gu Changque; be honest, and first and foremost, have a child with him.

No matter if it’s a boy or girl, one child is enough; even if Gu Changque departs first, due to the Gu Family’s character, all assets from the third branch are hers and her child’s.

Not only that, but the Gu Family must take extra care of them to avoid gossip.

For men, what truly matters? Having a child is what ties them intimately!

In fear that Zhuo Die might be difficult after marriage, it was advised directly.

If not for the Gu Family approaching, Zhuo Die might remain a spinster forever.

Currently, with parents alive, it’s a relief; they can support her day by day.

Once their eyes close and legs stiffen, her brother and sister-in-law will be in charge, but will they care for her?

Otherwise, given her age, without marrying Gu Changque, any other marriage would likely be to a widower, or a family with many issues, or someone penniless, seeking only a wife to sponge off.

Those days would truly be bitter as gall, beyond words!

In comparison, Gu Changque’s shortcomings become strengths.

Zhuo Die discarded her juvenile sentiments early through her experiences.

She knows well that as long as her parents protect her, it’s fine, but once they pass, perhaps for family or other reasons, she’d end up at a nunnery cutting her hair as a nun.

The Gu Family’s conditions are before her, apart from age, truly better than her initial betrothal match.

Of course, if he weren’t older, such a fortunate match wouldn’t be hers, right?

Zhuo Die clearly understands reality; marrying Gu Changque fulfills mutual needs.

Emotions, those ephemeral, fragile things, she requires none.

Just keep steady after marriage, heed her mother, have a child, secure her status.

Should she bear a boy, it’s even better; she can use it as an excuse to focus on the child daily. As for the man, let him do as he pleases.

Gu Changque is considerably older, almost father-like; he’ll surely precede her, and enduring those years, eventually, she’d rule the household.

Once the child marries, she’d be the Old Marquis, enjoying life later.

Therefore, both parties have a tacit understanding.

Apart from Old Granny, everyone in the Gu Family knows clearly, it’s mutual necessity.

Gu Family’s ethos is fairly liberal; starting from Gu Changqing, all marriages were personally approved.

If genuine interest in marrying anyone, certainly there were opportunities for young people to meet several times pre-marriage, gaining understanding.

Generally, as long as impressions are decent, post-marriage, couples will respect each other, adapt over a year or two, perhaps have a child, and grow affectionate, living harmoniously.

In other families, blind marriages are common, first meeting on the wedding night as the veil is lifted isn’t unheard of.

Unlike Gu Changque and Zhuo Die’s arrangement, where they met and discussed everything clearly before finalizing the marriage, they know precisely what they must offer and receive, reducing expectations, thus minimizing disappointments.

Post-marriage, while unlikely deeply passionate, mutual respect is rare and precious.

Lady of the Gu Family feels that if this couple can maintain such equilibrium, it’s indeed fortunate for them both.

How many ardent yet resentful pairs exist? How many couples can just live a lifetime like Yongzhu and Chongjin, wholly in love?

Do not most merely make do through life?

Old Granny Zhang naturally understands this, given a choice, would she willingly marry Wang Laozhu as a stepmother?

It’s also due to forced circumstances, right?

She simply cares deeply for Gu Changque, the youngest brother.

Wang Yongzhu heard this, naturally grasped Old Granny’s sentiments.

She had to persuade her, "Mother’s concerns are understood by us all. However, the person was chosen by Uncle, surely he has his reasons. Uncle has his reasons for handling things his way, and after all, it’s he who’ll live with the wife for a lifetime; as long as he feels good, it’s fine."

"Mother, though thinking thoroughly about Uncle’s welfare, isn’t Uncle himself. What you find good, may not be what Uncle actually needs."

"In the future, refrain from mentioning this before Uncle and Aunt. Mother understands Uncle’s character; if he learns of your worry and disapproval of Miss Zhuo, might he cancel the engagement just to find someone you approve more? Wouldn’t that harm Miss Zhuo and Uncle alike?"

"Moreover, even within the Gu Family, there are diverse opinions. If someone with ill intentions alters your concern into disdain for Aunt, then what should be done?"