Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1098 - 464: Northwest
The imperial edict can be considered a miraculous medicine. As soon as it arrived at Ma’s Mansion, Ma Chengteng’s illness improved, and by the time guests came to offer congratulations, Ma Chengteng was already out welcoming them.
By the evening, Zhuang Ruolan was so tired she didn’t want to move.
While helping Zhuang Ruolan remove her makeup, Cai Yun said, "Madam, in the past, several Cousin Misses secretly mocked you for choosing the Old Master, but now who among them doesn’t envy you!" Cai Yun recalled the envious and jealous looks of those Cousin Misses and felt a wave of pleasure. When her master chose the Old Master, those Cousin Misses secretly said her master had lost her mind. But now, they all say her master has a good eye.
Zhuang Ruolan took off her bracelet and placed it on the dressing table. Despite being very tired, she was quite happy. Her husband’s three-level promotion was extremely rare in the Great Yuan Dynasty. Not to mention joining the cabinet or becoming a prime minister, with this achievement, her husband’s future career would be much smoother: "Don’t even talk about them, even I didn’t expect to have such glory today." Back then, her main reason for choosing Ma Peng was that he seemed loyal and not drawn to beauty, and with only one Stepmother, she thought life with him wouldn’t be hard. At least, with Ma Peng’s nature, he wouldn’t favor a concubine over his wife. But even she didn’t expect she would choose such a good husband.
Zhuang Ruolan remembered that her husband hadn’t taken a concubine during his more than two years away and felt a sweet warmth in her heart. She used to believe that a lifelong love was only a fantasy in storybooks, so she was always on guard, thinking that even if her husband fell for someone else, she could remain indifferent. But her husband’s behavior over the past two years made her believe that truly devoted men do exist.
Cai Yun laughed, "This is Madam’s good fortune." The Old Master hadn’t taken a concubine during his years in office, and the household was managed by the Steward Mother. The Old Master spent his days at home teaching the Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master, keeping himself pure, which made many Madams in the Capital City envious. Even on such a joyful day, some people were making snide remarks!
Zhuang Ruolan agreed, "Yes, it’s my good fortune." Marrying Ma Peng had been the wisest and most brilliant decision of her life.
Cai Yun laughed, "The Old Madam must be feeling a bit unhappy." Zhuang Ruolan’s stepsister had a rough time at the Bao Family, and compared to Zhuang Ruolan, it was like night and day.
Zhuang Ruolan smiled softly, "If she’s unhappy, then let her be." Madam Bao being unhappy had nothing to do with her. As long as her father and brother were well, she was content.
Even Yueyao, not to mention others, felt a bit envious of Zhuang Ruolan’s good fortune, "Cousin is truly a rare find as a husband." It’s been ten years since he married Cousin-in-law, and there was not a concubine in sight. Well, that Chu Xia was just for show.
These words from Yueyao were overheard by An Zhichen as he entered the room. After checking on his three sons on the bed, An Zhichen asked, "Why such sudden thoughts? Am I not good enough?"
Yueyao smiled with pursed lips, "Compared to my cousin, Heyue, you’re still a bit lacking." Yueyao was extremely satisfied with An Zhichen’s behavior, feeling she had a sharp eye in choosing a good husband. The only flaw was that An Zhichen had never promised not to take a concubine.
An Zhichen smiled, "Some things are not proven through words; they require time." An Zhichen understood the implication of Yueyao’s words; she wanted him to promise never to take a concubine. Though he never had the intention, he would not say it to Yueyao. He believed actions were more convincing than empty promises.
Yueyao paused, then smiled, "Alright." After more than two years of marriage, Yueyao understood An Zhichen’s nature. He wasn’t one for sweet talk, but his actions reassured her. Even though he hadn’t promised not to take a concubine, Yueyao felt reassured with those words.
An Zhichen asked, "The Eldest Cousin should arrive in the Capital City in about half a month, just in time for the New Year." Others thought Ma Peng was fortunate, but An Zhichen didn’t see it that way. Securing the dams and dykes in his jurisdiction required manpower and resources, and without a highly placed and influential father-in-law supporting him, Ma Peng’s ideas would have been futile.
Upon hearing this, Yueyao laughed, "I haven’t seen Eldest Cousin in five years. I wonder if he’s changed?" Speaking of it, Yueyao found it strange. In their past lives, they had little interaction, but in this life, their bond was deep, not at all inferior to that of family siblings.
