Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1394 - 571: The Storm Begins
The Storm Begins
On the third day, Yueyao followed An Zhichen with their children, visiting Ma’s Mansion.
Ma Peng entertained An Zhichen, Brother Jiejie greeted Brother Shengsheng and his brothers, while Yanqi hosted Kexin, and Yueyao accompanied Zhuang Ruolan for a chat.
The two women mostly talked about household matters. Zhuang Ruolan complained to Yueyao, "I’ve picked three candidates for Brother Peipei, but father found all unsatisfactory and rejected them." Zhuang Ruolan felt overwhelmed selecting a bride for Ma Pei.
Yueyao had no solutions: "Without his parents, Brother Peipei depends on you and your husband to shoulder the burden. How’s Cousin’s reinstatement going?" Lord Zhuang was indeed a man with real authority, enabling Ma Peng’s reinstatement, albeit with some difficulty finding a satisfactory position.
Zhuang Ruolan replied with a smile, "It’s decided, Prefectural Governor of the Capital; he will assume office next month."
Yueyao considered it a good position: "Congratulations to Cousin-in-law." Although the Prefectural Governor of the Capital handles a diverse range of affairs, the authority is significant. Ma Peng’s credentials alone ensured this appointment, despite Lord Ma’s influence.
Zhuang Ruolan smiled, acknowledging her husband’s promotion as beneficial for their children’s marital prospects. She soon broached another topic with Yueyao: "Yueyao, you’re Tingzheng’s sister; you should persuade him to reconsider! Allowing that Maternal Auntie to manage the household is courting disaster." Raised in Haikou and later confined in the Capital by Lin Qinghan, Lady Yue is unfamiliar with the city’s etiquette and rituals. Earlier this year, her gift-giving mishaps were quite scandalous.
Yueyao nodded, "Tingzheng’s domestic affairs are for him to handle." Yueyao was aware of Lady Yue’s antics but refrained from commenting or intervening.
Zhuang Ruolan said in surprise, "Are you really leaving Tingzheng to his own devices?"
Yueyao chuckled softly, "I’m a married woman; managing my maternal family’s affairs is rather inappropriate. Let them meddle all they want; how far can they go?"
Zhuang Ruolan thought the siblings’ relationship had warmed after previous events, yet she didn’t expect Yueyao to ignore it entirely: "That’s all well and good, but if the second branch causes embarrassment, it’s your reputation that’s tarnished." Not just hers; even Zhuang Ruolan’s reputation would be affected.
With one remark, Yueyao dissuaded Zhuang Ruolan from continuing: "It’s not the first time such scandals have occurred; too many to oversee." The previous incident when Lin Qinghan took Kexin’s belongings to present to Lady Lin was truly scandalous.
Zhuang Ruolan asked, "Are you really done with it?"
Yueyao shook her head, "Yes, I’m done. Over-involvement not only goes unappreciated but brings resentment; what’s the point?" She had no desire to hear Tingzheng dismiss everything as a misunderstanding. By abstaining, misunderstandings are avoided.
After seeing Yueyao off, Zhuang Ruolan discussed it with Ma Peng: "I sensed Yueyao’s resolve not to meddle in Tingzheng’s affairs anymore. Yueyao seems genuinely disenchanted."
Ma Peng thought Yueyao was right: "Over the years, Yueyao intervened minimally, and what came of it? You should also refrain; those two women are his decisions. Whatever chaos ensues, even if it ruins his career, it’s his problem alone."
Recalling the Zhang family’s girl, Zhuang Ruolan remarked, "If he’d chosen Lady Zhang, the Lian family’s second branch wouldn’t face this disgrace." Lady Zhang adeptly manages her household affairs; it’s a pity Tingzheng absolutely rejected the marriage.
Ma Peng commented, "You’ll need to supervise the three children closely to avoid any clandestine relationships. Marriage is a serious matter for parental oversight." Familiar with Tingzheng and Lin Qinghan’s premarital relationship, Ma Peng disapproved, questioning their upbringing.
Zhuang Ruolan laughed, "That goes without saying." Speaking of marriages inevitably turned to their eldest’s. Yanqi was arranged, now it’s Brother Wei’s turn.
Ma Peng shook his head, saying, "No rush; let Brother Wei earn his titles first." He believed his son’s marital prospects would improve with scholarly achievements.
Zhuang Ruolan replied, "While Brother Wei can wait, Brother Peipei cannot. Father urged me frequently. Old Master, I’m exhausted—none of my picks pleased father." It wasn’t the candidates that were inadequate but Brother Peipei’s circumstances: seventeen, merely a Scholar with neither parents nor guardians, with only substantial estates as his boon. But such conditions hardly attract legitimate daughters of official families.
