Chapter 498: A Marriage with Love is the Happiest

Chapter 498: A Marriage with Love is the Happiest

"People can't live their whole lives clinging to a single obsession. Even if you get married, you can still live in Xiling Village and stay in close contact with the Mo Family. You'll be able to hear any news about the revenge for the Fourth Princess right away."

Lan'er grew more and more puzzled.

"Ninth Madam, even if I lived in Xiling Village, I wouldn't marry." It wasn't that she looked down on the farmers there; she simply didn't want to marry. Her commitment to her past promise wouldn't allow it.

He Zhiran noticed this stubbornness.

She had never met someone so set in their ways.

"Don't you think marriage can be wonderful? Look at me—my husband loves me, his family values me, and I have two lovely children.

You're an exceptional woman, and I believe every remarkable woman deserves to have it all."

"Ninth Madam's blessings aren't something everyone can have. Lan'er doesn't dare hope for such things."

As she spoke, He Zhiran had been watching Lan'er's face closely. She could see a brief gleam in her eyes, a sign that her heart longed for such a life.

"Although you were once a maid, I see very clearly that your demeanor and manners are not inferior to the high-born young ladies in the Imperial City. The villagers in Xiling Village certainly wouldn't be a match for you."

Feeling that she had laid enough groundwork, He Zhiran decided to get straight to the point.

"My elder brother, He Ziming, was personally educated by my father from a young age. He not only excels in literature but is also unmatched in appearance. Today, after talking with him, I learned that he dislikes the deceit and trickery of officialdom."

"Ninth Madam, are you saying that Young Master He Ziming doesn't want to return to the Imperial City?"

Lan'er's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at He Zhiran.

Her refusal to marry just now wasn't just because of her past promise; it was also because of He Ziming.

She had to admit that her heart was entirely focused on Young Master He Ziming now. However, she was also very aware that her social standing couldn't compare to his.

Especially since she had promised the Fourth Princess that she would remain single, she wanted to bury her feelings and let time help her heal.

But now, why would Ninth Madam bring up Young Master He Ziming? Could it be that Ninth Madam knows something more?

From Lan'er's expression, He Zhiran was completely certain of her feelings.

"My brother said he likes the life here in the Northwest, and there's a girl here who lingers in his thoughts."

That was a pretty straightforward statement. If Lan'er still didn't understand, she would be pretending to be confused.

Lan'er's face turned red instantly.

"Ninth Madam, Lan'er in this life..." The words "won't marry" didn't get the chance to leave her mouth.

"Life changes in unexpected ways, and many things will shift with the environment. I understand your original intention. Whether you marry or not won't affect the vow you made.

Moreover, as you can see, everyone in the Mo Family can stand on their own. We don't need maids. During your time here, has anyone in the Mo Family ever treated you like a servant?"

This was true. Lan'er had to admit it.

She and Yu'er lacked for nothing in terms of food, clothing, and other necessities, and they were treated the same as the Mo Family's women. Not only that, the women of the Mo Family worked just as much as they did.

"This..." Lan'er was indeed hesitant.

Who wouldn't dream of finding true love?

At this point, Ninth Madam had made her intentions very clear and indicated that the He family did not look down on Lan'er's status.

"But... but..." Lan'er stammered, unable to find a reason to refuse, though in truth, she didn’t truly want to refuse.

"Enough with the 'buts.' If you have no objections, I'll discuss this with Mother and Big Brother to make a decision."

"Ninth Madam, Lan'er is not worthy of He Zhiran."

Lan'er finally summoned the courage to voice her final concern.

At that moment, Mo Jiuya, who had been busy outside all day, returned. Seeing Lan'er kneeling before He Zhiran, he was momentarily stunned.

"Ran Ran, what's going on?"

In his mind, his wife had never liked others kneeling to her. Could Lan'er have done something unforgivable?

Seeing Mo Jiuya return, He Zhiran decided not to continue with what had just been discussed, especially since Lan'er, being a young lady, would likely be embarrassed.

"Lan'er, please stand up. I'm not in a rush for your answer. You'll likely lose sleep over this tonight. Take your time and let me know your decision tomorrow morning."

Lan'er nodded and stood up. "Yes, I'll think about it carefully tonight."

After Lan'er left and Mo Jiuya closed the door, He Zhiran explained the situation to him. Having been a prominent figure in the Imperial City, Mo Jiuya might have his own views on such a marriage of unequal status. She detailed everything because she wanted to hear his thoughts on the matter.

"Honey, tell me honestly, if you fell in love with a girl whose status was vastly different from yours, what would you do?"

Mo Jiuya had never considered such a situation before. He had been betrothed to He Zhiran since his teens, and in all his years away, he had never met anyone else he was interested in.

Still, since his wife had asked, he thought carefully before replying.

"Before marrying you, I had never been interested in any other girl. In my view, marriages were decided by the elders in the family, and I trusted my parents' judgment. The fact that I married you is the greatest fortune of my life.

The more time we spend together, the more I fall in love with you. I'd do anything for you, even give my life."

Although the couple had always shared a good relationship, and He Zhiran knew that Mo Jiuya loved her, such words had never been spoken so openly between them.

Even Mo Jiuya felt a bit embarrassed.

"Honey, I'm asking for your opinion on this matter, not about our feelings for each other."

Mo Jiuya embraced He Zhiran and lovingly kissed her forehead.

"Because I don’t know how others think, but for me, regardless of wealth or status, or whether the couple is of equal standing, I believe that a marriage with love is the happiest."

Although he hadn't directly answered the question, He Zhiran had already found the answer she sought from his words.

Still, she wanted to hear it directly from Mo Jiuya.

"If I weren't the daughter of a Minister, but just a commoner or even a maid, and I happened to be in love with you, what would you do?"

When it came to love, Mo Jiuya was quite straightforward. Before, he hadn’t understood the taste of love, so this question might have been hard to answer, but now it was different. He loved He Zhiran to the core.

"If that were the case, I'd tell Mother I want to marry you. No matter what your status is, you are the person I, Mo Jiuya, want to spend my life with."

"And, if Mother disagrees?" He Zhiran, growing more interested in the topic, asked.

"You know how Mother is. Although she can be strict, she’s also very reasonable. As long as the girl I love has good character and temperament, she wouldn’t object."