Chapter 150: Finding a Suitable Match for A’Ruo

Chapter 150: Finding a Suitable Match for A’Ruo

Wang Niangzi was astonished to see Du Ruo reciting the household rules without missing a word.

"Du Ruo, you've become so well-behaved now!" Wang Niangzi exclaimed in amazement.

Du Ruo turned her head and glanced at Wang Niangzi, showing impatience. Just as she was about to throw a tantrum, the teaching nanny coughed heavily.

"Miss A’Ruo, what should you do when meeting an elder?"

Lu Lingyun sat above, gazing at her calmly.

Du Ruo immediately composed herself, giving a proper greeting to Wang Niangzi, "Greetings, Aunt Wang."

"Excellent, excellent!" Wang Niangzi clapped her hands in approval, "I must say, Sister Lu, you are remarkable. Even this naughty girl becomes well-behaved in your hands!"

Lu Lingyun sipped her hot tea, "Du Ruo's brothers personally entrusted her to me. If I don't teach her well, they will blame me."

Hearing this, Wang Niangzi's eyes filled with smiles, "Sister Lu, you have really taken on a lot of responsibility."

Saying so, she waved her hand, and a servant behind her brought forward a gift box adorned with a red ribbon.

"I came today to convey Du Ruo's aunt's gratitude. She asked me to thank you for helping to discipline Du Ruo, which has eased her worries."

The gift box was opened, revealing a fine white jade hairpin inside.

The jade quality was excellent, but the design was old-fashioned, clearly a family heirloom from Du Ruo's aunt's house.

"I appreciate the gesture, but please take it back," Lu Lingyun declined.

"Sister Lu, don't decline anymore. We know you, as the Crown Prince's wife, are accustomed to fine things and certainly don't lack them. But this is a symbol of gratitude from Du Ruo's aunt. If you don't accept it, she will feel very uneasy," Wang Niangzi explained.

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun pondered for a moment, then gave a subtle nod to Shuang Hong, signaling her to accept the gift.

After presenting the gift, Wang Niangzi turned to Du Ruo again, "Du Ruo, your aunt is truly worried about your future. Be sensible, and we'll find a good match for you, which will ease her mind."

Du Ruo had already lost her patience. She clenched her fists tightly and, in a sulky tone, said, "You can decide for yourselves. You don't need to ask me."

With that, she gave a quick bow and turned to leave.

At that moment, Lu Lingyun spoke, "Du Ruo, stay and listen as well."

In our culture, marriages are arranged by parents, and Du Ruo's aunt had already chosen the potential grooms, so it wasn't necessary for Du Ruo to be present.

However, Lu Lingyun did not want to make decisions without her knowing. After all, Du Ruo was still a guest, and given her temperament, if Lu Lingyun made decisions behind her back, Du Ruo might hold her responsible no matter how well or poorly she married in the future.

Having Du Ruo stay and listen, as Wang Niangzi brought the candidates, who were selected by her own aunt, Du Ruo could choose for herself and couldn't blame Lu Lingyun.

Wang Niangzi, seeing that Lu Lingyun had Du Ruo stay, her eyes darted, but she didn't say much more, sitting down with a smile, "These three families are long-time acquaintances of Du Ruo's aunt. They also favor Du Ruo."

Wang Niangzi took out three name cards, "The first is Commander Xu of the Imperial City Defense Forces' cavalry unit. He leads a battalion and is highly valued, with a simple family background—only an elderly mother. The only drawback is his age; he is nearly thirty."

Lu Lingyun frowned slightly after hearing this, "Why hasn't Commander Xu married yet at thirty?"

"Commander Xu was recently promoted from a local post. He had been fighting on the frontier for many years, focusing on his military career and not on marriage, which delayed his personal life."

"Next one."

"The next household is a more suitable age match. They are the East Gate Patrol Leader, Liu, whose second son is the same age as Miss A'Ruo. He's only eighteen, but he had an accident a couple of years ago while on duty and broke his leg. He is currently recuperating at home."

Upon hearing this, Lu Lingyun furrowed her brow.

Lady Wang continued, "However, Miss A'Ruo’s aunt mentioned to me that his father bought him a shop, which will provide him with a means of livelihood in the future. He also has an older brother who serves as a patrol guard and will help out in the future."

Lu Lingyun said, "...Next."

"The last one is Imperial Guard Yu, who is in good health and a suitable age, twenty-one this year, which matches Miss A'Ruo well. His ancestors were once granted a marquis title, but his generation no longer holds a noble rank. However, he still has considerable family assets and lives in the southern part of the city in a three-courtyard house. I've met him, and he is indeed a handsome man with a good demeanor."

"This one seems quite suitable." Lu Lingyun finally heard something reasonable.

"I also think Imperial Guard Yu is a good match, except that he is marrying again. His first wife died from complications during childbirth last year, leaving behind two children."

Lu Lingyun: "..."

Either they are too old, crippled, or widowers.

It's a good thing she kept A'Ruo here to hear for herself; otherwise, no matter who was chosen, A'Ruo would hate her!

She would definitely accuse me of doing it on purpose!

Sitting next to them, A'Ruo felt her anger mounting.

At that moment, the servants reported.

"Young Mistress, someone from the Liu family has come."

"Oh?" Upon hearing that Mrs. Liu had arrived, Lu Lingyun felt a sense of relief, as if a savior had come to this tense situation. "Please show them in."

Shortly after, a smiling senior maid from the Liu family entered.

"Greetings, Miss A'Ruo."

"What brings you here, Nanny?"

"Our eldest miss's marriage has been finalized! The main wife sent me to give you an invitation. The betrothal gifts will be exchanged in a month. If you're free, please come and take a look!"

Following the Hairpin Banquet, Liu Qingping was engaged. The Liu family decided to wait a bit for Liu Qingshuang, as she is still young. They finalized one engagement first.

"Which family is Qingping marrying into?" Lu Lingyun, feeling the joy, asked with a smile.

"The only son of the Zhang family, who is the head of the Imperial Kitchen!" The Liu family nanny said, beaming with pride.

Upon hearing this, Lady Wang's eyes lit up. "A sixth-rank official! The head of the Imperial Kitchen is a very promising position!"

"Who wouldn't agree?" The Liu family nanny could hardly close her mouth in joy.

The Liu family, holding only a seventh-rank official position, considered this marriage a significant step up. Moreover, since the Zhang family only had one son, there wouldn't be issues like those in Hanyi’s family. Liu Qingping will become the future matriarch and manage the household affairs.

The entire Liu family is pleased with this match!

"Our main wife went to see the young master Zhang. He is indeed a handsome and outstanding young man. He passed the provincial examination this year at the age of eighteen and will take the imperial examination in three years. Our master believes that Young Master Zhang will definitely pass the imperial examination!"

"What a talented young man!" Lady Wang couldn't help but say, "He is a perfect match for your eldest daughter!"

"Thank you, Lady Wang! If you’re available that day, please come!"

Lu Lingyun received the invitation, and Shuang Hong gave the Liu family nanny a reward before sending her off personally.

After they left, Lady Wang excitedly chattered, "I’ve seen your two young ladies, and they are truly wonderful! So well-behaved and adorable, suitors will be lining up!"