Chapter 604: Who Would Think a Wild Boar is Good-looking?

"Lord Yu," Consort Ying asked with a smile, her second question though casual, was pointed. "I’m just asking out of curiosity—don’t be nervous or overthink it. But, do you currently have any concubines or maidservants in your residence?"

The moment the question was posed, Qing An, eavesdropping from the inner chamber, nearly rushed out to stand before Yu Yongliu, afraid she might miss any crucial detail.

Yu Yongliu clearly felt somewhat uneasy about the question.

A hint of young man’s discomfiture surfaced as he replied, "...None."

Consort Ying almost doubted her hearing. "Hmm?"

Yu Yongliu coughed lightly and elaborated, "Your Highness, in my family, it has never been our custom—neither concubines nor maidservants of that sort exist."

Hearing this, Consort Ying’s approval of the Yu family soared even higher!

This was what one called strict family discipline!

Qing An’s face flushed crimson, her heart pounding wildly.

Maintaining her composure, Consort Ying smiled. "Is that so? Then, Lord Yu, do you have any maids who serve as literary companions (so-called ‘red sleeves adding fragrance’)—those waiting to be elevated to concubines once the mistress enters the household?"

Yu Yongliu coughed again. "The attendants in my study are all male attendants. There are no maids waiting to be promoted as concubines. Moreover, my elders have always taught by example, emphasizing respect for one’s wife. I would never take a concubine."

At these words, Consort Ying’s eyes lit up, and she nearly decided to finalize the betrothal then and there!

She had originally planned to ask Yu Yongliu to promise not to take concubines—at least not until Qing An turned forty without bearing children.

Yet, Yu Yongliu had given her an enormous surprise by vowing he would never take concubines at all!

Though she couldn’t see her daughter’s face, Consort Ying was certain Qing An, listening from the inner chamber, must be radiant with happiness.

Thinking of her daughter’s happiness, Consort Ying couldn’t suppress a slight upward curve of her lips. Yet, to be thorough, she pressed further.

"Then, if you and your wife remain childless for years, would you still refuse to take a concubine?" she asked.

Yu Yongliu bowed low. "Your Highness, I’ve heard that even the Crown Prince, under the pressure of securing the succession, has remained steadfast in not taking a secondary wife for the sake of the Crown Princess. How could I do any less? Besides, my family has plenty of heirs—there is no shortage of heirs in my lineage."

This answer delighted Consort Ying beyond measure, and she nearly reached out to grasp Yu Yongliu’s hand and call him "good son-in-law" on the spot.

Clearing her throat, Consort Ying concealed her immense satisfaction.

Having engaged with the Yu household before, she had noticed their women were different from those of other high-ranking families in the capital. She hadn’t quite understood why before, but now it struck her—perhaps it was their lively spirit?

Though Consort Ying and the Prince of Ying shared a deep bond, the prince still had one secondary wife and two concubines. She had never minded before, but hearing Yu Yongliu’s words, she felt a pang of wistfulness—though her greater emotion was joy for her daughter.

With a husband who cherished his wife so deeply, Qing An would surely lead a happy life.

Holding back a smile, the Consort Ying feigned only mild satisfaction. "...Lord Yu, your words are most admirable. With your learning and upright character, you are destined for a brilliant career in court."

Yu Yongliu remained composed, neither flattered nor overly excited by her implied praise.

Consort Ying couldn’t have been more pleased!

"Very well, Lord Yu, you’ve stayed long enough now, and I understand your intentions," the Consort Ying said with a faint smile. "However, the prince is still occupied with official duties and won’t return for some days. We’ll discuss specifics when he’s back."

Yu Yongliu’s palms were damp with sweat as he bowed deeply once more. "Understood. I shall return to pay another visit when His Highness is back."

Consort Ying nodded with a smile and had him escorted out.

As soon as Yu Yongliu stepped out the door, Princess Ying couldn't wait to head into the inner chamber.

Her daughter was sitting on a chair, her face beet red, wearing a dazed, dreamy smile—the kind people wear when lost in thought. Compared to her previous downcast mood, this silly expression was at least far less worrying!

Princess Ying found herself amused by this very thought.

She waved her hand in front of Qing An’s face. "Ning Ning, snap out of it!"

Qing An, her cheeks flushed, protested with a pout: "Mother!"

Princess Ying laughed heartily. "What? Now that you've gotten what you wanted, are you going to turn your back on me?"

Qing An threw herself into her mother's arms, whining playfully, "Of course not!"

Even as she said this, the mention of "getting what you wanted" made Qing An giggle twice more while nestled against her mother.

Holding her daughter close, Princess Ying was completely at her mercy.

After giggling to herself for a bit, Qing An suddenly grew uneasy again. Nervously, she asked her mother, "Mother, do you think Father will agree?"

She hesitated. "...Father has praised Mr. Yu a few times before. Surely he thinks well of him too?"

Princess Ying smothered a laugh.

Yes, your father did praise Yu Yongliu—but that was before.

Ever since he found out you had a crush on Yu Yongliu, he’s regarded him as nothing more than a wild boar trying to dig up his precious cabbage.

Who in their right mind would find a wild boar appealing?

But Princess Ying kept this to herself.

No point worrying her again.

Right now, her mind was wholly occupied with planning her daughter’s wedding trousseau!

...

The next day, Xingxing arrived at the estate belonging to Princess Ying’s manor as promised, bringing peach-infused wine made from the peaches of her own family’s estate. It had little alcohol, was sweet, and wouldn’t give you a buzz—perfect for young ladies.

Yet the moment Qing An saw Xingxing, her face turned bright red, clearly embarrassed.

Xingxing, however, already knew—when her third brother returned from Princess Ying’s estate the day before, he’d been floating on air like a lovestruck fool, walking as if on clouds, with a silly grin plastered on his face.

But knowing how easily young girls blushed, Xingxing decided to play it cool, not bringing up Qing An and her third brother at all.

Qing An, comforted by Xingxing’s relaxed attitude, soon calmed down, though her cheeks remained slightly pink.

Zhu Yaoxu arrived shortly after and lit up when she saw Xingxing. Smiling, she asked, "Township Lady, is your third brother still at the estate?"

Xingxing shook her head. "No, Third Brother has returned to the capital."

Zhu Yaoxu was a little disappointed but took it in stride, saying cheerfully, "Ah, well. Mr. Yu has already been appointed to the Hanlin Academy (the imperial academy) as a compiler—he must be swamped."