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Chapter 154
During this time, Mrs. Lu had her eyes on several suitable girls. Although their fathers held lower positions, the girls were of good nature and well-suited for Li Chou and Li Guang who were born to a concubine. However, Auntie An was not satisfied, believing that her two sons were perfect and that any girl less than the daughter of a duke would disgrace their name.
Auntie An's disproportionate concern frustrated Mrs. Lu, who informed Li Ming. Li Ming scolded Auntie An and personally selected two girls of modest backgrounds but commendable virtues, for his two sons, Li Chou and Li Guang.
Li Ming had his sons' best interests at heart. Before securing the marriage alliances, he had in-depth discussions with both of them, instilling an understanding of the importance of selecting a virtuous bride.
The two, despite numerous challenges over the past few years, have matured significantly. They understood and accepted the righteousness within Li Ming's decisions.
Li Chou and Li Guang, in turn, appeased Auntie An, convincing her not to dispute with Mrs. Lu, and assuring her that Mrs. Lu would not arrange any disgraceful relations for them.
It was Mrs. Lu who most wished for Li Chou and Li Guang to marry good wives, as any issues with future daughters-in-law could cause distress to her own son, Li Hui. Auntie An, following a scolding from Li Ming and advice from her sons, relinquished her initial concerns.
Upon hearing these events, Xu Xinyue sighed, "Poor Mrs. Lu."
After departing from Li Manor, Xu Xinyue met with many matriarchs. Among them, very few cared for their stepchildren as much as Mrs. Lu did.
"Has the elder son settled?" Xu Xinyue didn't worry about Li Chou and Li Guang but paid a lot of attention to Li Hui. As the future head of the Li family, a good wife would secure the care of Li Xia once she marries.
"Elder brother, he has his own fate," Li Xia speculated but held back from verbalizing.
"You're keeping something from me," Xu Xinyue grew more curious when Li Xia refrained from sharing her thoughts. Seeing that Li Xia wouldn't budge, Xu Xinyue dropped the subject, revealing a summer gown she designed for Li Xia.
Xu Xinyue was not particularly skilled in needlework but thanks to Qiu Ju's guidance, she was able to craft a summer gown featuring unique lotus patterns, displaying her commitment. Li Xia found it to match her taste and tried it on immediately in front of Xu Xinyue. The mother-daughter pair continued talking until lunch.
Qiu Ju, being aware of Li Xia's preferences, cooked an array of dishes that she particularly liked. Li Xia enjoyed the meal greatly which encouraged Xu Xinyue to eat more as well.
During their meal, a servant informed them that Wang Dong had returned home early. Xu Xinyue got up and walked outside, followed by Li Xia.
Wearing his official uniform, Wang Dong revealed a smile upon seeing Xu Xinyue.
"You're back early, is there something important?" Xu Xinyue asked after walking a few steps toward him.
"Didn't your niece come over? I came back early to have lunch with you all," Wang Dong said, looking towards the stunning girl behind Xu Xinyue. This marked the first meeting between Wang Dong and Li Xia.
"Uncle Wang," Li Xia bowed her heads in respect.
“No need to be formal, we’re family. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what you like for a first-time meeting. Here, take this jade," Wang Dong continued, letting Li Xia keep the jade that he had in his hands. He knew Li Xia favored jade thanks to Xu Xinyue's casual mention earlier, and had prepared a fine piece of jade in advance.
Li Xia received a beautiful green jade piece. "Thank you, Uncle Wang, I really like it."
"If you're pleased, then I'm content," replied Wang Dong, his smile broadening. He turned to Xu Xinyue and said, "Please accompany the second young lady to dinner. I'll go and change my clothes."
Seeing Wang Dong remember Li Xia's preferences, Xu Xinyue felt warmed and her expression towards Wang Dong glowed kindly. After spending two days in Wang Dong's house, she was reassured by his sincere behavior towards Xu Xinyue.
The carriage from Li Manor arrived to fetch Li Xia. When she got home, she noticed the servitude's troubled expressions - what could have happened?
Li Xia advised Qiu Chan and Qiu Kui to return to the Orchid Courtyard first, while she proceeded to Mrs. Lu. Entering the room, she saw Mrs. Lu wear a grim expression, one she hadn't seen since the incident in Liuzhou.
After paying her respects, she asked, "Mother, what's happened?"
Mrs. Lu glanced at Li Xia with a certain guilt, and beckoned her to come closer. Li Xia, puzzled, stepped forward.
"Young miss, your father has arranged an engagement for you," Mrs. Lu announced, struggling to continue.
Though Li Xia didn't find the engagement unusual, Mrs. Lu's troubled expression suggested otherwise. "Mother, is there an issue with the engagement?"
Mrs. Lu sighed deeply, "It's Lu XuanNing."
Li Ming had decided on Lu XuanNing as the betrothed of Li Xia. Lu XuanNing was renownedish for his disfigurement, a condition many ladies of the capital found repellent. Certainly, there were those who admired and accepted him, and some considered his double Marquis status significant enough to overlook his appearance.
However, his participation in several social gatherings of the city had earned him infamy when he would throw cups at the ladies present. The once vibrant and handsome young general was now seen as a handicapped, aggressive man with an aesthetic flaw.
News from the border reported that the wife of Marquis Beining had given birth to a son and the Marquis had requested the court to recognize him as the Heir of the Marquis Beining. Lu XuanNing, deemed as a future-less Marquis, was now deemed less eligible for marriage.
Mrs. Lu couldn't understand why Li Ming was eager to marry Li Xia to him. Despite her lack of authority in the Li Manor, she truly wished the best for Li Xia and didn't want her to suffer in a disadvantaged marriage.
Her displeasure with Li Ming resulted in an atmosphere of tenseness in the Manor.
"Mother, to be honest, I don't find marrying Lu XuanNing to be a condescension," Li Xia declared, satisfied with the arranged engagement.
Lu XuanNing lived alone in the Mansion of Marquis of Pacifying the South, thereby eliminating any in-law issues. Moreover, the Emperor had bestowed him with several rewards for his military contributions, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle.
His prior personality was something Li Xia was familiar with, and she didn't think he would have altered much since then. Being aware of her circumstances, she didn't expect him to mistreat her.
Hearing Li Xia's logical analysis and genuine satisfaction with the arrangement, Mrs. Lu felt a bit relieved, yet she was still discontent with Li Ming, "I'll talk to your father about delaying the engagement till two years from now. There's still time. We can see how things change."
"Of course, mother. Your decision is best," agreed Li Xia, not opposing Mrs. Lu's suggestion. If possible, she preferred to marry at 30, but she knew it was improbable.
The ages of the sons and daughters of the Li family were not far apart. Li Hui's marriage arrangements had not been settled yet. Therefore, Mrs. Lu's most urgent task was to find a suitable match for Li Hui. Ideally, he should be married by the end of the year, so that Li Xin's wedding could take place the next year, followed by the two sons from secondary wives, and finally Li Xia's wedding.
With this thought, Mrs. Lu felt the urgency of time and had no mind to quarrel with Li Ming. She went on to consult Li Ming about how to arrange the betrothal gifts, dowries, and other details pertaining to the children's weddings.