Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2014: The Most Easy Way Is Of A Marriage Alliance

For the Fan family to reclaim its former status, relying on conventional methods of gradual progression seemed utterly futile. The entrenched opposition from other influential families rendered such a path practically impassable.

With limited market opportunities and resources, the Fan Clan found themselves precariously positioned, vulnerable to exploitation without a solid foundation. Who among their competitors would willingly allow the Fan Clan to rise again?

Moreover, the pace of conventional methods felt agonizingly slow. Old Lady Fan fretted that she might not live to witness the family’s revival.

Given these constraints, the only viable option seemed to be taking a shortcut.

And what better shortcut than through a strategic marriage alliance?

Old Lady Fan cast a reproachful glance at her daughter, unable to contain her frustration. “Your impulsiveness has complicated matters! If only you had consulted me beforehand, we might have had a chance…”

Now, with Bai Ruirui’s impending ridicule looming, mother and daughter found themselves united in their predicament.

Lord Shao’s public rebuke had further cemented their unfavorable impression of him. Changing their stance would prove challenging, to say the least.

“Mom, they say sincerity can soften even the hardest of hearts. Lord Shao may seem stern, but who doesn’t know his virtues? Ruirui holds him in the highest regard, her admiration unwavering. Surely, he must be moved by such genuine admiration?”

Fan Ruyin’s eyes gleamed with hope as her mother began to entertain the idea. She spoke with fervor, fueled by her conviction.

Old Lady Fan regarded her daughter with a mixture of bemusement and concern. What had spurred this sudden enthusiasm? While she recognized the potential benefits for the Fan family’s future, she couldn’t help but wonder if Fan Ruyin’s eagerness was excessive.

Nevertheless, for the sake of the family’s revival, perhaps a gamble was warranted. Yet, she couldn’t shake off her reservations about her daughter’s fervor.

Old Lady Fan’s expression turned stern as she admonished, “Enough with your impulsiveness! I don’t understand what’s gotten into you both. Your antics have already made us the talk of the town. Let the dust settle. Ruirui is only 15; there’s no rush.”

Fan Ruyin said sheepishly, “I was just thinking that since Madam Shao isn’t here and Lord Shao doesn’t have any concubines to serve him, this is a good opportunity. Who knows, who knows…”

Old Lady Fan sneered. “Lord Shao doesn’t have any concubines on the surface, but all the maids in the room are at his command. How naive! Do you really think that he has no one to serve him? He just doesn’t tell anyone.”

Fan Ruyin had never thought that this would happen. She was stunned. “That can’t be, right? If so, why didn’t Lord Shao tell us?”

“It’s not like it’s a secret,” Old Lady Fan remarked knowingly.

“There’s not a cat in this world that doesn’t eat fish.” With a pointed glance at Fan Ruyin, she seemed to convey, “You still have much to learn. Lord Shao is a capable man. How could he not be aware? As for his silence, who’s to say? Perhaps he deems it unnecessary, or maybe he’s simply too indifferent to bother, or he might even be cultivating a reputation for his devout silence!”

Fan Ruyin hesitated, considering the possibilities. She leaned towards the first reason, unable to fathom a man striving for a reputation based on silence.

What kind of reputation was that, indeed?

Fan Ruyin couldn’t contain her curiosity and pressed Old Lady Fan for answers, impatient for progress. But what could Old Lady Fan do?

Though she cherished her daughter, Old Lady Fan found herself increasingly vexed by her persistence.