She then asked curiously, "You admire me? Admire me for what? I'm not a good-tempered person!"
In Xu Mingyue's opinion, most sons of noble families preferred gentle and kind wives who could tolerate their every flaw and endure humiliation for the sake of family honor.
However, after breaking off her engagement, she understood how comfortable it was to live for oneself, yet how unacceptable it was to the world. Thus, she was genuinely curious about what Feng Jinlin admired in her.
Seeing her expression, Feng Jinlin also became serious.
He spoke his feelings word by word.
"I admire your decisiveness, that you never force a relationship that isn't right, and break off engagements without hesitation; I admire your free spirit, that you are never trapped by sadness but constantly seek your own sky; I admire your talent, that you can express complex matters in simple language, allowing more people to understand the truth; I admire you because you are true to yourself."
After hearing this, Xu Mingyue had to admit that she was once again stunned.
What others saw as shocking and unconventional transformed into virtues, highlighted before Feng Jinlin's eyes.
Especially that last sentence, which deeply moved Xu Mingyue.
Seeing Feng Jinlin's sincerity, she did not shy away and stated frankly,
"I have noted everything Second Master said today. Please give me some time to think, and I will surely give you a reply."
She was not one to dwell on things, but now she needed to sort out her feelings for Feng Jinlin.
She had never considered this aspect before, so she couldn't accept Feng Jinlin so abruptly.
Feng Jinlin let out a long sigh. Not being directly refused meant there was still hope.
He then smiled, nodded at Xu Mingyue, and said, "I will wait for you."
As these words were spoken, the sunlight outside seemed to become a little dazzling. Although Xu Mingyue maintained a calm demeanor, her heart began to flutter.
Undeniably, Feng Jinlin would be a perfect husband.
His family background was distinguished, his personal abilities were outstanding, his future was bright, and even his temperament and appearance were top-notch. Moreover, such a person could support her actions, which was not easy.
Therefore, even if Xu Mingyue had no prior intentions, she was wavering at this moment.
But she needed time to think it over calmly.
Feng Jinlin did not force the issue, which was something he did better than Xiao Tingyi.
On the way back to the government office, Feng Jinlin's lips had not stopped curving upwards. Even passersby could tell he was in a good mood, remarking that this riding Feng County Assistant was truly of heavenly beauty.
Indeed, ever since he arrived in Jinling City, many families had begun to stir. With such a family background and such capabilities, who wouldn't like him?
However, no one dared to act rashly. Even though Feng Jinlin was already betrothed, their daughters would only be concubines if they married him.
Therefore, they needed to investigate thoroughly before making any plans.
Now, the news that Feng Jinlin was no longer betrothed had somehow leaked out, and in an instant, everyone's gaze towards him became filled with longing.
The Cao family was the first to act.
The Chi family's daughter was married and then divorced.
The Min family had no daughters, so they were naturally not rivals.
Thus, the Cao family, considering themselves the most suitable candidate, sent Cao Sanlang personally to propose a marriage for their legitimate sister.
The sister from the Cao family in the portrait was clearly a typical young lady from a noble family, with delicate features and an inherent gentle charm of a Jiangnan woman. She was slender and accomplished in poetry, music, chess, and calligraphy.
The Cao family's daughter was originally raised to enter the palace as a consort, so the governesses accompanying her were all retired palace staff who had been hired at great expense.
Therefore, from any perspective, she was an excellent choice for a wife.
The reason for abandoning the path to becoming a consort was precisely because Feng Jinlin was too outstanding.
They could not reach the line of His Highness Ding, but they felt that Feng Jinlin was no problem.
Unfortunately, while Cao Sanlang enthusiastically promoted his sister, Feng Jinlin showed no reaction.
He immediately felt strange and asked,
"County Assistant Feng, what do you think?"
"What?"
Feng Jinlin's mind was filled with thoughts of Xu Mingyue; he had barely heard half of what Cao Sanlang had been saying for so long.
Such a dismissive attitude made Cao Sanlang somewhat displeased. He was a mere seventh-rank official, and the Cao family was doing him a favor by willing to marry their meticulously trained daughter to him, yet he still wore such an expression.
If it weren't for his extensive network of in-laws, Cao Sanlang would not have tolerated this.
Therefore, suppressing his anger, he said,
"County Assistant Feng, what do you think of my younger sister?"
"She's very good."
Only then did Cao Sanlang's expression soften, considering him sensible.
But the next sentence made Cao Sanlang furious!
"However, my heart is already taken, and I must regretfully decline the Cao family's kind intentions."
Cao Sanlang felt this was merely an excuse and that Feng Jinlin was deliberately putting on an act. He continued,
"We only have this one precious daughter in the Cao family. If she marries, we will naturally attach great importance to it. My father once said that her dowry would be ten million taels as private property, not to mention other lands and shops. What do you think, County Assistant Feng?"
Upon hearing this, others would likely have already shown joy and eagerness to forge this good match.
Yet, Feng Jinlin was stubborn. He smiled faintly and said,
"The Feng family has strict rules, stating that the men of the household are not to covet their wives' dowries. Therefore, even if Miss Cao's dowry is ten million taels, it will not benefit me in the end. It is better for me not to be envious."
As soon as these words were spoken, if Cao Sanlang couldn't discern the refusal, he would be a fool.
"County Assistant Feng, do you look down on us merchant families?"
"Young Master Cao, you jest. The Cao family of Jinling, these four words alone can command respect in the capital. However, my heart is indeed taken, and I must regretfully decline your kind intentions."
"Who has captured County Assistant Feng's heart? That even our Cao family is not looked upon favorably?"
Cao Sanlang's current mood was to hear clearly, besides princesses and county princesses, what other person in this world could compare to his Cao family's daughter!
"That is not something for Young Master Cao to worry about. One day, I will personally send an invitation to your manor. You can wait to attend the wedding feast."
After being rejected repeatedly, Cao Sanlang, who was not known for his good temper, snorted, "Hmph, if that's the case, then I will wait for County Assistant Feng's wedding banquet. I want to see what kind of lady it is that has made County Assistant Feng so infatuated."
Ten million taels as a dowry was something that not only ordinary families but even noble clans could not afford to be so generous.
Feng Jinlin, who refused a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit, had originally intended to gradually increase the Cao family's influence in the capital through this marriage. He never expected it to be a fruitless endeavor.
He then left in a huff, leaving Feng Jinlin with a chilling, half-smirked expression.