"Zhaodi?" Madam Yang was slightly surprised, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.
To be honest, she wasn't too fond of Zhaodi. The girl was diligent, but proud, and might not look favorably upon her Xiao Ming.
Moreover, Madam Yang didn't particularly like her personality, and she doubted Xiao Ming would either. If he did, things would have already happened, considering they saw each other daily and were both in the bloom of youth.
"Yes, look how suitable their ages are, and their appearances match. They've also been under the same roof, so they know each other well," Granny Zhong said enthusiastically, trying to make a match.
Madam Yang naturally wouldn't refuse Granny Zhong directly, as she meant well. So, she smiled and said, "Granny Zhong, you are too kind. However, when it comes to marriage, although I, as an elder sister, am anxious, I also want to respect my brother's wishes.
How about this, Granny Zhong, I'll ask Xiao Ming what he thinks and then reply to you. If he doesn't like her, I'm afraid I'll have to apologize for your kind intentions."
Granny Zhong chuckled and said, "Of course, but don't you worry. If Xiao Ming disagrees, you just tell me directly, and I'll help him look for other girls. We are all family, and I've always considered Xiao Ming as my own grandson. His matters are important to me."
"Thank you, Granny Zhong," Madam Yang said, holding Granny Zhong's hand gratefully.
That evening, when Yang Ming returned home, Madam Yang told him about Granny Zhong's suggestion.
She actually wanted to see what her brother thought. If her brother was satisfied with Zhaodi, then she, as an elder sister, wouldn't object. After all, it was her brother who was getting married, not her. Whether she liked Zhaodi or not was not important; what mattered was whether her brother liked her.
One must marry someone they love to have a happy life.
Unexpectedly, Yang Ming refused without a second thought, "I don't like Zhaodi. Sister, tell Granny Zhong to give up this idea early. In the future, even if there are other girls, don't introduce them to me. I don't want to get married yet."
Madam Yang was relieved. So, her brother thought the same as her and didn't like Zhaodi. Then, it would be easy. She could simply explain the situation to Granny Zhong.
However, Madam Yang also worried a little. Everyone said that boys aged fifteen or sixteen were full of youthful vigor, curious and longing for romance. But her brother was too indifferent. Why wasn't he concerned about his own marriage at all?
Perhaps her brother was a late bloomer, Madam Yang could only comfort herself this way.
The next day, after breakfast, Yang Ming was leading his horse, preparing to go on patrol, when Qian Zhaodi called out to him from behind.
Although they lived in the same house, the two had never spoken.
Yang Ming didn't know why Qian Zhaodi was looking for him. He subtly observed Zhaodi's expression and found that she didn't seem shy, but rather a bit angry. The way she looked at him even contained disdain.
This reassured Yang Ming.
He asked indifferently, "What do you need me for?"
Zhaodi glanced around, saw no one was paying attention, and said coldly, "There are a few things I want to make clear to you."
"Speak," Yang Ming said, stroking the horse's reins.
Qian Zhaodi took a few steps closer, lowered her voice, and said, "Yang Ming, I don't know what you said to Granny Wu to make her misunderstand our relationship.
I'm looking for you today only to tell you that I have no romantic feelings for you. Don't be deluded and ruin my reputation. I, Qian Zhaodi, will never marry someone who is a servant. You are completely outside my consideration.
So, from now on, you'd better stay away from me and stop saying baseless things to others. Otherwise, I won't be polite!"
Yang Ming was amused to the point of anger.
He scoffed and looked at Qian Zhaodi with a mocking gaze, "Hey, I say, Qian Zhaodi, where do you get your confidence that I'm interested in you? In the past year, have you ever seen me, Yang Ming, look at you more than once?
Today, I'll also make myself clear.
First, I never said anything to Granny Zhong about wanting to be with you. It was Granny Zhong who voluntarily brought you up to my sister yesterday, wanting to match us, and asked my sister's opinion.
When my sister told me about it last night, I immediately refused. I said I don't like Qian Zhaodi and asked Granny Zhong to give up this idea. In the future, even if there are other girls, don't introduce them to me. I don't want to get married yet.
These are my exact words. If you don't believe me, you can go ask Granny Zhong and my sister.
Secondly, I also want to tell you, Qian Zhaodi, that you are completely unattractive to me, Yang Ming. You are ten thousand miles away from the kind of woman I like. So, please stop being so unprincipled and self-important, okay? It makes you look ridiculous, cheap, and rather pathetic.
Thirdly, don't forget your own identity. You are a servant to the master and madam. Do your duty. If I ever discover any improper thoughts from you in the future, don't blame me for not being polite.
I'm done speaking. Farewell!"
Yang Ming mounted his horse and galloped away.
Qian Zhaodi stood stunned, her hands tightly clenching the handkerchief, her knuckles turning white.
Yang Ming's words were like knives stabbing her to the heart.
She looked at Yang Ming's retreating figure, grinding her teeth in hatred.
Hmph, Yang Ming, aren't you also a servant of the master? What's there to be so arrogant about?
In the entire Red Tree Village, apart from the madam and Madam Yang, she, Qian Zhaodi, was the most beautiful. Yang Ming saying he didn't fancy her was probably because he heard she wasn't interested in him, so he spoke wildly to save face.
She understood men's minds!
What kind of woman could Yang Ming like? To say she was ten thousand miles away from them was utter nonsense!
Qian Zhaodi resentfully walked towards the cloth shop. Unintentionally, she caught sight of Prince Yu and his attendant A Qiu in the newly established office, poring over a pile of documents.
Qian Zhaodi stopped in her tracks.
This seemed like a good opportunity.
She was already fourteen, and next year she would reach her coming-of-age ceremony. She had to secure a good future for herself in her youthful prime. If she waited a few more years, at seventeen or eighteen, she would become an old maid, making it even harder to plan.
Although people said Prince Yu was terrifying, a mad prince, she found him very good.
He was extremely handsome, a prince with wealth and status, and he was also very good to the madam and her family. He wasn't cold-hearted and ruthless as the outside world rumored.
If she could catch his eye, although she wouldn't dare to aspire to be the main consort, she would be very willing to be a secondary wife, or even a concubine. At that time, all the villagers in Red Tree Village, and even the madam, would have to kneel and bow to her.
Thinking of these beautiful fantasies, Qian Zhaodi smiled proudly.
All the previous unhappiness vanished. People like Yang Ming were not even worthy of carrying her shoes!
She went to the kitchen and fetched a cup of tea, carrying it on a tray. She took a few deep breaths, tugged at the front of her clothes, revealing more of her cleavage.
Then, with a nervous heart, she walked to the door of Prince Yu's office and knelt on the ground, saying, "Your... Your Highness Prince Yu, you must be thirsty. Please... please have some tea."
Prince Yu looked up from the pile of documents, casting a strange glance at Qian Zhaodi kneeling at the door. Behind him, A Qiu looked astonished and stared blankly.
This girl, named Zhao... Zhao... Zhao Hun? was too bold, daring to try and seduce his master. Did she not understand what kind of person his master was?
A Qiu secretly pitied her and quietly waited for the show to unfold.