bantayden Chapter 1281: Earnest Intentions
Chapter 1281: Earnest Intentions
After speaking, he looked at Ouyang Ming and asked, "Do you have any objections? If you’re unwilling, just say, your grandfather won’t make things difficult for you. After all, you’re already nineteen in nominal age two years from now, which is somewhat old."
Ouyang Ming didn’t expect her grandfather to talk to her about this; she was so surprised she stood up again and called out somewhat at a loss, "Grandfather..."
Master Ouyang snorted coldly, "What are you nervous about? Don’t let your mind wander; this old man means nothing more than wanting to talk about marriage for you later. After all, your marriage is somewhat difficult to manage, and I need to take my time finding someone reliable for you."
Obviously, saying one thing and meaning another.
Ouyang Ming felt a mix of emotions—shock, heartache, gratitude, and even a tinge of inappropriate joy and anticipation. Yet, accustomed to being composed and well aware of her grandfather’s temperament, she suppressed all her emotions and calmly replied, "Yes, this granddaughter won’t let her mind wander, please rest assured, Grandfather."
She would not do anything that breaks the rules or brings shame to the Ouyang Family.
Ouyang Ming was so obedient that even if Master Ouyang wanted to get angry, he could not. He snorted a few times, clearly displeased.
Seeing this, Ouyang Ming wanted to laugh but didn’t dare. She could only take a spoon, scoop out two already peeled eggs, remove the whites, and place the yolks into her grandfather’s small plate, then stood quietly.
Master Ouyang had an obsession with eating egg yolks, but the elder Ouyang Hong wouldn’t allow him to eat eggs this way, saying the Imperial Physician advised him against it since he’s gained weight, and consuming only yolks could lead to early death.
Thus, he instructed the younger generation in the family to stop him if they saw him eating only yolks and report it so they could punish Master Ouyang harshly.
Ouyang Ming’s actions clearly showed an intent to please Master Ouyang.
Master Ouyang, with a stern face, snorted, ate the two yolks, and said, "Not enough."
If there’s desire to please, more should be given; only two yolks are stingy, far from generous.
Ouyang Ming shook her head, "Grandfather, the Imperial Physician has said not to eat too many egg yolks for your health. You shouldn’t have more than two a day, which is already enough. If I give you more, it would be unfilial."
This cheeky girl dared to use filial piety to suppress him. Her temperament is exactly like his prematurely deceased second son.
Thinking of his second son, who was most like him, Master Ouyang’s heart softened greatly. Fine, it’s okay, Miss Ming and his second son have the same temperament, preferring to enjoy freedom rather than mingling with noble families. As her grandfather in this lifetime, he’d do his best to ensure she has comfort.
However...
"This matter still needs discussing with your uncle. If he doesn’t agree, Grandfather can’t either." Master Ouyang looked at Ouyang Ming and said, "The Ouyang family has many matrimonial alliances, which require explanations to in-laws."
The Ouyang Family has a thousand-year legacy; the alliances formed with them now are with respectable families, including noble families, and high-ranking officials, even the Imperial Family. If his granddaughter were to marry Good Brother An, even if his family doesn’t mind, it would enrage the in-laws.
All in-laws are of noble birth, mingling with noble families; having them share a table and call a farmer’s son their brother degrades them!
The clans have worked hard for hundreds of years, over ten generations, forming alliances with the Ouyang Family. It’s not to become relatives with a farmer’s son from the Gu Family.
"There are too many relationships at stake beyond Grandfather’s discretion alone." Master Ouyang sighed, "I shouldn’t have talked to you, a young girl, about this, but since your parents have passed, and your grandmother is no longer here, your only relative now is Grandfather. He must personally speak to you... You must understand the importance of this matter."
Ouyang Ming naturally understood the complexities between noble families and their alliances and nodded, "This granddaughter understands. I’ll follow whatever Grandfather decides. Regardless of the outcome, I will have no complaints."
Since she had benefited from the Ouyang Family’s support, she must consider the family; she couldn’t disregard them for a mere personal feeling.
If Grandfather hadn’t truly favored her and Good Brother An, he wouldn’t risk offending all the in-laws nor endure the risk of the Ouyang Family being ridiculed by all noble families to make such concessions.
Master Ouyang, after hearing her response, said no more and finished the remaining millet porridge, "Write the Ouyang family rules three hundred times and present it in three days."
This matter was indeed a fault of Miss Ming and she must face punishment.
Compared to the Gu Family Brothers, this punishment was light; Ouyang Ming dared not hesitate and immediately agreed, "Yes."
"Remember not to let your mind wander. Before you conclude, you must stay true to yourself, or if it doesn’t come to fruition, the suffering will be yours." After giving this advice, Master Ouyang rinsed his mouth with water and departed the flower hall.
But as soon as he left the flower hall, he returned and said, "Brother Cheng likes to eat; make two new types of pastries for him, light and easy to digest. Don’t make anything fried or oily; he’s ill and can’t eat such things now."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Ouyang Ming, listening, couldn’t hold back any longer when she saw Master Ouyang’s slightly plump back and tears fell. Grandfather had instructed all of this because of her.
Brother Cheng’s misfortune arose because of her; if she truly marries into the Gu Family in the future, the people of the Gu Family would likely feel uncomfortable. Should they dislike her as a result, she would be the one suffering. Grandfather hopes to repair the relationship between her and Brother Cheng quickly.
"Grandfather, rest assured, Ming’er will stay true to herself and not let herself fall deeper." Ouyang Ming vowed not to let her mind gravitate towards Good Brother An a bit more before the matter is settled.
Ouyang Ming didn’t stay long in the flower hall and soon left.
Mrs. Han was perceptive, already guessing some things but dared not reveal it. Worried, she looked at Ouyang Ming, "Third Miss..."
The girls raised by privileged families are meant for grand purposes; Third Miss must not ruin herself.
Ouyang Ming looked at Mrs. Han and said, "You need not worry; Grandfather will decide everything."
Though she had thoughts, she remained clear-headed and followed her elders’ directions, never overstepping.
With that, she walked off, leading the servants to the kitchen to make pastries for Brother Cheng.
Mrs. Han had no choice but to follow and lend a hand.
Brother Cheng was injured and unwell, unable to eat greasy foods. Ouyang Ming spent much effort making two new pastries for him, both attractive and tasty renowned Capital delicacies.
"Shan Ru, have the servants watch the pastries and deliver them to Brother Cheng when he wakes up." Ouyang Ming instructed, then washed her hands and returned to her residence with Mrs. Han and others.
Ouyang Yu sat on a stone bench in the courtyard waiting for her. Upon seeing her return, she feigned ignorance and asked with a cold face, "Third Sister, did you run off to make pastries for a country bumpkin again?"
Ever since finding out Ouyang Ming was called by Grandfather for breakfast, Ouyang Yu had been in a foul mood. They were all granddaughters, why hadn’t Grandfather asked her too? Truly, since her parents died, the whole family favored Ouyang Ming, while the other granddaughters seemed not to be real!