She had been reborn. This time, she would decide for herself whom to marry. No one else could interfere.
Matters of marriage had always been subject to parental decisions, for both men and women. But Liu Yushu didn't want it this way. She wanted to take control of her own destiny. She didn't want to be shackled by the rules, becoming a mere pawn and eventually fading away silently.
Maybe she couldn't change this era, but she didn't want to be changed by it either.
The old lady smiled. "What, don't you think highly of Zhao Qin?"
"Grandmother, last time you said Zhao Qin had concubines and wouldn't let me marry into a family where I'd have to compete with his concubines. How come your mind has changed after just a cup of tea and a plate of snacks?" Liu Yushu was a bit anxious, but she didn't overstep the rules. She muttered softly, looking aggrieved.
"We have three girls in the family. When did I say it would be you marrying into that family?" The old lady pursed her lips and laughed.
Liu Yushu looked up and realized the old lady was teasing her.
Nanny Xie beside them also snickered.
"Grandmother, you really scared me." Liu Yushu pouted and acted coquettishly. She pulled the corners of her mouth into a sweet smile, bright and radiant.
The old lady reached out and pinched her cheek. "I've said I'll pick a good family for you. You don't need to worry about the rest."
"Okay." Liu Yushu nodded obediently.
"Lady Wei said she'll come to visit this afternoon, claiming to come and see me. But actually," the old lady turned to look at Liu Yushu, "she wants to see you."
Just thinking about this made Liu Yushu frown.
The old lady saw what was on her mind and comforted her. "You don't need to sigh. I've asked Nanny Xie to distribute some of the things Lady Wei sent to Miss Mei and Miss Yu. When Lady Wei comes this afternoon, let them accompany us too."
The old lady's words carried a hidden meaning. Liu Yushu wondered if the old lady was thinking of having either Liu Yumei or Liu Yuyu marry Zhao Qin!
If so, it would be a windfall for them. These two younger sisters of hers had caused her a lot of trouble in the past.
"I heard that the family of General Wu is also looking for concubines for his son. They've already found quite a few girls for Young Master Wu to meet." Mrs. Li clearly wasn't satisfied with the Wu family. She frowned when she mentioned them. "Did you see Young Master Wu when you were at the Marquis Xianping's mansion last time?"
Not only did she see him, but a lot of indescribable things had happened.
Liu Yushu shook her head innocently. "No, granddaughter was drinking tea all day and didn't even take a stroll in the yard. I heard Zhao Qin was there too, but I didn't see him." She lied seriously.
"I heard the eldest daughter of the Marquis Xianping's mansion has a very strong temper and is hard to get along with. You came back so late that day. Did she make things difficult for you?" The old lady was always worried that she would be bullied.
"No, Miss Xue is just like a child. She's easy to get along with." She wouldn't tell the old lady that Xue Rong was a little demoness.
The old lady nodded, fully convinced. "That's good. It's getting late. Go back to your room and change your clothes. Dress up nicely. Let Lady Wei have a good look at how beautiful my granddaughter is. It'll dazzle her eyes." The old lady winked at Liu Yushu.
Liu Yushu understood immediately. "Granddaughter understands."
The old lady meant to make Lady Wei drool over the beauty but not be able to marry her as a daughter - in - law, leaving Lady Wei frustrated.
Liu Yushu withdrew. Her courtyard had been renovated. Inside and outside the house were brand - new. The newly added furniture and ornaments were very exquisite, much more elegant and refined than before.
She sat on the swing, her feet on the ground, the swing swaying gently. A smile played on her lips as she stared at the blue sky, lost in thought.
Now that her health had improved and the old lady indulged her in everything, she planned to go to the temple in a few days to pick up the kitten.
As news spread that Lady Wei was coming to visit, both Liu Yumei and Liu Yuyu began to have ideas.