Read Novel Full Chapter 2712: Confession (5)
Chapter 2712: Chapter 2712: Confession (5)
"The laws of Daxuan stipulate that palace maids can marry out of the palace at the age of twenty-four. Actually, there’s another rule: if a single woman from the common folk is over twenty-four and remains unmarried, she will be subjected to heavy taxes each year, and they increase annually," Peng Mingzi looked at Yang Ruxin, "unless she becomes a nun."
Yang Ruxin nodded; she was aware of this.
"I can’t wait any longer." Tears shimmered in Peng Mingzi’s eyes.
"But, what’s the use of telling me this?" Yang Ruxin appeared puzzled, "Do you expect me to play matchmaker for you?"
"When I was fourteen, I met a man," Peng Mingzi did not respond to Yang Ruxin’s words but instead continued her own story, "At that time, I was startled by a horse while burning incense, and he descended like a hero to save me. Afterward, he said he would marry me when I came of age, but I have been waiting for six years."
Yang Ruxin nodded, realizing there was such a story behind it.
"The Peng Family is well off, and those willing to marry me at my age are likely more interested in the Peng Family than me, Peng Mingzi, personally. It’s a sad truth."
"But I feel quite lucky. After all, I’ve met a man who is willing to marry me and is willing to reform himself for my sake. He’s determined to change his idle ways, so I want to marry him."
"That’s a good thing," Yang Ruxin slightly raised her eyebrows.
"It would have been a good thing, but the timing is wrong. Madam Shen is my aunt, and now that the Shen Family is in turmoil, they will definitely seek help. In that case, the Peng Family would be their first choice," Peng Mingzi looked at Yang Ruxin, "And the one who wants to marry me is Young Master Hao. To be honest, I don’t have such deep affection for him. I am touched by the current circumstances and his sincerity. I think if I miss this opportunity, I may never find someone so genuine again."
"Miss Peng, aren’t you afraid I’ll misunderstand, seeing as you’ve shared so much with me?"
"I am." Peng Mingzi nodded honestly, "I don’t approve of the Shen Family’s ways and I despise them, but blood ties cannot be severed. I don’t want my mother to lack support. If possible, I wish for my aunt to live the rest of her life without worries. As for others, I don’t care."
Yang Ruxin suddenly chuckled.
Peng Mingzi frowned.
"Do you know what your biggest flaw is?"
Peng Mingzi shook her head.
"Though we haven’t interacted much, I think I’m not mistaken," Yang Ruxin sighed, "You’re too rational. Whatever happens, you think through the causes, consequences, and even others’ reactions very clearly. You constantly consider what to do and when to do it, trying to accommodate everyone’s feelings. But, isn’t that exhausting?"
Peng Mingzi froze for a moment, then bitterly smiled and shook her head: "There’s no other way. In the Peng Family’s environment, as the eldest daughter born of the main wife, even one misstep would invite criticism."
"Hao Jian likes you; I know this," Yang Ruxin nodded, "I also know you don’t like him at the moment. I don’t mind if you use him, but I have only one request: don’t hurt him, don’t let him down. I am also someone who makes a clear distinction between kindness and grievance and won’t harm the innocent, so don’t see me as so unreasonable."
"I’m sorry."
"No need to apologize to me. After all, it’s the first time that kid likes someone that much, and for your sake, he’s working hard to become a useful person. Just for that, I’m willing to play the matchmaker for you two. Remember to give me a big matchmaker’s red envelope."