Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1281: Earnest Intentions

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Ouyang Ming, inquiring, "Do you harbor any objections? If you are unwilling, simply state it, and your grandfather will not impose any difficulties. After all, you will be nineteen in two years, which is considered somewhat advanced in age."

Ouyang Ming was utterly taken aback that her grandfather would broach the subject of marriage with her. She instantly rose to her feet, exclaiming with a touch of bewilderment, "Grandfather..."

Master Ouyang let out a cold snort. "What is there to be nervous about? Do not let your thoughts run astray; this old man merely wishes to discuss your future marriage. Your betrothal is rather intricate, and I must dedicate ample time to finding a dependable match for you."

It was evident he was speaking in a manner that concealed his true intentions.

A complex tapestry of emotions—shock, heartache, gratitude, and even a hint of inappropriate delight mixed with anticipation—washed over Ouyang Ming. However, accustomed to maintaining her composure and fully aware of her grandfather’s disposition, she firmly suppressed her feelings and responded with calm reassurance, "Yes, this granddaughter will not allow her thoughts to wander. Please be at ease, Grandfather."

She affirmed to herself that she would not engage in any actions that transgressed the rules or brought disgrace upon the Ouyang Family.

Ouyang Ming's unwavering obedience left Master Ouyang with no recourse for his displeasure; his snorts of discontent were emitted several times, clearly signaling his dissatisfaction.

Witnessing this, Ouyang Ming stifled a giggle, daring not to let it escape. She proceeded to delicately scoop two already peeled eggs, carefully discarding the whites and placing the golden yolks onto her grandfather’s small dish before standing silently.

Master Ouyang possessed a peculiar fondness for egg yolks, a habit that Elder Ouyang Hong strictly forbade. Ouyang Hong insisted that the Imperial Physician had advised against it, citing potential adverse health effects and the risk of premature demise if only yolks were consumed due to his weight gain.

Consequently, he had instructed the younger members of the family to prevent him from indulging in yolks alone and to report any such transgressions for severe punishment.

Ouyang Ming’s present action was a clear overture to appease Master Ouyang.

Master Ouyang, his expression stern, emitted another snort, consumed the two yolks, and declared, "That is insufficient."

The unspoken sentiment was that a genuine desire to please would manifest in a more generous offering; a mere two yolks was perceived as meager, falling far short of true generosity.

Ouyang Ming gently shook her head. "Grandfather, the Imperial Physician has advised against consuming excessive egg yolks for the sake of your health. Consuming no more than two per day is already ample. To provide you with more would be an act of extreme unfilial conduct."

This audacious young lady had the nerve to leverage the concept of filial piety to hold him back. Her temperament was, disturbingly, identical to that of his second son, who had departed from this world far too soon.

The thought of his second son, the one most akin to himself, caused Master Ouyang’s heart to soften considerably. Very well, it was acceptable. Miss Ming shared the same disposition as his second son, preferring the liberty of freedom over entanglement with the esteemed noble families. As her grandfather in this life, he resolved to exert his utmost effort to ensure her comfort and happiness.

However...

"This matter still requires deliberation with your uncle. Should he withhold his agreement, Grandfather cannot proceed either," Master Ouyang stated, his gaze fixed upon Ouyang Ming. "The Ouyang family is involved in numerous matrimonial alliances, which necessitate careful explanations to our in-laws."

The Ouyang family boasted a legacy spanning a millennium, and the alliances they had forged were with families of considerable repute, encompassing noble houses and high-ranking officials, even extending to the Imperial Family itself. If his granddaughter were to wed Good Brother An, even if his family raised no objections, it would undoubtedly provoke the fury of their established in-laws.

All their in-laws hailed from noble backgrounds, moving within the circles of esteemed families; to have them share a table with, or refer to as kin, a farmer’s son would be an unbearable degradation!

The various clans had dedicated centuries, spanning over ten generations, to meticulously cultivate these alliances with the Ouyang family. Their goal was certainly not to establish kinship with a mere farmer's son from the Gu family.

"There are simply too many relationships at stake for this matter to rest solely within Grandfather's discretion alone," Master Ouyang sighed, his voice heavy with resignation. "I ought not to have discussed such matters with you, a young lady. Yet, with your parents departed and your grandmother no longer present, your sole remaining kin is Grandfather. It falls upon me personally to convey these concerns to you... You must comprehend the profound significance of this situation."

Ouyang Ming, naturally, grasped the intricate web of relationships binding noble families and their alliances. She offered a solemn nod. "This granddaughter understands completely. I shall abide by whatever Grandfather decrees. Regardless of the final outcome, I shall harbor no complaints whatsoever."

Having reaped the benefits of the Ouyang family's steadfast support, she understood the imperative to consider the family’s standing; she could not possibly disregard their interests for the sake of a personal sentiment.

She mused that if Grandfather did not genuinely favor her and Good Brother An, he would never dare to risk offending all their in-laws, nor would he willingly subject the Ouyang family to the ridicule of all noble houses by making such significant concessions.

Master Ouyang, having heard her explanation, remained silent and concluded his bowl of millet porridge. "Write the Ouyang family rules three hundred times, and present them within three days."

It was undeniable that Miss Ming had indeed erred, and she was to face recompense for her mistake.

This penalty was considerably less severe than what the Gu Family Brothers had endured. Ouyang Ming dared not dally and immediately acceded, "Yes, Grandfather."

"Remember to keep your intentions clear. Before you reach a conclusion, you must remain steadfast in your own resolve. Should you deviate, the ensuing hardship will be yours alone to bear." With this counsel imparted, Master Ouyang cleansed his mouth with water and exited the flower hall.

However, mere moments after his departure from the flower hall, he re-entered. "Brother Cheng has a particular fondness for eating. Prepare two new varieties of pastries for him; ensure they are light and easily digestible. Avoid anything fried or excessively oily, as his current illness renders him unable to consume such items."

He then turned and departed once more.

Hearing this, a wave of emotion overcame Ouyang Ming. As she observed Master Ouyang's slightly portly retreating figure, tears welled up and spilled forth. Her grandfather had orchestrated all of this with her best interests at heart.

Brother Cheng's current predicament stemmed from her presence. If she were to actually marry into the Gu Family in the future, it was plausible that the members of that esteemed family might find her presence unwelcome. Should they develop a dislike for her, the suffering would inevitably fall upon her. Her grandfather's hope was to swiftly mend the rift between herself and Brother Cheng.

"Grandfather, please rest assured. Ming'er will remain true to herself and will not allow herself to sink any further." Ouyang Ming vowed, inwardly promising to keep her thoughts from drifting towards the esteemed Brother An until this critical matter was resolved.

Ouyang Ming did not linger in the flower hall for an extended period and soon made her exit.

Mrs. Han, possessing a keen perception, had already surmised a portion of the situation but refrained from voicing her thoughts. With evident concern, she addressed Ouyang Ming, "Third Miss..."

Young ladies born into prominent families were destined for significant roles; it was imperative that the Third Miss did not jeopardize her own future.

Ouyang Ming met Mrs. Han's gaze and replied, "You need not fret. Grandfather will ultimately decide all matters."

Despite harboring her own considerations, she maintained a clear mind and adhered strictly to the guidance of her elders, never overstepping her bounds.

With that assurance, she turned and led her retinue of servants towards the kitchen, intent on preparing the pastries for Brother Cheng.

Left with little choice, Mrs. Han followed suit, offering her assistance.

Given Brother Cheng's injured state and resulting frailty, which precluded him from consuming rich foods, Ouyang Ming invested considerable effort into crafting two novel pastries. Both were visually appealing and reputed to be delicious, embodying the celebrated culinary artistry of the Capital.

"Shan Ru, instruct the servants to keep a close watch over these pastries. Deliver them to Brother Cheng once he awakens." Ouyang Ming commanded. Subsequently, she cleansed her hands and, accompanied by Mrs. Han and the others, returned to her own quarters.

Ouyang Yu was seated on a stone bench in the courtyard, evidently awaiting her. Upon observing Ouyang Ming's return, she feigned an air of nonchalance, her expression hardening as she inquired, "Third Sister, did you once again sneak off to prepare pastries for some rustic villager?"

Ever since learning that Ouyang Ming had been summoned by Grandfather for breakfast, Ouyang Yu had found herself in a decidedly unpleasant mood. As granddaughters of the family, why had Grandfather not extended a similar invitation to her? It was truly infuriating; ever since her parents' demise, the entire household appeared to dote on Ouyang Ming, leaving the other granddaughters feeling utterly disregarded, as if they existed only in name!