Chapter 274: The Distance Between Affections

 Chapter 274: The Distance Between Affections

Daohua had always been deeply opposed to the idea of marriage.

Although she had been living in ancient times for twelve years and had already become accustomed to and familiar with the rules of this era, there were still certain concepts she could not accept.

In ancient marriages, the matchmaker and the parents' wishes were of the utmost importance, and the exchange of family interests and social status was prioritized. Whether or not the couple had any feelings for each other was completely irrelevant.

Many people may have gotten married without ever meeting each other before.

Just the thought of living with a complete stranger for most of her life made Daohua shudder.

In this era, even in families where children were somewhat cherished, the most they could expect was for the parents to arrange a meeting between the prospective couple before the engagement. The idea of pursuing shared values or compatibility of character was nothing more than a daydream.

Moreover, she had no sense of self-sacrifice. The thought of managing concubines or raising illegitimate children for the so-called husband was something she could never accept.

Not to mention the inevitable mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship.

Could someone like her really have a good married life?

Her fifteen-year-old cousin, Zixuan, had already started receiving marriage proposals. Daohua was only twelve, which meant that in three years, she would be facing the same situation.

In modern times, marriage was a personal choice. People could choose to marry late, choose their partners, or even choose to live alone. But in this ancient world, if she dared to say she didn’t want to marry, even her beloved Grandmother Yan would strongly oppose it.

Daohua felt a rising sense of frustration and uncertainty about her future. She didn’t want to compromise, but she didn’t know how to voice her concerns.

On the side, Madam Li continued speaking, but she noticed her daughter had spaced out. She sighed, “Are you even listening to what I’m saying?”

Daohua snapped out of her reverie and nodded absentmindedly.

Seeing this, Madam Li felt a headache coming on. Every time marriage came up, her daughter had this distant expression, unlike other girls who were either shy or full of dreams about the future. Her daughter seemed to be actively avoiding the subject.

Sigh, she was still young. They could talk more about it later.

Daohua then asked, “Mother, is Zixuan going to get married next year?”

Madam Li smiled, “Not that soon. Your second uncle and second aunt dote on their children, so the engagement process will likely take some time. After they agree, there will be the six rituals, so it will probably be at least a year or two before the wedding.”

Daohua relaxed slightly, “I hope Second Uncle and Second Aunt take their time to choose well and don’t pick the wrong person.”

In ancient times, marriage for women was like a second life. If the husband was good, life would be smooth and harmonious; if he was bad, it could be described as living in hell.

Though divorce was possible, the process was very complicated, and even if a divorce was successful, the woman would suffer a bad reputation. Not only would it be difficult for her to remarry, but her family would also be affected.

Seeing her daughter’s worried expression, Madam Li couldn’t help but smile, “Your second uncle is so shrewd. Why would he need you to worry about him?”

Daohua sighed. Though her second uncle was smart, it was hard to judge people based on first impressions.

After a brief silence, Daohua spoke again, “I’ve invited my two cousins over before, but both Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt disagreed. This time, they agreed to let my cousins stay with us because Zixuan is about to get engaged, right?”

Madam Li nodded, “Your uncles are worried about causing trouble for me. This time, they want Zixuan to relax before the engagement because once she’s married, she won’t have this kind of freedom anymore.”

Daohua thought for a moment, “You want me to take my two cousins to gatherings because you want the other ladies to observe them, right?”

Madam Li shook her head, “Your second uncle knows that official families look down on merchants. Taking them to these gatherings is just so your cousins can see more of the world and not be shy or embarrassed when meeting the wives of officials in the future.”

Daohua nodded, “I understand. But I’m not going to the Zhu family’s event. I really have nothing to talk about with Zhu Xiuyun. Anyway, it’s nearly the end of the year, and there will be many other gatherings. I’ll take my cousins to those instead.”

Madam Li didn’t say anything further. As far as the Zhu family was concerned, it was enough to maintain appearances. There was no need to make things uncomfortable for Daohua.

After receiving Madam Li’s instructions, Daohua attended almost every gathering towards the end of the year, taking her two cousins with her and mingling among the young ladies of each family.

No matter what she thought privately, the public face was always harmonious.

Even when they occasionally encountered sarcastic comments, Li Zixuan and Li Zixin didn’t take it to heart. They knew that it was difficult for them to truly become close friends with the daughters of official families and aristocratic families.

Daohua didn’t interfere much with her cousins’ socializing. After introducing people to them, she often let them interact freely.

Whether they received cold looks or were mocked, it wasn’t a bad thing in the long run.

Only with a strong heart could one face the ups and downs of life with composure.

As Daohua sat alone in the pavilion drinking tea, Zhou Jingwan walked in with a smile. Looking at the Li sisters chatting with other young ladies in the garden, she said, “You’re really heartless, not even worried that your two cousins might be bullied.”

Daohua smiled faintly, “At your banquet, all the guests are from reputable families. These families value their reputation, so they’ll be strict with their children’s upbringing.”

She glanced at the girls in the garden.

“Even if some of them have thoughts in their hearts, they won’t show it on the surface. They know the Li sisters are my relatives, so they won’t make things too difficult for them.”

Zhou Jingwan laughed, “You’ve got it all figured out. After all, the noble families in Xingzhou City have to give your father some face.”

Everyone knew that Lord Yan would be going to Capital for his official duties early next year, so no one would dare to disrespect the Yan family at this time.

“By the way, my brother wrote back. He said that the academy will be closed on the seventeenth day of the twelfth month and mentioned that the Laba porridge you sent was delicious, though there wasn’t enough of it. He said Brother Su kept calling you biased.”

Daohua was puzzled, “What do you mean by biased?”

Zhou Jingwan grinned, “Of course, you’re biased toward the Young Prince. My brother and the others only got one bowl of Laba porridge, but the Young Prince got a whole big bowl. They couldn’t help but feel jealous.”

Daohua was speechless, “It’s just a bit of food. They’re grown men; why are they fighting over it?” She spoke with no concern at all.

Zhou Jingwan agreed, “That’s true. We girls might argue over food and clothes, but when men do it, it’s really petty.”

Daohua wholeheartedly agreed, “Exactly. Brother Su is like that, always comparing himself to Xiao Yeyang. My relationship with Xiao Yeyang has always been a bit closer, so what’s wrong with giving him a little more? Does anyone not have their own preferences?”

Zhou Jingwan thought this was absolutely right. She also sent gifts to her brother, but she would always give a little more to Third brother Yan, because he treated her better. Isn’t that just the way things should be?

(End of chapter)