The Legend of the Concubine in the Harem

Just as Jun Yuexin said, the Anguo Marquis' Mansion did not dare to "bully" Lin Qiao. Even though the Anguo Marquis had learned that it was Lin Qiao who helped Zeng Suqiu and allowed her to leave the mansion smoothly, he only invited Lin Qiao over in a polite manner and apologized to her in person.

"My son is not a good person. I am sorry to have embarrassed you, Mr. Lin." Marquis Anguo had a faint smile on his face without a trace of incongruity, as if the embarrassing situation of his son being beaten into a pig's head at a farewell banquet in his own mansion was just a trivial matter.

Lin Qiao took over the conversation: "You are too polite, my Lord. Many young people love to play with each other, but I am really worried about your health... From the capital to the southwest, the journey is really long, and the mountains are high and the forests are deep. The road is rugged and there are many wild animals and poisonous insects. I wonder if Master Ruan can get used to it?"

This is no different from saying that your son is a weakling.

The eyelids of Marquis Anguo twitched. "Although my son is not good at fighting, he has a heart to serve his country. The journey is difficult, but it is also a test for him. I believe that after this test, he will also grow up and will not do such unwise things again."

He secretly pointed out that Ruan He was assigned by the court to join the army, and that he did such things to Zeng Suqiu and the eldest princess because he lacked experience and was too immature. But at the same time, he was also silently accusing "Zeng Suqiu" of running over at such a critical moment to beat Ruan He so that he could not face anyone, which was also not mature enough.

Lin Qiao certainly understood what he meant. He smiled and said, "In ancient times, there was a fisherman who made a living by fishing all day long. One day, he went out to sea to catch a giant fish and never returned home for ten years. When he came back, he saw that his house was in ruins and overgrown with weeds. He asked his neighbors what happened and why his family had suffered such a disaster."

"After asking, the fisherman learned that after he went out to sea, his son had been left unattended for ten years and had become a bandit. After he was arrested, his family came to their house to complain and beat up the people. That's why the fisherman saw the desolate state he saw today."

She looked at the Marquis of Anguo, whose face gradually turned dark blue, with a half-smile, cupped her hands, and briskly performed a scholar's etiquette to the man opposite her: "After the fisherman learned the truth, he was ashamed and sent his fishing gains to the victim's home, and then disappeared. Later, people from the neighboring county heard about this and thought that although the fisherman was wrong, his crime was not serious. Since his son has been executed, the matter should be considered closed."

"However, a passerby heard what the man from the neighboring county said and asked him, "If his son is unfilial, the fault is that no one has raised him for ten years. If you raise a child but don't teach him, who is to blame?"

She put down her hands easily: "Who do you think is the culprit, sir?"

It is the father's fault if he does not educate his child.

Anguo Hou's face was dark. He leaned down slightly and saluted Lin Qiao: "Thank you for your advice. I... understand."

It was not that he did not understand that the Ruan He siblings grew up to be what they are now, and a big reason for that was that he let them do whatever they wanted. But even though he understood it, it was impossible for him to face it head-on. Now that Lin Qiao's fabricated story had exposed his feelings in front of him, Marquis Anguo felt as if his face was burning.

He had to give up his original plan to ask Lin Qiao about Zeng Suqiu's whereabouts.

Moreover, the fisherman in the story knew to compensate the victim. How could he, a marquis, be so stingy?

With a gloomy face, Marquis Anguo sent Lin Qiao away, gritted his teeth and called his confidants, asking them to pack up some gifts and send them to Zeng Suqiu.

The confidant was stunned: "Should we hand it over to Doctor Zeng and his wife and ask them to take it back, or should we send it directly to Zeng's house?"

"Send it to Lin..." Anguo Hou was ashamed and annoyed, and recalled the rumors that Lin Qiao and Shenguogong Mansion were not getting along. Then he thought that the two women in the rumors were sent to Yongjia Hou Mansion by her, so he changed the subject and said, "Send it to Yongjia Hou Mansion! This is for my niece. If I really send it to Zeng Mansion, what will be left for her?"

"Since Mr. Lin is a man who cherishes women and loves flowers, let him handle the matter himself. This will also help Xie Hanlin know what his cousin does all day long!"

As he spoke, the Marquis of Anguo coughed a few times. "It's not right for a scholar to not read and meddle in women's affairs all day long. You--after you deliver the things, find a few suitable people. Not only the madam's courtyard, but also the young lady's courtyard should be kept under surveillance. Don't let the second house lead her to meet some questionable people. Before I leave the capital, I will arrange a marriage for her."

"I don't know if her brother can still be counted on. Her marriage must be handled carefully, but also quickly. If anything happens to her brother and I, the title of Marquis of Anguo must not go to the second branch. Even if I have to be demoted, even if I have to be demoted, it must remain in my line!" Marquis of Anguo took a few deep breaths and finally calmed down. "You guys handle this matter carefully. I have my own preparations in the court."

Although there were undercurrents in the Anguo Marquis' Mansion, on the surface, this farewell banquet was still held in a very decent and lively manner.

Ruan Xiang'e had no idea that her future destiny was about to take a turn. She was listening with great joy to Zeng Fu's description of the mountain women in the southwest, how they dressed boldly, how they behaved generously, and even how they could become the heads of the family.

"Can they really run their own business and be controlled by men?" Ruan Xiang'e's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Zeng Fu couldn't help but frowned slightly, and emphasized: "It's not because they are the boss of men, but because they have to bear the expenses of the family, not to be supported by men, that's why..."

"What's the difference?" Ruan Xiang'e interrupted him, "You have to support the family and take care of all the big and small things in the family. Isn't this the head of the family?"

"Men also have to support their families. They discuss family matters with each other. There is no one making the decision." Zeng Fu slightly modified his words and continued, "If one husband and wife always wants to make the decision for the other, it will definitely not last long."

Ruan Xiang'e was stunned for a moment. She felt that what Zeng Fu said made sense, but she also felt that something was not right.

For thousands of years, haven't men been the ones who have made decisions? Because Ruan Xiang'e had long been accustomed to it, she felt that it was very novel and interesting that a woman from the southwestern mountains could make decisions like men. But while she agreed with Zeng Fu's words that husband and wife should not make decisions for each other, she couldn't help but feel a little confused - why was it that when men were in charge before, Zeng Fu only said that it was not easy for women to survive, and that even wives and concubines should be harmonious and friendly and help each other, but when he mentioned that women were in charge, he started to say that husband and wife should respect each other?

This doubt only remained in the minds of Ruan Xiang'e and her brother for a moment, and then her mind was completely attracted by Zeng Fu's little story. It was not until a nanny came and said that Marquis Anguo wanted to see his daughter that Ruan Xiang'e reluctantly said goodbye to Zeng Fu.