Yun Jinnian immediately became a bit anxious, "This...?"
Chu Yu hurried to console him, "Don't panic, let me finish speaking!"
Yun Jinnian could not help but laugh, "Then continue!"
"This young man is actually quite commendable. Although he is a concubine's son, he is very filial and sensible. He returned home in low spirits only to be called over by his stepmother, who made him kneel and scolded him harshly. Then she had him assist his three older brothers in managing the household affairs, which taught him a bit about the ways of the world!"
Yun Jinnian was also puzzled.
He knew that some people became fools from too much reading, but this was his first encounter with an actual person like that.
"This, this..."
Yun Jinnian hesitated, wondering if he should play matchmaker for Yun Zihan or not.
Seeing this, Chu Yu could not help but laugh. "What's that saying? A scholar should be viewed with newfound respect after three days of absence. He was originally planning to go to the Capital City for the exams. He was delayed only because his stepmother fell ill. He vowed to take the exams in three years, and despite the beatings and scoldings, he refused to leave her side—a true show of filial piety!"
Yun Jinnian still hesitated.
"As you mentioned, with the status of your second sister in a place like the Capital City and the unscrupulous family reputation of the Yun Family, who doesn't know about it in the entire Capital City? Prestigious families are unwilling to marry into it, and if they are, they'd only take her as a concubine, tucked away in an obscure corner, ignored, or tormented to death by his legitimate wives and sisters-in-law. Families of lower social standing wouldn't offer sufficient bridal gifts, and Mrs. He would probably be reluctant to marry her off. As a concubine's daughter, your second sister is powerless. What good family could she marry into based on hers and her mother's scheming?" Chu Yu analyzed slowly.
Yun Jinnian listened attentively.
Chu Yu continued, "If Liao Shijie goes to the Capital City and succeeds in the exams, and with my assistance from behind the scenes, and considering his abilities, it's not out of the question for him to reach the ranks of a marquis or even a prime minister. At the very least, securing high official positions is within reach. That would certainly be better than your second sister marrying a concubine's son, or becoming a widower's subsequent wife. Moreover, Liao Shijie's mother, father, and brothers and their wives aren't likely to go to the Capital City. Even if they did, it would be your second sister who would be in charge. If she is smart enough, she can manage well. She'd only need to return to Tortoiseshell City for holidays. When you write to her, you can inform her of these matters and let her make the decision. Once she decides, we can plan our next steps."
The more Yun Jinnian heard, the more feasible it seemed.
With no in-laws above, no sisters-in-law in between, they could lead a simple life behind closed doors. As long as she could please her husband and manage her own dowry well, and run a couple of businesses and estates...
Yun Jinnian paused slightly, wondering how much silver Yun Zihan could possibly have?
"I will go write a letter!" Yun Jinnian declared.
Chu Yu also stood up, "I'll go ask City Lord Liao his thoughts, in case he's already betrothed, or has some other cousin in mind!"
"Thanks for your trouble!"
Chu Yu began to smile, "How will you thank me?"
"What would you like?" Yun Jinnian asked reflexively.
Chu Yu possessed far more valuable things than she did.
"I haven't thought of it yet; I'll tell you when I do," Chu Yu said, and seeing Yun Jinnian's face flush, he left laughing.
This matter had to be settled properly.
Even if it wasn't Liao Shijie, he had to find a good match for Yun Zihan, to let Yun Jinnian see his good side.
Watching Chu Yu's retreating figure, the smile in Yun Jinnian's eyes gradually deepened until it reached her gaze.
Warmth spread through her.
He was good, she knew, she always knew.
But how could she, bruised and shattered as she was, dare to long for someone as glorious as the morning sun, who smiled so genuinely and warmly, like basking in a spring breeze, and was as clear as the moonlight and gentle as the wind?
How could she dare—she didn't dare...