flstandardbreds Chapter 148 Such humiliation?
Chapter 148 Such humiliation?
Liu Tingting could understand her uncle's good intentions to some extent. Her mother was a pushover. Sometimes, even when she was in the right, she would lose all confidence when facing her father or grandmother.
“Uncle, I’ve been in the Mu family for over three years now, and I’m so grateful for your and Aunt’s care. But what about Mother?” Liu Tingting thought of what she had said to the old lady that day, and she felt sorry for her uncle. She felt somewhat ashamed. How could she have such an inconsiderate mother?
“I know you’re a good child. I’m telling you all this today because I think you’re just as excellent and likable as my daughter. So, I don’t want you to follow in your mother’s footsteps. Do you understand what I mean?”
Liu Tingting blinked. Didn't her uncle just say that his marriage was arranged by his parents? Why is he talking about this now?
"Although your uncle can't directly interfere in your marriage, at least he can be your support and won't let anyone bully you for no reason! You are my niece, Mu Chang'an's niece, and your uncle is not without a say in your marriage."
The ever-clever Liu Tingting finally sensed something was amiss, and her smile faded slightly. "Uncle, have you heard something? Is it related to my marriage?"
Mu Chang'an knew he couldn't hide it any longer. He glanced towards the main house and could occasionally hear soft laughter coming from inside.
"Tingting, I've only heard about it. Don't rush, let your uncle explain slowly."
Before long, when Mu Chang'an finally finished speaking, he looked at Liu Tingting, whose face was deathly pale, and knew that this matter had been a huge blow to her!
Liu Tingting is thirteen years old this year, which is indeed the age for marriage. However, she did not expect that her grandmother would be the one to arrange her marriage to a merchant! All because the merchant was willing to give the Liu family an engagement gift of ten thousand taels of silver!
Is this really her grandmother? She is, after all, the legitimate daughter of a minor official, and has two uncles who are both important officials in the court. How dare she?
“Tingting, don’t be afraid. Your uncle has already inquired about this matter. That merchant is just a nouveau riche who has only become wealthy in the last few years, and his age is really not suitable for you. So, your uncle came to ask for your opinion first. If you are not willing, your uncle will naturally have a way to prevent this engagement from happening. If you are willing, your uncle has nothing more to say.”
Liu Tingting blinked again, and large tears fell from her eyes. After choking back a few sobs, she asked, "Where is my mother? What does my mother mean?"
Mu Chang'an paused slightly, then lowered his eyes. "You know what kind of person your mother is. How could she possibly go against Old Madam Liu and Liu Haiye?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Tingting's tears fell even more freely. She was, after all, her own daughter! How could her mother be so siding with her father, so cowardly, unwilling to even fight for her marriage? Was there any mother like this in the world?
I am, after all, my father’s own flesh and blood. How can I let them treat me like this?
"uncle!"
Liu Tingting suddenly stood up and knelt straight down in front of him. "Uncle, Tingting is unlucky. I am already very grateful for the care that your family has given me these past few years. I shouldn't trouble you any further, but... but this marriage..."
"What are you doing? Get up quickly!" Mu Chang'an quickly pulled her up. "Uncle understands what you mean. Don't worry, this marriage will naturally not happen. However, you are thirteen now, so you need to be more careful. If it doesn't work out this time, there will be a second and a third time. Do you understand?"
Liu Tingting nodded through her tears. "Thank you so much, Uncle."
"Alright, I just wanted to let you know. Originally, I was thinking of talking to your mother about this, but I don't know what's wrong with her these past few years, she seems like a completely different person."
As Mu Chang'an spoke, he shook his head, seemingly with a hint of helplessness.
"Right now, regarding your marriage, your aunt and I have discussed it, and there is another way, but I don't know if you are willing to do so?"
Liu Tingting looked up at Mu Chang'an. She really couldn't think of any other good ideas they could come up with.
"The reason your grandmother and father agreed to that merchant's marriage proposal was nothing more than for money. To tell you the truth, the courtyard they live in now was originally rented, but later your aunt and I felt sorry for Changchun, so we secretly decided to buy it. Although it's not big, this is the capital, and even a courtyard like that cost three thousand taels of silver."
"uncle!"
Mu Chang'an raised his hand to signal her to listen to him finish. "I've discussed it with your aunt. We'll give them the land deed and house deed for that house, on the condition that your marriage must be decided by our Mu family. Do you think that's acceptable?"
Liu Tingting was so moved that she didn't know what to say. She wiped her tears with her sleeve and said, "Uncle! I really have no way to repay your great kindness."
"Silly child, what are you saying? You are my niece. To be honest, you are my only niece, so of course I feel sorry for you! Besides, you have grown up in the Mu family these past few years, and your aunt has also developed feelings for you. How could she just stand by and watch you being bullied without saying a word?"
Liu Tingting was still young, and after hearing Mu Chang'an's words, all she could do was cry; she couldn't utter a single word.
"Judging from your tone, you've agreed. Very well, I'll go to Rongyuan now and talk to your mother about it. In front of your maternal grandmother, I doubt she'll dare refuse."
Liu Tingting nodded. "Thank you, Uncle. But, I'm afraid Mother might not be able to make decisions for Father."
"Don't worry, I've already had your father invited over. I originally only planned to mention it to your father, but since your mother is here too, it's perfect that they're both here. It'll save them from arguing after they get back."
Mu Chang'an acted immediately, going straight into the house to call Li Shi out, and the two of them went to Rongyuan together.
When Mu Chang'an explained their intentions, Liu Haiye's expression immediately turned sour. He thought to himself, "Isn't this brother-in-law being a bit too nosy? How is it his place to decide my daughter's marriage?"
However, considering that his brother-in-law's official position was far above his own, he dared not offend him easily. What if he were to be given a hard time by his brother-in-law? Wouldn't that be a huge loss?
"This, brother, I'm afraid this is inappropriate?" Mu Changchun said somewhat uncomfortably after receiving a look from Liu Haiye.