Chapter 007, The Lin Family Has a Daughter

However, upon meeting the Yu family, as soon as the matter regarding the Sun residence was mentioned, Yu informed Chen Jingyun that she had found a marriage proposal for him. The prospective family was the Lin family, which was related to Sun Daoren's wife. Initially, Chen Jingyun was somewhat surprised when he heard the term 'marriage proposal,' but once he reflected on his visit to the Sun residence today and recalled how attentive Madam Lin had been towards him, he calmed down.

The person leading the group is a noblewoman dressed in bright red silk, whom Chen Jingyun recognizes as Lin, the legitimate wife of Sun Daoren. Beside Lin is another noblewoman in blue silk, whose face appears somewhat older, looking significantly more aged than Lin. Naturally, both women are followed by their maids attending to them.

During this period, Chen Jingyun shared some interesting stories from abroad, recounting his experiences while studying overseas. Sun Daoren, along with his two wives, were from an older generation; they were aware that there were other countries beyond the Qing Dynasty, but their knowledge of Japan and Western nations was rather limited. As Chen Jingyun spoke, he referenced some observations and experiences from later generations, which captivated the audience and made them listen with great interest

As it is a home-cooked meal, the banquet features only six or seven types of ordinary dishes. However, despite their simplicity, the appearance and aroma of the food already showcase the skill of the chef from the Sun residence

This is my younger sister, her husband's family is the Lin family from the capital! After Madam Sun made the introduction, Chen Jingyun then said: "I have met Madam Lin!"

The Lin family? I heard they are not originally from Fuzhou! Chen Jingyun knew that the Yu family placed great importance on so-called family background; if the other party did not belong to a scholarly or prestigious family, the Yu family would look down upon them

"What’s so good about it! Have you seen it or have I seen it!" Lin Yun had stopped crying by now and sat up straight: "Anyway, I won’t marry, even if it means being a sister-in-law, I won’t marry!"

At this moment, Chen Jingyun naturally would not know what was happening at the Sun residence's villa. Currently, he returned home with a group of people, preparing to see his mother before heading back to the southern parade ground. Given the tense political situation, if Chen Jingyun wanted to successfully initiate a rebellion, he had to undertake substantial preparatory work. This included not only contacting the revolutionary party but, more importantly, winning over his subordinates. After all, he could not rely solely on himself to instigate a rebellion; he needed to rally a significant number of junior and mid-level officers to join him in this endeavor. The current political climate is tense, and if Chen Jingyun wishes to succeed in his uprising, he must not overlook the necessary preparations, which include not only liaising with the revolutionary party but also consolidating support among his subordinates.

As for Chen Jingyun at present, he is not in the mood for romance. These days are indeed extraordinary times, and all Chen Jingyun can think about is how to instigate a rebellion and then establish himself as a warlord. He has not given any thought to marriage or settling down.

The noblewoman appeared to seriously observe Chen Jingyun repeatedly, and finally revealed a satisfied expression as she nodded: "Indeed, just as my sister mentioned earlier, this appearance is worthy of the phrase 'a jade tree facing the wind'!"

Lin Yun murmured, "Eloping?" However, thinking of the enormous gambling debts her brother Lin Hao had incurred made her heart sink. Immediately, tears began to flow down her face: "Do you think I haven't thought about it?"

But... but... Lin Yun seemed still unwilling: "I do not want to marry a person I have never met!"

Lin Yun raised her face, the bright tears still hanging on her porcelain-like visage: "So what if I cry until my eyes are swollen! After all, I am going to be sold by my mother anyway!"

The four people randomly sat down again and began to engage in a lively conversation. Compared to Sun Daoren, Mrs. Sun was clearly much more talkative. Although the topics revolved around trivial matters at home and outside, her words were interesting, and her verbosity dominated the conversation among the group. Sun Daoren naturally followed Mrs. Sun's lead in the conversation, occasionally interjecting a few comments. In contrast, Mrs. Lin was evidently not as talkative as Mrs. Sun; aside from speaking a bit more at the beginning, her contributions dwindled later on. Even when she did speak a few words, they mostly centered around Chen Jingyun. Sun Daoren naturally followed Mrs. Sun's lead in the conversation, occasionally interjecting a few comments. In contrast, Mrs. Lin was evidently not as talkative as Mrs. Sun; aside from speaking a bit more at the beginning, her contributions dwindled later on. Even when she did speak a few words, they mostly centered around Chen Jingyun.

At this moment, Sun Daoren interjected, "Back then, I knew that Zihua was someone who could endure hardship; otherwise, among so many people, he would not have been chosen to study abroad!"

"How can this be considered selling? Moreover, I just saw that young man from the Chen family, and he is quite handsome. He has also returned from studying abroad. In terms of knowledge, he is far superior to your mediocre Beiman girls' school. As for his future, he currently holds a position in the new army, with a rank of third grade, and he is quite favored by your brother-in-law. It is not impossible for him to be appointed as a minister in the future. Is it really a disgrace for you to be with such a person?" As Lin Madam spoke, she became somewhat agitated. She was very satisfied with Chen Jingyun as a son-in-law. Although the titles in the Qing Dynasty were not worth much, officials with rank and actual positions were indeed rare.

Chen Jingyun replied: "During the several years I spent studying abroad in the East, I did not go alone; I was surrounded by classmates and seniors who took care of me. It was merely that I was unfamiliar with the foreign land, which occasionally caused some inconvenience! However, I cannot say it was particularly arduous!"

Since your father passed away, the uncles in the clan have been bullying the three of us. Your younger brother is also disappointing; now he owes so much in gambling debts that even if we sold all our ancestral land, it wouldn't be enough

Being praised face-to-face for his striking good looks by these two elderly women, even Chen Jingyun, known for his thick skin, felt a bit embarrassed: "Madam, you flatter me!"

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Jingyun said: "Matters of marriage should naturally be decided by the mother! The child has no objections! However, the child has been quite busy with military affairs recently, so it would be best to postpone this marriage for a while!"

Upon seeing the two individuals enter, Chen Jingyun quickly stood up

Seeing Chen Jingyun agree so readily, Yu was also all smiles: "Mother has already consulted someone, and December 17, three months from now, is an auspicious day. With three months of preparation, it won't be considered rushed."

I have taken note of the Chen family; they are quite wealthy and come from a scholarly lineage, considered a prominent family in Fuzhou. Madam Chen has also stated that once the marriage is settled, a dowry of ten thousand taels will be prepared. Mrs. Lin continued, saying: "In this way, not only can the gambling debts owed by Hao'er be repaid, but it will also allow him to establish a family fortune, so he won't have to rely on others as he does now"

After the meal, Chen Jingyun and Sun Daoren had another pot of tea. Only after that did Chen Jingyun take his leave. Before leaving, Sun Daoren once again advised Chen Jingyun to be more cautious in the coming days and not to let those revolutionaries take the opportunity to cause trouble

The young girl seemed to disagree with Lin Yun's words: "Miss, actually the lady is not wrong. I think the young master is quite good. When he came, he even brought the osmanthus cake that you like to eat."

Inside the room, Lin Yun, upon hearing the words, began to sob even more while leaning on the table. After a while, the door was pushed open, and a young maid, about thirteen or fourteen years old, walked in: "Miss, please stop crying. If you keep crying, your eyes will swell up!"

After Sun Daoren had a brief conversation with Chen Jingyun about trivial matters, several people entered the flower hall again

Chen Jingyun could only smile wryly at Sun Daoren's words

This matter of marriage is dictated by the parents, and everything will be arranged by the family with care Chen Jingyun replied casually However, since Sun Daoren had brought up the topic of marriage, he naturally thought of the fact that in this era, men could have multiple wives and concubines Although in his previous life he was not lacking in women, he still harbored fantasies about being able to openly and legitimately have many women at the same time

Miss, if you neither marry nor elope, what are you going to do? Are you really going to remain a spinster? The young girl displayed an extremely innocent expression, looking at Lin Yun with a face full of confusion

It is quite impolite for Madam Lin to refer to me as her esteemed nephew so soon after our first meeting

Is this how one is to treat a daughter as if she were mere merchandise! A voice, as melodious as a nightingale, echoed through the air. Through the window screen, one could faintly see a young woman dressed in a yellow gauze skirt, holding a handkerchief, leaning over the table.

After a brief moment, Madam Sun took her leave with Madam Lin from the flower hall. Once the two had exited, Sun Daoren waved his hand, and only then did the servants of the Sun residence begin to serve the banquet.

Madam Lin quickly extended her hand in a gesture of modesty, saying, "Esteemed nephew, you are being too polite. We are both guests here, so there is no need for such formality with me"

As she spoke, she entered the room and looked Chen Jingyun up and down: "Brother Chen, your military uniform today is quite impressive. Our master doesn't quite match the new-style military uniform!" After saying this, she turned to the noblewoman beside her and said: "Sister, don't you think so? Such a handsome young man is rare to see in our Fuzhou city!"

Yu explained: "The man from the Lin family was originally an official in the capital, holding the position of a fourth-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue. After he left, Madam Lin brought her pair of children to their brother-in-law, Lord Sun. The family background is quite similar to ours. The Lin family's daughter is only seventeen years old; I have seen her mother before, and she is beautiful and elegant. Moreover, she has attended a modern girls' school, making her a perfect match for my son! The reason Lord Sun invited my son over was that Madam Lin wanted to see your person!"

It is worth mentioning that Chen Jingyun had once been engaged. The other party was from a scholarly family in Hangzhou, and they originally planned to marry after Chen Jingyun returned from Japan. However, unexpectedly, before Chen Jingyun could return, the woman passed away due to illness. With her passing, the engagement naturally came to an end. Later, Chen Jingyun devoted himself entirely to the Tenth Town, while the Yu family, believing that the Chen family was a prominent and scholarly lineage, was determined to find a suitable match for their son. As a result, Chen Jingyun's marriage was delayed.

Meanwhile, in a loft within the backyard of the Sun residence, faint sounds of a woman weeping could be heard, interspersed with a woman's voice: "Yun'er, your mother knows you are dissatisfied, but you must also consider our family, think of your brother Hao'er!"

Chen Xianzhi's journey to study abroad across the sea must have been quite arduous, given the vast distance! Mrs. Lin is evidently very interested in Chen Jingyun's early experiences in pursuing education.

"Everything depends on my mother!" Chen Jingyun readily agreed, knowing that this marriage was destined to become a mere illusion. Not to mention three months later, even a month from now, he Chen Jingyun would have already rebelled against the Qing Dynasty. By then, it was likely that even if he wanted to marry, the other party would probably not dare to accept. Even if the woman dared to marry, he would no longer have to consider Sun Daoren's feelings; he could easily find an excuse to break off the engagement, which would not be a significant matter.

The little girl seems to have a childlike nature: "Miss, are you trying to elope?"

Having read too many romantic novels, do you really think you can indulge in a love affair with some scholar or young master in the garden? Hmph, I knew sending you to the new-style school was a mistake. Otherwise, how could you speak to me like this?" As she mentioned Mrs. Lin, she got up and walked towards the door, saying, "Marriage is a significant matter, determined by the parents. Mrs. Chen and I have already discussed it, and the betrothal gifts will be sent in the next few days"

Regarding marriage, Chen Jingyun had never considered it before, as the most important thing for him now is the revolution and rebellion; everything else is secondary. However, the sudden emergence of a marriage proposal, especially one involving Sun Daoren, compels Chen Jingyun to approach the matter with caution. Regardless of the character of the young woman from the Lin family, it has become irrelevant; what matters most is the involvement of Sun Daoren. At this moment, Chen Jingyun needs the trust of Sun Daoren, at least until the uprising.

I... I... I... After a long time, I couldn't make sense of it, and the next moment, the sound of quiet sobbing echoed again

Before anyone had entered, Mrs. Sun outside the door had already spoken: "In the morning, the master said that Chen Ge'er would come, and I didn't believe it. It was only when I heard the servant report just now that I realized Chen Ge'er has truly arrived!"