Chapter 10: Marriage 2

Zhu Youzi was overjoyed, having secured a good son-in-law so easily. It truly felt like the surprise of "after searching everywhere in vain, finding it effortlessly."

However, since both parties have agreed to this marriage, Zhu Youzi also breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at Wang Shuhui, saying, "Son-in-law, now we can properly discuss the preparations for the wedding."

From a personal perspective, although Wang Shuhui is not a fan of loli culture and does not intend to pioneer the trend like Sun Shushu, considering the historical context, the fourteen-year-old Zhu Weiwan has indeed reached the legal marriage age. He is also quite eager to explore the implementation of a nurturing plan in ancient times.

Although Zhu Youzi is not well-versed in worldly affairs, he is a true native in the context of the late Ming Dynasty. He certainly understands various matters better than Wang Shuhui, the time traveler. As a time traveler, Wang Shuhui also greatly needs such a family as a point of entry into the late Ming period. After considering this, Wang Shuhui made his decision.

When is the son-in-law planning to arrange the wedding? The sooner, the better; it would be best to complete it before the New Year. Hehe, isn't there a saying in folk culture about marrying a daughter-in-law and celebrating the New Year? Let's prepare quickly and have a double celebration. Originally, the education of the Ming dynasty royal family had many shortcomings. Zhu Youzi lived a life of destitution and basically did not receive any proper education, so what he said was quite rustic and out of touch.

However, due to issues related to his background and life experiences, Wang Shuhui's view on marriage is evidently not that of the petty bourgeoisie. His perspective on marriage is that as long as it can be maintained and kept stable over time, it constitutes a good marriage

Esteemed Uncle, I am truly overwhelmed by your kind intentions. However, I must admit that it is indeed time for me to establish a family and a career. This return to secular life is also a preparation to continue the lineage, in order to comfort the benevolent spirits of my ancestors. Since you do not reject my decision, I shall comply with your wishes.

Today, Zhu Youzi was truly enlightened. He knew that his daughter was not the typical refined young lady, and that she often took charge of matters at home, but he did not expect her to be so poised when it came to her marriage. Wang Shuhui was even more peculiar; faced with a woman who questioned him so bluntly, he showed no sign of feeling offended or angry. Instead, he calmly and gently addressed his daughter's inquiries. It is hard to tell whether Wang Shuhui is well-mannered or simply lacks a certain sensibility.

"Good, good, good, my dear son-in-law, you can rest assured. Your registration in this county is entirely my responsibility. Although I currently hold no title or rank, I am nonetheless a direct descendant of the Zhi Jiang Wang lineage. If there are any obstacles in Zhi Jiang County, I will not hesitate to make a scene at the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing to ensure your registration is completed. " Zhu Youzi spoke animatedly, calling him 'my dear son-in-law' with such enthusiasm that it caused a series of black lines to appear on Wang Shuhui's forehead. Although I currently hold no title or rank, I am nonetheless a direct descendant of the Zhi Jiang Wang lineage. If there are any obstacles in Zhi Jiang County, I will not hesitate to make a scene at the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing to ensure your registration is completed. " Zhu Youzi spoke animatedly, calling him 'my dear son-in-law' with such enthusiasm that it caused a series of black lines to appear on Wang Shuhui's forehead. However, this pragmatic attitude of his, being unafraid of consequences, reminded Wang Shuhui of the legacy of his ancestors. It was not a regal demeanor, but rather a somewhat rogue appearance.

Thus, regarding Zhu Youzi's proposal for a marriage alliance, Wang Shuhui quickly emerged from his astonishment and began to consider the pros and cons of the matter

How could Zhu Youzi know that Wang Shuhui's mind was devoid of any trace of feudal moral consciousness? He was not one of those time travelers who, upon arriving in ancient times, immediately revived the genes of feudalism. It was only upon hearing the unmistakable cough of Zhu Weiwan that he recalled the matter of marriage; this was a matter concerning two individuals, and it was essential to seek the other party's opinion. He and Zhu Youzi were merely talking among themselves, completely unaware of what the little radish head thought.

According to historical records, the royal family of the Ming Dynasty had no room for choice in their lives. "The various vassals of the Ming were enfeoffed without land grants, ranked without governing the people, received stipends without managing affairs, and were not allowed to engage in the occupations of the four classes (scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants)." This is precisely why Zhu Youzi, lacking any means of livelihood and in a state of extreme hunger, found himself fishing by the Yangtze River in the depths of winter while dressed in thin clothing.

Wang Shuhui has his own convictions regarding this matter; he is not prepared to marry a girl filled with grievances. His primary requirement for marriage is stability and solidity, and he does not wish to take a wife who is a little girl full of complaints from ancient times. He shook his head and said to Zhu Youzi, "Uncle, in my humble opinion, while the matter of marriage is indeed decided by the parents, it is also essential to consider the wishes of the parties involved. Although the young lady is innocent and carefree, she is not without her own opinions. I believe it is best for the young lady to agree herself before our two families can properly discuss marriage."

The elder brother said he has been practicing in the temple all along. I have heard that many monks in temples can also take wives. Could it be that the elder brother already has a wife or concubines? " Wang Shuhui's gift of a teddy bear lingerie to Zhu Weiwan has left her with lingering thoughts.

Uh... this remark from Sister Shi, hehe, I wonder where she heard it. However, I have never been married, so naturally, I have no wives or concubines. Wang Shuhui did not know where Zhu Weiwan got her information. Nevertheless, he was aware that in modern society, monks have long been indulging in debauchery, marrying wives and engaging in affairs, with scandals emerging one after another. However, he truly did not know whether monks in the late Ming Dynasty had such a style.

Wang Shuhui took the opportunity while Zhu Weiwen was out to carefully observe the young girl and realized that he was indeed quite fortunate. He wondered if it was due to having good meals these past few days, as Zhu Weiwen's complexion had noticeably improved, and upon closer inspection, she even had a hint of beauty. Wang Shuhui wiped the nonexistent drool from the corner of his mouth and said to Zhu Youzi, "Let everything be decided by Old Taishan."

Upon hearing Zhu Youzi's words, before Wang Shuhui could respond, a series of coughs came from behind the screen. Zhu Youzi's expression stiffened, and he felt a surge of anger; he recognized the voice as his daughter's. He nervously glanced at Wang Shuhui's face, fearing his displeasure. For even someone as inexperienced as he was, he understood that such matters should not involve a young lady directly. Zhu Weiwan was eavesdropping on her own marriage discussion from behind the screen; if the other party were a typical person from ancient times, they would undoubtedly feel extremely annoyed. For even someone as inexperienced as he was, he understood that such matters should not involve a young lady directly. Zhu Weiwan was eavesdropping on her own marriage discussion from behind the screen; if the other party were a typical person from ancient times, they would undoubtedly feel extremely annoyed.

He has observed Zhu Weiwen, this little girl, with great seriousness. To be honest, as a descendant of royalty, from a genetic perspective, this little girl is not unattractive. Aside from being somewhat small and frail due to her impoverished living conditions, her straightforward and generous demeanor typical of a girl from a common family is quite to Wang Shuhui's liking. Most importantly, she has bound feet. Aside from being somewhat small and frail due to her impoverished living conditions, her straightforward and generous demeanor typical of a girl from a common family is quite to Wang Shuhui's liking. Most importantly, she has bound feet

From the fact that he mentioned his ancestors for three generations have never received any official grain allowances, it illustrates a particular issue. After the royal family was stripped of their titles and became commoners, apart from being recognized as having royal blood and being distant relatives of the emperor, they did not receive any political or economic privileges. However, correspondingly, they were also freed from the significant constraints associated with being kings and members of the royal lineage

"Sister, please speak." Upon hearing the question from Xiao Luobotou, Wang Shuhui felt the awkwardness he had just experienced while discussing marriage with Zhu Youzi dissipate. This was the normal mode of thinking about marriage that had returned to his mind.

In terms of social class division, Wang Shuhui should belong to the petty bourgeoisie in modern times. The petty bourgeoisie's view on marriage is quite literary and refined, with specific content that can be referenced in Mr. Qian Zhongshu's "Fortress Besieged." Fang Hongjian's perspective on marriage is, in fact, a typical representation of the affected marriage views of the petty bourgeoisie

Zhu Youzi felt for the first time that there were aspects of Wang Shuhui that displeased him. This person was rather stubborn in his ways; when it came to marriage, how could there be any question of a woman's opinion? As a woman, one should adhere to the three obediences and four virtues; how could they be allowed to make their own decisions? However, seeing his good son-in-law so insistent, Zhu Youzi, with a mother's love, was eager to expedite the marriage arrangement. He stood up and walked behind the screen to pull Zhu Weiwan out.

Upon thinking of this, Wang Shuhui felt a slight sense of nervousness. To be honest, at the age of over twenty, this was the first time he faced such a situation. He forced a somewhat stiff smile and said to Zhu Youzi, "Uncle, I understand clearly what you are saying, and I completely agree as a nephew. However, I am still unaware of the younger sister's thoughts. Uncle should first inquire about her opinion. It is essential that she is willing in her heart before we discuss anything further."

This sudden situation left Wang Shuhui somewhat at a loss; however, fortunately, he always maintained a wooden expression and did not show any signs of panic. Zhu Weiwan, who had been pulled out by her father, was initially quite embarrassed and angry, but upon seeing Wang Shuhui's calm demeanor, she felt reassured and regained her usual poised and straightforward nature. She tidied her hair slightly and directly said to Wang Shuhui, "Since you have asked clearly, I shall also respond clearly. I naturally agree to this, but there is one thing I must clarify first."

Wang Shuhui believes that if Zhu Youzi were a true member of the royal family during the late Ming Dynasty, it would actually hinder his ability to carry out his work. In contrast, the current situation, where Zhu Youzi's family is a well-known but fallen royal lineage, allows for much better conditions, as officials and court members keep their distance to avoid suspicion and trouble.

This damned little beast

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youzi was momentarily taken aback, but after a moment of reflection, he understood. Wang Shuhui was a former monk who had returned to secular life; having lost both parents at a young age, he had grown up in a temple and was even less familiar with worldly affairs than Zhu Youzi. Zhu Youzi secretly chuckled and said to Wang Shuhui, "In matters of marriage, parents should take the lead. A worthy son-in-law need not overthink; in such matters, how could Wen'er possibly have a say"

Regarding the title of the Wangfu of Zhijiang, Wang Shuhui has gained a thorough understanding through several interactions with Zhu Youzi and by organizing relevant historical materials upon returning to modern times. Since the time when Zhu Youzi's grandfather was stripped of his nobility by the court, Zhu Youzi has, in fact, held the status of a commoner.

Zhu Youzi looked at Wang Shuhui's pig-like appearance, and the joy in his heart was suddenly replaced by an inexplicable anger. He did not understand what was happening and unconsciously cursed Wang Shuhui in his heart.

In that case, I have no further questions, and I will leave it to my father to decide. Zhu Weiwen was merely trying to assert herself in front of Wang Shuhui; she did not actually have any reluctance to marry him, as she already held a favorable impression of him. Having confirmed the matters she wished to know, she offered her respects to Zhu Youzi and Wang Shuhui before turning to leave