Lady Wang, upon hearing the words, seemed to ponder deeply and thus sent Zhao Zhi to fetch the guests.
Lady Wang’s intentions might not be overt, but both Zhao Changyu and Zhao Zhi were smart; as soon as she spoke, the father and son realized her plan.
Zhao Changyu privately asked Zhao Zhi, “What do you think of your cousin, Lihua?”
Zhao Zhi: “...Father, given our family’s current state, why involve a good person?”
Good people should not be implicated, and he wasn’t keen on implicating bad ones either. Zhao Zhi preferred to remain single.
Zhao Changyu pondered seriously, then shook his head after a moment, “No, you need to marry so I can send you away.”
Before a child marries, they are an extension of their parents, and those watching him would also closely watch Zhao Zhi.
But once the child marries, it’s different. He would have his own family, becoming an adult. He could have his own political views, choose to live in seclusion, or even choose political opinions contrary to his current ones. The scope for action would be greater.
Thus, Zhao Zhi would still need to start a family.
Zhao Zhi, being wise and clear about the situation, knew this was the best approach.
He went to bring his cousins.
Although the ladies of the Wang Family had similar upbringing and education, their talents and characters varied greatly.
Wang Lihua turned out to be the most outstanding among them. Although she couldn’t hide her expressions, Zhao Zhi saw this as honesty and innocence, revealing a kind of genuine adorableness.
The best part was that she wasn’t naive or unaware of scheming; she knew about it, just couldn’t tolerate any of it.
She was like a golden crow shining warmly, yet also noisy.
Even with a sword hanging over his head, Zhao Zhi couldn’t help but laugh heartily while watching her bicker with the ladies of the Wang Family.
Seeing his son gradually become more cheerful, it wasn’t just Lady Wang; even Zhao Changyu understood his thoughts.
Hence, Zhao Changyu proposed marriage to the Taiyuan Wang Family.
By the time Zhao Zhi found out, the letter had already been sent to Taiyuan. His face changed, and he hurriedly ran to find his father, gasping, “Father, I don’t want to marry my cousin.”
Zhao Changyu said, “Once you two marry, you’ll return to Xiping, read and manage the family estate. Once married, you’ll be an adult with your own political views and reputation. I won’t write to you, and you shouldn’t return to Luoyang.”
Zhao Zhi was stunned. His father was trying to separate them.
He pressed his lips together, his eyes slightly wet, “No, how could I abandon my father?”
Zhao Changyu: “I dislike Wang Yan and his kind because they don’t act when they can; I also don’t agree with Uncle Fu because he acts knowing it’s impossible, ignoring destruction and sacrifice.”
“I hope you won’t become a hypocrite like Wang Yan, but also not as upright as Uncle Fu,” he sighed, “You and I both know that this is the best way to protect you, the Zhao Family, and Zhao Family’s legacy. If you die with me, it would just become more tragic gossip for the world and a mere commendation in history, offering no real benefit. I dislike such outcomes.”
Zhao Changyu preferred practicality.
He hoped his son would learn this quality.
The young Zhao Zhi clearly wasn’t willing.
Zhao Changyu was prepared; he said, “Do you know whom she’ll be betrothed to if you don’t marry Lihua and she returns to Taiyuan?”
Zhao Zhi frowned.
Zhao Changyu said, “After the late emperor passed, the Xiongnu in the north became restless. Taiyuan is the first in line of defense. To muster military strength, the Taiyuan Wang Family plans to marry into the Taiyuan King’s or Prince East Sea’s family.”
Zhao Zhi’s face changed slightly.
Both the Taiyuan King and Prince East Sea were old, and although they had princesses, the Wang Family, being quite proud, wouldn’t fancy two old men. However, their sons, grandsons, and even the generals and strategists under them were all potential choices.
But regardless of who, in such tumultuous times, marrying into their family meant entering a life where one’s spouse could die in political struggles.
Wang Lihua marrying into such a family was like having one foot already inside the widow’s door.
Zhao Zhi’s chest heaved.
“Do you want to broach this marriage?” Zhao Changyu asked leisurely, “Though marrying you bears the risk of the family collapse, once you’re wed, you’ll return to the countryside. Even if Empress Jia wants to treat us like the Wei Family, you’d still have the chance to breathe and react. In Xiping, there are fields, land, houses, and people; life wouldn’t be bad. What are you afraid of?”
Zhao Zhi was persuaded by his father.
Wang Lihua had no say over her own marriage, but she was also quite satisfied with the arrangement.
“Better to marry someone familiar than a stranger. Cousin Zhi is handsome, smart, and the family is well-off with a good reputation. Life in the future would surely be pleasant.”

Comments

Loading...