Chapter 623: Underestimating Su Ning

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Qin Zhenzhen feigned casualness as she inquired of Su Ning, “Little Sister, what qualities do you envision in the man you wish to marry in the future?” Taken aback, Su Ning asked, “Third Sister-in-law, why are you asking this?”

Qin Zhenzhen clarified, “Just making conversation. Your third brother mentioned yesterday that someone expressed interest in marrying into our family. However, he politely declined because you are still underage.” Su Ning’s expression underwent a swift transformation.

Initially anxious, she became elated upon learning of Su Bin’s rejection.

“Third Brother knows me so well! He keeps his promise and won’t push me into an engagement before I’m of age!”

Qin Zhenzhen found herself at a loss for words.

Su Ning seemed adamant about not getting engaged too early, and her stance was resolute. The uncertainty lingered about whether she might miss the opportunity with the Third Prince.

Qin Zhenzhen opted for a more delicate approach. “However, I’ve talked it over with your third brother. If there’s an exceptionally good match, we shouldn’t dismiss it outright.”

“But you have control over the situation. Your third brother made it clear that he would ensure you meet the prospective partner first, giving you an opportunity to understand their character and family background. If anything doesn’t meet your satisfaction, you can easily decline.”

Frowning, Su Ning questioned, “Are you worried I won’t find a suitable match in the future? Is that why you’re contemplating my marriage so early?”

Qin Zhenzhen hastily waved her hand. “That’s not my intention, Little Sister. Please don’t misunderstand.”

“It’s just that proposals come in for your third brother quite frequently. What he wants is not to rush you into an engagement but to help me gauge the kind of person you would like to marry, so he can be mentally prepared.”

Recognizing that Su Ning wasn’t in a good mood, Qin Zhenzhen chose her words carefully, sensing that her response might be perceived as perfunctory.

“Ask me about my preferences, but I can’t pinpoint them right now. I’ll only know when I meet the person.”

However, she remained resolute. “I believe I’m still young and lack the judgment for such matters. That’s why I don’t wish to get engaged so early. Third Brother promised me this!”

Qin Zhenzhen offered a reassuring smile. “I’ve already mentioned that I’m not pressuring you into an engagement. I just want to gain some insight. If you’d rather not discuss this topic, simply pretend Third Sister-in-law never brought it up.”

With that, the conversation concluded.

Qin Zhenzhen comforted herself, convinced that as long as she prevented the Third Prince from interacting with Su Ning, everything would be fine.

After a pause, Su Ning gloomily asked, “Third Sister-in-law, did Third Brother mention whether those proposing live in Shanglin or elsewhere?”

Caught off guard, Qin Zhenzhen could only respond, “There are suitors from Shanglin Prefecture City as well as other locations.”

“And where is the ‘other place!?”

“Some are scions of local government officials in the vicinity of Shanglin, while others hail from affluent families in Shanglin Prefecture City. A few even have relatives holding official positions in the capital.’

Qin Zhenzhen spoke the truth; indeed, there had been proposals.

Su Ning continued to furrow her brows. “Don’t tell me Third Brother has been serving as an official in Shanglin Prefecture?”

Although unaware of Su Bin’s clandestine dealings with the three factions, she knew he supported the Third Prince.

Having made inquiries about the Third Prince, if she discovered that the new emperor had mistreated the Third Prince in such a manner, the Third Prince would undoubtedly resist!

In such a scenario, the Third Prince might emerge victorious!

If the Third Prince ascended the throne, Third Brother would secure a significant position. They would then return to the capital.

Even if the Third Prince failed to become emperor, Third Brother would still have a chance to return to the capital, having managed Shanglin effectively.

“So, why would Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law contemplate arranging

a match for me with someone from Shanglin or its vicinity?”

Qin Zhenzhen responded, “In matters of official business, nothing is set in stone.”

It appeared that she had underestimated Su Ning’s perceptiveness.

Even Su Ning could discern that Su Bin would eventually return to the capital.

“I grasp your point. Please don’t misinterpret our intentions. We wouldn’t wish for you to remain so far away from us..”