Chapter 6

Facing Xu Wen and Xu Ji's slightly awkward expressions, Xu Hao first smiled without speaking, then explained using the saying that a man should marry when he is of age. The reason he could guess the underlying cause was not difficult.

In recent days, he had noticed that the Xu family was far from wealthy. He had also accompanied his parents to several noble families in the capital, where the food, clothing, and daily necessities were far superior to what they had.

Moreover, his stepfather was responsible for managing the family's land. The Xu family owned only two estates locally, with a total of five hundred acres of both irrigated and dry fields. In Fengyang, their hometown, they had two more estates, but the yield there was much lower than in Jinling.

Therefore, the Xu family's financial resources were not substantial. However, the Xu family was not just related to a family of national dukes; they were also related to the royal family of the Ming Dynasty.

Grandfather Xu Da, the Second Elder, was the Duke of Wei. His eldest daughter married Prince Yan Zhu Di, his second daughter married Prince Yu Zhu Gui, and his youngest daughter married Prince An Zhu Ying.

Because of this connection, the old lady had long been thinking of marrying a granddaughter into the royal family. This would not only elevate their status but also strengthen their ties.

The problem was that arranging such a marriage was difficult, and the substantial dowry required was enough to cause headaches. As a result, both Xu Wen and Xu Ji, who were over eighteen, had not yet married.

Now, taking advantage of Uncle Three's official position, the old lady tacitly allowed the Fourth Elder to secretly accept gifts, ostensibly to prepare for the two grandsons' weddings. Even if Second Grandfather Xu Da found out, he probably wouldn't say much.

Xu Hao shook his head as he drank, confirming what his mother had said: the Xu family had a grand facade but an empty belly. Their annual income barely covered their expenses, and they had not had a surplus for many years.

Young men naturally had endless fantasies about their future wives, but in this era, free love was not the norm. For Xu Wen and Xu Ji, who longed for wives, even getting a hint of the old lady's preferred candidates would be helpful, at least they could hire a matchmaker to inquire.

Xu Wen's white face turned slightly red from the alcohol, and he said half in anticipation and half in worry, "Do you think Grandmother will choose someone from which family? I wonder if she will suit my temperament."

Xu Song laughed and said, "Big Brother, what's to fear? If she doesn't suit you, just keep her at a distance and buy a few beautiful dancers. Ha ha!"

"Nonsense," Xu Wen scolded with a smile, then sighed, "I can't compare to you two, who are free and easy. The elders will certainly value this first marriage. Even if I don't like it, I have to show respect. Forget about buying dancers; even taking a concubine will have to wait three to five years."

They didn't have servants to attend to them, so they spoke without any reservations. Xu Ji gently placed his wine cup on the table, while Xu Song was busy teasing Xu Wen. Seeing this, Xu Hao picked up the wine pot and refilled his second brother's cup.

Xu Ji watched the milky white wine pour into the cup and said, "You, Third Brother, have a good fate."

"How so?" Xu Hao asked, puzzled.

Xu Ji picked up his cup, swirled it, and said, "Most of our brothers' marriages will not be as we wish. Who knows what the girls from suitable families will look like or what their character will be like? Sigh, I've seen too many such cases. So-called equal status often leads to countless unhappy couples. It's all about fate. You, Third Brother, don't have such worries. I think your future wife will come from the Xiao family. The Xiao clan has always produced beautiful women, truly enviable."

Xu Wen sighed, "I envy Third Brother too. Who doesn't know that the daughters of the Xiao family are both beautiful and talented? During the New Year, I saw the Xiao family's young ladies visiting, and each one was extraordinary, especially one in a white fox fur coat, who looked like a celestial being. It's said that Second Mother intends to match her with you. You, little guy, have a good fate."

"Really?" Xu Song's eyes widened with envy.

"Perhaps," Xu Hao smiled faintly, a beautiful face rising in his mind. "Big Brother and Second Brother don't need to worry. I can see a bit of the old lady's intentions."

"Hey, you can see the old lady's thoughts?" Xu Ji looked at the smiling Third Brother in surprise, "Third Brother, tell us."

Xu Wen, with bloodshot eyes, said excitedly, "Third Brother, tell us. If you're right, I'll give you Tapseul."

"I dare not say," Xu Hao smiled and shook his head.

"Third Brother, what are you holding back for?" Xu Song complained, then added, "I'll give you twenty taels of silver for a new saddle. How about that?"

Xu Hao smiled and nodded, looking at Second Brother Xu Ji, who stretched out his hands and said with a bitter smile, "I'm a poor scholar, what do you want?"

Xu Hao had intended to say that Second Brother should be lenient during the examination, but that would seem unmanly. Instead, he said, "No need for you to spend money. I'm tired of staying at home. When you go to the capital, take me along. I want to meet some important people and see the Imperial Academy, and pay respects to a few masters."

"That's easy," Xu Wen slapped his hand, and Xu Ji nodded, "It's a deal."

The three brothers stared intently at Xu Hao, as this involved their lifelong happiness. They were willing to try anything, even if the Third Brother was known for his unreliable words.

"Ha ha."

Xu Hao smiled lightly and said confidently, "This marriage will definitely involve Big Brother and Second Brother, one in literature and one in martial arts. The old lady, for the family's sake, will likely have Big Brother marry a noblewoman and Second Brother a daughter of a civil official. This will cater to both brothers' interests and personalities and is in the best long-term interest of the family. What do you think?"

"Reasonable, Third Brother, you've really improved," Xu Wen said excitedly, slamming the table.

"Civil official's family, civil official's family," Xu Ji sighed in relief, a smile appearing on his face, but it quickly disappeared, "Third Brother, your guess is exactly the same as mine. But I haven't passed the scholar examination yet, and I doubt I can meet the eyes of officials above the sixth rank in the capital."

Xu Hao laughed, "It's not happening at the same time. There's still over a year. With Second Brother's talent, you'll definitely pass the examination next year."

"Ha ha, thanks for the good words, Third Brother," Xu Ji felt gratified and laughed confidently.

Xu Song, being the youngest, was a bit confused. He didn't really care about what kind of wives his brothers would have; he was just joining in for fun. He grabbed a chicken leg and started chewing.

"Who could it be?" Xu Wen frowned, deep in thought. Unfortunately, there were countless noble families in the capital, and the Xu family had connections with at least dozens of them, making it impossible to predict.

Xu Hao laughed, "What's so hard to guess? It's right here, close at hand."

Xu Wen was confused and urged, "Speak clearly, don't be like Second Brother's pedantic habits."

Xu Ji looked at Xu Hao in disbelief, impressed by his sudden intelligence. He wondered if someone had given him a hint.

Xu Hao laughed and stood up, walking away with his hands behind his back, "Big Brother, you are the eldest son and grandson. How could the old lady look elsewhere?"

The three brothers watched Third Brother walk away gracefully, looking at each other in confusion. Xu Song scratched his head, "What's up with Third Brother tonight? He sounds like a fortune-teller in the capital."

Xu Wen, agitated, grabbed his ears and said to his silent brother Xu Ji, "You're always smarter than Third Brother. Have you figured it out?"

After a long pause, Xu Ji smiled with a complex expression, stood up slowly, and said, "Big Brother, you should visit the Duke's residence more often. I remember Yuzhen is about to get married, ha ha!"

"What do you mean? Hey, don't go yet, explain clearly first," Xu Wen tried to stand up to stop him, but Xu Song quickly held him back. Xu Ji, who wasn't drunk, had already walked away.

Xu Wen cursed, "What does Yuzhen's marriage have to do with me? Hey, I, I'll go."

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