A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 1292 - 1290

"Dong’er... For so many times, I’ve tried to arrange a marriage for you, yet you refuse every time!""Now you are not young anymore; I can’t delay you any longer!!"

"Since you don’t fancy the men in our residence, how about if I find someone for you in Jiangnan?"

As soon as she spoke, Dong’er’s face immediately turned red.

"Madam, I have said that I will never marry in this lifetime!"

"I am going to serve you for a lifetime!"

Ni Manxue gently shook her head.

"If someone else had said this, I might have just agreed!"

"But you! I don’t want you to live an incomplete life!"

In this era, there are no examples of women standing out individually.

Obeying parental orders, adhering to matchmaker’s words, marrying into the husband’s family, supporting the husband, educating children, and being filial to the in-laws is the complete life of a respectable woman.

As for women of low status, they belong to their master’s family for a lifetime and cannot speak of a complete life.

Not to mention supporting a husband and educating children; pairing with a servant boy to continue serving the master is the proper way.

Dong’er is her dowry maid.

Reasonably speaking, she should become Xia Tingfeng’s concubine, bear children, and be elevated to the rank of a concubine.

In the backyard struggle, she should always stand by Madam’s side, help and support her.

Moreover, when Madam couldn’t give birth to a child, she should offer her own child; this would be the mission she has as a dowry maid.

However...

Xia Tingfeng is a guard in the Imperial Court, often on duty with unpredictable hours.

He simply doesn’t have much time or interest in spending the little energy he has on women.

Therefore, one legal wife is enough for him; he doesn’t need a concubine.

Dong’er understands this point, and she is quite relieved that she doesn’t have to warm the bed for the master like other dowry maids and be a concubine.

Over the years, she has remained pure-hearted and willingly served as a maid by Madam’s side.

Having grown up without parents, she has long viewed Madam as her only support.

Men and such are simply not important to her, and she doesn’t need them.

Before, Ni Manxue had brought up the matter several times, but she was rejected every time.

Unexpectedly, having arrived in Jiangnan, Madam brought it up again.

Dong’er blushed and lowered her head.

Trying hard to think of a reason to persuade Madam this time.

In fact.

Ni Manxue saw that the common people’s lives here were quite good, which instantly touched her heart.

Even if she couldn’t, Dong’er could still have such a stable life, right?

Just by looking at the ordinary people’s clothing and expressions, it is evident that they seem even wealthier than the people in the Capital City.

The prosperous land of Jiangnan, the Land of Fish and Rice, is indeed not a boast.

It’s truly... heart-stirring!

She thought for a moment and said.

"If you are willing, I’ll call someone to inquire about it, and once something is settled, I’ll emancipate you from your servitude, how about it?"

When Dong’er heard this, it was as if she was struck by lightning.

She was dazed for half an incense stick’s time, then, eyes reddened, she knelt down with a thud in excitement.

"Madam! What virtue or capability does this servant possess!"

She belongs to a low status.

Even if she marries, it would only be to a servant boy and continue as a servant, not only that.

Her children, her children’s children, even through generations, as long as the master does not grant freedom, can only continue to be lowly.

Now...

The master is actually saying she wants to emancipate her?

To know how difficult it is to be emancipated? It would not just alert the government office where her hometown is but also the Capital City’s government office.

The back-and-forth over such great distances, the complications are self-evident.

Not to mention, the government office would not do it for free.

The master’s family not only has to spend money and effort in mediation but also run connections everywhere and send silver.

The hardships in this are imaginable, are they not?

(The low status in ancient times could be similar to being undocumented in modern times, while you are a local citizen, you are not a legal citizen, all favorable policies do not include you.

In the master’s house, you are merely like pets!

While decent citizens are different, whether noble or common in status, at least they are bona fide citizens of the country.

Descendants, whether wanting to take civil examinations and become officials or pursue commerce, as long as the law isn’t violated, are protected by the government office.

When bullied or wronged, the government office will intervene for you.

Looking at the vast Capital City, even in ten thousand servants, not even one might be emancipated.

Unless this servant has done great favor and achievement to the master’s family.

So Dong’er is so excited!)

Ni Manxue smiled and pulled her up.

"No need for this!"

"You have been by my side since young, loyal and devoted, whenever something happens you shield me behind you, taking the front by yourself!"

"Our Ni Family is a Generals Family, I am straightforward, and you are not one to keep silent either!"

"I know you have high aspirations, you look down on these groveling servant boys in the residence, so I have never dared to push you all these years!"

"But in my heart, I cannot get past it, you are a good girl, you shouldn’t live your life this way!"

Dong’er was grateful to the point of tears.

"What nonsense is the Master speaking!"

"This servant, having spent a lifetime by your side, is the greatest fortune; this servant doesn’t dare ask for more!"

She knows how difficult it is to be emancipated.

She does not want her master to toil, nor for the master to trouble herself for her matters.

There’s no need, she is just a small maid, truly unnecessary.

The current life is already what she has longed for in her dreams.

"Or is it... does the Master despise this servant?"

Ni Manxue gave her a playful tap.

"You little girl, I do have good intentions!"

Finishing her words, she sat upright on the couch, soberly said.

"Dong’er, I am not joking with you; opportunities only come once, missing it truly means it’s gone!"

"Are you sure you don’t want to live a normal woman’s life?"

"To raise children, in the future your children can read and write, or practice martial arts, even pursue business if they like!"

"Your daughter, too, would be of decent status; she could marry into a better family!"

Ni Manxue methodically laid out the benefits.

"Are you sure you don’t want any of this?"

Dong’er bit her lip in silence, lowering her head.

Indeed, those benefits are tempting, but... but for them, should she disregard her master?

Seeing her hesitation, Ni Manxue immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, I understand your thoughts now!"

"You may rise first!"

Dong’er’s heart was tumultuous, wondering what Master understood?

But with her face flushed, she was too shy to ask further.

...

At noon.

Xia Tingfeng sent someone to invite Ni Manxue to the front courtyard for a meal.

Since it was just family, there was no need for formalities.

Ni Manxue changed into a fresh outfit, confidently went ahead.

After lunch, Xia Jingfeng left.

Xia Tingfeng returned to the rear courtyard with Ni Manxue, and the couple finally had a chance to relax and take a nap.

Ni Manxue removed her hairpins and changed into casual clothes, lying beside Xia Tingfeng.

Both were exhausted and quickly fell asleep.

They didn’t wake up until the middle of the afternoon.

There being no urgent matters, there was no hurry to get up.

Ni Manxue lazily reclined there, the two idly chatting.

"When you came back from the front courtyard just now, did Jingfeng say anything?"

"Which family’s girl was it?"