Chapter 481

However, there was a clear distinction between civil and military affairs. Zhu Yanghong was promoted to the council and entered the centre of the imperial court in a serious manner. Yet, his daughter could not get a decent marriage in the capital. Let alone the fact that the Xu family was still in Zhongshan, it's understandable how difficult it was to discuss any marriage prospects.

Mu Mingtang could only sigh at this and answer her as best as she could, "The 6th Young Lady is still young, 1st Madam, you needn't be hasty. Look after her a few years longer and who knows, fate might guide her to where she needs to be."

And how could 1st Madam Xu not realise that Mu Mingtang was trying to console her? She sighed and replied, "I hope so."

After 1st Madam Xu finished speaking, she straightened up and said, "The 6th Young Lady grew up in Zhongshan City. Anyone on the outside would let her off easy for the sake of the Xu family whereas her uncles and brothers also doted on her. Instead, I manipulated her like a monkey in an act. I wanted to take care of her several times to try and get her act up, but I was not literate myself and was powerless. If Your Highness does not mind wasting your time to give her some advice, this one would be very grateful. No matter what Your Highness does in the future, if you have any need at all, please go ahead and say so. This one definitely won't hesitate to take care of it."

"1st Madam, that's too much," Mu Mingtang quickly declined. She also sighed slightly and said, "Actually, I am not good at writing and calligraphy as I am far inferior to His Highness and the other noble ladies. If 1st Madam doesn't mind, you can have the 6th Young Lady come to my palace in the future. As long as I can do it, I will do my best to teach her what I know."

(T/N: The wives who married into the Xu family like the 1st Madam probably share the hierarchy title for their children like the royal family, which is why her daughter is the 6th Young Lady but she doesn't actually have 5 other daughters. This means that her sisters-in-law probably have children that took up the first 5 spots when it comes to their children.)

1st Madam Xu stood up and was going to bow, "Thank you, Your Highness the Princess!"

Mu Mingtang quickly stopped her, "1st Madam, please get up quickly."

The servants also stepped forward to pull 1st Madam Xu up, but she insisted on delivering a full bow and said to Mu Mingtang, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will never forget your kindness."

"What are you saying, 1st Madam? I am the one staying in the Xu family now. Besides, you and the other Madams are very good to me, so I should be grateful to you instead. His Highness has always admired the Xu family very much, saying that the Xu family in Zhongshan was full of good people. He always mentioned that the soldiers here are heroes and are role models for the world."

1st Madam Xu didn't know whether this was true or not, but when she heard it from Mu Mingtang's mouth, she couldn't help but smile, "It's an honour to have His Highness King Qiyang say this. When I go back and my little boys hear this, they'll be so happy that they'll be jumping through the roof."

After 1st Madam Xu finished speaking, she was startled for a moment, "Oh, silly me, I always forget. I should be addressing him as Prince An."