Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 427 - 425

After Ming Jingya’s nod of approval, the Marquis Zhongyong’s Mansion set into motion with Di Shaowei’s marriage matters swiftly.

The general’s wife invited the well-known and reputable matchmaker in the Imperial City, Matchmaker Li, to propose the marriage. The six rituals of proposal, inquiry, the start of good times, gift-giving, date arrangement, all moved along quickly, with only the welcoming reception remaining.

The day of Di Shaowei’s wedding had been set, at the end of the autumn, the onset of winter.

Di Shaowei had asked Ming Jingya if she wanted to return to Shengping County to get married, but Ming Jingya shook her head, refusing.

If she were to return to Shengping County for her wedding, who knew what trouble her birth mother would cause.

Besides, the two places were too far apart. Her elder brother and sister-in-law were all in the Imperial City. Ming Zhijie had a house in the Imperial City, so nobody would object if Ming Jingya got married in the Imperial City.

Since Magistrate Ming was the head of a county, he couldn’t be away from his post without permission. Also, he needed to stay in the county to keep his wife in check, to prevent her from doing something shameful or embarrassing that would make his daughter bow her head in shame at her in-laws. Thus, her maternal grandparents and her birth mother acted as Jingya’s parental figures.

However, there was no rush, as the day had yet to arrive. Now was just the preparation stage.

The Empress had not yet met Ming Jingya, and summoned her to meet at the palace on the first day of the next month.

There were many rules to learn before entering the palace, so Ming Jingya visited the Marquis Shengping’s Mansion daily to learn the rules from Aunt Rong.

(Xia’er taught Di Shaowei ’Attack Strategy for Winning Wife’s Heart Part Two: Show appreciation and diligence often!’)

Thus, Di Shaowei stationed himself early outside the Ming Mansion every day, waiting for Ming Jingya to go out. He then presented her with a gift, acting as her carriage driver, ferrying her between the Ming Mansion and the Marquis Shengping’s Mansion.

As for the gifts, there were tailor-made clothes designed by Yun’er specifically for Ming Jingya, the latest pieces of jewelry from Xia’er’s jewelry shop, fresh flowers, and some famous snacks from the Imperial City. Apart from giving her a bouquet of fresh flowers daily, the other gifts were never repeated.

In less than seven days, everyone in the Imperial City had come to know of the young master Di’s crazy pursuit of his wife.

Noble sons of the Imperial City manifested their ignorance admitting they had no idea that Brother Di could do such shameless things. It was simply a disgrace to all men!

Hearing these talks, Di Shaowei ignored them and continued to act as he pleased. He felt happy, and whenever he saw Ming Jingya’s shy and blushing face, he was content.

Today was the opening day of Xia’er’s flower shop ’Butterfly Love Flower’. Xia’er had invited to take a look and pick her favorite flowers, promising to decorate the venue for her and Di Shaowei’s wedding with flowers from her shop. This was one of the wedding gifts she was going to present to them.

The flower shop was spacious and decorated in a warm, simple, exquisite, and beautiful white theme.

The walls had simple backdrops with different height chocolate-colored pillars or nailed-on wooden shelves on which pots of green ornamental plants and flowers were arranged haphazardly, full of life and vigor.

On the floor, there were various white flower stands of different sizes and heights with colorful fresh flowers on them. The entire shop was high-end, lively, and full of captivating floral fragrance.

"Did you design this flower shop? It’s so beautiful!" Ming Jingya, while exploring the shop, occasionally lowered her nose to smell the fragrances of different flowers.

"Which bouquet does Sister Ming like? Let Brother Di give it to you!" Xia’er glanced at Di Shaowei, who was pretending to be a coachman behind them, and joked.

Hearing these words, Ming Jingya thought of her room full of flowers given by Di Shaowei, and quickly shook her head, "My room is already full of flowers, and I barely have space for anything else!"

"Let’s note down whatever you like now. Our house will be large enough to accommodate everything. After we get married, you can buy anything you like! Even if our house is overflowing, there’s still our daughter’s room!" Di Shaowei quickly remarked after hearing her words.

Bang! Ming Jingya’s face turned beet red instantly due to Di Shaowei’s words.

They were in public, and there were many people around them.

Although the customs of this era were relatively open, and it was common for young men and women to go out together during festivals like the Lantern Festival and Qixi Festival, no one explicitly talked about their future children before marriage.

Some women and young girls looked over after hearing his words.

However, most of the people looking at Ming Jingya were envious, thinking how fortunate she was to have a future husband who loved her so much.

Ming Jingya, who felt uncomfortable being stared at by so many people, was eager to escape. Seeing a bakery across the road, she suggested, "I’m a bit thirsty, let’s go to Jingshu’s shop for a chilled fruit juice!"

After hearing this, Di Shaowei looked outside. The sun was glittering on the street. "I will go buy it and come back, you guys wait here for me."

As soon as he finished speaking, Di Shaowei ran out.

Ming Jingya: She also wanted to leave this place. Do they have to look at her like she was a landscape plant?

"She’s really shameless, stealing someone else’s fiancé, and having the nerve to brag about it!" A voice rang out from a corner.

"Indeed, all the good men in the world must be blind to be attracted to these cunning vixens. Proper girls would stay at home embroidering their dowry after their betrothal is confirmed, not gallivanting around in and out of mansions and shops all day, exposing themselves to scrutiny." Chu Die spat out disdainfully.

Xia’er looked over to see Li Mingfang pulling Princess Ling’er and Chu Die by their sleeves, asking them not to speak recklessly.

Xia’er pulled Ming Jingya over to greet them.

"Princess Rui’an, the words they just said weren’t about you, please don’t misunderstand." Li Mingfang, always frank and forthright, explained upon seeing Xia’er.

Xia’er was speechless. Miss Li, isn’t this admitting the truth?

Xia’er smiled and said, "We haven’t misunderstood. We came over to greet some acquaintances only. Your friends seem to have misunderstood what happened with your earlier engagement, right? Brother Di meant well, and as outsiders, we hope Miss Li wouldn’t squander his goodwill!"

Li Mingfang’s face turned red upon hearing these words.

After Di Shaowei returned to the Imperial City to call off the betrothal, he didn’t reveal the real reason, only stating that he had found another woman he loved and thus wanted to cancel the engagement.

Her mother was still scolding Di Shaowei till this day!

Li Mingfang glanced at Ming Jingya standing next to Xia’er. Her beautiful appearance was undeniably attractive, and she appeared composed and unperturbed despite being insulted just now, indicating that she was mature and sensible.

She subconsciously compared herself with Jingya: Her skin was much smoother and whiter in contrast to her own. But that was because she had been living in the northwest and her complexion would improve soon. She was almost half a head shorter than her, and she seemed weak and thin. Is this the kind of woman men prefer?...

Xia’er’s voice broke Li Mingfang’s train of thought.

"Princess Ling’er, I heard that last time you offered to be Brother Shangguan’s concubine. Well, Brother Shangguan is already engaged. I hope Princess Ling’er won’t attempt to break other people’s engagements!"