Chapter 642: Feudal Thoughts
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Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Therefore, it was deemed safer to remain in their current location and avoid unnecessary movement.
Shanglin posed its own set of risks.
Not only were there forces loyal to the Third Prince, but operatives from the Public House also operated in the area.
In reality, the mountainous bandit stronghold that was initially encircled became a training ground for the Public House to groom elite warriors.
The Third Prince had a relatively high chance of success.
However, if the Third Prince faced defeat and had to flee, Shanglin would undoubtedly be the destination. Pursuers would follow in that direction.
In the event of a Public House defeat, the individuals left behind in Shanglin would turn into a potential threat for the town.
Therefore, Shanglin was the least secure.
Su Bin couldn’t divulge these secrets in advance, and it was equally impossible to inform his other relatives.
Nevertheless, he planned to deploy guards to protect them until the political situation stabilized.
Su Ning and Su Cheng were the sole family members celebrating the New Year with Su Bin and the others.
Ye City was closer to Shanglin, but Su Bin had requested the siblings to return early.
They arrived back in Shanglin on December 25th.
After not seeing the siblings for over half a year, Su Bin noticed that they had grown taller once again.
Especially Su Ning, who had blossomed into a young woman.
At fourteen years old, she had reached the age of blossoming youth.
She was already beautiful, and with the nourishment of Qin Zhenzhen’s spiritual water, she became even more radiant.
Qin Zhenzhen sighed inwardly. Many wicked supporting actresses in books
were born into privileged conditions, leading to unrealistic fantasies.
They harbored the belief that they were ent.i.tled to things lesser than what they possessed.
However, Su Ning’s values were grounded.
She likely wouldn’t resort to pestering the Third Prince.
At this realization, Qin Zhenzhen chuckled at herself. What was there to be concerned about?
The Third Prince was on the brink of ascending the throne. Once he became the emperor, encountering Su Ning would be a rare occurrence, let alone giving her a chance to pester him.
Moreover, he would soon hold the supreme t.i.tle. Even if they did meet, Su Ning wouldn’t dare to pester him.
Hehe, she could finally breathe easy.
As long as Su Ning remained uninvolved with the Third Prince, her fate wouldn’t be as tragic as depicted in the book, and it wouldn’t jeopardize Su Bin’s life.
However, this hinged on the condition that the Third Prince didn’t take Su Ning into the palace.
Therefore, Qin Zhenzhen and Su Bin had discussed a plan.
They aimed to arrange Su Ning’s marriage within a month, with a suitable candidate already selected. The final decision rested with Su Ning. One night, Qin Zhenzhen spoke in a hushed tone to Su Ning.
“Young sister, you’re already 14.”
Qin Zhenzhen had barely begun when Su Ning grew wary. “Third
Sister-in-law, just say what you want to say. Are you planning to a.s.sist me in getting engaged again?”
Why was she so perceptive?
Qin Zhenzhen explained delicately, “As you grow older, marriage becomes an eventual consideration.”
Su Ning pouted. “I’m only 14! Third Brother promised that he won’t arrange a marriage for me before I come of age!”
This girl was truly stubborn!
Qin Zhenzhen had to lay her cards on the table.
“Do you understand why Third Brother and Sister-in-law want you to get engaged first?”
Su Ning was about to speak but restrained herself.
After a brief silence, she asked softly, “Why?”
Qin Zhenzhen responded, “Let me ask you something first. If your future husband takes a concubine, would you be willing?” Su Ning blushed. “That depends on the circ.u.mstances…”
Qin Zhenzhen was left speechless.
No matter how independent women in ancient times seemed, they were still influenced by feudal thoughts. They instinctively accepted the idea that a man could have multiple wives and concubines, while women were expected to be faithful.
Qin Zhenzhen pressed on, “Then tell me, under what circ.u.mstances would he be prohibited from taking concubines? In what situations would it be permissible?”