Shocking! In this matriarchal society, every man wants to marry me!

Chapter 17 You Must Reject Everyone with Respect

Seeing that she didn't have much money, Fang Shilian looked at the glass from left to right, seemingly at a loss because of its high price.

Zhongtian stepped forward and greeted him: "Lord Fang."

Since Lord Fang holds a position in the government, it is appropriate to address him as Lord Fang.

Fang Shilian was clearly pleased to be addressed as "sir," but when she saw Zhong Tian, ​​her expression changed, and she looked around in a panic: "You're here! Don't let Mu Ning know, he hates you and will kill you."

Zhongtian is obsessed with making money and has completely forgotten about Xia Muning.

"Lord Fang, have you taken a fancy to this glass?"

Fang Shilian nodded: "Mu Ning's birthday is coming up soon, and the Xia family is taking it very seriously. They've sent invitations to all the prominent figures in the city. I heard that these glasses are quite popular lately, so I thought of making them as a birthday gift for him."

Fang Shilian toyed with the glass, her tone seemingly uncertain: "Many people admire Mu Ning, I don't know if this gift will please him."

“This glass is nothing special. I have something else here.”

After helping Fang Shilian retrieve his belongings, she respectfully saw him off.

Zhong Tian seemed to be deep in thought. Xia Muning was extremely famous, so the Xia family's birthday banquet would naturally be a grand affair, with all the prominent figures in attendance.

So, what would be more effective if we did something at the birthday banquet?

...

When Xia Muning slowly woke up from her sleep, Shishu had already brought water at a suitable temperature and was waiting beside her, while Shiqin knelt on the ground to serve Xia Muning as she washed up.

Xia Muning, wearing white underwear, walked to the mirror. The mirror was now a transparent piece of glass, with something applied to the back that made her face appear perfectly clear.

This was delivered by Fang Shilian yesterday evening. She presented it to him like a precious treasure, saying it was a new gadget from the Treasure Pavilion and asked him to appreciate it.

That was quite unusual, so he accepted it, and Fang Shilian left with a joyful expression.

Xia Muning sat in front of the mirror, playing with the hairpins and jade crown in his makeup box. These were gifts from his brother in the palace, and each one was extremely precious.

Fang Shilian was his distant cousin. After her family fell on hard times, she lived with the Xia family. He knew about her feelings for him, but although his family had not made any explicit arrangements for his marriage, there must be other plans. Although his father loved this distant niece, he would not marry his precious daughter to her.

Fang Shilian was beautiful, kind-hearted, and treated him very well. She was a good woman, much better than that scoundrel Zhong Tian who harassed people on the street and boat.

When Zhongtian was mentioned, he frowned with some disgust.

The servant helped Xia Muning put on his clothes when a clattering sound outside interrupted his thoughts. He asked unhappily, "What's going on?"

Shiqin stepped forward and said softly, "What is the second young lady doing in the garden? She's hired a lot of workers, making a lot of noise and disturbing everyone's peace... Young master, let me go and chase them away..."

Xia Muning shook his head: "Xia Fang has been getting her hands on glass these days, and it's selling quite well. My mother has been quite close to her lately."

In the Xia family, as long as you are useful, you will be given important responsibilities.

Xia Muning turned around in front of the mirror, her clothes and accessories expensive and appropriate, ensuring no one could find fault with her: "Let's go and pay our respects to Father."

On a summer day, the trees along the road cast a shadow. On her way to pay her respects to her father, she passed through the garden and inadvertently saw a woman who was completely covered up, with only her bright eyes showing. However, she moved rather furtively.

Zhong Tian glanced at Xia Muning with a slightly guilty look in his eyes, then immediately looked away.

She had finally persuaded Xia Fang to bring her into the Xia family mansion, and she couldn't let all her efforts go to waste.

"Shishu, check the craftsman's identity!"

"Yes."

Xia Muning's father was a kind-faced man, and decades of pampered life in the inner quarters had made him even more peaceful.

He was famous and actively sought husbands for his wife, but the Xia family daughter had little luck with marriage and only had two sons.

However, he devoted himself to raising his son. His eldest son entered the palace and was deeply favored by the emperor, while his younger son became even more famous. He looked at his precious son, whom he had raised with love.

When Xia Muning was welcomed in by Master Zhao, she discovered that there was another person there, Xia Fang.

Xia Fang lowered her head and knelt respectfully on the ground: "Father, your niece wishes to marry Ding Shi. Please grant her request!"

Xia Muning stood to the side without saying a word.

Xia's father slowly rose from his chair, his well-maintained hands helping Xia Fang to her feet. His tone was extremely gentle, and he didn't speak to the younger generation with any imperious manner: "Fang'er, Ding's reputation isn't very good. If we welcome him into the family, it might damage our reputation. Perhaps you could serve him as a husband first?"

Xia Fang shook her head: "Father, my mind is made up."

Xia Muning looked up at Xia Fang, then quickly lowered his eyes again. He had heard of this Ding family before; they had recently gained considerable fame as Zhong Tian's husband!

This is a divorce from her husband, and her husband quickly climbed up to the Xia family. She must be feeling very sad. Zhongtian is sad, but Xia Muning feels a little happy. He will help his sister out.

"Father, I wish to meet Lady Ding. She must be a beauty to have captivated my sister so much."

Xia's father patted Xia Muning's hand and asked, "Fang'er, did you bring Madam Ding?"

"Wait outside."

"Let him come in!"

"Yes!"

Master Zhao led in a man from outside. The man stood there, and he was strikingly handsome.

Xia Muning looked at him carefully. Apart from Zhong Tian, ​​he was a rather decisive, intelligent, and quite handsome man.

As soon as Ding Yucheng entered, he obediently knelt on the ground without raising his head.

The people inside were people he would never normally see; the jade rings and red pendants, the expensive incense—all were dreams he could only yearn for but could never attain.

"Keep your head up!"

Ding Yucheng slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over Xia Fang, over Xia's kind father, and meeting Xia Muning's eyes, before quickly withdrawing as if burned.

Xia's father examined him carefully: "He is quite a remarkable person."

"Ding, is Zhongtian's judgment clearer than that of the Ding family?"

Xia Muning listened even more attentively when she heard the name Zhongtian.

Ding Yucheng's heart trembled: "The divorce papers have been submitted to the government. All past affections are now severed."

Father Xia nodded in satisfaction: "Fang'er, I agree. You can go back and prepare!"

Xia Fang and Ding Yucheng exchanged a glance, their eyes brimming with joy: "Thank you, Father!"

After the two left, Xia Muning was called to his father's side. His father looked at him and asked, "What do you think of the Ding family?"