This is clearly a very normal matter.
It was Ye Ziâan who saw through things, "Brother, Xiaxia just explained to you that the Commandery Princess grew up in a different environment. The environments we grew up in and the people weâve been around are all different from yours. Weâve never had relatives who wanted to take concubines. Of course, Xiaxiaâs fourth uncle doesnât count. In fact, taking concubines is something that is looked down upon in our circles. Just like the Commandery Princess Dongyang, although she is a princess, none of her relatives have taken concubines, so she would subconsciously assume that you wouldnât take one either."
"But you are different, the exact opposite of us. Everyone around you takes concubines, and those who donât are subjected to gossip. Thatâs where we differ, different upbringings lead to different mindsets. When mindsets are completely contradictory, it becomes hard to accept. With friends the impact is not significant. Just like Xiaxia, although she disapproves, she wouldnât sever ties with you. But itâs different with the Commandery Princess Dongyang. You two are going to be husband and wife, the closest people to each other in the future. If youâre at odds with each other, itâs like feeling betrayed. Do you understand, brother?"
Ye Ziâanâs words indeed struck a chord with Mu Shaoling, but it was difficult to change things at this point.
"So, brother, youâve been too hasty. Taking a concubine shouldnât happen at this time, at least wait until after the grand wedding. Havenât you considered her feelings at all? What kind of family is yours? Before she has even entered your household, youâve already shown such little regard for her. Once sheâs married in, who will take her seriously? She hasnât even married yet and sheâs already tasted betrayal, disdain, and neglect. Iâm afraid if you donât handle this well, your marriage will be nothing but an empty shell," he said with a click of his tongue.
After being lectured by Yang Chuxia and Ye Ziâan in turn, Mu Shaoling grew rather restless.
Thus, he left before the afternoon had passed.
He came in a hurry and left just as quickly, like a gust of wind.
Yang Chuxia simply waved her hand at this, thinking itâs right for him to leave, go and chase your wife.
~~~~
"Young Master, the willow saplings you asked for have arrived."
It had been about twenty days since Mu Shaoling and the Commandery Princess Dongyang left. After the Lantern Festival, Ye Ziâan started urging on the matter of the willow saplings.
Before the new year, he and Yang Chuxia had come up with a plan for the Yanghe area. The first step was naturally to plant weeping willows, and for the second step, they had hired a master gardener to plant various flowers and shrubs that bloom all year round by the river, and they also planned to construct two small docks for boats to anchor. As for pavilions and rockeries, those were to be considered later.
"Is the quantity sufficient?"
"We bought some big trees and some saplings, according to your instructions, but..." Fugui, who had gone to buy the willow saplings, said.
Usually, Fugui helped Yang Chuxia manage the tavern here, but this time, he was borrowed to purchase the willows.
"But what?"
Fugui hesitated for a moment before speaking, "When I was at the nursery, I came across some other types of willows. Although they are willows, theyâre a bit different. Some had unusual shapes; there was one that looked like a big bun, and another was a red willow that supposedly blooms pink flowers. So, I took the initiative to bring some back."
"This type of willow, huh?" Ye Ziâan grew interested upon hearing this, "Are they much more expensive than the regular trees?"
"No, not at all, theyâre actually a bit cheaper. I heard these trees canât be used for large timber and are mostly kept for ornamental purposes, hence many people donât want to buy them."
"Since thatâs the case, buy more to bring back. Plant them here by the Yanghe and also along the Lanjiang River close by."