Chapter 320

In Rong Qing Tang,

As Jia Mu mentioned Jia Jing's marriage, everyone's thoughts diverged for a moment.

Gazes locked onto the calm-faced Jia Jing, everyone wanted to know his concrete thoughts on this matter!

Besides Lady Wang and Mrs. Xing's faces slightly changing, Baichai's flawless white jade-like face also showed a different hue.

Her eyes drooped, her lashes casting a faint shadow below.

Although her expression changed only slightly, her ears had a faint warmth, illuminated by the candlelight, showing a faint blush.

The red earring on her earlobe swayed lightly; the lustrous gaze beneath her beautiful brows bore a complex, hard-to-describe expression.

She turned her face aside, seemingly wanting to avoid such a topic unsuitable for young ladies to hear, while secretly watching Jia Jing's reaction with her almond eyes, and also not forgetting to observe Lin Daiyu's expression.

On the other side, Daiyu, upon hearing Jia Mu mention Jia Jing's marriage, felt a sudden panic in her heart.

Her silk-thread brows slightly furrowed, her clear autumn-water eyes unblinking fixed on the composed Jia Jing,

Her lashes drooped like two small fans, covering the somewhat anxious and flustered emotions at the bottom of her eyes.

Third Brother was soon to discuss marriage, but Father was still far away in Yangzhou; even if she wanted to, who should she tell?

Although she had recently written to Father about Third Brother's considerable care for her, could Father understand her intentions from these few words and make plans for her?

Moreover, although her family had been hereditary marquises and Father had placed highly in the imperial exams as a second-place winner, their household was still respectable.

Yet compared to those noble houses and royal families, they still fell short; could she be worthy of Third Brother?

Countless thoughts rose in Daiyu's heart; her slender, scallion-like hand tightly clutched the embroidered handkerchief, fingertips turning white from pinching, with a faint tremor she could not suppress.

Feng Jie, Li Wan, and others likewise had varied expressions, looking at Jia Jing with astonishment or bewilderment, trying to discern some clues from his forthcoming stance.

Unfortunately, to everyone's disappointment, Jia Jing's stern visage beneath his sword-like brows showed not the slightest change due to Jia Mu's words.

Faced with those bright or dim gazes, he seemed oblivious, merely maintaining a composed countenance and speaking in a voice clear as metal and stone:

"I have this matter in mind, Grandmother need not worry! If others ask, just let them come find me!"

Jia Mu, Lady Wang, Mrs. Xing, Feng Wan, Si Chun, Chai Daiyan: "???"

After waiting half a day, all they got was this one sentence saying no need to worry?

Who exactly will he marry? When will he prepare the marriage talks? He didn't elaborate.

A hint of doubt appeared on Jia Mu's aged face; she furrowed her brows, wanting to speak but stopping herself.

The gazes of Mrs. Xing, Lady Wang, and others still held intent to probe; they wanted to ask Jia Jing for details, but no one dared to speak up lightly.

Meanwhile, Jia Jing acted as if he didn't see everyone's probing gazes, sipping his tea in silence for a moment.

It was obvious that Jia Jing had not deeply discussed his marriage plans with Jia Mu and the others!

First, his marriage was no longer a mere romantic family affair but a political matter concerning the direction of the court.

Before figuring out Emperor Jing Sheng's intentions, he would not readily express any clear stance on this matter.

Second, at this moment, Rong Qing Tang was obviously not a place to discuss this topic, and talking about it with Jia Mu and the others would be meaningless.

As for Jia Mu's argument that delay is inadvisable, Jia Jing actually completely disagreed with it in his heart.

His attitude toward marriage was opposite to Jia Mu's: he believed this must not be rushed, but rather proceed slowly.

First, he is now twenty-one; although compared to ordinary people he has reached the marrying age, he is certainly not among the rare few who marry late.

Nowadays, many scholars of the Da Han Empire postpone marriage until after they obtain their degrees as xiucai, juren, or jinshi.

According to his knowledge,

The average age of first marriage for Da Han jinshi is about twenty-two to twenty-four, even later; many scholars only start a family at thirty.

Moreover, Da Han society differs from later eras, with almost no moral public pressure on men marrying late.

On the contrary, indulging too early in the inner chambers is seen as 'having no prospects.'

At twenty-one he was ennobled as a duke and appointed a general; the world would see him as 'establishing career before family,' a sign of lofty ambition, which is fine in public opinion.

Thus, saying that age alone necessitates marriage is the shallow view of the ignorant, not worth refuting.

And Jia Mu said that as a martial meritorious official and a high-ranking court minister, not marrying would be improper.

Actually, the underlying meaning is considering that generals often go to battle, easily encountering mishaps; leaving an heir early can preserve the family line and inherit the title.

But with Jia Jing's peerless martial prowess, this concern is undoubtedly needless worry!

Therefore, from all aspects, marriage is not as urgent as Jia Mu claimed, nor is it that pressing!

On the contrary, at present, training the troops, practicing martial arts, and implementing the New Policies are what he and the court urgently need, and these two matters are destined to offend countless people!

In this context, rushing to discuss marriage would only bring him more intangible shackles, clearly not a wise choice!

Of course, not being in a hurry to marry does not mean Jia Jing does not wish to start a family,

He simply waits for the right timing, giving himself more time to observe, decide, or cultivate feelings!

The night grew darker, the moonlight like water, after a simple chat on a few topics in Rong Qing Tang,

Jia Jing estimated that the time had already reached hai hour, he stood up and said to Jia Mu:

"Granny, it's not early either; I see everyone is also tired, let's stop chatting for today!"

Jia Mu, hearing this, her expression showed a few traces of fatigue, she looked at the crowd that had risen with Jia Jing, fell silent for a moment, and said:

"You have laboured all day today; it is indeed not advisable to stay up too late, go rest!"

Feng Jie beside them moved her lips slightly, wanting to speak up to see Jia Jing off, so as to get closer to him in private, and by the way mention Qin Keqing's matter.

But before she could speak, Xue Auntie's fair face broke into a smile, her eyes flickered, and she said:

"Jing'er, you're heading back to Jingwu Yuan, right? We happen to be going the same way; why not keep each other company!"

Jia Jing, hearing this, nodded; he will still spend the night at Jingwu Yuan today.

After Zhu Que has arranged things at Ning Guo Fu, moving over tomorrow will not be too late.

Moreover, Li Xiang Courtyard and Jingwu Yuan are close, so Xue Auntie's suggestion to go together is not abrupt.

Baichai stood beside Xue Auntie, and together they bade farewell to Jia Mu.

Daiyu watched this scene, the light in her eyes somewhat dim and uncertain!

Jia Jing exchanged greetings with Sichun, Daiyu, Xing Xiuyan, Feng Wan and the others, then left Rong Qing Tang together with Aunt Xue, Baichai and a few others amidst everyone's see‑offs.

The night was dyed like ink, so thick it could not be dissolved.

The lanterns under the corridor cast a dim yellow glow that swayed slightly in the wind, bathing the bluestone path in rings of warm light.

The wind blew from the other side of the flower wall, carrying the sweet scent of tuberose and jasmine, softly brushing against people's faces.