Su Jia went to Zhili a few days ago to buy goods. When she returned, she heard that her son had given her a “generous gift,” ruining the matchmaking that her mother had arranged for Tao Sheng.

Noticing something was off with Ji Yanming’s behavior, Su Jiaming called him over that afternoon to ask about it.

“I heard you embarrassed Sixth Master Murong at Muxuezhai that day?”

“Yes.”

Su Jia sighed: “Do you know he’s the son-in-law your grandmother wants for Tao Sheng?”

“I know,” Ji Yanming said. “That’s why I couldn’t just stand by and let him ruin my cousin’s life.”

“What about you?” After the introduction, Su Jia asked directly, “Do you have feelings for Tao Sheng?”

“Since mother sees it all, why are you still asking me these questions?”

Su Jia was momentarily stunned. She didn’t expect Ji Yanming to admit it so openly and honestly. 

Although Ji Yanming is her biological son, Su Jia immediately thought “no” at the idea of her beloved niece Tao Sheng spending her life with such a dull person. 

Ji Yanming looked at his mother in confusion. Su Jia cleared her throat and said to Ji Yanming, “Tao Sheng is a very good girl. Of course, you are also a good boy. But just because you are both good doesn’t mean you are a good match.”

Ji Yanming is indeed not an easy person to get along with. Based on their many years of life experience together, Su Jia believed that a girl who marries Ji Yanming would probably have a hard life. 

But Su Jia didn’t want Tao Sheng to face that hardship. A lively and cheerful girl like Tao Sheng deserves a better partner and life. 

Su Jia felt there was no hope for Ji Yanming and Tao Sheng.

At that moment, Tao Sheng walked in and smiled at both of them: “What are you talking about? Why do I feel like I’m overhearing something irrelevant?” 

Su Jia quickly reacted. She shot Ji Yanming a disapproving look and told Tao Sheng that she had been thinking about introducing Ji Yanming to a girl recently.

Tao Sheng sighed. Ji Yanming’s marriage was not just a matter of his parents’ orders and matchmaker’s words. Ji Yanming was now the man of the King of Chu, who was his boss. No matter which family’s daughter he wanted to marry, he had to get the king’s approval. 

Given how picky the King of Chu is about Ji Yanming’s marriage, it might be even harder for his cousin, who already lived a lonely life, to find a partner. 

Tao Sheng was very concerned about what would happen next: “And then?” 

Su Jia added, “I originally wanted to introduce him to that girl, but after thinking about it, I feel they aren’t suitable. That girl is truly wonderful. I genuinely like her, but I worry she’ll suffer if she ends up with your cousin and blame me later.” 

In the original story, Ji Yanming is physically and mentally healthy, has exceptional abilities, does not drink or gamble, and has a clean private life. He only wants to focus on his career. 

“But I think my cousin is a great person,” Tao Sheng smiled. “In my eyes, my cousin is excellent in every way. The girl who marries him will be very lucky.” 

“But your cousin doesn’t talk much. When we’re at home, we sometimes go a whole day without saying a few words. It can be very boring.” 

Tao Sheng, who has been dealing with her talkative brother Su Heng recently, thought that Ji Yanming’s quietness could also be a plus! 

“Not being talkative isn’t a big deal,” Tao Sheng said. “A man who talks too much can be unbearable. Besides, my cousin never says meaningless things. When he speaks, he always says something valuable. I don’t see it as a bad thing.” 

“But your cousin doesn’t know how to care for others or make girls happy,” Su Jia said sadly. 

After Su Heng’s downfall this time, Ji Yanming had helped Su Jia a lot. Tao Sheng felt she should stand up for her cousin both morally and logically. 

“No,” Tao Sheng argued. “Whenever I faced problems before, he always showed up when it mattered, which shows he is truly caring.” 

Su Jia didn’t expect Tao Sheng to defend Ji Yanming so well, so she pulled out her last argument: “But he is always busy outside and can’t take care of the family.” 

“But everyone has their own responsibilities,” Tao Sheng replied as if it were obvious. “Everything my cousin is doing now is also for his future, wanting to provide a better life for his future wife, right?” 

Ji Yanming worked hard for another ten or twenty years and became a solid official in the court. He toiled outside to earn wealth while his wife relaxed at home counting money. 

Isn’t this a great deal? 

Ji Yanming laughed. 

He had never directly asked Tao Sheng these questions and never thought she viewed him as such a good husband. His mother’s questions had truly opened his eyes. 

Su Jia was finally convinced by Tao Sheng’s words and exchanged a look with Ji Yanming, who was sitting aside, watching the fun. 

She wanted to take back what she had just said. 

Ji Yanming still had a chance with Tao Sheng.