0p0 Chapter 188 Why not take a concubine?
Chapter 188 Why not take a concubine?
The fact that the second branch of the family wanted to adopt Mu Xinyao as their legitimate daughter was revealed during a family meal.
The old man merely frowned slightly, without explicitly stating whether he agreed or disagreed.
Li found it strange and said, "Sister-in-law, don't you already have two sons? Why do you need to adopt a daughter? I've often heard that some people have difficulty finding offspring, so they ask others to adopt a child so they can have a biological son. But I don't understand what's going on with you, sister-in-law."
Mu Xinyao naturally had no say in such matters; her future and status were not things she could control. Although she considered herself extremely talented, if no one appreciated her, she would have no opportunity to showcase her abilities.
Becoming the legitimate daughter of the second wife is, undeniably, a very tempting offer.
Jin smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, don't you have two daughters? Please be kind and give one to me! Although I have two rascals, I still feel empty inside. People always say that daughters are a mother's warm little cotton-padded jacket. What I want is a warm little cotton-padded jacket, don't I?"
That's easy for you to say. If you wanted to have a baby, wouldn't you just have to go and give birth yourself?
Of course, Li could not say these words aloud, but said with some regret, "Sister-in-law, let's not even talk about how our two families are living in the same mansion now. Even if we are separated in the future, Xin Nuan and Xin Yao will still call you 'Auntie.' Isn't that a close enough relationship?"
Mu Chang'an nodded, his attitude somewhat firm. "Mother, Xinyao is my daughter. If my second brother has no son, let alone Xinyao, I would have no objection even if my son were adopted by him. Besides, I only have two daughters and three sons in total. Mother, how do you think my lineage compares to the other prominent families in the capital?"
The old lady was speechless after hearing his words and didn't know what to say. After all, there were only five children in total. Although this was considered good in a wealthy family, she dared not say that they had many offspring!
Compared to other families with more than a dozen children, Mu Chang'an's offspring are indeed not many! What's more, he is currently a high-ranking official of the third rank, and he is still young. There will be plenty of opportunities for promotion in the future.
Mu Xinyao finally understood the situation. In fact, she held the second wife's family in utter contempt!
They actually set their sights on someone else's dowry! Only the old lady and that Jin woman would do something like that!
Mu Xinyao wasn't stupid. After much deliberation, she realized that while her father didn't exactly dote on her, at least he hadn't mistreated her in terms of food, clothing, and other necessities. But what if she went to the second branch of the family? Who knew what her aunt would do?
In addition, her father's official position is significantly higher than that of her second uncle. She has heard that her second uncle has committed a serious crime outside, and his future is uncertain. Even if she becomes the legitimate daughter, she will probably be the legitimate daughter of a fallen family!
No, that won't do. What kind of good family could I marry into? There would be absolutely no future for me!
Mu Xinyao made a decision in her heart and began to listen carefully to the conversation of the elders in the room.
Mu Xin Nuan had been watching her closely. Seeing the mixed emotions on her face, she knew that she was also pondering what to do. However, seeing her exhale now, she must have made up her mind, right?
“Chang’an is right. He doesn’t have many children to begin with, so why would you want to give them to the second son’s family?”
No one knows what the old lady was thinking, but she blurted out, "If you had listened to me back then and taken a few more concubines, who knows how many more children would be calling you father by now!"
Upon hearing this, Li's face turned pale, and Mu Chang'an was also somewhat displeased. "Mother, if that's the case, why don't you just arrange for my second brother to take a few concubines? Why bother with my Xin Yao?"
That may sound a bit harsh, but it's not without reason!
Upon hearing this, Jin's face darkened, and she glanced sideways at her husband, "What? I had no idea that my husband was planning to take a concubine?"
The old man slammed his teacup down on the table, spilling some of the tea.
"Alright! You can't even have a quiet meal! This matter of adoption is not to be mentioned again. Changping, you also, you already have two sons, why are you making a move on your own niece? If you want a daughter, just like your elder brother said, go and take a concubine yourself."
After the old man finished speaking, he snorted heavily and then turned and left.
The Kim family had planned everything meticulously, but they never expected things to turn out this way!
The old lady also felt rebuffed, and naturally felt frustrated. She threw down her chopsticks and refused to eat anymore.
Li ignored the old lady's deliberately disapproving look. Since the situation had already been exposed, she had nothing to fear! At least she had a husband who truly loved her and several children who were devoted to her—that was enough.
"Father, you've been so busy lately, please use some more." Seeing that Mu Chang'an was also about to leave, Mu Xin Nuan advised, "No matter what, we're all family. Why get angry over such a small thing?"
After Mu Xin Nuan finished speaking, she personally ladled a bowl of soup for Mu Chang An, and then smiled as she ladled another bowl and placed it in front of Mu Chang Ping. "Second Uncle, in our Mu family, you and Father's generation only have the two of you brothers left now. If I see you two having a falling out over some trivial matter, I'm afraid Grandfather will feel bad."
Mu Qingxuan received Mu Xinnuan's hint and immediately stood up as well. "Yes, Second Uncle, what's with all this talk about adoption? Aren't we all family? Why would we have to change how we address each other again? Isn't this much better? You live in the west courtyard, so we still go through the same gate, don't we?"
Seeing that his two younger relatives had given him a way out, Mu Changping felt somewhat better. However, on the other hand, he secretly glared at his two sons who were only focused on eating. Why weren't they as sensible as other people's children?
Mu Xinyao also came over and curtsied to the two of them, "Thank you for your kindness, Second Uncle and Second Aunt. Even without the title of mother and daughter, Xinyao will definitely take good care of you two elders in the future. Why be bound by some superficial formalities?"
These words were, in a way, a way out for the Kim family.
Mu Changping bowed to Mu Chang'an, saying, "Brother, it was all my fault for being ignorant. I just misunderstood for a moment. It's all Madam's fault. She saw my sister-in-law surrounded by children and was tempted by them, which led her to have such thoughts. Don't worry, I will definitely not mention the adoption again!"