CHAPTER 100: CHAPTER 100: ZI’AN NEEDS A MOTHER

Ren Zi’an happily agreed, leaving Ah Pu quite bewildered.

After all, he had always been the one taking care of the young master, and knew him to be not so easily agreeable.

"Ah Pu, serve me some porridge," Ren Zi’an urged.

Ah Pu snapped back to reality, "Madam Zhao, please take the young master back to his room, I’ll be quick."

After nodding, Meng Yao held Ren Zi’an’s small hand and walked with him.

Though Wen Nuan was confused from start to finish, not knowing the situation, she obediently didn’t ask more and just followed the mistress’s instructions.

As for the mistress’s private matters, they weren’t something she could be curious about.

Ren Zi’an showcased his treasures to Meng Yao with pride, all sorts of toys. To Meng Yao’s surprise, although these were children’s playthings, they were exquisitely made with high-quality materials.

At the very least, they were not something a County Magistrate could afford.

For instance, a set of mutton fat jade twelve zodiac handpieces would cost at least a thousand taels of silver.

What’s a seventh-rank official’s annual salary anyway?

So, Meng Yao speculated, he was either a corrupt official.

Or he must be from an aristocratic family, with solid family background.

But judging from how he handled her severing ties with the Meng Family before, he didn’t quite seem like a corrupt official. Yet, being a seventh-rank County Magistrate at such an age seemed unlikely for an aristocratic family member.

"Mother, this is for you." Ren Zi’an mysteriously slipped a jade pendant into Meng Yao’s hand.

The warmth and feel revealed to Meng Yao that this jade pendant was of considerable value.

"Father has one piece too, and this one should be worn by Mother," Ren Zi’an said.

A flash of inspiration hit Meng Yao’s mind, could it be that the County Magistrate’s late wife had a rich dowry?

"Brother An, this item is precious, you should keep it well. Don’t give it away casually. When you really need to give it to someone, you should inform your father and get his consent before giving it away," Meng Yao refused.

This might well be a love token between the couple.

"Since Brother An wants to give it to you, you should take it." Ren Zhong entered the room, lifting the curtain.

Meng Yao quickly stood and saluted, but Ren Zhong waved his hand, "Between you and me, there’s no need for such courtesy."

Meng Yao paused for a moment. Counting yesterday, this was only her third meeting with the County Magistrate, wasn’t it?

Not even friends, how come she reached the level of such familiarity?

"I’ve always worn mine close to me," Ren Zhong said meaningfully, "Brother An wants you to wear it, are you willing?"

As an adult, although Meng Yao had no practical experience in romance before, she had brains.

The County Magistrate’s words suggested he wanted something to happen between them.

Although this body’s appearance was quite good, Meng Yao didn’t think she had reached the level where she could enchant the County Magistrate with just three meetings.

So it was because of Ren Zi’an.

Ren Zi’an clung to her, and the County Magistrate, due to his love for his son, made this decision.

"You’re a smart person, you surely understand what I mean," Ren Zhong spoke again.

Ah Pu walked in with the porridge, and Ren Zhong asked him to take Ren Zi’an and Wen Nuan to the next room to eat.

Ah Pu didn’t quite get what was going on, but still, he coaxed Ren Zi’an away.

As for Wen Nuan, only after getting Meng Yao’s permission did she leave the room.

"With your stature, what kind of woman can’t you find?" Meng Yao stated calmly, "In my heart, there’s only my late husband, and I have no intention of remarrying."

Ren Zhong nodded approvingly, "That’s a good thing."

What good?

Saying it’s good that she’s holding memories of Zhao Ting?

No no no, County Magistrate, you’ve misunderstood. She’s not holding onto them; it’s just that there are too many uncertainties, so it’s only temporary.

"I can’t forget my wife too," Ren Zhong spoke again, "Moreover, when she passed, I secretly vowed not to remarry."

"But Zi’an needs a mother, someone who is good to him and can educate him well. Over the years, there have been many matchmaking offers to me, but none of them genuinely wanted to be Zi’an’s mother," Ren Zhong said.

Meng Yao nodded in understanding.

Seventh rank is not high, but in Huaiyuan County, it’s the top position.

Although the County Magistrate is not good-looking, many people surely have their eyes on that top position.

"You’ve taught Zi’an well. Besides, children are best at discerning who truly cares for them," Ren Zhong continued.

"I won’t force you, but I hope you will seriously consider it," Ren Zhong said earnestly, "If you marry me, you only need to fulfill the responsibilities of a mother and not the obligations of a wife. Likewise, I will fulfill what a father should do."

Meng Yao’s eyes brightened. If she didn’t misunderstand, what the County Magistrate meant was marrying him meant only needing to take care of Ren Zi’an, and as for that matter between men and women, it wouldn’t exist.

Moreover, he’d also take care of her stepchildren.

It’s like having a big leg extended to let her hold onto!

"In the future, I won’t stay in Huaiyuan County all the time."

This was to tell her that he would have future promotions.

This is the kind of quality marriage candidate that exists in the society she came from.

"You don’t have to rush to reply, after the exams, you’ll have plenty of time to think about it," Ren Zhong added.

Meng Yao agreed readily, "I will seriously consider the master’s proposal."

"I’ll add one more thing, once Zi’an is a bit older, if you wish to pursue your own happiness, I won’t hinder you."

Too nice.

Meng Yao struggled to control her facial expressions, not letting her inner joy leak out.

Reserved, a woman should be reserved when she needs to be.

"Did you come over for a reason today?" Ren Zhong changed the topic.

"Yes, I was hoping I could fetch water from the County Government daily," Meng Yao stated her purpose for coming.

"Worried about someone doing harm?" Ren Zhong thought for a moment and understood.

"It’s best to be cautious."

"Then why don’t you move over to the County Government?" Ren Zhong suggested.

Meng Yao refused, "That wouldn’t be good. If it’s discovered by those with ill intentions, it will surely serve as a pretext to attack you and Dahe in the future."

Ren Zhong’s eyes showed more appreciation, this woman thought everything through clearly.

Thus, Ren Zhong felt she would definitely agree to his suggestion.

Because it had gigantic benefits for both her and the kid.

"I’ll have Ah Pu deliver you water every day; he’s someone I can trust," Ren Zhong said.

"Thank you very much, Master," Meng Yao expressed her gratitude politely.

"There’s no need to be so polite," Ren Zhong said, "You’ve taken such good care of Brother An, I’m indebted to you. Even if you don’t agree, I won’t make things difficult for you."

Meng Yao smiled, "One can tell the Master isn’t one to use private matters for public purposes at a glance."

"I still have official duties to tend to, so I’ll take my leave," Ren Zhong said.

"Please, County Magistrate, I’ll go back to the inn after making some pancakes for Zi’an."

"Okay."

Having heard the commotion, as soon as the County Magistrate left, Ah Pu led Ren Zi’an and Wen Nuan out from the next room, "Madam Zhao, the young master has finished eating."

"Ah Nuan, take a stroll with Zi’an in the courtyard for a while, Ah Pu, could you show me to the kitchen?" Meng Yao said.