The Martial Doctor
Chapter 546 - 455: Polite Refusal and Taking a Concubine (2)After all, those above will not consider the fluctuations in the medicinal market in Dongshan Prefecture, whether the common people have medicine to take or whether they can afford medicine.
"I will discuss this matter with Prefect Pei and urge them to lift the seal as soon as possible or think of another solution, but it will take time and cannot be rushed. At this stage, we can only release the medicine we have, stabilize the prices, and avoid causing trouble."
"Our Xu Family has already expedited an order for a batch of medicine, but it will take time for transportation; it will be at least half a month before it arrives."
"No problem, I also have a batch of stock at the Su Family’s medicine shop. If the Xu Family doesn’t have enough, you can go to the Su Family for goods, and we will charge you at cost price," Lin Miao said.
"Thank you."
"If you have any issues, go to Mr. Wen more often; he needs support the most now. As for me, I will definitely help when needed."
"Mr. Lin, you are so righteous." The three of them bowed deeply to the ground.
"Everyone, it’s getting late. I won’t keep you any longer. Please!"
"Mr. Lin, there is one private matter that I, Xu Zheng, would like to discuss with you alone?" Xu Zheng took a deep breath; it had taken a lot of effort to have this opportunity, and who knows when the next chance would be, he had to ask clearly. If it was just a wishful thinking on the Xu Family’s part, then he must go home and put an end to Qixi’s ideas.
"A private matter, well, alright, Mr. Xu, please come with me." Lin Miao nodded slightly, as it was a private matter, the main hall was not appropriate, a smaller, more private side chamber would be more suitable.
In the side chamber.
"Mr. Xu, please sit." Lin Miao gestured for Xu Zheng to sit.
"Thank you." Xu Zheng sat down, pondered his words slightly, and then spoke: "Mr. Lin, I wonder what your impression of my daughter Qixi is?"
"Mr. Xu, please don’t address me as ’Mr.’, it makes me uncomfortable. Feel free to speak your mind." Lin Miao was not foolish; when Xu Zheng opened his mouth, he knew what he wanted to talk about.
"I would like to seek an opportunity for my daughter to serve at your side. What do you think about this, Mr. Lin?"
Although Lin Miao had guessed what Xu Zheng wanted to say, such a humble request was beyond his expectations. The Xu Family is, after all, a renowned medical family in Dongshan Prefecture, a name of significance, who only intended to find a son-in-law originally.
Now they are even willing to let Xu Qixi marry him as a concubine, this change is too drastic. If he had proposed it, it would be fine, but now Mr. Xu proposed it in front of him. For a father, if he does not genuinely care about his children’s happiness, it is a tremendous sacrifice.
Of course, there is another possibility, but this does not apply to Xu Zheng.
Actually, this is because he hesitated himself. After spending much time together, he could tell that Xu Qixi likes him, but this affection is not pure romantic love, it is mixed with a sense of admiration.
Though admiration can transform into love, he already has enough women around, and he doesn’t want to ruin a good girl’s future.
After all, if she truly marries him, her future life might not be the best for her.
Currently, the women around him are all stunningly beautiful and exceptionally talented; what more could he want, is he intending to gather all the great women under one roof?
Even an emperor doesn’t have the power to do that.
Xu Qixi is still young, her worldview is not yet fully formed, so how can she decide for a lifetime now?
Regarding Xu Qixi, Sun Youwei has mentioned her many times. She doesn’t mind Xu Qixi marrying into the family, actually, they have a good relationship. Speaking of common interests, Sun Youwei is closer to Xu Qixi and Lien Yurou, they are all studying medicine and naturally play well together.
Sun Youwei would also like more sisters who can support her in the manor, without threatening her status, to counter the Jianghu faction led by Si Miaoxue.
If before he could ignore it, now it can no longer be ignored, since their father has spoken.
There are two options: outright refusal, as the conversation between the two of them will not be known by a third party, thus severing this relationship.
Xu Qixi might never step foot into the Lin residence again.
The second option is to accept, but once accepted, it’s unlikely to change.
"Mr. Xu, I am grateful for your great esteem, but can your daughter accept the status of being a concubine?"
"Yes, I have asked her. She is willing to enter the house as a concubine, only hoping that in the future, when you are a high-ranking official, you will elevate her to the status of a secondary wife," Xu Zheng said.
"Mr. Xu, in my residence, apart from my sister being the formal wife, everyone is treated equally, whether concubine or secondary wife, the status is the same, so there’s no difference." Lin Miao stated.
Lin Miao is well aware that when Xu Zheng mentioned "secondary wife," he meant officially recognized, protected under court law, and higher in status legally than a concubine.
However, Xu Qixi entering the residence is already late; if indeed there is a chance for a secondary wife elevation, it wouldn’t be Xu Qixi’s turn.
Of course, Xu Qixi entering the family will surely not be mistreated, her treatment will be the same, and this Lin Miao can guarantee.
If the Xu Family insists on him agreeing to give Xu Qixi a secondary wife’s status in the future—it’s not only about whether he can become a high official or not; even if he does, the chance of elevating a secondary wife will not start with Xu Qixi.
Xu Zheng forced a smile; he thought this request was nothing, but he could see Lin Miao’s attitude, elevating to secondary wife status seems challenging.
However, on the other hand, Lin Miao being so candid shows responsibility. Anyone else would have agreed long ago; once she enters the door, future matters are unclear, even if they regret it, so what, could it be written explicitly on paper?
"Alright, as long as you treat little Qixi equally, we agree to this marriage alliance," Xu Zheng gritted his teeth saying.
From the Xu Family’s perspective, Xu Qixi can only advance by becoming Lin Miao’s concubine and entering the Lin Family.
Otherwise, everything is out of reach.
If Xu Qixi is favored, elevating to secondary wife status might be possible. Does the Xu Family’s daughter lack such skills?
"Okay, I accept this marriage, but it must wait until I marry my sister in before taking a concubine. However, we can first exchange birth dates and eight characters to set the marriage contract." Lin Miao responded.
"Then it’s settled." Xu Zheng felt a weight lifted from his heart with Lin Miao’s promise; this matter was thus finalized.
"Mr. Xu, rest assured, I will not go back on my word once I have agreed." Lin Miao nodded.
Returning to the inner study.
Lin Miao recounted to Sun Youwei in detail about his solo talk with Xu Zheng.
"I also quite like little sister Qixi, if she marries into the family, I will have someone to chat with in the future." Sun Youwei had actually thought this for a while, but the Xu Family might not accept Xu Qixi marrying Lin Miao as a concubine, after all, the Xu Family has not yet reached the point of offering to be someone’s concubine.
"I never expected Mr. Xu would propose letting Qixi be my concubine. If I refuse, she would probably hate me for life if she knew." Lin Miao sighed heavily.
"Qixi is a good girl, she is just young and playful, in fact, she is very intelligent, especially in medical aspects, her talent is not lower than mine, often she can deduce beyond with what she learned. If seriously cultivated, she wouldn’t be any less than Xia Zhu," Sun Youwei commented.
"Yes, she is just too young, which is why I have not agreed. She is different from Shi Yin, who grew up in such an environment and is more mature and sensible. I fear she is only impulsive and might waste her future." Lin Miao expressed, "After all, I already have enough women around, the share allocated to her would be very limited."
"Look at you, not knowing when to stop." Sun Youwei cast him a glance.
"Don’t worry, my sister, I know my limits." Lin Miao chuckled, pulling Sun Youwei closer, "If I didn’t have this ability, I wouldn’t dare to provoke them, after all, I am a physician, I ought to know how to take care of myself."
"Get off me, stop teasing me." Sun Youwei blushed and quickly moved away from Lin Miao’s embrace, afraid she might lose control when emotions ran high.
She also wanted to save the best moments for their wedding night.
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