Li Youxin lived on West Street, which was some distance away from the Li Mansion. Li Yaonan first went to Mobaozhai and bought a few gifts, and then slowly walked towards the villa.
This villa also belongs to the Li family. Old Master Li is still alive and takes good care of the clan members. The relationship between the clan members is also very close. Old Master Li knows that a single tree cannot make a forest. The ancestors of the Li family were born in the mud. He only hopes that there will be more promising disciples in the clan so that the Li family can truly enter the ranks of aristocratic families.
Old Master Li had good ideas and plans, but it was a pity that he passed away too early. If he had lived another 20 years, the Li family might have risen.
Logically speaking, even if this is the case, the relationship between the Li family and the clan should not be too bad. The bad thing is that the wife married by Old Master Li is short-sighted, pretentious, and petty. She can't even help her natal family on weekdays, so how can she take care of the Li clan members
Nowadays, the Ma family is the guest of honor in the Li Mansion, and the two families are as close as one family. With the help of the Li family, the cousin of the Ma family also got an eighth-rank official position. Although it looks insignificant, it is still an official position. From now on, the Ma family can be said to have changed its status.
The Li clan members became the poor relatives who came to beg for money. Even when they came to congratulate, the old lady thought there were too many of them. She was too lazy to clean up the guest rooms and sent the clan members away with just a villa.
In such a situation, how could the Li clan members not be angry? But what does it matter if they are angry? After all, the Li family is the most promising branch of the Li family. Even if they are angry, they can only bear it. They only hope that the Li family can support the clan's young men more because of their kinship.
It was because of this situation that Li Yaonan dared to target his clan members.
Don't think that the old lady is so arrogant now, that's because the Li clan members need help. He has understood the laws of the Great Jin Dynasty. In front of the power of the clan, let alone an old lady, even the royal family members cannot resist the decision of the clan, otherwise how can there be a great clan leader's mansion.
Coincidentally, when Li Yaonan arrived, Li Youxin was hosting a banquet in the courtyard, and it was said that they were two of his classmates.
Li Yaonan walked into the yard with a smile on his face, without any embarrassment of being an uninvited guest. In addition to Li Youxin and his classmates, there were three other clansmen in the yard. Li Yaonan did not hesitate to put the gifts on the table first. A total of seven people from the Li family came to his wedding this time, and all the gifts were present. Although they were not very valuable, the more gifts the better. Besides, these gifts were still presentable.
"Yao Nan, you are too polite. Just come. Why bring these things with you?" A clan brother disagreed. Although there was a hint of reproach on his face, there was no blame in his eyes.
"I'm glad that my brother doesn't mind. This is Yaonan's first time going out to visit friends, and I'm afraid that I might be impolite. I'm quite nervous. By the way, where are my three uncles? Yaonan hasn't gone to pay his respects yet." Li Yaonan answered very humbly. As for why it was his first time going out to visit friends, let them imagine it.
Sure enough, after hearing what he said, several people showed sympathy on their faces.
Li Yaonan smiled secretly in his heart. He didn't care about face at all. He had lost his dignity, so why bother with face? The more sympathy others had for him, the better it would be.
"The three uncles are out. It's good that Yaonan has such a thoughtful intention. When they come back, I will definitely convey their message for them." A clan brother answered with a smile.
Li Yaonan hurriedly bowed to express his gratitude, and then Li Youxin introduced him to two classmates. One of them was surnamed Sun and the other was surnamed Liu. Both of them were scholars who took the imperial examination in the same year as him and were also from poor families.
After greeting each other, Li Yaonan learned that they were discussing academic matters in preparation for next year's scientific examination.
As the saying goes, it is better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. Although Li Yaonan had other purposes for this trip, being able to communicate with more people would be of great benefit to his studies.
Several people spoke freely, and Li Yaonan benefited a lot from their conversation. The questions he occasionally asked were very helpful, which made several of Li's brothers look at him with higher regard.
It was not until the evening that Li Yaonan went home reluctantly after making an appointment to meet again the next day.
That night, several members of the Li family sat together to discuss. The younger generation might not notice it, but as old foxes who have lived half their lives, how could they not be suspicious when faced with Li Yaonan's sudden visit.
The third elder sat in the main seat and asked, "What do you think this kid is up to?"
The second uncle stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming with a gleam of light: "After all, there is something to ask of others. No one comes to ask for anything. This kid is very good at hiding things. It's a pity that the marriage with the Zhang family is ruined, otherwise..."
One of the brothers hesitated: "Uncle, you may have made a mistake. I don't think Yao Nan has ulterior motives."
The second uncle's eyes widened, he glared at him, and said angrily: "You silly boy, I didn't say he had ulterior motives. Li Yaonan is more skilled than you, and he has been in the Li family for many years without revealing any flaws. How can he be easy to get along with? When you show courtesy to others, you must have something in mind. Do you understand?"
"Then this..." Li Youjiu was very confused.
The second uncle was so angry that he blew his beard and glared: "It's not a rare thing, just take it. Do you think it's so easy to take advantage of the clan members? You want to bribe them with just a few small gifts? That kid will not act like this."
I'm so happy
Li Youxin also fell into deep thought. He was actually touched by Li Yaonan's inexplicable kindness, but he didn't know what Li Yaonan wanted.
In the end, the elders were unable to reach a conclusion. Compared with the Li family, Li Yaonan was still a little less important. However, no matter how good the Li family was, it would be useless if Ma was too picky and refused to help. Everything would have to wait until Li Yaonan arrived.
What's more, they didn't believe that Li Yaonan could wait that long. They had clearly agreed to meet again in five days, but he came to visit on the second day of his wedding. They would probably know his purpose tomorrow. As for whether they should help or not, it all depended on Li Yaonan's sincerity.
The Li family members were unaware of the hidden story behind Li Yaonan's marriage. In their eyes, Li Yaonan was the son-in-law of the Marquis of Jingyang, and it would be profitable for him to establish a relationship with a high-ranking family in Beijing.
When Li Yaonan came the next day, as soon as he reached the gate of the villa, he was called by a servant, who said that his three uncles wanted to see him.
The villa doesn't occupy a large area. After entering the second gate, you will see the main house. Li Yaonan was suspicious as he should not have revealed any intentions yesterday. He didn't know why his three uncles called him. However, he didn't care much as his original purpose was to establish a good relationship with the clan.
After arriving at the main courtyard, Li Yaonan bowed in turn. Seeing several smiling elders, Li Yaonan remained calm. No matter whether they guessed something or not, it didn't make much difference to him.
"Yao Nan is here. We haven't seen each other for a few years. You've grown so big." The second uncle said amiably, his eyes sparkling with a smile hidden in them.
"Yaonan is ashamed. Thank you for your concern, second uncle." Li Yaonan was polite and respectful, with a peaceful expression on his face.
The two of them were talking back and forth, playing Tai Chi with each other. Li Yaonan was very good at this, and he didn't feel thirsty even after talking for half an hour. On the contrary, the second uncle was a little impatient. Did he guess wrong? Didn't this kid ask for something from someone
Li Yaonan had his own considerations. Although he did want to adopt the child, he did not intend to make it known to everyone. He originally only wanted to discuss it with Li Youxin. Now that the elders had come out, he was undecided. In fact, he still benefited from the Jingyang Marquis Mansion. Otherwise, how could he, an unknown boy, trouble the elders to come
Li Yaonan didn't mind using the name of Lin's brother-in-law to pull the tiger's skin and wave the banner, nor did he have any embarrassment. If someone didn't use it, he would be a fool. At most, he could return the favor in the future. He was truly grateful for this marriage now. Otherwise, how could he talk to the clan members.
Li Yaonan knew very well in his mind that at the moment, he actually had nothing.
Li Taian can adopt a son, but as a son, Li Yaonan cannot deny his parents. If he proposes adoption himself, it would be unfilial. How could he give such a handle to others
The uncles and aunts didn't get any answer, so they could only let Li Yaonan go first with helplessness.
Second uncle was very depressed. Why didn't he realize before that this kid could be so patient
The third elder hesitated for a moment and said, "Could it be that we guessed wrong?"
The second uncle snorted coldly, "No, I also suspected that I was wrong before, but that kid kept talking about his brother-in-law on the left and the Lin family on the right, saying that he was grateful to the eldest brother for finding a good marriage for him. This is reminding us that he is not without weight."
The sixth uncle smiled bitterly: "But if he doesn't tell us, there's nothing we can do."
The second uncle sighed, then became alert again: "Don't worry, I'll ask Xin later. Young people like them have a lot to talk about. If Li Yaonan wants something, he won't hide it. He must have some concerns."
Uncle San nodded: "It can only be done this way."
Li Yaonan breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he went out. As the saying goes, old people become more cunning and it is difficult to fool them all.
"Yaonan, you finally came out. Did your uncles say anything?" Li Youxin had been waiting at the door. When he saw Li Yaonan, he came forward with a smile.
Li Yaonan laughed and kept it a secret: "My uncles are all very kind."
Li Youxin didn't ask any more questions and said, "Let's go and have tea with me."
"Brother Youxin, please!"
The two of them went straight to the flower hall. Li Yaonan waved away the servants. Seeing that there was no one around, he stopped being pretentious and said, "Brother Youxin, I really do need your help with something."
Li Youxin looked at him with a half-smile: "You uncles are elders, why didn't you ask them for help? Their words are more useful than mine."
"I don't know the situation in the tribe, so it's not appropriate to publicize what I'm asking for."
Li Youxin nodded. What Li Yaonan said made sense. Even if a clan was united, there would always be intrigue among the clan members. His concerns were not wrong, but he could not just agree to it. He smiled and asked, "Tell me about it."
Li Yaonan smiled faintly and did not say what he wanted: "I heard that Mingwei Academy is good. Although I am not talented, my brother-in-law is from a marquis's mansion. It should not be a problem to get a few famous business cards."
Li Youxin's heart was moved. Mingwei Academy was the best academy in Dajin. All the students taught there were outstanding. Entering Mingwei Academy was equivalent to stepping into half of the officialdom. Li Youxin had to admit that he was tempted by this bait.
"Tell me about your business first." Li Youxin talked and laughed freely. Although he was moved, he would not forget himself for the immediate benefits. If it was something within his ability, he did not mind helping. But if it was beyond his scope, not to mention that he would not agree. Although the academy's name card was precious, it was not worth that much. He was confident that he could pass the imperial examination next year, but he would have to take some detours in the future in the officialdom. Mingwei Academy was not only the best place to study, but also the best place to accumulate connections.
Li Yaonan tapped the tea with his fingers, did not respond, and only wrote the word "adopted" on the table.
"You are..." Li Youxin was quite surprised. This matter was not a big deal, but also not a small one. However, when he thought of Li Yaonan's situation, he felt that it was understandable.
"Yeah." Li Yaonan nodded, the determination on his face was unquestionable.
Li Youxin thought carefully: "Let me think about it."
Li Yaonan smiled and said, "Okay, this is from my mouth and it's in your ears. Tomorrow I will accompany my husband back home, and my brother-in-law will be leaving soon..."
Li Youxin glanced at him, smiled and scolded: "You sly fellow, okay, I'll agree to your request, but... are you sure about the Lin family?"
"Of course." Li Yaonan answered firmly. In fact, he was unsure, but the elder brother of the Lin family seemed to care about his younger brother very much. He thought it should not be a problem to help him with a little favor. Although the name cards of Mingwei Academy were rare, Jingyang Marquis's Mansion was a meritorious family with a marriage relationship with the royal family, so it should be easy for him to get a few name cards.
"Has anyone made a choice?" Li Youxin asked without any context.
Li Yaonan knew what he meant and said with a smile, "My husband and I only want to move out of the Li Mansion and support each other from now on."
Li Youxin understood what mutual support meant. To put it bluntly, it meant not wanting elders. This was simple to say. The only difficulty was that the Li family might not agree easily.
Li Yaonan just smiled and said nothing. If the Li family could handle it easily, he wouldn't need to ask anyone for help.
Li Youxin glanced at him sideways and felt that this boy was more cunning. What did he mean by "what comes out of my mouth goes into your ears"? Wasn't it obvious that he was to bear the bad reputation, and only he could bring up the title of adoption? The more Li Youxin thought about it, the more he felt that it was not worth it.
Seeing this, Li Yaonan hurriedly said, "Brother Youxin, don't worry. Yaonan will definitely cooperate and the Li family won't make things too difficult for you."
"What do you have in mind?" Li Youxin obviously didn't believe it.
Li Yaonan stopped talking. He wanted the Li family to agree to the adoption, unless he caused the Li family to suffer some loss, which would not only make the Li family feel distressed, but also hurt their flesh. Otherwise, based on Lin Yixuan's generous dowry, the old lady and Ma Yulian would not be willing to let them go. Only by cutting off the Li family's thoughts, as long as he was still a useless thing, Ma Yulian would always dislike him, and then it would be natural to adopt him out.