Three ex-husbands and a marriage

Coming of age

"I can see your sincerity....but...in all honesty you are overqualified for this role. I worry that you will regret this rash decision. How about this, there are yet another few months before Mingling comes of age. We are in no rush for her to marry but we can chose a husband candidate for betrothal. We will give Young Master Hu the chance to really think through the consequences of being a 'live in' son-in-law," suggested Father.

"Regent Bai, this one is truly sincere," interrupted the anxious Hu Xuan.

Father Bai raised his hand to stop him and continued speaking.

"If you are still serious about this marriage proposal, then Bai family will not discriminate. After our Mingling's coming of age ceremony, we will hold a candidate selection competition to chose the man that will look after my daughter for the rest of his life. The successful man must accept the Bai family conditions before competing in tasks set by my sons. Lastly, the man who can win my daughter's heart at the end of the competition will be selected."

"Regent! I already accept any conditions! Why do you still believe that my qualifications are not enough for your daughter?" asked Hu Xuan.

"If, Young Master Hu can bear the hardships and the wait then we can discuss marriage arrangements after you win the competition," said Father, ignoring the young man's anxiety.

"It seems like this one needs to work harder to prove myself to Regent Bai," said Hu Xuan softly admitting defeat. Take a step back to save the bigger picture.

I clicked my tongue, what's a candidate selection competition? Isn't this just making things difficult for him?

As the Hu family has lofty and high standings in this world, it is impudent to completely reject him. In my heart I praised my father's wisdom, because letting him fail in a competition will settle it once and for all. There should be no embarrassment on either side.

Thinking about it closer, I realised my mistake. By not convincing Father to keep Third Uncle's family to stay, I didn't give Xiao Wei the opportunity to come with us to the temple and the chance for the beauty to save the hero.

Actually, something doesn't seem right, according to the timeline in the novel, Xiao Wei met Hu Xuan after her rebirth. That should be after Mingling's coming of age ceremony. It seems like events have accelerated or is it just a coincidence?

Anyways, I'm very happy that Father didn't agree to this marriage proposal and bought some time for us to find ways to reject the man. Hopefully by then Bai Xiao Wei would be able to hook Hu Xuan so that he would give up and we can cancel the competition.

"Does Young Master Hu have any further issues?" asked Father.

"This humble one understands. Miss Bai please consider this one's true heart and I hope you can look favourably towards me in the selection process. I will return and spend time to brush up my skills and win your lady's heart,"said Hu Xuan with a deep bow to my parents.

Hu Xuan, sorry, I don't want the female lead to revenge against me and my family. You need to meet that woman quickly and ride off into the sunset with your love. Don't pin your hopes on me!

I shivered when I felt his piercing gaze directed at the silk screen. Just go, stop lingering like an undead spirit.

He bowed his head and turned around, leaving with his mother and grandmother. The man's posture a little bent with his head down, giving off a lonely and dejected spirit.

"Little Six, this daughter's virtues cannot be kept a secret. Already we have a suitor begging at our door before she is of age. We must resist the temptation to marry her off too quickly but at the same time, the longer we leave the situation, the more bees and butterflies will come," said Father with a proud smile.