"Zheng Lun said that his mother met the girl and remarked that she looked dignified and elegant, though her temperament was a bit soft. However, his mother said that it was not a matter of concern, for after marriage, she would surely become a virtuous wife and loving mother."
Hmm? Gu Chengyu noted the implied meaning behind these words: 'dignified and elegant' without any other adjectives usually meant that the girl's appearance was just proper.
Otherwise, if she were truly beautiful, they would typically say something like 'features as picturesque as a painting,' or at least 'delicate and charming.'
Nevertheless, when it comes to marriage, virtue is what Zheng Lun's mother truly valued and would not mind.
If her son did not fancy her entirely, he could always take a few beautiful concubines.
This was a common ailment of ancient times; not only men thought this way, but even women too.
Moreover, being slightly soft in nature was linked to one's upbringing environment.
