Chapter 10: Matchmaking for He Miao

In Shixi Village, Ah Xun was still immersed in the dream he had earlier, unable to snap out of it. 

He Miao’s lips were so fragrant and soft, her waist so delicate…

As he was reminiscing, he suddenly heard a knocking sound at the gate, followed by someone calling out, “Is He Miao home?”

Ah Xun got up to open the door and saw two village women standing outside. Before he could speak, one of the women exclaimed, “Who are you? Where is Miao’er?” Then, her gaze wandered inside.

“Miao’er is not at home. She went to the town today. Is there something I can help you with?” Although he didn’t know them, they were looking for He Miao, so Ah Xun responded politely.

One of the women, dressed in red, acting as a matchmaker, had an expression of disbelief and annoyance. “Who are you? We are looking for He Miao, and what do you mean by passing on messages?”

Her tone was harsh, causing Ah Xun to furrow his brows. 

The other woman, Qin Da Niang, who had washed clothes with He Miao by the river, remembered that He Miao had mentioned her finding a match for her. “You must be the man that Miao’er picked up, right?”

“Yes,” Ah Xun replied.

Upon hearing this, Qin Da Niang appeared a little awkward. The matchmaker’s face immediately darkened, and she sternly questioned, “Qin Sister, what’s going on here? Didn’t you say that Miao’er had already called off her engagement? Now, she’s living with a man? How can I still play the role of a matchmaker? If the man finds out about this, it will ruin my reputation! Who would want me to arrange marriages for them after this?”

“Li Matchmaker, I’m sorry, but you’ve misunderstood. Miao’er has a good heart and saved this man. It’s nothing inappropriate. This girl has no parents and it’s tough for her, and now she’s been dumped by an inconsiderate man. We all know Miao’er’s character, and she is definitely a great girl.” Qin Da Niang hurriedly explained.

Seeing that Qin Da Niang spoke with sincerity, the matchmaker softened her tone a little. “Well, I’ve seen Miao’er before, and she’s a smart and lovely girl, so she should be a good catch. But this situation still feels a bit complicated.”

Qin Da Niang reassured, “Look at this man Miao’er saved, he looks decent, and he’s already well on the way to recovery. In a few days, he will be able to leave. There’s no harm in waiting a bit longer.”

Qin Da Niang then urged Ah Xun to go back, “Why don’t you go back for now? We’ll wait here for Miao’er to return. She should be back from town soon.”

Ah Xun didn’t like to socialize and felt he had no right to get involved in Miao’er’s matters. Despite having dreamed of Miao’er, he knew it was just a dream.

Reluctantly, he listened to Qin Da Niang and went back to his room.

Li Matchmaker and Qin Da Niang continued to talk outside Miao’er’s house. Li Matchmaker mentioned that the man had come specifically because he had seen Miao’er once and couldn’t stop thinking about her. He wasn’t put off by the fact that she had called off her engagement.

The man’s name was Zhou Da Wu, twenty years old, from Jujia Village, where he grew jujube trees and had a good business relationship with merchants. His family conditions were decent, and he had just built three large houses. He was honest, well-mannered, and had lost both parents, so he wasn’t concerned about Miao’er’s past.

Li Matchmaker thought he was a perfect match for Miao’er. Qin Da Niang agreed and said that after Miao’er returned, they could ask her opinion and, if she agreed, bring the man over for a proper meeting.

As they chatted, it became clear that Li Matchmaker was highly experienced in matchmaking, with many successful matches under her belt. She was confident that the couple would be happy together.

Ah Xun listened to the conversation from the yard, feeling sour and disheartened. The sun began to set, and the conversations outside slowly faded as Li Matchmaker and Qin Da Niang decided to leave, figuring Miao’er was not returning soon.

At the village entrance, Qin Da Niang waved goodbye to Li Matchmaker, then walked over to He Miao and Ju Fang, who were returning on a donkey cart.

“Miao’er, you’re back! We’ve been waiting for you for half a day!” Qin Da Niang called out warmly.

He Miao and Ju Fang got off the cart, and the group stood and chatted.

“Qin Da Niang, Li Aunt, why are you standing at the village entrance?” Ju Fang asked. She recognized Li Matchmaker from her past work with Da Hu’s marriage and was grateful for her help.

After exchanging pleasantries with Li Matchmaker, Qin Da Niang introduced her to He Miao. “Miao’er, this is Li Aunt from Jujia Village. Li Aunt, this is He Miao.”

He Miao greeted her politely, smiling sweetly. “Li Aunt.”

Despite her earlier irritation when she saw the man in He Miao’s house, Li Matchmaker couldn’t resist the charm of He Miao, who was so lovely and sweet. She could tell that such a girl would be loved by any family.

“Little Miao’er, you’re getting more and more beautiful!” Li Matchmaker said affectionately, holding He Miao’s hand. “I’ve found a great match for you. If you like him, Aunt will bring him over tomorrow for a proper meeting.”

Qin Da Niang and Li Matchmaker enthusiastically discussed Zhou Da Wu’s details. Ju Fang also agreed that he seemed like a good match.

He Miao remained polite and expressed her gratitude but didn’t feel excited. “Qin Da Niang, I… I don’t think I’m ready to think about marriage right now… I’m sorry, Li Aunt, I may have wasted your time…”

Seeing that Miao’er seemed a little down, the others assumed it was because of her past engagement being called off. They decided to give her more time.

Ju Fang, who had noticed Miao’er’s mood, offered an explanation. “Yes, Miao’er and Wu Cheng grew up together, and she was hurt by the broken engagement. It’s only been two months, so there’s no rush. She’s still young.”

Everyone respected Miao’er’s feelings and didn’t push the issue further.

However, Li Matchmaker, who still liked Miao’er, said kindly, “Miao’er, whenever you’re ready, just let me know. I will find someone who will treat you well.”

“Thank you, Li Aunt,” He Miao replied softly.