Chapter 121

“I heard that your girl Yuan’er and that boy Goudan have some unclear relationship. Is that true? Is that why he gave her the house deed?”

The sound of wooden Mahjong tiles clinking together was accompanied by a woman’s voice gossiping, naturally asking Madam Zhang.

Madam Zhang was smiling broadly while arranging her tiles. She had just won a big hand, a “Big Three Dragons,” earning quite a bit. Upon hearing these words, her hand trembled, causing the neatly arranged tiles to collapse.

“Hey, what kind of talk is that? That girl bought it with real silver. Besides, how old is that boy? Yuan’er is already sixteen.” Madam Zhang angrily defended.

It wasn’t that she was eager to defend Wang Yuan’er, but she knew they were family. Whatever happened to Wang Yuaner’s reputation would affect Wang Min’er and the others as well. So, no matter how unhappy or frustrated she felt, she had to defend Wang Yuan’er a little. She had heard plenty of gossip recently, and now, even in the Mahjong parlor, she was hearing it again.

“Well, they say it’s good for a girl to marry an older man. What’s the difference in age? That Goudan is already fourteen, right? He’s old enough to understand these things.” The woman snickered suggestively.

Madam Zhang understood the insinuation, gritting her teeth, and said, “Regardless of his age, Yuan’er is a pure and innocent girl. You can’t spread such rumors. Otherwise, not only can’t I stand it, but my mother-in-law would probably flip out.”

Mentioning Grandma Wang, the woman pursed her lips and fell silent. Grandma Wang was notorious for her temper. If she caught wind of this, there would definitely be a commotion.

The atmosphere grew tense, and someone tried to smooth things over, saying, “We’re just asking a question. If you don’t like it, we won’t talk about it. But Sister Qing is right; there isn’t much of an age difference. Speaking of which, your girl Yuan’er is getting older. Why hasn’t she been matched yet? Is she waiting to become an old maid?”

“How would I know? I’m not her parent,” Madam Zhang retorted irritably.

“Even if you and your husband aren’t her real parents, now that she’s an orphan, she’s relying on you. Without parents, you are the elders. Helping her find a match is appropriate, and people might even praise you for it.”

Hearing this, Madam Zhang’s expression softened. It made sense. When Madam Liang died, causing a commotion about splitting the family, Madam Zhang had gained a bad reputation. Many people didn’t look favorably upon her. If she arranged a good match for Yuan’er, it would help restore her reputation.

Aside from reputation, there were also engagement gifts and matchmaker fees. It was a win-win situation.

“Do you know any good families to keep an eye on? I’ll discuss it with my mother-in-law.” Madam Zhang smiled at her Mahjong friends.

“Sure, sure.”

After the Mahjong game, Madam Zhang hurried home, heading straight to the main house. She pretended to be angry as she recounted the outside gossip, all the while watching Grandma Wang’s reaction.

As expected, Grandma Wang’s face turned livid upon hearing the offensive words, veins popping out in anger. She scolded Madam Zhang, “You’re the aunt; why didn’t you scold them back? If her reputation is tarnished, it won’t be good for you either. Don’t forget, you all share the surname Wang.”

“Mother, I did defend her. Our family’s daughters are all pure and innocent. We can’t let people slander them. But…” Madam Zhang expressed her loyalty and then changed the subject, “Mother, Yuan’er is sixteen now. We were delayed because of brother and sister-in-law’s matters. Shouldn’t we consider arranging a match for her during this mourning period?”

Chapter 122

When discussing Wang Yuan’er’s marriage prospects, Grandma Wang’s brows furrowed, and her lips tightened.

Wang Yuan’er, born in May, was now a sixteen-year-old young lady. As early as last year, Madam Liang had intended to find a marriage match for Wang Yuan’er, which led to Madam Zhang and Madam Zhou proposing matches and, subsequently, the events that followed.

Recalling the events leading to Madam Liang’s untimely death, Grandma Wang’s expression grew darker, refocusing her attention on Wang Yuan’er’s marriage prospects.

According to traditional sayings, a woman can be abandoned for seven reasons, and a man should not marry under five circumstances… one of which is not to marry the eldest daughter of a widow, as she lacks proper upbringing.

Wang Yuan’er fit this category—being the eldest daughter of a widow. Discussing marriage for her was no easy task. Moreover, she had lost both her parents, giving her a reputation of being unlucky, which could ruin her prospects.

The only fortunate thing was that when Madam Liang passed away, Wang Yuan’er was already of age, a grown young woman, better educated and more refined than those who were still children. She was also lucky not to be born into a prestigious family. Otherwise, with her background, her marriage prospects would have been even worse.

Looking at Wang Yuan’er’s behavior over the past few days, Grandma Wang had to admit that she was indeed sensible and steady, with some skills. She would be more than capable of being the main wife of an ordinary farming family. Moreover, the family had no intention of seeking high-status matches; a suitable farming family would suffice.

With this in mind, Grandma Wang turned to Madam Zhang and said, “In that case, as her second aunt, help keep an eye out. Let me know if you find a good family, and we’ll consider it.”

Madam Zhang was overjoyed and eagerly responded, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ll find a good match for Yuan’er.”

Grandma Wang noticed Madam Zhang’s calculating expression, and her face darkened slightly. This daughter-in-law was likely up to her old tricks again. She felt the need to warn her, “Don’t play any tricks. Be sincere. Remember how her mother died? If you try to scheme with Yuan’er’s marriage, you won’t sleep well at night.”

Madam Zhang, feeling slightly embarrassed, avoided her gaze and said, “Mother, what are you saying? Of course, I want the best for her.” She paused and then argued, “Besides, Zhou Shunxing wasn’t a bad choice. He was favored as the youngest son in the family, and now he works at the river office, earning wages. I thought he was quite sincere. His current wife is lucky. If Yuan’er had married him, she wouldn’t have to endure this gossip.”

Grandma Wang snorted, “I don’t care about the Zhou family. Just remember to be careful. If you cause trouble, it will ruin your own reputation.”

“Alright, alright, Mother, I know what I’m doing,” Madam Zhang replied impatiently, feeling frustrated. It was a thankless task, risking her reputation. But thinking of the potential benefits, she decided to go ahead and tried to find a good match for Wang Yuan’er, consulting her family and acquaintances.

Wang Yuan’er, of course, was unaware of these plans until Wang Min’er inadvertently revealed it with a sarcastic comment, informing her that her grandmother and second aunt were looking to arrange another marriage for her.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuan’er grew anxious, remembering her past life. In this life, would she still end up with the so-called “good match” with Landlord Li?