Chapter 133

Unlike the warm atmosphere in the east room, the west room was filled with worry, and Madam Zhang was pacing around, feeling frustrated and anxious.

Wang Min’er, on the other hand, was delighted, checking herself in the copper mirror and smiling smugly, her eyes full of pride. She had already learned from Madam Zhang that Landlord Li had taken a liking to her and had offered a generous bride price and betrothal gifts, much higher than what Wang Yuan’er received!

Look, Wang Yuan’er, that village girl, couldn’t compare to her—even the man she was supposed to marry preferred Wang Min’er.

To be honest, Landlord Li might not be a great person, but he greatly satisfied Wang Min’er’s vanity.

“What to do now? How to handle this?” Madam Zhang paced back and forth, worried, and seeing Wang Min’er so relaxed, she angrily said, “You seem pleased. It’s your fault for being foolish, letting that wretched Wang Yuan’er use you as a pawn.”

If Wang Min’er hadn’t gone to the main house, how would Landlord Li have seen her and rejected Wang Yuan’er? Everything was going well, but now he wanted her daughter. How could this be?

Hearing Madam Zhang’s words, Wang Min’er protested, pouting, “Mother, everyone knows to pick good things when trading, let alone people? I’m better than Wang Yuan’er. It’s natural for him to like me!”

“Shame on you! Now, he specifically says he wants to marry you. Are you going to marry him?” Madam Zhang was furious, her head pounding. This girl had been spoiled and didn’t know what was good for her.

Marry Landlord Li?

Wang Min’er thought of his fat body and wrinkled old face, shivered, and said, “Of course, I won’t marry him.” Seeing Madam Zhang’s worried face, she added, “Mother, why are you worried? If the marriage doesn’t work out, so be it. There’s no reason for forced marriage.”

Even if she didn’t understand everything, she knew marriage was a mutual agreement. If it didn’t work out, it was fine. Why worry?

“You know nothing!” Madam Zhang touched the hard object in her sleeve, feeling pained. She had confidently promised this marriage would succeed and had already received ten taels of silver as a matchmaker’s fee from Landlord Li. Now, with Yuan’er’s marriage failing and her daughter definitely not marrying him, would she have to return the silver?

Should she talk to her mother-in-law?

Madam Zhang wanted to, but with Wang Yuan’er’s maternal grandparents still there and having been reprimanded, her mother-in-law would surely refuse.

Before Madam Zhang could bring it up, her card-playing friend Lai Shi arrived, smiling and congratulating her, bringing eight boxes of pastries, saying Landlord Li was very pleased with Wang Min’er and had sent these for her to taste. She added that once they had discussed it, they could choose an auspicious date for the betrothal and settle the matter early.

“Now, everyone outside knows your daughter is precious, willing to pay a hundred taels as a bride price!” Lai Shi said, her expression showing envy.

Madam Zhang was stunned, “What? Everyone knows Landlord Li likes my Min’er?”

“Indeed. Wang family’s daughter, you’ve given birth to a golden phoenix!”

Madam Zhang jumped up, “How did this get out? No, our Min’er can’t marry him. This marriage can’t happen.”

How did things turn out like this? How did the news spread to them?

Madam Zhang felt like she had shot herself in the foot for the first time. But at this point, she could only grit her teeth and swallow the bitter fruit.

Chapter 134

The Wang family was arranging a marriage for Wang Yuan’er, initially with a wealthy family, but the matchmaker took a liking to Wang Min’er instead. This news spread widely, with some saying Wang Yuan’er had bad luck or a difficult reputation, making it hard to arrange her marriage.

People talked about the Wang family’s daughters, especially how delicate and refined Wang Min’er was, like a noble lady, making it no surprise she caught the eye of the wealthy family. Some even envied Wang Min’er’s parents for having such a daughter, bringing fortune to the family, and speculated that she would marry into the Li family’s wealth.

Wang Min’er herself heard about this and was so scared that she didn’t dare leave the house, constantly pestering Madam Zhang.

The exhausted Madam Zhang finally managed to return the matchmaker’s fee with the help of her intermediary, Lai Shi, quieting the matter, though it still affected their reputation.

Grandma Wang scolded Madam Zhang harshly for this, restricting her from going out, much to the amusement of Wang Yuan’er and her sisters.

With the failed marriage match, other suitors showed interest, but it was discovered that Wang Yuan’er’s maternal grandparents consulted a master who advised that it wasn’t a good time for her to marry in the next two years, suggesting they wait until the mourning period ended.

By this time, it was already July, and the rice fields were ready for harvest. The Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and many people planned to visit Xiangshan Temple to pray for peace and safety talismans.

Xiangshan Temple was not far from Changle Town, just an hour’s drive, and was popular for its prosperous incense offerings, attracting many believers from the town.

Wang Yuan’er had been to the temple before, but after Madam Liang’s death, she lost faith and didn’t consider going. Wang Min’er, however, was excited to go with her aunt to Xiangshan Temple, clamoring for new clothes.

“Eldest sister, you should have seen grandma’s face; she was so upset,” Wang Qing’er whispered gossip.

Grandma Wang also planned to visit the temple, and since Wang Yuan’er wasn’t going, Wang Chun’er decided to accompany and serve her.

Grandma Wang, who favored Wang Min’er, wanted to take her along for safety prayers, but Wang Min’er insisted on going with her aunt, infuriating Grandma Wang.

“You’re such a busybody,” Wang Yuan’er tapped her on the forehead and turned to Wang Chun’er, “Grandma is getting old. Keep an eye on her during this trip.”

Wang Chun’er nodded gently, “Don’t worry, eldest sister.”

Trusting her, Wang Yuan’er prepared many items for the trip, and Wang Chun’er accompanied Grandma Wang to Xiangshan Temple.

After returning from Xiangshan Temple, Wang Chun’er shared stories of the temple’s liveliness with her sisters and brought back peace talismans for each of them, even tying one on Xiao Baolai’s coat to ward off evil.

That evening, the sisters laughed and chatted while sewing together under the soft light, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Watching her eldest sister tease the youngest, Wang Chun’er felt a sense of softness in her heart and suddenly recalled a scene she had witnessed at Xiangshan Temple.

“Eldest sister!”

“Yes?” Wang Yuan’er looked over.

Wang Chun’er hesitated, then smiled, “It’s nothing.” Perhaps she had seen wrong or was overthinking.

“Second sister, I can’t finish this flower’s center. Can you help me?” Wang Qing’er playfully leaned over, handing her embroidery to Wang Chun’er, who quickly shifted her attention. She didn’t know that her moment of silence would cause a significant upheaval in the future.