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It is now early spring. Although the flowers have not bloomed yet, it is not as cold anymore. The golden sunlight shines warmly, and in the courtyard, there are some winter jasmine flowers blooming, their delicate yellow petals resembling tiny stars.
Several people are gathered in the courtyard, chatting in groups. Some are seated inside with the door open, offering a view of the courtyard. Whenever someone enters, all eyes turn towards them, creating a tense atmosphere. These people understand that the newcomers are either adversaries or bearers of hope.
After a group from Riverside Village arrived, everyone’s attention focused on six children and three young women.
The village head and a few men approached to greet the visitors, easily identified as the village heads from another village, exchanging polite pleasantries.
The village head exchanged a few words with the visitors before leading them into a room for rest.
Su Zhi glanced at the people from the other village, especially the attractive young women. Despite being rural girls, she noticed some of them were quite pretty. However, no matter how beautiful they were, none could compare to Shen Zhu’s beauty, let alone her sense of style. Shen Zhu’s grace and attire would stand out even in the county town. Compared to these village girls, not only in looks but also in demeanor and dress, she effortlessly outshone them.
Zhao Xiaohua observed the girls from the other village with a sense of pride, believing none were as good as her. However, when she saw Shen Zhu walking ahead, her confidence wavered. She felt a pang of jealousy, wondering why Shen Zhu looked so stunning that day. If she had worn that outfit, she was sure she would have looked better than Shen Zhu.
Zhao Xiaohua complained to Zhao Dazhu and his wife about her feelings.
Dazhu’s wife also felt envious of Shen Zhu’s outfit – the fabric was exquisite, the craftsmanship superior, and the style impeccable. Wearing it made Shen Zhu resemble a wealthy young lady.
“Sister, why are you in such a rush? The more stunning she looks today, have you forgotten what I told you?” Dazhu’s wife whispered to Zhao Xiaomei, advising her not to get upset.
“In these days, if you can build a good relationship with her, the better your chances will be. Don’t let others take advantage of it.”
Thinking about the advice from her sister-in-law, Zhao Xiaohua’s mood improved. She looked at Shen Zhu and thought, “No matter how well you dress, in the end, it will be me who wins.” She approached Shen Zhu, chatting and praising her clothing. Upon hearing that Su Zhi made the outfit, a wave of jealousy swept over her. She admired Shen Zhu for having such a good sister-in-law, lamenting her own lack of fortune in that regard. With Dazhu’s wife’s influence, she didn’t blame her but instead criticized Liu Siniang, thinking that with better luck, she could also afford nice clothes.
Shen Zhu was not interested in Zhao Xiaohua’s attempts to chat intimately with her. Zhao Xiaohua always tried to ingratiate herself, but Shen Zhu had no desire to engage with her. She felt a strong aversion towards Zhao Xiaohua, who she knew was trying to take advantage of her family. However, if she ignored Zhao Xiaohua, she would go and talk to Shen Ziju, which irritated Shen Zhu even more. She couldn’t fathom why Zhao Xiaohua had such fantasies about her brother. In the end, Shen Zhu reluctantly engaged in conversation with Zhao Xiaohua.
At that moment, another group entered. Wang Shi whispered to Su Zhi, “These are people from Dashan Village.”
Su Zhi’s gaze swept over them and landed on a particular girl.
This girl wore a red dress with two small golden hairpins, shining brightly. Her ears adorned with gold dangly earrings. With a melon seed face, large eyes, and rosy lips, she could be described as above average in appearance. However, her attire made her stand out among the group of girls, second only to Shen Zhu in terms of allure.
Su Zhi suspected that the girl in red was likely Niu Xianhua, the younger sister of the concubine. She exuded a nouveau riche aura, which Su Zhi noticed immediately. Observing the girl’s eyes, with their domineering and disdainful gaze, Su Zhi formed a quick unfavorable impression. She thought that if this girl became the Rain Goddess, it would be better to have Shen Zhu in that role instead.
Shen Zhu glanced at the girl, let out a soft hum, and then turned to chat with Shen Ziju.
Su Zhi chuckled inwardly, realizing that Shen Zhu was feeling competitive. It was understandable; if she were to be surpassed by such a girl, she wouldn’t be happy either.
“Are you from Riverside Village?”
At that moment, Niu Xianhua walked over, sizing up the group.
Wang Shi replied, “Yes, we are from Riverside Village. Are you from Dashan Village?”
Niu Xianhua smiled and said, “Yes, I am from Dashan Village. You are from the Shen family in Riverside Village, right? I heard that among the candidates sent from Riverside Village to be selected as the Rain Goddess, there must be a girl from the Shen family named Shen Zhu. They say she is as beautiful as a flower. I suppose this young lady here is Shen Zhu, right?”
Upon hearing Niu Xianhua’s words, Shen Zhu felt a bit pleased. Who wouldn’t like to be complimented on their looks? Despite suspecting that this girl might be trying to secure the position of Rain Goddess through other means, Shen Zhu still smiled at her.
“Yes, that’s me. You’re too kind. You’re quite lovely yourself.”
Niu Xianhua smiled and then glanced at Shen Ziju beside her, saying, “This must be the talented Scholar Shen that everyone talks about, right? Speaking of which, I should address you as my cousin-in-law.”
As soon as this was said, not only the Shen family members were taken aback but also the people from Riverside Village. Addressing Shen Ziju as cousin-in-law must be related to the childhood engagement, right?
Shen Ziju felt a bit embarrassed. He had been engaged since childhood and wasn’t opposed to it, but being suddenly addressed as cousin-in-law in front of everyone made him feel awkward.
Upon hearing Niu Xianhua’s words, Shen Zhu felt irritated. She always believed that she and her fifth brother shared a similar plight – both talented individuals constrained by undesirable childhood engagements. The mention of Shen Ziju’s engagement stirred up her inner grievances, but she couldn’t show it outwardly. Wang Shi held her hand in support.
Wang Shi asked, “May I inquire about the relationship between this young lady and the Xiao family from Baihua Village?”
A woman next to Niu Xianhua smiled and said, “Ping’er is my niece. I’ve heard about the talent of my nephew-in-law, and seeing it today confirms it. That girl is indeed fortunate.”
Shen Ziju bowed in acknowledgment but remained silent. He felt a mix of bitterness inside, unable to express it, akin to the taste of bitter melon. When the Xiao family visited during the New Year, he felt a sense of bitterness, but he had managed to endure it. Now, that bitterness had intensified, yet he had to continue bearing it, unable to muster any sweet words to appease the situation.
Zhao Xiaohua remarked from the side, “They’re not even married yet, and strangers are coming to claim relations. It’s truly laughable, such thick-skinned behavior.”
Niu Xianhua glared at her and said, “And who are you? What are you gossiping about here?!”
Zhao Xiaohua retorted, “I am Zhao Xiaohua, unlike some people named Xianhua, probably fertilized by cow dung. Your words truly reek.”
As Zhao Xiaomei spoke, she covered her nose with her hand, infuriating Niu Xianhua, whose face turned as red as her outfit.
Su Zhi thought to herself that Zhao Xiaohua had a knack for stirring up trouble. This matter had nothing to do with her initially, so why provoke Niu Xianhua? Did she have possessive tendencies towards any man she deemed suitable for herself? Was she upset because Shen Ziju’s prospective relatives had come to claim him? Su Zhi perceived the situation in this light.
The woman grabbed Niu Xianhua and said, “Enough, let’s not cause a scene here. Let’s go somewhere else.” She then exchanged pleasantries with the Shen family members before leading Niu Xianhua away.
Wang Shi addressed Zhao Xiaohuai, saying, “Xiaohua, please refrain from being disrespectful towards our Shen family relatives in the future. Today, we are in this setting, but if things escalate, it will be our Shen family that suffers. Please think about it carefully! If you can’t control your words, we’ll have to sit separately.”
Dazhu and his wife quickly apologized, and Zhao Xiaohua remained silent, hanging her head.
Su Zhi noticed that Shen Ziju seemed preoccupied throughout, indicating his dissatisfaction with the engagement. Shen Zhu’s expression also soured, likely contemplating her own marriage. Su Zhi foresaw potential upheaval in the siblings’ marital arrangements. If any changes occurred, it would lead to chaos in the Shen family. In the countryside, once an engagement was set, any disruption or cancellation caused quite a commotion.
Wang Shi had gone to apologize to Niu Xianhua and her companion but returned looking displeased. She informed Su Zhi that she overheard the woman advising Niu Xianhua not to cause a scene, asserting that the Rain Goddess position was already hers. If a dispute arose, it might provide leverage for others to oppose her claim, even if the townspeople preferred her.
“She seems to have already secured the position based on her words. Fourth Sister, you must go and find Master Zhang this time,” Su Zhi instructed.
Su Zhi nodded, ensuring that Xiaori and the others stayed put while they prepared to seek out Master Zhang.
After learning that no one from the town had arrived yet, Shen Zian and Su Zhi departed. Initially, Wang Shi intended to accompany them, but Su Zhi requested her to stay and look after Xiaori and the children. It was more convenient for both Su Zhi and Shen Zian to go together. Wang Shi understood the inconvenience of managing three children with Su Zhi, hence she agreed to stay behind, emphasizing the importance of meeting Master Zhang, and reminding Shen Zian as well.
The couple set off on foot without rushing, and soon they arrived at the entrance of Zhang’s residence.