Chapter 9: Finding a Matchmaker

Even though they were mentally prepared, they were still stunned and speechless for a long while.

Zhao Yong continued, “Old Jiang, I’ve passed on the message. You must all be very careful. I have to leave now.”

Jiang’s father looked serious, filled with both gratitude and anger. “Old Zhao, thank you. But our family has always been law-abiding—how did we end up getting reported?”

Zhao Yong sighed. “I’m not exactly sure either. The report was anonymous. But the charges are serious, and the investigation team is coming down soon. Old Jiang, I trust your character, or I wouldn’t have given you this heads-up.”

Jiang’s father could only express his gratitude. “Old Zhao, I’ll never forget what you’ve done for us…”

Zhao Yong waved his hand. “Old Jiang, with our friendship, there’s no need to be so formal. Time is of the essence—get ready quickly. I have to go.”

After politely seeing him off, Jiang’s father returned inside and called out his wife and daughter to discuss the matter.

Jiang’s mother was in the middle of preparing breakfast, and Jiang Xiaoci hadn’t gotten up yet. But once she heard the news, all traces of sleep vanished.

The three of them sat silently in the living room, facing one another. Even though they had anticipated this, now that it was happening, the atmosphere at home was still heavy and oppressive. Worry was written all over their faces.

Jiang’s mother was furious. “That Lu Yaozu has really gone too far! Just because we rejected his proposal, he stooped so low as to report us?!”

Jiang’s father’s expression was dark, clearly enraged too.

Although Old Zhao didn’t name the informant, if not for the dream Xiaoci had that foretold it all, they would never have guessed that Lu Yaozu could be so despicable and malicious.

Seeing their expressions, Jiang Xiaoci softly comforted her mother. “Mom, don’t get too worked up. The most important thing now is to find a way to respond.”

Jiang’s father said in a low voice, “Everything our family owns was earned through generations of hard work. It’s the result of years of saving and effort by our ancestors. I really don’t know how Lu Yaozu managed to make up such accusations and write that report.”

Even if Lu Yaozu had no real evidence, in these times, cracking down on capitalism meant that having any significant property would instantly be labeled as “capitalist,” and that label could lead to forced relocation and confiscation of all property.

The more Jiang’s father thought about it, the angrier and more helpless he became. The Jiang family may have wealth, but not enough influence. That made it easy for petty people to exploit loopholes and falsely accuse them.

Father and Jiang’s mother were clearly distressed, but Jiang Xiaoci remained calm. After all, she had lived two lives.

Though she looked like she was only eighteen, her soul had experienced two lifetimes. She had suffered far more painful things in her previous life. Now, since the disaster hadn’t fully struck yet and they still had a chance to respond, she already considered it a blessing.

Jiang Xiaoci reassured her parents. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry too much. We’ve already hidden away our assets. Even if the investigators come, they won’t find anything. Hopefully, we’ll get through this.”

Jiang’s father nodded. “You’re right. Worrying is useless. Since we’ve prepared in advance, we’ll just stick to our plan and deal with whatever comes.”

Jiang’s mother wasn’t as composed as the other two. As she wiped the tears from the corners of her reddened eyes, she said, “Even being prepared doesn’t guarantee safety. What if someone is determined to drag us down? I’m not afraid for ourselves—I’m just afraid our daughter will be implicated.”

The couple had only one daughter, whom they cherished like the apple of their eye. Jiang Xiaoci’s eyes turned red too. She hugged her mother tightly and comforted her. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m not afraid.”

Though she said this, her parents were still uneasy.

Jiang’s father said, “Xiaoci, your mom is right. We can’t let this affect you. We need to find you a husband as soon as possible so no one has a reason to target you. Your mom and I won’t feel safe otherwise.”

Jiang’s mother agreed. They both felt that they should go ahead with the plan they’d previously discussed. As long as their daughter married someone else, Lu Yaozu would lose any leverage, and they wouldn’t have to worry about his schemes.

Jiang’s mother said, “Xiaoci, listen to your father. If you don’t object, I’ll go find someone to arrange a matchmaking session for you. If we can’t avoid being sent down to the countryside, at least you’ll be married. That way, we’ll feel more at ease.”

Things had come to this—what could Jiang Xiaoci say? She nodded in agreement without protest.

Seeing that their daughter didn’t object, her parents both breathed a sigh of relief, though it still left a bitter taste. In their minds, she was still so young. Marriage hadn’t even been considered yet.

But now, due to the pressing circumstances, they had no choice but to rush into finding her a husband. For a young woman, such haste was undignified. But they truly had no other options.

Now that the decision was made, her parents didn’t waste any time. That very day, they took Jiang Xiaoci to look for a matchmaker, hoping to arrange a match as quickly as possible and finalize a marriage soon.

There was a well-known matchmaker in town called Granny Wang, famed for her silver tongue and matchmaking skills.

The Jiang couple brought Jiang Xiaoci and a generous gift to visit Granny Wang at her home in town.

Once they explained their purpose, Granny Wang was all smiles. She hadn’t even started matchmaking yet, and they already brought such a fine gift—it pleased her to no end.

When she saw Jiang Xiaoci in person, her eyes lit up. What a pretty girl, she thought.

Jiang Xiaoci was wearing a simple cotton jacket in a plain style, typical for the times. Though modest in color, it was elegant.

Her hair was braided into two neat black pigtails that rested on her shoulders. Beneath her light brows were a pair of almond-shaped eyes—clear and bright, with a hint of shyness and innocence.

Granny Wang gave her a look-over and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh my, what a pretty young lady! Just look at those eyes—so lively! A girl this good-looking is rare around here.”

Jiang Xiaoci was a little embarrassed by the compliment and blushed slightly.

Her parents smiled. “You flatter her, Auntie Wang. We’re relying on you to help find her a good match.”

Granny Wang slapped her chest in assurance. “Of course! A beautiful girl like her? Any boy would be lucky to have her. Leave it to me—I’ll definitely find her a good match!”

The Jiang couple thanked her profusely, and Jiang Xiaoci politely added, “Thank you, Auntie Wang, for your help.”

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, and her manners were both graceful and courteous. The more Granny Wang looked, the more she liked her. She couldn’t help pulling Jiang’s mother aside for a chat.

She was in high spirits and started chatting excitedly.

“Wouldn’t you know it, there’s a young man who’s currently looking for a match too. He’s very handsome, and his family conditions are excellent. His father is a retired soldier, and his mother is the director of a garment factory. He’s their youngest son—born late in life and very spoiled.”

Of course, Granny Wang held a few things back—like how, although the young man looked good and had a wealthy family, he seemed physically weak and sickly.