Chapter 168

After sending Wang Min’er off, the weather suddenly turned winter-like. When speaking, you could see your breath in the air, and older people had already worn their thick winter clothes early.

Being near the capital and located in the north, Changle Town always experienced winter earlier and more abruptly than the south. Who knew when the north wind might blow and snowflakes begin to fall? By then, there wouldn’t be enough time to sun-dry quilts and clothes.

So, taking advantage of the sunny weather, the townsfolk of Changle Town brought out the quilts they had stored in their cabinets to dry. Wang Yuan’er was no exception. She and her younger sisters took out the family’s winter clothes and thick quilts to sun-dry them, letting the sunshine chase away the dampness so they’d feel pleasant when worn.

“Elder Sister, my jacket seems too short—can you check for me?” Wang Qing’er held up a floral jacket from last year and measured it against herself, realizing it looked noticeably shorter.

Hearing this, Wang Yuan’er took the jacket to measure it against her. Sure enough, it was indeed too short. Glancing at her height, she noticed that Qing’er was now almost as tall as herself.

The year had been tough, but the sisters had supported one another and managed to get by. The shadow of their mother’s passing and the pain had gradually faded with time. Life now had more direction, and although they couldn’t eat lavish meals daily due to mourning, they occasionally had some meat, which helped them grow quickly—especially Qing’er and Lan’er, who shot up significantly in height.

“It is a bit short. Ask your Second Sister to take it apart and extend it later,” Wang Yuan’er said with a smile. Then, she casually took Lan’er’s winter clothes to check and found them short as well. “Our youngest sister has grown taller, too. Her clothes no longer fit properly.”

Parents are always delighted to see their children grow up healthy, and as the eldest sister, Wang Yuan’er felt the same way.

Wang Qing’er’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Elder Sister, we haven’t had new clothes for New Year’s in years.”

In the past, the family wasn’t well-off, and Grandma Wang tightly controlled the money. While Wang Min’er got new clothes every year, the sisters could only look on with envy. The floral jacket in Wang Qing’er’s hands was made three years ago.

Wang Yuan’er’s heart was stirred. She looked at her sisters, all of whom had inherited their mother’s fair complexion. Despite wearing simple cloth dresses and skirts, each of them was as beautiful and vibrant as budding flowers—all grown-up young ladies now.

“My family has daughters coming of age,” Wang Yuan’er suddenly thought to herself.

Young ladies ought to dress up and look their best. She smiled and said, “Alright, in a few days, we’ll go to the tailor’s shop, get measured, and each of you will have two new outfits for the New Year.”

Hearing this, Wang Qing’er jumped up with joy, and their youngest sister, Lan’er, cheerfully leaped over, her bright, wide eyes sparkling. “Lan’er’s getting new clothes!”

In a farming family, especially one with many children, clothes were typically passed down from older siblings. For Lan’er and the others, wasn’t every piece of clothing handed down from their elder sisters?

Seeing her sisters so happy, even the usually reserved Chun’er had a gentle smile on her face. Wang Yuan’er felt a mixture of bittersweet emotions—both a touch of sorrow and plenty of joy.

Their yard was lively with their cheerful chatter, so much so that their neighbor, Aunt Tie Zhu, peeked her head over the wall. Seeing the sisters smiling so brightly, she couldn’t help but tease, “Look at you girls, laughing so much they can probably hear you on the other side of the mountain. What’s got you all so happy?”

Looking at the sisters again, she couldn’t help but marvel: the eldest was calm and composed, the second quiet and reserved, the third lively and bold, and the youngest innocent and naïve—truly like four beautiful flowers. What a pity that their parents had passed away early; otherwise, how proud and happy they would have been!

“Aunt Tie Zhu, it’s nothing much. Are you sunning your bedding too?” Wang Yuan’er replied with a smile.

“Yes, listening to your lively chatter, something good must’ve happened, right?” Aunt Tie Zhu chuckled. “Your grandma and grandpa must be delighted! After marrying off Min’er, it’ll be your turn, one after another. Look at how fresh and charming you all are—I can’t imagine which family will have the fortune to marry such lovely girls!” She fixed her gaze on Wang Chun’er.

Wang Yuan’er’s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stepped in to block her line of sight.

Aunt Tie Zhu didn’t notice and waved Wang Yuan’er over. “Yuan girl, come here. Come over.”

Wang Yuan’er set down the thick clothes she was holding and walked to the wall. Aunt Tie Zhu lowered her voice and said, “Yuan girl, I remember Chun’er was born in August. She’s of age now, isn’t she?”

Could it be she had her eyes on Chun’er? Wang Yuan’er’s thoughts stirred, but her face remained calm. She smiled and said, “Aunt Tie Zhu, you’ve got a good memory. Chun’er is indeed a grown young lady now.”

Aunt Tie Zhu grinned widely, lowering her voice even more. “I’ve watched all of you grow up, especially Chun’er. I even helped change her diapers back then! I remember how she loved chasing after our Huzi, calling him ‘Brother Huzi’ with every step. She was the sweetest little thing—completely endearing. That little sprout has grown into a fine young woman in the blink of an eye. Such a good nature, truly wonderful.”

Wang Yuan’er remained silent, simply looking at her calmly, waiting for her to continue.

Feeling slightly embarrassed under her gaze, Aunt Tie Zhu said, “Girls grow up, and it’s time to arrange marriages. Yuan girl, your parents are no longer here, so you’re the one in charge of your household now. Have you thought about what kind of families Chun’er and the others should marry into?”

“Well… you know, we’re still in the mourning period, so such matters can’t be rushed,” Wang Yuan’er hesitated briefly before replying.

“I understand, of course. Your mother, well… let’s not dwell on it; it’s all in the past. But about the mourning period—by custom, it’s three years. How many people actually stick to it that long? For families like ours, even observing a year is considered deeply filial. After all, the departed are gone, but the living must carry on. Don’t you think so?” Aunt Tie Zhu said. “That’s why you need to plan for yourselves too. If a good match comes along, it’s worth considering.”

Wang Yuan’er wasn’t sure how to respond. After all, she herself wasn’t married yet, so she simply said, “Aunt Tie Zhu, you’re right.”

“As women, we need someone who understands and cares for us. When a couple gets along, the whole household thrives. Our Huzi—you know his temperament—is as honest as a quail. Now, he’s working by the river, earning money and bringing it home for me to manage. I’ve told him, ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll save it for you. When you marry, it’ll be yours to manage as a couple.’ As for Chun’er, I really adore her personality—quiet, well-mannered, and skilled in needlework. If you’re willing, I’d certainly treat her as if she were my own daughter!” Aunt Tie Zhu, seeing that Wang Yuan’er remained noncommittal, mustered her courage and laid out her intentions.

Huzi is sixteen this year and at an age where it’s appropriate to discuss marriage. Wang Chun’er has grown up under Aunt Tie Zhu’s watchful eye, and since their families are close neighbors, Aunt Tie Zhu knows her personality and family background very well. Marrying a wife should mean choosing someone virtuous and capable—a real asset to the household.

Wang Yuan’er, though undeniably skilled and successful in business, seems to have a strong-willed personality. Marriage is not about marrying a “lord”—it’s about marrying a partner. Wang Chun’er, on the other hand, is different. She is proficient in needlework and household chores, beautiful in appearance, and with Wang Yuan’er managing the family, her dowry would undoubtedly be considerable. Most importantly, Chun’er has a good nature, and that’s what Aunt Tie Zhu values in a daughter-in-law.

Who doesn’t appreciate a good wife? Everyone does! The saying “those close to the water are the first to enjoy the moonlight” applies here. If Aunt Tie Zhu doesn’t act quickly, someone else might secure Chun’er’s match, and then she’ll be filled with regret!

Wang Yuan’er knows Aunt Tie Zhu’s family very well. But it’s precisely because of this familiarity that she feels conflicted. Although marriage is traditionally decided by parents and matchmakers, now that her parents are gone, she holds the authority. Still, she prefers to respect Wang Chun’er’s wishes.

Marriage is about uniting two families, but most importantly, it must involve mutual affection between the couple. Without that, if the couple spends their days quarreling, how good could the marriage possibly be?

“Aunt Tie Zhu, this isn’t something I can decide alone. As I said, Grandma and Grandpa will keep an eye out for their marriages, but they have to be willing themselves. Don’t you think?” Wang Yuan’er said with a slightly awkward smile.

“No rush, no rush. I’m just sharing my thoughts. You can talk to your grandparents or ask Chun’er herself—it’s all fine,” Aunt Tie Zhu quickly waved her hand and sighed, adding, “Being the eldest sister is tough work.”

In the afternoon, Wang Qing’er and Lan’er ran off to play, leaving Wang Yuan’er with some rare free time. She decided to pull Wang Chun’er aside indoors and share Aunt Tie Zhu’s earlier suggestion.

Wang Chun’er had noticed her elder sister whispering with Aunt Tie Zhu throughout the morning but hadn’t expected it was about her—and specifically, about a marriage proposal.

Wang Chun’er’s face flushed red with embarrassment, burning hot, and she stammered, unable to form a single word.

“Don’t panic. Elder Sister isn’t forcing you to marry. I’m just asking about your thoughts. As I’ve said, the kind of family matters when it comes to your marriage, but the most important thing is that you like the person yourself. Only then can the days ahead be peaceful. Regardless of whether the family is wealthy or poor, your willingness matters. Being trapped in a resentful marriage is always hard,” Wang Yuan’er said, reflecting on her past life, where her relationship with Landlord Li was more than just a resentful marriage—it was a bitter enmity.

What’s the point of marrying into wealth if it turns out like that? It would just mean jumping into a gilded cage without freedom.

“Elder Sister, I… I only think of Brother Huzi as an older brother. I haven’t thought that far,” Wang Chun’er said after steadying herself. “Besides, Elder Sister, you’re not married yet. How can I marry before you?”

Wang Yuan’er scolded her gently, “Elder Sister is different. I’ve already said that it’s not appropriate for me to marry during these two years. If I were to marry now, wouldn’t that be like shooting myself in the foot? But for you, it’s different. If a good match comes along, it should be settled. Huzi, for example, is someone we know well. Their family is respectable. Now Aunt Tie Zhu can even earn a living as a midwife, so their life isn’t too difficult. Huzi himself is honest and dependable—he’d surely be a caring husband.”

She worried that Wang Chun’er might encounter someone unsuitable, like in her past life, and end up marrying someone with a violent temperament.

Wang Chun’er blushed and shook her head. “I… I only see him as a brother. Besides, it seems like Brother Huzi likes Meizi.”