Chapter 45

The next day, Madam Zhang went to the Tang family to find her sister-in-law, Madam Zhou, and conveyed Wang Er’s intentions. Having likely heard about it from her own family, Madam Zhou was somewhat reluctant but ultimately prioritized her immediate family’s well-being, as she was already married. She decided to let go of this marriage arrangement and told her natal family that the girl’s family was in mourning and did not wish to engage in marriage discussions for the time being.

If it had been left at that, it might have been fine. However, Madam Zhou had previously assured her natal family with great confidence that this matter was under her control, treating it as something set in stone. The unexpected result left her feeling resentful. After all, the matchmaker’s fee was no small amount of money!

Some unpleasant remarks started circulating from the Zhou family, insinuating that the Wang family’s eldest girl had high expectations and the like. Matchmaker Zhu also felt aggrieved, as the previously agreed-upon arrangement had suddenly fallen through. Feeling like a sure thing had slipped through her fingers, she joined in with some unkind comments.

Wang Yuan’er, however, was unaware of all this. She had already planned to visit her maternal grandparents during the New Year with Madam Liang and take the opportunity to investigate Zhou Shunxing’s background. Unexpectedly, her second aunt came by and said a lot about Zhou Shunxing’s shortcomings, concluding that the marriage proposal was off.

Madam Liang felt a bit regretful, but since Madam Zhang had put it that way, she did not press further. On the other hand, Wang Yuan’er grew suspicious of the sudden change and wondered what was really going on. Nevertheless, she was glad the matter had fallen through and focused wholeheartedly on preparing her tofu blocks.

The weather cooperated beautifully after the Little New Year, with bright sunshine hardening the tofu blocks to the perfect consistency for making fermented tofu. By the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month, families were busy airing and sun-drying their bedding. The town was bustling with people rushing about, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Living in the same town, Wang Yuan’er was familiar with many faces. Along the way, she was greeted nonstop by uncles and aunts.

“In the past, I didn’t think the eldest girl of the Wang family was so sweet-tongued. Now, looking at her, she seems to have opened up and carries herself with poise.”

“A child without a father—how can they not mature quickly?”

Hearing the chatter behind her, Wang Yuan’er smiled slightly and entered the Zheng family’s general store.

“Oh, isn’t this Yuan’er?” Madam Zheng was busy behind the counter while Shopkeeper Zheng was fiddling with the abacus nearby.

“Aunt Zheng, Uncle Zheng, business is thriving, I see!” Wang Yuan’er greeted them with a bright smile and a bow.

“Good, good, good. What brings you here today? What do you need?”

“I had ordered three small jars from Uncle Zheng earlier. I came to check if they’ve arrived,” Wang Yuan’er explained.

“You’ve come at the right time. The shipment just arrived this morning,” said the shopkeeper as he set the abacus aside, bent down behind the counter, and brought out a few items wrapped in straw. “Take a look and see if these work for you.”

Wang Yuan’er peeled back the straw to reveal small brown jars with a smooth exterior, rounded mouths, and wide bellies—exactly the kind she needed. She smiled and said, “Perfect. How much are they?”

The shopkeeper named the price. Though roughly crafted and made from inexpensive materials, the jars were reasonably priced. Wang Yuan’er thought she might order more in the future but decided to hold off for now since her fermented tofu wasn’t ready yet.

After paying, she prepared to leave with her purchases when the shopkeeper’s wife grabbed two handfuls of melon seeds and slipped them into her pocket, saying, “Take these back for your younger sisters to snack on.”

Wang Yuan’er thanked her profusely and then carried her things back home. However, when she passed through Willow Alley, her path was blocked.

Chapter 46

Willow Alley, eight feet wide, was home to a grand mansion built along the lane. It was the most luxurious and affluent residence in Changle Town, belonging to the wealthiest family in town—the Tang family.

The Tang family’s Second Master held the position of a fourth-rank official in the capital. He had one son and one daughter. The Tang family’s First Master managed the clan’s affairs and had only one son. Meanwhile, the Third Master of the Tang family was blessed with the most children—one son, three daughters, and a concubine-born daughter. Min’er’s maternal aunt, Madam Zhou, served as the wet nurse for the Third Master of the Third Branch.

Four carriages were parked in Willow Alley, with servants constantly moving in and out of the mansion, carrying luggage. The brightly colored items they carried were quite eye-catching, drawing a crowd of onlookers.

“Auntie, what’s everyone gathering here for?” Wang Yuan’er asked, tugging at a woman nearby.

“Watching the excitement, of course! The Tang family’s Second Madam has returned to spend the New Year. Aren’t all these carriages theirs?” The woman marveled, “Just look at the grandeur! Even the maids serving her are dressed like young ladies. Truly, that’s the life of an official’s wife.”

Wang Yuan’er was momentarily stunned. The Tang family’s Second Madam was known to be an impressive figure. She was said to be the daughter of a high-ranking official in the capital, who had married into the Tang family despite it being considered beneath her status at the time. Due to her father’s support, the Tang family’s Second Master rose from a seventh-rank minor official to a fourth-rank dignitary. Consequently, the entire Tang family, even the Old Madam Tang, had to show the Second Madam some respect.

It’s worth noting that the Tang family originally lived a precarious life, surviving by risking their lives. It was only with the Second Master’s success in the imperial exams and the backing of his father-in-law that the family gradually gained prominence.

Since her marriage, the Second Madam had always resided in the capital with the Second Master. During festivals, she would usually send someone on her behalf to deliver gifts and pay respects to Old Madam Tang. Why had she returned to spend the New Year this time? She was someone who always looked down on small towns like this.

Wang Yuan’er tilted her head in thought, then suddenly exclaimed, startling those around her. She chuckled awkwardly, “I guess I’ve just broadened my horizons!”

The people around her clicked their tongues, and someone suddenly shouted that the Tang family’s Second Madam was handing out New Year candy. The crowd surged forward to snatch some.

Wang Yuan’er initially planned to turn and leave, but she was jostled toward the mansion’s entrance. Sure enough, a few well-dressed servant women were handing out candy from bags. Naturally, she also received a handful, thinking taking it back for her younger sisters to enjoy would be nice.

Looking at the well-dressed servants, Wang Yuan’er couldn’t help but wonder about the reason the Tang family’s Second Madam had come back for the New Year. It all stemmed from a man’s inability to control his lower impulses.

In her previous life, the Second Madam had also returned in similar circumstances. Within a few days, someone had come chasing from the capital, kneeling at the Tang family’s gates—a young pregnant woman with a large belly. It was revealed that she was the concubine the Tang family’s Second Master had kept outside. Her condition had nearly reached full term, and the scandal had finally erupted. Outraged, the Second Madam had taken her children and returned to her family for the New Year. The concubine had followed, crying and begging the Second Madam to let her into the house to serve her. This caused a great deal of gossip for quite some time.

“When a man has money, even his humble beginnings can be cast aside,” Wang Yuan’er sneered, curling her lips in disdain before spitting.

Thud!

As she was walking through the Tang family’s back alley, someone suddenly jumped down from the wall in front of her, scaring her into screaming repeatedly.

“I told you, it’s faster to jump down here. Why bother with the main entrance?” said the person, dressed in fancy brocade, clapping their hands and turning to face her.