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Shen Zi’an drove the ox-cart while Su Zhi had prepared a layer of grass matting and a sewn fur blanket on the cart for the three children to sit comfortably. They were covered with thin blankets to shield them from the unpredictable spring weather, which, despite not being as cold as winter, could still pose health risks, especially for young children with delicate body. Su Zhi was determined to ensure her precious children stayed warm and healthy.
Accompanied by the village head, they weren’t the only ones traveling to town. In addition to the three Shen children, there were three more children and three young girls, all part of the Rain Goddess candidates. Each village sent three boys and three girls, along with three potential Rain Goddess candidates, knowing that more participants increased the chances of success. With families concerned for their children’s well-being, the group traveling to town grew even larger.
“Sister, you’ve arrived!”
A group of people stood outside Li Zheng’s house, where his daughter-in-law engaged in conversation. Spotting Shen Zi’an driving the ox-cart, she quickly came over to greet them. Her eyes brightened as she saw the three children sitting beside Su Zhi, praising them, “Look, look, aren’t these like celestial beings descended from the heavens? So charming! Come, let Aunt Feng give you a kiss. How about you give Aunt Feng a kiss?”
The two boys, Xiaori and Xinger, smiled but remained silent. As Aunt Zhao Feng leaned in for a kiss, they hopped off the cart, running off to play with the dog that had followed them.
“Aunt Feng, I’ll kiss you, and you kiss me too,” Yueyue said, blinking her big eyes mischievously. This playful exchange made Zhao Feng laugh, and she leaned in to give Yueyue a few kisses, praising her, “What a darling you are. Sister, I envy you for having such lovely children. If they were mine, I’d treat them to delicious food every day. Yueyue, how about staying at Aunt Feng’s place? Would you like that?”
Yueyue shook her head, saying, “I want to go with Mom because Mom’s cooking is delicious.”
People nearby teased Zhao Feng, suggesting if she wanted a daughter, she should have another child herself instead of trying to “steal” someone else’s child, jokingly advising her to perfect her cooking skills before attempting such a feat.
Zhao Feng gently tapped Yueyue’s nose, feeling affection for the little girl. Glancing at Xiaori and Xinger standing beside her son, she admired Su Zhi’s good fortune in having such well-behaved and attractive children. She resolved to spend more time with Su Zhi, even though Su Zhi hadn’t been living in the village recently. However, she had heard that Shugen’s wife and the others had become close with Su Zhi and were making money together by creating headpieces and candied fruits.
After Shen Zi’an and Li Zheng discussed briefly, they set off to pick up Shen Zhu from the Shen household before proceeding. They arranged to meet under the large willow tree at the village entrance.
Aunt Jinhua and Zhao Feng bid farewell to Shen Zi’an and his family with smiles before sending them off.
Everyone admired Shen Zi’an’s family, realizing for the first time how handsome the men and beautiful the women were. The praise was endless, with onlookers marveling at the family’s appearance.
The families of the three boys and three girls couldn’t help but compare their own children to Shen Zi’an’s. While their children were also good-looking, they felt a twinge of worry, knowing that the competition was fierce. The only consolation was the multitude of candidates; if Shen Zi’an’s children could outshine the others, they stood a chance. The suspense was palpable, leaving everyone on edge.
Unaware of the brewing anticipation, Shen Zi’an and his family arrived at the Shen household.
Shen Zhu was already dressed in the outfit sent by Shen Zi’an the day before. She wore a light autumn-colored jacket with a white skirt, her dark hair adorned with a silver hairpin featuring a small green bead. Her earrings matched, showcasing a dignified and elegant appearance.
Shen Zhang shi held Shen Zhu’s hand, thoroughly pleased with her appearance.
Shen Ziju also wore a new outfit in sky blue, standing beside Shen Zhu. It seemed he would accompany her to town, especially considering his impending participation in the provincial examination. Seeing Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi enter, he smiled. While his gaze briefly swept over Su Zhi, in his mind, he pondered the possibility of Su Zhi becoming the Rain Goddess if she remained unmarried.
Su Zhi’s attire was modest that day, with a white blouse featuring blue flowers, a gray-blue skirt, and a simple silver hairpin. Despite her simple attire, her upright posture, clear gaze, and fair complexion drew attention, contrasting sharply with the village women whose skin bore the marks of toil.
Shen Youfu instructed Shen Zi’an to support Shen Zhu wholeheartedly, emphasizing the importance of their assistance.
Shen Zhang shi also urged Su Zhi to help Shen Zhu, though inwardly relieved that Su Zhi was already married and would not be a candidate for the Rain Goddess. Su Zhi’s appearance, while not strikingly beautiful, exuded a gentle and graceful aura that resembled the portraits of the Rain Goddess she had seen before.
For the trip to town, only Shen Ziju and Wang Shi accompanied Shen Zhu, as the others remained home to tend to chores.
Before leaving, everyone in the Shen household surrounded Shen Zhu, reassuring her not to be nervous.
“Zhu’er, you must do your best. Since our son cannot become a child candidate, we’re counting on you. Bring back good fortune for us,” Sun Shi urged, casting a glance at Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi. She was still upset that they hadn’t allowed her Son to substitute for Xiaori and Xinger as child candidates.
Shen Ziping intervened, saying, “What are you saying, wife? Don’t make Zhu’er anxious. She will surely be chosen. Besides, why say we’re only relying on Zhu’er? Don’t we have Xiaori and the others? They are also children and can bring good fortune. Xiaori, Xinger, Yueyue, don’t worry. You must become child candidates. Uncle will treat you to delicious food when the time comes.”
Xiaori and the other children, though young, sensed that their uncle’s kindness might be insincere. When their uncle smiled at them, they simply nodded without speaking, then turned to chat with Chuncao and the others.
Sun Shi glared at Shen Ziping, puzzled by his unusually courteous behavior. Shen Ziping ignored her, but her son the third grandson tugged at her and winked. Sun Shi fell silent.
After Shen Zi’an and the others had left and everyone had returned to their respective homes, Sun Shi questioned Shen Ziping.
Shen Ziping glanced at her and said, “You’re being foolish. Even if you speak ill of them, it won’t change a thing. It’s better to be on their good side now. When those little brats truly become child candidates, that’s when we strike. It’s not too late.”
Sun Shi’s eyes lit up as she understood, playfully patting Shen Ziping and saying, “You sly old fox! You should have told me your plan instead of leaving me angry all night, unable to sleep well.”
Shen Ziping replied, “It wasn’t my idea. It was our son’s suggestion. He said we should wait and see how things unfold.”
Sun Shi, recalling her son’s gesture, thought her son was quite clever. The prospect of Wulang becoming a child candidate lifted her spirits, prompting her to ensure he stayed healthy and called back home soon, refraining from running around recklessly. With this in mind, she went out to summon her Son.
Under the large willow tree at the village entrance, two ox-carts were parked, carrying Li Zheng, the three child candidates, their families, and two other Rain Goddess candidates with their families.
As soon as Shen Zi’an and the others arrived, they set off together.
Among the other Rain Goddess candidates were Zhao Xiaohua and another village girl named Shen Xiaohe, who was also lovely but more reserved. Upon glancing at Su Zhi, Shen Zi’an, and their group, Shen Xiaohe remained silent, engrossed in playing with a handkerchief.
During the journey, Shen Zhu, Su Zhi, and Shen Zi’an found conversation effortless, especially with the three children, Wang Shi, and Shen Ziju, making the trip lively and far from lonely.
Upon reaching the town, the group arrived at a mansion with a large stage in the front yard. Behind this mansion was the residence belonging to Master Zhang, mainly used for display purposes and often left unoccupied. Since its construction, ceremonies like the Rain Worship Festival had been held there.
As they approached, they saw a crowd gathering, with various carts – including ox-carts and horse-drawn carriages – parked outside, each attended by onlookers. Upon the arrival of the three ox-carts from Riverside Village, all eyes turned towards the children and the three young girls, comparing them to the local villagers in terms of appearance.
While Shen Xiaohe kept her head down, Zhao Xiaohua held her head high, and Shen Zhu smiled gently. Among them, Shen Zhu appeared the most attractive and possessed the best demeanor.
After disembarking from the carts and passing by the servants at the entrance, the group entered the courtyard.
Wang Shi approached Su Zhi, reminding her to check if Master Zhang was present and, if not, to ensure she conveyed a message to him before the selection process began.
Su Zhi appreciated Wang Shi’s concern and made a mental note to follow through with her request.
Shen Zhu learned about the situation with Niu Xianhua and understood the requests from Wang Shi and Li Shi regarding Su Zhi. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, curious about her competitors. She especially wanted to see what Niu Xianhua looked like. Even if Niu Xianhua wasn’t as attractive as herself, she could still become the Rain Goddess. This thought filled Shen Zhu with resentment, souring her opinion not only towards Niu Xianhua but also towards the Zhang family.
Observing Shen Zhu’s curious yet composed demeanor, Su Zhi admired her resilience. She thought that with a few more years of experience, Shen Zhu might become another formidable figure like Shen Zhang shi. If fate allowed, Su Zhi believed Shen Zhu had the potential to rise from a young lady to a respected matriarch, granted the opportunity for growth.