Chapter 36 1/2

Taoyu hurriedly dashed out, only to suddenly remember that she shouldn’t show her face if someone came to propose marriage.

Quickly, she slowed her steps and hid behind the door, preparing to secretly observe.

Huang Manjing came slowly from behind. Seeing the little sister peeking behind the door, she couldn’t help but find it amusing. She stood behind her and ruffled her hair, standing besides her.

To Taoyu’s hopeful eyes, it was a woman with her hands folded who entered her sight.

“Xiao Liu, have you eaten breakfast?”

Upon hearing from Big Bull that someone had arrived, Ji Yangzong also became spirited, thinking it was Huo Shu who had come. He hurriedly came out of the study, only to find it was his third sister.

He didn’t feel particularly happy, but there shouldn’t be lingering grudges between siblings. After all, they grew up under the same roof. He didn’t show any disdain.

“I’ve eaten. Come in and sit, Third Sister.”

Ji Wanglan followed Ji Yangzong into the courtyard house and went into the main hall.

Rubbing her hands, she looked around. “This house is spacious, but it’s still cold in the winter.”

“Back then, the family instructed you not to expand and renovate it so much. The original size was sufficient, to avoid spending so much money. Ah, but at that time, when you got married and married Manjing, the demands were many. Girls from the city can’t endure hardships when they come to marry into the countryside.”

“You just wasted your kindness towards her all these years, and after so many years of marriage, she only gave birth to a son for you.”

Ji Yangzong listened as his third sister poured out like a flood as soon as she arrived, his face not looking good. He said in a displeased tone, “Where is it not cold in the winter? This house doesn’t have a charcoal fire. If Third Sister feels cold, she can go sit in the kitchen for a while.”

“Just kidding, you’re the pillar of our village. Having a larger courtyard is also for the convenience of everyone; it’s the face of our Ji family.”

Ji Wanglan patted Ji Yangzong on the back and said, “Look at your bad temper. You take everything so seriously, just like when you were a child.”

Taoyu, hiding behind, was disappointed to see the visitor and heard her third aunt’s annoying chatter as usual. She gently shook her mother’s hand, signalling her not to get upset.

Huang Manjing didn’t take it to heart. Since she married into the Ji family, her third sister-in-law has never had a good word for her. She had long been used to it over the years.

Ji Yangzong didn’t respond but poured some tea for Ji Wanglan, asking, “How is Yuan Fei doing?”

“Speaking of this boy, it’s like I owe him from a past life; why did I have such a troublesome child? But yesterday, Big Brother and his father persuaded him seriously, and he seemed to understand. He didn’t clamour to go out again. Nowadays, the world is chaotic, and it’s better for him to stay in the village.”

“He said he wants to settle down after marrying a wife.”

“He can think clearly now, which is good. He’s already past twenty and shouldn’t be causing his parents so much worry.”

“Yes, yes, Big Brother and his father also said so.”

Ji Wanglan agreed twice, then continued, “If he can’t settle down, it’s also partly my and his father’s fault. Boys in the village his age already have two children each, but we haven’t arranged a suitable marriage for him. There were suitable ones before, but he refused, always remembering childhood friendships and hesitating to get married.”

As she spoke, Ji Wanglan looked at Ji Yangzong.

Ji Yangzong immediately understood the implication of her words. He pretended not to hear and took a sip of tea.

Seeing Ji Yangzong like this, Ji Wanglan said to herself, “When they were kids, Fei and Taoge seemed to have a good relationship.”

“Yes, Xiaotao is gentle, and he gets along well with his cousins.”

Ji Wanglan smiled. “At that time, the children played together happily, but Xiaoge couldn’t play too much because of her poor health.”

“I think it’s better to cancel the marriage between Xiaotao and the You family. Fei also hasn’t married yet. It’s better for these two children, who are already close to each other, to be together, so we can worry less.”

Ji Yangzong’s tone became heavier when Ji Wanglan brought up the matter again: “Third Sister, I’ve said before that I don’t like this arrangement.”

“You’re stubborn. Both families know each other well, and they’re not far apart in the village. It’s good. Parents shouldn’t only consider their own feelings, ignoring the interests of their children.”

Ji Wanglan said, “Xiaoge has always been in poor health. Originally, the marriage with the You family was decent, but once they gained power, they turned their backs on us. You’ve supported them both so much. Ultimately, they are outsiders; who knows what they’re really like?”

“This matter has become embarrassing and widely known. Whenever Xiaoge is mentioned, people shake their heads. It’s been so long since the rift with the You family, and no matchmaker has come knocking on the door. She is the eldest daughter of your family, and if no one comes to propose marriage, isn’t it because of what outsiders say?”

“I’ve watched Xiaoge grow up, and seeing her suffer like this, I thought of a solution.”

Ji Yangzong felt the anger rising in his throat. “Third Sister, you’re implying something about our Xiaotao. It’s your family’s Yuan Fei who’s the desirable one, acting like he wants to marry our Xiaotao. Your Yuan Fei has tried to send matchmakers several times but has been rejected. What kind of character she has should be clear from the bottom of your heart. It’s one thing to pretend in front of outsiders, but who doesn’t know who in the family? Who are you trying to impress by saying these things?”

“Yuan Fei may not have anyone interested, but our little Taoyu has plenty of suitors!”

“Hey! Xiao Liu, your words are a bit too harsh.”

Ji Wanglan slapped the table and stood up. “What do you mean Yuan Fei has no one interested, while your Taoyu has plenty of suitors? Who’s still pretending here?!”

“Yuan Fei is a man; even if he’s thirty, there will still be someone willing to marry him. I doubt if your Taoyu, after turning twenty, will still have anyone willing to marry her!”

“Even in this situation, you’re still being picky. You seem to have a problem with our Yuan Fei. Do you think your Taoyu is a nobleman’s son? Even if her husband dies, there will still be plenty of people fighting to marry her!”

“I’d like to see if there will be any matchmakers coming to the Ji family’s door this year!”

Huang Manjing and Taoyu saw them arguing fiercely and using such harsh words, so they hurried out to try to mediate.

Big Bull, however, rushed in first, with his tongue hanging out. “Qiu Fu-lang is here!”

Ji Yangzong immediately stood up upon hearing this: “The matchmaker is here?!”

It couldn’t have come at a better time!

Big Bull didn’t say he saw Qiu Fu-lang on the way to sweep the yard, but he saw Yuan Danyang and Huo Shu accompanying her, so he was sure they were coming here, so he nodded hastily.

Taoyu, upon hearing this, pursed her lips, feeling both happy and not wanting to show it too much. She held her mother’s hand and shook it excitedly.

The argument suddenly stopped, as if it had been cut off.

Ji Wanglan was somewhat dumbfounded. The matchmaker came neither too early nor too late, but just at this moment. It seemed as if she deliberately chose to come at this time to catch her off guard.

It would have been fine if it had been anyone else, but it was the best matchmaker in the village. Even with her thick skin, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

Moreover, just at this moment, Ji Yangzong patted his sleeve and put on a serious face. “Third Sister, I’m receiving a matchmaker this morning. If you’re busy, you can go back first.”

Ji Wanglan straightened her neck and said, “What’s there to be busy with in this cold winter? If there’s anything busy, it’s the children’s marriage. I am also Taoyu’s elder, and since a matchmaker has come, it’s just right for me to oversee it and see who’s coming to propose marriage.”

Ji Yangzong didn’t bother to pay attention to her. “Then you do as you please. I’ll entertain the guests.”

With that, he left Taoyu in the house and went out with Huang Manjing.

Ji Wanglan looked at Taoyu, who was full of joy, and said, “Look at you, looking worried about getting married. Aren’t you afraid of the matchmaker laughing at you?”

Taoyu ignored her. Ji Wanglan tucked her hands in and followed Ji Yangzong’s couple out quickly, wanting to see who would dare to propose marriage to the Ji family.

Just as they went out, they saw Qiu Fu-lang, who was full of joy, followed by a stern-looking man.

Although she hadn’t had many dealings with this man, she wouldn’t mistake him for anyone else after seeing him once in the village. She didn’t see Yuan Huiru besides him, but she recognised him as the adopted son of the Zhao family.

Seeing that he had brought a matchmaker with such confidence, even bringing a goose, it couldn’t help but make her smile.

Her sixth brother was so proud, daring to come and propose marriage to someone regardless of their background. It was obvious how much Taoyu had been degraded in the eyes of others.

But she wanted to see how her stubborn brother would react.

“Look at this cold weather with drizzling rain. It’s cold outside; quickly go sit in the hall.”

Ji Yangzong looked at Huo Shu, who was dressed in a dark blue silk coat with a coat over it like armor. He wore less clothing than others, holding a goose and standing straight.

He was very pleased. He had finally made up his mind. Today, he even changed out of the linen shirt that seemed to be welded to his body.

“Big Bull, go shovel some charcoal and bring it to the hall to warm up the room. Also, bring some pastries and fruits.”

Huang Manjing also said, “I’ll go make some hot tea. Let’s have some after eating to dispel the cold and dampness.”

“Madam Huang is too polite.”

Yuan Huiru smiled.

The group of people went into the hall, talking and laughing. Ji Wanglan, who had originally wanted to see the excitement, stood still in place.

Seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she felt a bit embarrassed and wrinkled her nose, tucking her hands in and following behind them.

“I know that the eldest son of the Yang family is of age, with a dignified appearance. Today, I have come to bother you, bringing gifts to propose a union for a hundred years of happiness.”

Upon entering the Ji family’s home, Qiu Fu-lang could tell from their attitude that the marriage proposal was likely to be successful. Nevertheless, he had to say what needed to be said and praise where praise was due.

Ji Yangzong sat in the main seat, waving his hand cheerfully. “We are all fellow villagers, and we know each other’s character from our occasional interactions. Today, with Yuan Madam and Huo Shu bringing a matchmaker to propose marriage, it is our Ji family’s good fortune.”

“Since we are acquainted, there’s no need for pretence. Let’s get straight to the point.”

“Yes, all those flowery words are not as genuine as a plot of land.”

Ji Wanglan took the opportunity to interject with the demeanour of an elder: “My younger brother is not good at speaking, so as his elder sister, I’ll be straightforward. Yuan Madam, your son may not have much property, so how many betrothal gifts can he afford?”

Huo Shu looked at the unfamiliar woman but saw a resemblance to Ji Yangzong, so he could guess who she was.

Without saying much, he took out a prepared list of betrothal gifts and said, “This is a draft of the betrothal gifts. Any discrepancies can be negotiated.”

Ji Yangzong eagerly took the prepared list of betrothal gifts, and Huang Manjing, unable to resist her curiosity, approached to take a look as well.

Ji Wanglan was also curious. How many betrothal gifts could the poor Zhao family, with their dire circumstances, provide for a son who was only half-related?

She barely caught a glimpse of the amount of money in the betrothal gifts and was incredulous. Doubting whether she had seen it correctly, she wanted to take another look, but Ji Yangzong had already closed the list.

“You have prepared too generously. This is unnecessary!”

Huo Shu replied, “There are no industries in the village, so I can only make up for it with a little more money. This is just my intention to marry Taoyu.”

Taoyu, hiding behind the door, secretly watched the activity in the hall. Hearing their conversation, she became even more curious about the amount of the betrothal gifts.