"Indeed, a daughter so fine cannot be wed into a family of wolves and leopards." Mrs. Li looked at Xiu Fen with affection, liking her more with each glance.
Then she tentatively began, "Our family has a young lad, who is exactly seventeen this year. Though not as promising as your son, he also ranked as a second-class Advanced Scholar and is currently serving at the Hanlin Academy. The most important thing is that our house doesn’t have the strict rules of other wealthy families, and his courtyard is clean and tidy, with only servants attending. I am genuinely fond of Xiu Fen, and if the Old Madam thinks it’s acceptable, I could bring him by for you all to see."
Ye Qiu never expected that after what she said, Mrs. Li would respond in such a way, which turned out to reveal a touch of sincerity.
"To be honest, I never imagined having Xiu Fen marry high. Wealthy families have heavy customs, and we can’t bear to see her suffer," she replied courteously.
"Old Lady, if you think like that, then it’s not right. Not all wealthy families have stringent customs, and besides, not every poor offspring is always true to their original wife. Xiu Fen is so wonderful; do you really have the heart to let her suffer? A daughter like her deserves to be spoilt for a lifeti. My son may be a bit lively, but his temperant is excellent. He is constant in his dealings, and besides, we have a rule in our family that only after thirty with no children can one take a concubine. I truly like this child Xiu Fen; won’t you give her to ?" Mrs. Li said with thick-skinned sincerity.
Ye Qiu was truly surprised at her straightforwardness. A dignified wife of a third-rank official, who herself holds a third-rank Imperial Decree, why would she co so humbly to seek a daughter from a lesser family? Could there be sothing amiss?
But observing Mrs. Li’s candid deanor showed no signs of deceit. How did she co to know about Xiu Fen?
Mrs. Li, having lived to this age, with many social interactions each year, quickly guessed the reason for the hesitation, and continued, "Speaking of which, you might actually know my good-for-nothing son."
"Oh?" Ye Qiu was indeed curious, "May I know who your son is?"
Ji Qiuyan and Yang Xiufen were also listening intently, especially Yang Xiufen, who had long been shy about her marriage being discussed so openly; yet Mrs. Li was holding her and wouldn’t let her leave. Hearing talk about Mrs. Li’s son made her even more curious. Had she seen him?
"My husband’s family na is Du, and the youngest son is Du Yu. He ntioned being colleagues with your Shuchen and has thick-skinnedly dropped by for als a few tis. I wonder if the Old Madam recalls this lad."
"So it’s him!" Ye Qiu suddenly understood why Mrs. Li suddenly sent a letter.
She had long noticed Du Yu’s affections for her granddaughter, but the child seed immature and not yet fully developed. Although deeply infatuated, who knew how long such budding feelings could last?
She wasn’t aware of his family’s situation. They seed to co from a high-status family, and she feared they had many rules, that the elders might not agree, so she had her eldest grandson scare him off. Indeed, after the scare, he didn’t return.
She thought he had backed away, but unexpectedly, he sent his mother directly to plead. Should this be considered seriousness about this relationship? At least in Ye Qiu’s heart, she was very satisfied. If he had indeed recklessly gone straight to Xiu Fen and sought to privately commit lifelong vows, then she truly would look down upon him.
"My son, for all his faults, has a character that’s truly consistent. While we may not boast great wealth, at least our daughter will not want for food and drink after marrying. I’m not one to mistreat a daughter-in-law either, and moreover, such a charming child as Xiu Fen deserves my love instead of grief. I’ve truly fallen for her, and my son has begged for a long ti, he’s determined to have her. If you’re reluctant, let’s at least settle the engagent now and delay the wedding for a couple of years."
Being spoken to like that made Xiu Fen’s cheeks turn bright red. Thinking about the person who appeared at her ho before, who seed to avoid eye contact, she couldn’t help but press her lips together.
Seeing Mrs. Li’s genuine sincerity moved Ye Qiu’s heart, noting the daughter-in-law’s eager yet restrained words, and her eldest granddaughter’s shy expression, she sighed slightly.
Ultimately, the child is grown and must be wed. At least for now, it seems that the Du Family is indeed the best family she’s seen, a house she is reaching up toward.
"Marriage is no trifling matter; I’ll invite the lady over for tea in a few days," Ye Qiu said, almost as a form of consent. Mrs. Li clasped Xiu Fen’s hand with increasing fondness.
"Xiu Fen is not one my old self is boasting about; she is good in every way." Ye Qiu’s smile turned kind and amiable. "Xiu Fen, go fetch a couple of the handkerchiefs you embroidered recently for Mrs. Li. I noticed hers were a bit worn-out; don’t mind giving them away."
"Indeed," Mrs. Li echoed. "Furthermore, the servants’ craftsmanship is all alike, and it’s true that I’m tired of them. But girls, it is fine to embroider a few stitches when idle. Overusing the needle wears on the eyes, and the servants’ skills are adequate to use."
By saying this, she was indicating to the Yang Family that if Xiu Fen truly married into her family, then it would be a life of comfort without needing to do such work.
As expected, upon hearing this speech, Ye Qiu and Ji Qiuyan’s expressions grew more satisfied. Ye Qiu politely said, "It’s all the child’s intention, and we adults should not decline. Mrs. Li, don’t scorn this girl’s poor needlework."
"The Old Madam truly knows how to jest, if Xiu Fen’s needlework is poor, then the embroidery won all over the capital should reconsider their skills." Mrs. Li exclaid while looking at the two handkerchiefs in her hand. This small piece was actually embroidered on both sides, and with her experience, she could not even see the thread ends, which was truly amazing.
Although affluent families nowadays don’t prioritize such skills in a wife, observing one stitch can show the whole garnt. Those who devote themselves to one skill tend to have enduring characters, able to remain calm in the face of difficulties.
At present, Mrs. Li found Xiu Fen increasingly delightful, unaware that growing up beside Ye Qiu, she would offer even more surprises in the future.
In truth, Xiu Fen’s needlework was not always so exceptional. Seeing her interest and natural talent, Ye Qiu encouraged Shuchen to gather many books on the subject and even specifically consulted expert embroidery won, thus practicing her way to her current skills.
Mrs. Li stayed for lunch at the Yang Family, leaving with a broad smile.
When word spread about the two children’s engagent, it was already a month later. Yang Xiudan was accounting, nearly ruining the ledger, holding a pen without moving for half a day. She couldn’t quite comprehend why the legitimate son of a Third-rank Minister would seek her cousin, who grew up in the countryside.
Could her brother becoming the third place Advance Scholar truly be so important? But what about herself? In three years, would her brother earn a future for her?
User Comments
0 comments from readers